Saturday, September 22, 2007

HEAVEN HAS ANOTHER ANGEL

Thursday my Mother-in-Law Margaret Demester passed away. I have tried to
compose something about the wonderful lady that has been such a major
part of my life for so many years, however, so far everything seems to
get jumbled up in my mind.
Rest assured, however, I will eventually put my thoughts and memories
in print. I will also make a serious attempt at properly recognizing the
fantastic facilities of Fargo's MeritCare organization. Most
specifically the palliative care unit and the folks that work in that
unit of the facility.
I expect my "journey" will begin somewhere on or about 10:05 am on
Saturday the 15th of September when we first become aware that "Ma"
wasn't answering her phone. I will mention the Grafton's Valley
Ambulance and Rescue squad and their super organization as well as the
Grafton Police Department and the wonderful folks that make up that
faction of our city.
My journey will take us to Graftons Unity Hospital and the great
service it, and it's staff provides our residents. I may even mention a
bit of disappointment that we were unable to transfer Ma to Altru in
Grand Forks and had to take her an additional 80 miles to Fargo. It
seems Altru was full, booked up and they couldn't take Ma.
Fortunately, the MeritCare organization in Fargo could, and, that will
be the very "jist" of my journey. That is to say the "Merits" of the
Care that facility and it's staff provided, not only Ma, but her entire
family.
For now, and, until I can better share the "merits" of MeritCare. I
will only say. "I Thank God for lending me Ma for this time, and, for
everything she has taught me. Thanks for being so kind, at this
difficult time, and the wonderful way that you called. Thanks for
allowing this wonderful lady so much time on earth, to do so many great
things.
I've been touched by an Angel, for that I am sure. Ma, is certainly one
of Heaven's best picks, shared a miracle, in room 556
++++ I am deeply saddened to share the obituary of my beloved
Mother-in-Law.
---- Margaret M. Demester, age 98 of Grafton, ND passed away on
Thursday, September 20, 2007 at the Palliative Care Unit of MeritCare
Hospital in Fargo. Margaret M. Dietrich was born September 7, 1909 in
McArthur, ND the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Deck) Dietrich.
She grew up and attended school there. Margaret was united in marriage
to Raymond Demester on April 10, 1929 in McArthur, ND. The couple lived
in Joliette, ND for a time then moved to Bowesmont, ND in 1940. They
owned and operated the cafe in Bowesmont until 1942 when they moved to
Grafton. In the 1960's Margaret starting working in the housekeeping
department at the Grafton Developmental Center, retiring from there
after several years. Raymond passed away on November 8, 1997.
Margaret was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and
Altar Society.
She is survived by her children: Elaine Harrah, John Dean Demester,
Shirley (Larry) Durand, Patricia (Gary) Moe, all of Grafton, ND;
Kenneth (Vesta) Demester, Evanston, WY; 23 grandchildren; 54 great
grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren, sisters: Florence Nelson;
Fergus Falls, MN; Esther (Alfred) Latozke, Cavalier, ND; brother: Chris
(Doreen) Dietrich, Pavillion, WY. She was preceded in death by her
parents, husband, son Charles, daughter Elsie, daughter-in-law Emilie
and sons-in-law: Clem and Robert.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 24, 2007 at 10:30
A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Visitation will be
Sunday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson
Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Monday
for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. John's
Catholic Cemetery.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.
P.S. If you would like, you can sign Ma's guest book at
tollefsonfuneralhome,com


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.