Paul R. Ensrude

Paul Richard Ensrude, age 91 of Grafton, ND passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 5, 2021.

Paul was born February 2, 1930 in McVille, ND to Emil and Mary (Hegseth) Ensrude. He attended school in Pekin, ND all 12 years and graduated in 1949. After high school, he attended Mayville State College for one summer and received a teaching certificate, so he began his teaching career near Pekin at Bergan #2 and #3 and taught for two years.

On June 18, 1952, Paul was drafted into the U.S Army. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas for two years instructing in chemical, biological and radiological warfare. As part of the training for this position, he was sent to Desert Rock, Nevada, and took part in the first atomic artillery shell that was fired there, which was an awesome experience.

On May 4, 1957, he married Janice Tonder in Shelly, Minnesota and they raised 5 children.

After being discharged from the service, he went back to Mayville State College and completed his Education degree. He began his high school teaching career at Hallock, MN teaching business education courses. He started a counseling program there while he was working on his master’s degree in counseling at the University of North Dakota. When he completed his master’s degree in 1962, he took a full-time counseling position in Larimore, ND for 3 years, then moved to Grafton and was a counselor there until he retired in 1994. He spoke highly of the several summers he spent working for Job Service, finding summer jobs for kids in a tri-county area.

He was a member of the Grafton Lion’s Club, Marathon Bridge Club, American Legion Post #41, and Grafton Lutheran Church. Together, he and Jan volunteered at the Food Pantry and delivered Meals on Wheels.

Paul was a devoted family man. He could build and fix anything, and he passed his knowledge and expertise on to his children and grandchildren. In his retirement, he was always looking for a “project”. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, and fixing mowers, snowblowers and bikes. He loved to tease and play cards with his grandkids and most often used the opportunity for a life teaching

moment. His humor, quick wit, and one-liners will long be fondly remembered by his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, his children Mitch (Stacie) Ensrude, Grafton, ND; Layne (Wanda) Ensrude, Grafton, ND; Brad (Debra) Ensrude, Becker, MN; Tamara (Jeff) Ashley, Helena, MT; and Jana (Matthew) Thune, Dilworth, MN. 14 grandchildren: Kara (Scott) Adams, Derek Ensrude, Katie (Jason) Klava, Carissa (Reid) Kittelson, Dylan (Destinee) Ensrude, Taylor Ensrude (fiancé Michael Onstad), Derek (Rachelle) Carter, Kyle Ensrude, Cody (Ashley) Ensrude, Tyler Ensrude, Sarah Ashley, Ryan Ashley, Kaylee Thune, and Megan Thune. 13 great grandchildren: Mattelyn, Adrien, Trevor, Trenton, Charleigh, Ava, Kendall, Barrett, Adalyn, Odin, Landon, Sophie & Harrison and a sister-in-law Dianne Susag (Allen Zuther).

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Vernon and LaVerne and sisters, Marlys, Ellen and Trudy, and sister-in-law Marlys. He was the last surviving member of his family.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 14, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Grafton Lutheran Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton and Monday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Grafton Lutheran Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.