Barbara J. Staven

Barbara J. Staven, 56 of Devils Lake formerly of Park River, ND died on Friday, September 8, 2006 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will be held on Monday, September 11, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Robert Pecotte will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in South Trinity Cemetery, rural Grafton, ND with graveside services at 2:00 p.m. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the Mass on Monday. Music will be provided by Donovan Foughty, soloist and JoDee Lagein, organist Reading the Scriptures will be Amber Friezen Gift Bearers will be the Friezen family. Barbara was born on June 12, 1950 to James and Agnes (Houser) Praska at Park River, ND where she was raised and educated. Barbara was united in marriage to Larry Staven on August 19, 1967 at Park River where they established their home. Barbara worked for several businesses in the Park River and Grafton area. In 1979, they moved to Devils Lake and she worked for 10 years at Sioux Manufacturing at Fort Totten and for Nordic Fiberglass of Devils Lake for 13 years. She had most recently worked at the Spirit Lake Casino and Resort until ill health forced her to retire. She was a devoted wife and had cared for her ailing husband for the past 19 years. She loved being an aunt and so enjoyed spending time with her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes will be forever missed. A celebration of life party was held on Sunday, July 2, 2006 at St. Olaf Retreat Center at Devils Lake with all of Barbara’s family in attendance. Barbara is survived by her husband, Larry of Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake Sisters: Lee Dahl and her husband, Marvin Florence Longie all of Devils Lake Brother: Ray Praska of Seattle, Washington Nieces and Nephews: Jeff Longie Robert (Sally) Dahl both of Devils Lake Dale (Noreen) Dahl of Billings, Montana Lori (Tim) Friezen of Grand Forks Karissa (Rich) Olson of Devils Lake Joe (Rebecca) Praska of Seattle RaeAnn Jensen also of Seattle Great Nieces and Great Nephews: Becca and Abbey Dahl; Kim and Kristopher Dahl; Brandon, Kelsey and Amber Friezen; Mikaela Olson; Lydia Praska and Michael Jensen. She was preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Rodney Longie.