Louise Dutchuk, 87, Dickinson, died on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Louise’s Liturgy of Word Service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a time of sharing stories at 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service.
Elsie Louise Thomas was born November 14, 1935 in Belcourt. She was the oldest of six children. She was raised and educated in Watford City.
In 1950 she married John Hawronsky and moved to Grassy Butte where they raised their nine children and worked the farm. Anyone who knew Louise knew she was the best cook around. Her kids grew up with homemade soup, breads and rolls with fresh cream and home-churned butter. She grew huge gardens and canned everything to feed her large family.
Louise also worked her wonders at several cafes in the area. Cliftons Cafe in Watford City, Walkers Wheel In by Grassy Butte, Stardust in Killdeer and of course 4 Corners Cafe in Fairfield. She also stayed busy baking pies for Country Rose Cafe. People traveled miles for her pies and personality.
John Hawronksy passed away in 1991 and so began a new era.
Louise moved to Dickinson where she met another John and fell in love. They were married on February 14, 1997.
This is when mom found her adventurous side. Together John and Louise went dancing, fishing, camping, and traveling all around the U.S and Canada. They also went on several cruises that included Belize, Mexico, Alaska and the New York coastline.
Louise was quick to make friends, as shown during the last six months she spent at St. Benedict’s nursing home. Louise also enjoyed reading, bingo and card games. Her grandkids will forever remember her competitiveness during a good game of Texas Hold’em!
She was a beautiful, quiet, kind gentle woman with just the right amount of sass to make you laugh. She loved unconditionally and her children adored her and loved her beyond words. From her they learned their strong work ethics and integrity. They will be forever blessed having her as their friend and beloved mother.
Louise is survived by her husband, John Dutchuk; sons, John (Shasha) Hawronsky, Steve (Cindy) Hawronsky, Michael Hawronsky; daughters, Rosemary (Darrell) Smebakken, Ann Marie (David) Sims, Vicki (Denny) Brimer, Patty (Ron) Heiser, and Julie (Bob Coleman) Grotte; step-daughters, Lisa and Tiffany Dutchuk; sister, Karen McDowell; brother, Allen (Tracey) Gifstad; 26 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, John Hawronsky; son, James Hawronsky; step-grandson, Benjamin Pierson; sisters, Carol Wimberly and Virginia Witt; and brother, Robert Gifstad; and cousin, (like a brother) Michael Powers.
