Dwayne A. Gratton

Dwayne Arthur Gratton 88 of Olga, ND passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla, ND.

Dwayne was born the first of seven children to Harvey & Eugenia (Brusseau) Gratton on May 14, 1933 in North Olga Township. He spent his first five years in North Olga beginning his school days with his Aunt Adeline Gratton as his first teacher. He moved with his family to the farm west of Olga and attended school in Olga. Dwayne attended the Agricultural School in Park River but did not like being off the farm. He married Annette E. Roberge on June 18th, 1953 and made their home in Olga. Their first two children Phylis and Roger were born while in Olga. They moved to Washington in 1956 where Dwayne found work at Boeing. Evelyn was born while they were there. Dwayne then moved his family to California where he worked for a tile company for two years, and returned to Olga where three more children were born, Delbert, Sylvia, and Anita. Dwayne enjoyed working as a heavy equipment operator working for Mike Austfjord, Joe Mayo, and a few other contractors throughout his lifetime. He took pride in his work and mastered it. Following his retirement, Dwayne continued his love for the great outdoors by driving around throughout the region as he knew every backroad, nook and cranny in the land. He was an avid hunter known for his “dead-eye shooting skills.” In his older age, he became known for shooting thousands of gophers to pass his time. Following an illness, and severe arthritis in his knees, Dwayne entered Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla, ND on April, 2021, becoming his new, temporary home. God called Dwayne home unexpectant in his sleep.
Dwayne is survived by his six children. Phylis Gratton of Mountain, ND, Roger Gratton of Drayton, ND, Evelyn (Willie) McKay of Mountain, ND, Delbert (Candy) Gratton of Grand Forks, ND, Sylvia (Tim) Moore of Mountain, ND, and Anita (Daniel) Fernandez of Dove Creek, CO, 16 grandchildren. Sarah Thomasson, Bismarck, ND, Michael Thomasson, Cavalier, ND, Jennifer Gratton, Backoo, ND, James Gratton, Williston, ND, Joshua (Jenna) Gratton, Grand Forks, ND, Chris (Julie) Byron, Edinburg, ND, Andrew (Gwennie) Byron, Grand Forks, ND, Matthew (Veronica) Byron, Park River, ND, Dawn (Lane) Christianson, Langdon, ND, Tyler (Laura) Byron, Alexandria, MN, Kayley Byron, Grand Forks, ND, Dan (Hailey) Moore, Walhalla, ND, Jon Moore, rural Mountain, ND, Angela (Justin) LeTexier, rural Cavalier, ND, Tom (Rachelle) Moore, Gardar, ND, Tim D. (Tonia) Moore, Walhalla, ND. 25 Great-grandchildren, several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Siblings, Estelle Carrier, Milton, ND, Jane (Finley) McLean, Devils Lake, ND, and Kelly Gratton, Walhalla, ND, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dwayne is preceded in death by his wife Annette, parents Harvey and “Genie” Gratton, great-grandson, Jakob Byron infant brother, Thomas Gratton, sisters Delora (Wylie) King and Marilyn (Jim) Wakeford, and two brothers-in-law, Ernest Carrier, and Wylie King, and sister-in-law, Lou Gratton.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 11, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Olga, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church. Burial will be in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cemetery Your thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness are greatly appreciated.