The celebration of life service for Audrey Kaye Birkland will be held on September 11, 2026, at the Eagle Heart Log Building in Dunseith, North Dakota. Audrey passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota, surrounded by her loved ones.

Audrey was born on November 6, 1954, in Butte, Montana, to Lloyd and Clarine (Poitra) St. Claire. She married Larry Birkland in 1980, and they later divorced in 1994. Together, they raised three daughters.

Audrey was a woman of many talents and held a variety of jobs throughout her life. She worked as an auto mechanic and in road construction, among other occupations. She worked for UniBand for many years until its closing, where she was known as a team leader and described by many as a wonderful supervisor. Audrey later earned an associate degree in business from Turtle Mountain Community College.

She opened and operated a toy store in Dunseith called Toys and Things before beginning work as a customs broker for Jensen's at the U.S. Border, Dunseith Port of Entry. She remained there until its closing.

Audrey enjoyed playing guitar and singing with her younger sister, Rhonda, when they were girls. She was also known for her exceptional "spoon" playing skills. She loved the outdoors and was always ready for her next fishing adventure. At the time of her passing, she was planning another fishing trip with her brother Gerry.

Audrey loved to travel, although she preferred traveling by land because she was afraid to fly. She made many road trips to Anchorage, Alaska, to visit her brother Larry. She also made memorable trips to Alaska with her nephew Kevin and always returned home with stories to share with her daughters. Her most recent trip was to Missouri with her companion and friend, Donnie, to visit her sister Geri's children.

If there was a family gathering, such as a graduation, Audrey made every effort to attend. She met her longtime companion, Lowell Leonard, in 1993, and they were together for 23 years, until his passing in 2016. In 2018, Audrey met Donnie Berg of Wilton, North Dakota, and the two became very close. She enjoyed spending time with Donnie on his farm and checking the cattle. Jessica often teased her when she called and Audrey would answer, "I'm checking the cows." Jessica would ask, "Do you know what you're checking them for, Mom?" Audrey would reply, "Yeah, yeah, I'm busy now. Bye."

Audrey was known for her straightforward honesty. You never had to wonder what she was thinking because she would tell you exactly what was on her mind. When she became excited, she sometimes scrambled for her words, making everyone laugh. She also loved scary movies, and it was not unusual to hear her yelling at the television, "Don't go in there!" or "Turn on the light, you dummy!"

Audrey treasured time with her daughters and grandchildren. She loved inviting them over and putting them to work on little projects. Her family will cherish memories of racing in the backyard, sleepovers, and the birthday spankings she would give after wrestling the grandchildren down. She always made sure to tell her grandchildren how much she loved them, continuing to do so until she could no longer speak.

Audrey is survived by her companion and friend, Donnie Berg of Wilton, North Dakota; her daughters, Jody St. Claire (Lorne) of Bismarck, North Dakota; Laurie Poitra (Alan) of Dunseith, North Dakota; and Jessica Davis (Clayton) of Belcourt, North Dakota; her grandchildren, Ethan Poitra, Markus Poitra, Elizabeth Poitra, Olivia Davis, Kaylee Poitra, Jackson Davis, Leila Davis, Danyka Lafrenz, Dahlya Lafrenz, Tryska Lafrenz, Adalyn Davis, and Tegyn Lafrenz; her great-grandchildren, Layla, Jaxstyn, River, Sophia, West, and Presley; her brother, Gerry St. Claire; her sisters, Sandra St. Claire (Will), Lola St. Claire, and Rhonda Wickum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Clarine (Poitra) St. Claire; her brother, Larry St. Claire; her sisters, Geri King, Darlene Tooke, Karen Miller, and Renee Solmonson; her longtime companion, Lowell Leonard; and two grandchildren.

Audrey will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.