DuWayne “Dewy” James Nohrenberg, age 67, of Appleton, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Holloway Hideout in Holloway, Minnesota.
DuWayne was born February 21, 1957, in Madison, Minnesota, to Jeanette Florence (Milbrandt) and Orville Lowell Nohrenberg. He was baptized and later confirmed in his Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison.
DuWayne grew up in Madison, where he had a paper route as a kid. He played junior high tennis, football, and basketball, and had the nickname “Ape” in high school. He sang in his church choir and harmonized with his siblings around the family piano as his mom chorded songs. DuWayne graduated from Madison High School in 1975 and attended the carpentry program at Alexandria Vo-Tech.
DuWayne was united in marriage to Judy Holland on May 21, 1977, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, Minnesota. They made their home in Appleton, where he was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. DuWayne and Judy had four children: Christopher, Amber, Megan and Eric. Later, DuWayne met Pamela Teetzel and they had two children together, Taylor and Tayha.
DuWayne worked at Peavey Lumber in Madison and Orton Lumber in Appleton. He worked for Friendship Homes in Montevideo, AGP in Dawson, and ECONAR in Appleton. He did many carpentry jobs on his own and with other companies in the area, and at one point worked as a chemical mixer during fire season out west in Colorado and Idaho.
In his younger years, DuWayne played softball in Holloway, Minnesota, and served on the Appleton Fire Department. He was a regular caller for Bingo at the Paddle Bar in Appleton and was a fixture with his friends at Karaoke. He enjoyed going out, telling tales, and shooting the breeze, and leaves behind many friends and family with fond memories and fun stories.
DuWayne was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping. He passed his love of the outdoors to his children and his grandchildren, who have lots of memories and stories about the great outdoors with Dad and Grandpa.
DuWayne is survived by his six children: Christopher (Heather) Nohrenberg of Harrisburg, SD; Amber (Victor) Romo of Willmar, Megan (Shannon) Carl of Appleton, Eric (Kayla) Nohrenberg of Appleton, Taylor Nohrenberg of Appleton, Tayha (Blaine) Swenson of Appleton; ten grandchildren: Christian, Landon, Alejandro, Rafe, Jordyn, Reagan, Steven, Luke, Ellicia, and Desember. He is also survived by his siblings: Doug (Robin) Nohrenberg of Madison, Julie (Monty) Schlecht of Porter, Pam Nohrenberg of Canby, Gary (Jodi) Nohrenberg of Lino Lakes, and Janelle (Ron) Hansen of Little Falls; several aunts and uncles, including Ralph Milbrandt of Madison, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
DuWayne was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Jeanette Nohrenberg, sister Katherine Matthews, and several aunts and uncles.
Elizabeth “Betty” Rose Molden, 87, of Milan, Minnesota, died on Monday morning, October 7, 2024, at Luther Haven Nursing home in Montevideo, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Monday October 14, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Kviteseid Lutheran Cemetery in Milan. Zniewski Funeral Home – Vaala Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Elizabeth (Betty) Rose Johnson-Moe-Molden was born on January 11, 1937, at the Montevideo Hospital, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to parents Marjorie Fuller Johnson and Joseph Johnson. Betty’s birth father Joe Johnson was killed in a car accident and Betty was later adopted on December 10, 1946, by her stepfather John. J. Moe. Betty had one brother Robert Charles Johnson-Moe who was born on April 10, 1939. She was baptized on April 13, 1937, and confirmed at the Kviteseid Lutheran Church and graduated from the Milan High School in 1954.
Betty worked in the Milan Café while in high school and after graduation worked at Dalen’s Grocery Store and the Milan Printing Office. Betty married Daryles Winton Molden on March 11, 1956, at the Big Bend Lutheran Church because Kviteseid Lutheran Church had burned. After a honeymoon in the cities Daryles went off to war in Korea. Betty moved back to Minneapolis, Minnesota and worked at the Nickelson Hall bookstore while Daryles was stationed in Korea. Betty moved back to Milan in August of 1957, where she and Daryles lived on their farm and raised their three sons, Larry, Robert, and Mark. Betty and Daryles were blessed with over 60 years of marriage, 3 son,4 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Betty taught release time (Wednesday School) at the Kviteseid Lutheran Church. Betty was a member of the Chippewa County Extension Service Committee and the Chippewa County Home Economics Committee; she was a volunteer at the Chippewa County Fair in the Women’s building Exhibits and was on the Advisory Committee of the Canby Vocational Technical School. Betty was an active member at Kviteseid Lutheran Church and volunteered her time helping in the Ladies’ Circles.
Betty was a housewife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and friend. In the past, Betty enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, vegetable gardening, flower gardening, dancing, visiting with family and friends, and traveling. Betty battled Alzheimer’s Disease for years after the death of Daryles, entered the Luther Haven Nursing Home on January 19, 2017.
She is survived by her children; Larry (Marie) of Milan, Robert (Kim) of Milan, and Mark and (Nicky) of Milan, grandchildren; Michelle (Brandon) Ascheman of Milan, Laura (Brian) Dallman of Revillo, South Dakota, Eric (Nikki) and Taylor Molden of Alexandria, and great grandchildren; Gavin Ascheman, Josephine Dallman, and Amelia Dallman. She is preceded in death by her husband Daryles on January 6, 2017, her parents, Marjorie Fuller Johnson Moe Berge, and Joseph Johnson and adoptive father John Moe, stepfather Rudy Berge, one brother Robert Charles Moe. Blessed be her memory.
Carol Lucille Otterholt, age 97, died September 2, 2024, at Luther Haven Care Center in Montevideo, MN where she had been a resident the past four and a half years.
Memorial services were held Friday, October 4, 2024. at 11 a.m. at Big Bend Lutheran Church with Rev. Kristine Isder officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Carol was born November 1, 1926, at home in Hegbert Township, Swift County, MN the eldest child of Berthil Dorff and Anna Stenstuen Dorff. Carol grew up speaking Norwegian as her first language, learning English only when her mother declared, "We have to start talking English so Carol will be ready for school." While still young, the family moved off the farm to Appleton, MN, where she graduated from high school. She worked at both Doege's Candy Kitchen and the grocery store in Appleton.
Carol met her husband-to-be, Leland Otterholt, at a Big Ole Show and dance in Appleton, marrying on November 12, 1944 at the Zion Lutheran parsonage in Appleton. Fulfilling her dream of a country farm life, they moved to the family farm in Mandt Township, Chippewa County, where they lived for sixty-five years before moving to Montevideo in Fall of 2009. Born to this union were Susan Lucille in 1946 and Daniel Erick in 1948. Leland died February 16, 2011.
When her family was grown Carol worked outside the home, at Fab 'N Trim Fabric Store and Control Data in Montevideo. While skilled with needle and thread—crocheting, cross stitch and Norwegian Hardanger embroidery— she was especially adept at sewing clothing for all her family, including her daughter's wedding dress on a treadle sewing machine. Neighbor girls came to her for help making buttonholes on their 4-H projects. She had large gardens and canned vegetables, fruit, and chicken before the days of home freezers—always it seemed on the hottest days of summer in a sweltering kitchen, often as skies turned threatening and thunderstorms rolled in from the west. Leland raised chickens and sold eggs for many years, eggs she washed by hand. A peony she bought with her first "egg money" still blooms today.
She was an active member of Big Bend Lutheran Church in Ladies Aid, Circle, as Sunday School teacher and superintendent. She supervised a number of Sunday School Christmas programs, always big, exciting events for children and families in years gone by. Carol's true love was books, reading and words. While in elementary school a teacher introduced her to crossword puzzles, which became a lifelong pastime. Books were not easily accessible until the Bookmobile began making stops throughout the county, and later on she and Leland never went to town without making a stop at the public library. She kept detailed lists of the books she read each year and always said, I will be content in my old age, if I can still read. Thankfully when macular degeneration took her eyesight she was still able to read through the services of the Minnesota Department of Education Braille and Talking Book Library, which for years supplied her with recordings of all her favorite books and authors.
For over fifty years Carol chronicled life on the farm, penning daily entries mostly on the free calendar journals received from Farmers Union/Cenex. She detailed weather, crops, sickness, meals, trips to town, visiting among neighbors and family and her children's activities. Again she kept lists of all the produce she canned every year and all the garments she sewed. These journals still exist, leaving a legacy of insight into rural Minnesota farm life in the last half of the twentieth century.
Once retired, Leland and Carol enjoyed taking trips to the Twin Cities to see Sue and family and the western U. S. to Dan's. Trips always included stops at museums, historical sites, state parks, and threshing shows. They enjoyed visiting with farm neighbor couples and friends.
Carol is survived by her children: Susan (Robert) Kempe of Montevideo and Daniel (Joan) Otterholt of Casper, WY; three grandchildren: Matthew (Lena) Kempe of Scarsdale NY, Martin (Jill Kane) Kempe of Mendota Heights MN, Anna Otterholt of Casper; four great-grandchildren: Margaret Kempe of Ann Arbor MI, Alexander Kempe of Scarsdale and Claire and Grace Schulz of Casper; brother Gordon Dorff of Sioux Falls SD, sister Ruth Greene of Iowa City IA. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband and a granddaughter, Amy Lie Otterholt.
The family would like to thank Carol's caregivers at Luther Haven, you truly are God's hands on Earth. A special thank you to farm neighbors for their care and concern over the years.
Memorials will be gratefully donated to the Chippewa County Montevideo Library to purchase large print books.
Susan H. Anderson, of Dawson, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson at the age of 77.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson, with Pastor Kendall Stelter officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. The family will designate memorials to a charity of their choice.
Susan Helen Anderson was born on November 3, 1946, in Santa Monica, California, to William and Viola (Holden) Stratton. Susan attended and graduated from Appleton High School in 1964. After high school, she attended South Dakota State University for two years before returning home to meet her soulmate, Rodney Anderson. She was united in marriage to Rodney on February 17, 1968, in Appleton, MN. To this union, three boys were born: Trevor, Jeff, and Jeremy. In 1970, Susan and Trevor joined Rodney in Germany while he served his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1971. Susan would make Dawson her final home over the next 53 years spending time as a stay-at-home mom raising her three boys, worked as secretary at Grace Lutheran Church, and one her biggest satisfactions was helping Rudy Prestholdt create and install area cemetery maps.
Susan was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She loved traveling to watch her children's and grandchildren's activities. Susan was a big fan of the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks, spending many nights going to games or listening intently on the radio. In her and Rodney's retirement, they loved to travel to places near and far – Alaska, Hawaii, Ozarks, Mackinac Island, Las Vegas, and many places in between. Susan loved spending summer weekends camping at various campground - graduating from a tent, pop up camper to finally a unit with many modern amenities including air conditioning, heat, and bathroom. She loved her many, many totes of home decor keeping her busy decorating for every season (particularly with gnomes), spending time with her coffee and DQ friends, admiring flowers, baking/cooking and watching her favorite television shows.
She is survived by her son, Trevor (Paulette) of Jackson, MN; grandchildren, Jacob (Jennifer) Peterson and Shaun Anderson; son, Jeff (Alisa) of New Ulm, MN; grandchildren, Makena (Tyler) Walls and Makiah Otto; son, Jeremy (Eva) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Phoebe and Walter Anderson; sister, Catherine (Mike) Fisher; brother-in-law, Richard (Linda) Anderson; and numerous extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney; mother, Viola Stratton; and mother-in-law and father-in-law.
Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home of Dawson. www.andersontebeest.com
Gloria Mae Johnson, age 86, of Appleton, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 24, 2024, at Appleton Area Health – Hospital. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Appleton City Cemetery.
Gloria Mae Johnson was born April 20, 1938, the daughter of Gilbert and Gitta Karen (Gresseth) Ulstad. She was baptized May 22, 1938, at Borgund Lutheran Church in rural Madison, Minnesota. She was also confirmed at Borgund Lutheran Church October 19, 1952.
Gloria grew up in the Appleton area, attending Appleton Elementary and graduating from Appleton High School. On January 2, 1960, Gloria married Curtis Benhart Johnson at Borgund Lutheran Church. She worked many jobs. She spent four years at Cargill Grain Company in Minneapolis, owned a newspaper in Halstad, Minnesota, for six years, and owned the Appleton Press for 23 years.
Gloria enjoyed crafting, crocheting, quilting, working on puzzles, and visiting with her family (especially her grandson Nathan) and friends.
Gloria is survived by her daughter Karen (Randy) Rugroden of Albert Lea, MN, grandson Nathan Rugroden (Ranelle Irwin) of Rochester, MN, brother Gillman Ulstad of Appleton, MN, and many relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Curtis Johnson, daughters Mary Johnson and Carrie Johnson, grandson Tony Rugroden, parents Gilbert and Gitta Ulstad, parents-in-law Bennie and Carrie Johnson, brothers Gaylord Ulstad and Alan Ulstad, and sister Carol Hipple.
Blessed be the memory of Gloria Mae Johnson.
Mary C. Kieffer, 67, of Appleton, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Appleton Care Center. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Monday, September 30, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment will be in the Appleton City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the MS Society. Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel of Appleton is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Mary Clare Kieffer was born on January 18, 1957, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Dubuque) Rakoczy. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Grand Forks. She attended elementary grade school and when the new Central Valley School was built, she finished her schooling there and graduated from High School in 1975.
Mary was united in marriage to Robert Kieffer on November 8, 1980, and they made their home in Appleton, Minnesota. This union was blessed with over 43 years of marriage. She worked for the First State Bank in Buxton, North Dakota for just a few years and upon moving to Appleton she was employed by Farmers and Merchants State Bank for 20 years. In May of 2001 Mary became disabled due to Multiple Sclerosis. Mary enjoyed playing BINGO, being the oldest of ten siblings, and time spent outdoors appreciating nature. She loved to spend time with her family and friends. Mary entered the Appleton Care Center on July 1, 2015. Mary’s favorite thing to watch on TV was the game show Jeopardy and on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during an episode of her favorite show Mary was called from this life at the Appleton Care Center. She attained the age of 67 years, 8 months, and 7 days.
Mary is survived by her husband Robert Kieffer of Appleton; daughter Jamie (Brad) Feuchtenberger and grandchildren Blair, Brady, Kenna and Kenzie, of Morris; Her father John Rakoczy; nine siblings, Dorothy Jackson of Fargo, Kenny Rakoczy of Reynolds, North Dakota, Karen (Brent) Nelson, of Golden Valley, Jim Rakoczy of Plymouth, Betty (Marty) Hagan, of Cloverdale, Indiana, Ray (Michelle) Rakoczy of Grand Forkd, North Dakota, Tony Rakoczy of Scottsdale, Arizona, Clara (Wade) Chambers of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Jeanne (Todd) Hegg of Thompson, North Dakota; and several other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother Dorothy. Blessed be her memory.
Wendell Conrad Hanson, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 19, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was 89 years old.
Services to honor Wendell’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at New Life Community Baptist Church in Ortonville. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Pastor Phillip Ostlund will officiate the service and interment will be at Artichoke Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church Cemetery in rural Big Stone County, MN.
The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of Wendell’s obituary page at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.
Wendell was born on April 10, 1935, in Graceville, MN, to William and Clara Hanson. He grew up on the west side of Artichoke Lake, where he developed a love for the outdoors and became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His early years were challenging as the country emerged from the Great Depression, and he spent much of his youth working hard alongside his father and brother Charles on the family’s 400-acre farm. All the work was done by hand and with horses, but despite the hard labor, Wendell’s childhood was also filled with fun. He enjoyed swimming, boating, ice fishing, ice skating, and hunting ducks and pheasants.
Wendell attended a one-room country school and later went on to study at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, MN, where he graduated in 1953. Following high school, Wendell pursued a degree in business at college in Lincoln, NE. After completing his studies, he served in the U.S. Army for two years in San Antonio, TX, where he taught in the medical corps’ training division.
Wendell’s lifelong love of guns began early, and he taught himself how to repair and restore them. After his service in the Army, he briefly worked as an accountant in Tennessee, but soon returned to Minnesota to farm and to pursue his passion for crafting black powder rifles, specifically The Plainsmen.
In 1970, Wendell met Elaine, the love of his life, and they married in 1971. With their union, Wendell gained four cherished children: Dan, Laurie, Patty, and Sandy, who he loved and supported as his own. Wendell’s life was filled with many interests, his top three being guns, history, and steam engines. One of his most unique accomplishments was building his own steam-powered paddle boat, which he could often be seen cruising on Big Stone Lake, with Bluegrass music playing in the background. Wendell also loved playing his banjo and tuba in his spare time, and a ride on his Harley Davidson motorcycle was always a highlight of his day.
With his skills in gun repair, Wendell opened his own business, Northstar Arms, where he shared his knowledge and craftsmanship with others. His passion for history led him to become actively involved in the Big Stone County Historical Society. Among his proudest achievements was the preservation of The Muskegon, an excursion boat brought to the Big Stone Lake area in 1909. Wendell’s dedication to saving this important piece of local history was a reflection of his love for the past.
Wendell, along with his friend Gene Howen, also built the steam boiler that continues to cook the corn at the Ortonville Corn Festival each year, a tradition that lives on to this day.
Wendell will be remembered as a kind, humble, and positive spirit. He was a man of great faith, and he spent time ministering to prisoners at the Appleton prison. Above all, he loved his Lord and Savior and found joy in serving others.
Wendell is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Hanson; his children: Daniel Beutler (Karla) of Washburn, ND; Laurel (Brian) Longhenry of Sartell, MN; Patricia (Roger) Haukos of Correll, MN; and Sandra (Greg) Scheff of Waconia, MN; and his brother, Charles Hanson of Correll, MN. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends who will carry on his legacy of love and faith.
Wendell’s gentle spirit, love for his family, and contributions to his community will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.
Alice E. Stehn, 88 of New London, died Friday, September 20, 2024 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery in New London. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London www.hafh.org
Alice Elaine (Arntzen) Stehn, born on June 12, 1936, in Minneapolis and through the Lutheran Welfare Agency was adopted by Arthur and Alice (Axness) Arntzen just before Christmas Day. She always celebrated her second birthday at Christmas. Alice was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton where she grew up and graduated from Appleton High School in 1954.
She went on to attend St. Olaf College, earning her bachelor's degree in Home Economics in 1958. After graduation, she taught for the Minnetonka and St. Louis Park school districts. On June 15, 1958 she was united in marriage to Roger Stehn in Appleton. Together, they shared 66 beautiful years of marriage, raising three children, Julie, Andrea, and Gregory, and building a family filled with love, adventure, and deep faith.
Alice and Roger moved across the country and beyond, living in Minneapolis, Appleton, Chicago, Cairo, Egypt, and Houston, Texas, for Roger's work. Through it all, they always kept a special place in their hearts for Green Lake where she spent her summers as a child. She and Roger built their retirement home there in 1995 which eventually became their permanent residence in 2013.
Alice was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and was active and served in various roles in the churches she attended throughout her life. Whether serving on the church council, playing in the Bell Choir, or singing in the choir, her love of music and her faith were constants. She also shared her talents with her community, teaching voice and sewing lessons and leading a Cub Scout troop. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society, Reach to Recovery, and Meals on Wheels. Her commitment to family, friends, and her community was unwavering, and she was known for her warmth, grace, and generous spirit.
Alice died on September 20, 2024 with her family at her side at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her family was her greatest joy, and she is survived by her husband, Roger; children, Julie (John) Muffley, Andrea (Brent) Massee, and Gregory (Ann) Stehn; grandchildren, Bretney (Zach), Roger, Andrew (Grace), Hannah (Elliot), and Shelby (Nick) and six great-grandchildren: Norah, Alyvia, Otis, Haley, Sigrid, and Jackson.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter, Rachel.
Carol Marcella Mattson Nelson, 99, of Madison, MN peacefully went to her heavenly home on September 4, 2024 surrounded by family. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 5th at 2:30 PM at Minnesota Valley Lutheran Church, rural Louisburg, MN with visitation prior to the service starting at 1:30 PM. The service will be live streamed and, later, available as a video at https://www.you tube.com/@mnvalleylutheranchurch1076.
Carol was born on December 12, 1924 to Alfred and Mabel (Mahle) Mattson in Madison, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at the former Ness Lutheran Church in Madison. Carol was the oldest of four girls (later, affectionately known as “The Mattson Girls”) born to her parents. She lived most of her childhood in Madison before the family moved to the Mattson family farm south of Louisburg in 1940. She graduated from Madison High School in 1942. After graduation, she moved to Minneapolis where, as part of the war effort, she worked at the Twin City Ordinance Plant and for Archer Daniels Midland.
On October 8, 1944 she married Glenn Jerome Nelson at Ness Lutheran Church in Madison. He was the son of Jacob “Theodore” and Gundhild “Bertina” Nelson. They made their home on the Nelson family homestead east of Louisburg - although she never truly became a “farm girl.” Together they had four children, Kathy, Mari Beth, Connie, and Ted. Following the death of Glenn, she returned to “city life” and moved to Appleton, MN where she lived from 1990 until 2012 when she moved back to her hometown of Madison. Since 2020 she had been a resident of the Madison Care Center.
In 1965, Carol began working as a Nurse’s Aide at the Appleton Nursing Home. After her “retirement,” she became a Personal Care Assistant to Janina Soltowski and, later, to Arlys Heinecke, both of Appleton, MN.
Carol was an active member of Minnesota Valley Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid. She found time to serve on various committees and, also, sing in the choir. She was a long-time member of a birthday club, a book club, and several bible study groups. She loved to visit with family and friends, taking long drives around the countryside, and playing cards. She even, proudly, learned Bridge at a later age. She was always “up” for some kind of game, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to have fun. She was willing and curious to try anything new to her and she was always a “good sport” about it. She even rode a jet-ski for the very first time in her eighties!
Her special talents included sewing, quilting, flower arranging, canning, and baking. She was known for her flatbread, lefse (following her mother-in-law’s recipe), blood sausage, Italian spaghetti sauce (following her Italian uncle’s recipe), and homemade root beer and beet wine.
Carol was particularly proud of her Norwegian heritage, with genealogy being one of her greatest passions. In fact, she wanted to believe she was somehow related to everyone she met! While she was privileged to travel widely across the US with her husband both for business and pleasure, the two trips to her ancestral Norway were major highlights of her life.
Carol is survived by daughters Kathy Nelson of Gold Canyon, AZ; Mari Beth (David) Anderson of Jacksonville, FL; Connie (Paul) Nygard of Alexandria, MN; and Ted Nelson of Fargo, ND; grandchildren Stephanie (David) Berg, Fargo, ND; Jacob Anderson, Fargo, ND; Lindsey (Zach) Bakkum, Eden Prairie, MN; Seth (Andrea) Nygard, Chandler, AZ; and Lesley (Joe) Skallerud, Madison, MN; great-grandchildren Savannah (partner Allie Grant), Olivia (fiancé Nick Lewis), Audrey (husband Todd Noyes), Wyatt, and Carter Berg; Jackson and Liv Bakkum; Addison, Anders, and Aiden Nygard, and Landon, Miles, and Avery Skallerud; great-great-grandsons Silas and Samuel Grant and Rhett Noyes; sister Adele (Chuck) Miller; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; his parents; sisters and their husbands Donna (Berge) Erickson and Virginia (Bill) Luedtke; Kathy’s partner Fran Haider; great-grandson Anthony Berg; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Chuck Reisdorph, Oliver (Rhoda) Nelson, Thora (Alvin) Lund, Agnes (Thuel) Mason, Leonard (Corinne) Nelson, Norris (Glenda) Nelson, and Tillman (Ruby) Nelson; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and their families.
The family would like to extend a very special Thank You to the caregivers of Madison Care Center and CentraCare Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Carol.
Donations may be made to the Minnesota Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.
At Kevin’s request, his cremains have been distributed and no formal services will be held. Blessed be his memory.
Myrtle Rose (Rodengen) Schreck, age 98, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Appleton Care Center in Appleton, Minnesota. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 am Tuesday, September 17, 2024, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am at Zniewski Funeral Home, Vaala Chapel in Appleton, Minnesota. Burial will be in the Appleton City Cemetery. Memorial donations are preferred to Hospice.
Myrtle Rosella (Rodengen) Schreck was born July 23, 1926, the daughter of Oscar and Rose Rodengen. She was raised near Artichoke Lake in Swift County, Minnesota, along with her nine siblings.
September 7, 1947, Myrtle married Ramon Schreck at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They farmed in the Shible Township area for about ten years. To this union two sons were born eleven months apart, Dennis and Darrell. Ramon passed away October 31, 2000, at the age of 74. Myrtle and Ramon shared 53 years of marriage.
Myrtle continued to live in her own home until 2021, when she moved to the Appleton Care Center. She passed away there on Wednesday evening, September 11, 2024 at the age of 98 years.
Myrtle is survived by her sons Dennis (Kathy) Schreck and Darrell Schreck; three grandchildren: Tara (John) Jacobson, Rebecca (Joe) Jensen, and Brian (Brianna) Schreck; five great-granddaughters: Alysa Jacobson, Lola Jensen, Bristol, Beau, and Blair Schreck; her sister Verna Norby, sister-in-law Wilma Schreck, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Rose Rodengen, and eight siblings.
Blessed be the memory of Myrtle Schreck. Zniewski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Darlene Hallberg, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024, at Waverly Gardens in North Oaks, MN. She was 91 years old.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Hallberg; her children, Mark (Mary Jo) Hallberg, Paul (Lori) Hallberg, and Karen (Shawn) Anderson; her grandchildren, Phillip Hallberg, Julie Fleetham, Kelly Hallberg, Katie Hallberg, and Garrett Berg; and her great-grandchildren, Coy, Arionna, Sierra, and Josephine and four great-great grandchildren.
Darlene lived in Appleton MN with her parents, Peter C. and Verna Petersen, while Darlene was in high school, lived with her husband, Donald, and raised their children in Hastings, MN from 1953 through 1994, and had a home with Donald in Voyager Village from 1970 until her death in 2024.
Darlene began her higher education at St. Cloud State University and completed her bachelor's degree at Metropolitan State University. Her 46-year teaching career, which spanned from preschool to college, profoundly affected many students. In opening her Little Treasure’s Child Care Center, she provided a growing need for working parents.
After retiring from teaching, Darlene embraced her passion for baseball by serving as an usher at the Minnesota Twins' spring training in Fort Myers, FL for 17 years—a role she loved as a lifelong Twins fan.
A memorial service will be held at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, MN on September 28th. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Lakeside Community Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School Program (lakesidelutheranwi.com) in Webb Lake, WI, where Darlene was the Director for over 20 years, or the Burnett County Humane Society (hsburnettcty.org) to honor Darlene’s love of animals.
Kevin Douglas Perry, 64, of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota due to long-term medical complications from Hodgkins Lymphoma that he developed at an early age.
Kevin was born on September 26, 1959, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to David and Mary Lou (Hoppe) Perry. He was raised with his brothers in Fairmont, Appleton, Shakopee, and Madison, graduating from Madison High School in 1978.
Kevin’s career was in radiology, practicing at hospitals and clinics in the Twin Cities area. Kevin enjoyed riding and doing mechanical work on his motorcycles and snowmobiles; fishing with his Grandpa Perry; cooking gourmet meals as well as growing amazing houseplants. Kevin will be remembered for his adventurous and kind soul, who was always willing to help anyone in need.
Kevin is survived by brothers Lonny of Roswell, New Mexico; Scott (Candy) of Tampa, Florida; and Lee (Patti) of New Boston, Texas; uncles Doug (Jan) Perry; David (Sandi) Hoppe; aunts Inez Kashmark; Sue (Mike) Avelsgaard; Cheryl (Dennis) Beyer; his daughter, Sonya (Ben) Villarreal; grandchildren Jael, Sereno, and Amora Adorno of Brenham, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents Arthur and Florence Perry, Adolph and Dagny Hoppe; his sister-in-law, Mary G. Perry; and his uncle, Richard Kashmark.
At Kevin’s request, his cremains have been distributed and no formal services will be held. Blessed be his memory.
Wilbert Clifford Erdmann was born August 14, 1926, at the Swift County Benson Hospital, the son of Carl and Augusta (Bartz) Erdman. He was baptized August 15, 1926, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township, Swift County, Minnesota. On March 17, 1940, he was confirmed by Pastor Zubabier at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township.
Wilbert grew up on the family farm in Tara Township, in Swift County, Minnesota. He attended District 80 County School through eighth grade. He lived in the Benson and Holloway areas his entire life.
On October 22, 1947, Wilbert married his lovely bride Deloris Zimmerman. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township in rural Holloway by Reverend E. T. Meichsner. They shared 72 years together and raised their two children Robert and Sharon.
Wilbert and Deloris farmed the home farm in Swift County until 1958 and then moved to a farm in Pope County, north of Swift Falls, Minnesota. In 1965 they moved back to the home farm and lived and farmed there until 1972. They moved to Benson, Minnesota, in 1973, and Wilbert worked for the state of Minnesota testing milk for a couple of years. Then he got a job at Earl B. Olson Turkey Farms by Swift Falls. Wilbert loved his little turkeys and if you asked him about them you better be ready for a lengthy story! Wilbert retired in 2006.
Wilbert served on the Country School Board, taught Sunday School, ushered, sang in the choir, and was a church elder.
Wilbert was proud of his family and enjoyed any time he could spend with them. He was lucky enough to meet some of his great-great-grandchildren.
Fishing was one of Wilbert’s passions and he spent hours up north with the Lagreds. He and Deloris traveled with the Zimmermans to many places through the years. They loved to dance so if there was old time music somewhere, they were probably there. He also enjoyed throwing horseshoes, playing cards, and gardening.
Wilbert was called from this life on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. He was 98 years old.
Wilbert is survived by his children Robert (Maureen) Erdman of Benson, MN and Sharon Erdmann Grussing of Benson, MN; five grandchildren: Vicki (Bob) Schaefers, Bob (Sara) Erdman, Kim (Shari) Erdman, Jennifer (Jason) Garberding, and Brady Erdmann; ten great-grandchildren:
William, Kerrie, and Thomas Schaefers, Tyler (Tera) Erdman, Eric (Emily) Erdman, Olivia (Dillon) Lindstrom, Isaac (fiancé Madi) Erdman, and Madison, Katelyn, and Max Garberding; five great-great-grandchildren: Carsen Erdman, Rhett Lindstrom, Elijah Erdman, Xander Erdman, and Ruthie Lindstrom.
Preceding Wilbert in death were his wife Deloris Erdmann, parents Carl and Gustie Erdman, sister and brother-in-law Florence (Harold) Reu, granddaughter Stacy Erdmann, great-granddaughter Faith Erdman, and son-in-law Richard Grussing.
Blessed be the memory of Wilbert Erdmann.
Joyce Maxine (Brutlag) Behrens was born on June 18, 1935 in Wadena, MN, and died August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn Park, MN after a short illness. Her parents were Walter and Bertha (Kauppi) Brutlag of Ottertail. She was pre-deceased by her husband Helmer H. Behrens in 2019. She is survived by her 3 sons Timothy, Robert and Paul, 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and brother Keith Brutlag.
Joyce grew up in Ottertail, MN and was valedictorian of her high school class. A teacher, she met her husband Helmer Behrens (b. April 28, 1932, d. February 20, 2019), an Army officer, in December 1953 in Appleton, MN and married on June 9, 1955.
Joyce was a loving mother to her sons – nurturing, supportive and motivating – and encouraged academics, music and sports. Joyce stayed busy with golfing and playing bridge with friends, quilting and weaving, and working part-time. She was a skilled pianist. After Helmer retired from the military in 1976, Joyce lived in Appleton MN on the family farm, spent summers on West Leaf Lake in Ottertail, and eventually moved to Sun City Arizona. After Helmer’s death in 2019, Joyce moved into assisted living at the Brightondale Senior Living facility in New Brighton, MN. Joyce’s Christian faith was the guiding force in her life.
Joyce was a beautiful woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend who led a love-filled, other-oriented, faithful life. She died peacefully on the morning of August 29 with family at her side. A funeral worship service is planned for September 4 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights, MN, officiated by her brother and Pastor Keith Brutlag, followed by interment at the Appleton City Cemetery. Psalm 27:1-6
A Service of Resurrection for 89-year-old Carolyn Witte of Madison will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2024 at Minnesota Valley Lutheran Church rural Louisburg, Minnesota. Jan Eifealdt will officiate at the service.
Special music will be provided by Dale Lien, organist, Dean Dallman, soloist and Krishana Dempcy and Theresa Witte, duet
Honorary Casket Bearer; Sean Rebehn
Active casket bearers Tom Witte, Josh Witte, Ben Dempcy, Kent Rebehn, Dereck Rebehn and Ross Olson.
Burial will be in the Appleton City Cemetery.
Carolyn Sylvia (Enerson) Witte was born during a severe blizzard in her grandparents’ farmhouse in rural Mona, Iowa on February 17, 1935. Her parents were John Enerson and Ruth (Larson) Enerson of Albert Lea, MN. Carolyn grew up in Albert Lea and graduated from high school. She attended college at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where she sang in the choir and received her Parish and Social Work Degree. After graduating from St. Olaf, she worked as a parish worker at the ALC Church in Marshall, MN and also parish work in Appleton at Zion Lutheran Church. This is where she met Warren, the love of her life.
Carolyn and Warren Witte were married on March 11, 1967, in the church where she worked in Marshall. The newlyweds moved into the farm where Warren lived 3 miles west of Bellingham, MN. In 1970, they purchased their own dairy farm in Lakeshore Township NE of Madison, MN. On this farm, they raised 2 boys, John and Michael.
In 1984, Carolyn began working at the REM House in Canby and found her passion for working with Vulnerable Adults. In 1987, Warren retired from dairy farming and together they opened up a group home in Madison called CC (Care and Comfort) Lifestyles. They worked together in Madison until selling their business to REM in 2005 and enjoyed retirement together in Madison, MN. Their group home is still open in Madison today.
Carolyn loved Jesus, all forms of music, her family, watching the Minnesota Twins on TV, her study club, her friends and her church family in Minnesota Valley. There she was involved in Bible study, Sunday School, WELCA and worship. Death came to Carolyn on September 2, 2024 at the Madison Health Care Services.
Carolyn is survived by her sons John (Theresa) Witte and Michael (Stacy) Witte, 6 grandchildren – Krishana (Ben) Dempcy, Joshua (Bella) Witte, Natalie (Brock) Kortan, Thomas Witte, Katelyn Witte and Riley Witte and 1 great grandchild Nora Dempcy.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Enerson, her husband Warren, a son Thomas Allen Witte and great grandson Preston Warren.
Arrangements by the Zahrbock Funeral Home, Madison, MN. Website: zahrbockfuneralhome.com
Susan M. Gunderson, 85, St. Cloud (formerly Burnsville) passed away on September 4 after a long illness.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Columbarium. Arrangements are with Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Susan Margaret Johnson was born in Minneapolis on March 28, 1939 to Olaf and Inez Johnson. She graduated from Appleton (MN) High School in 1957 and on September 12, 1959 married Burton Gunderson, her high school sweetheart. She is survived by her husband; five children: Angela (Charles) Soller, Jordan; Dina (Douglas McCown) Gunderson, Atlanta, GA; Catherine Fry, St. Cloud; Valerie Felsch (Julie Appel), St. Cloud; Anthony (Deborah) Gunderson, Farmington; one brother, Steven (Debra) Johnson, Stillwater; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Talamore Senior Living and Moments Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Susan.
In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mission Quilters.
Marlow Schwartz, age 86, of Appleton, passed away Thursday evening, August 22, 2024, in Appleton Area Health-Hospital. Visitation washeld 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Pastor Gary Mills officiated. Interment was in Appleton City Cemetery.
Marlow Martin Schwartz was born November 15, 1937, at home in Shible Township, rural Appleton, Minnesota, the son of Martin Henry and Leona Clara (Bartz) Schwartz. He was baptized December 1, 1937, and was confirmed April 1, 1951, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church-Shible Township. Marlow graduated from Appleton High School, Class of 1955. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard during the 1950’s.
On January 16, 1960, Marlow was united in marriage to Ardis June Giese at First Baptist Church in Appleton. This union was blessed with over 63 years together and six children: Steven, Craig, Bradley, Darrell, Janine, and Martin. The couple raised their family, farmed, and milked cows in rural Appleton for many years. In his early years Marlow worked as a plumber and in his later years he worked for Town & Country Supply in Morris.
Over the years Marlow was very active in Swift County 4-H, where he served on the Livestock Committee, Club Leader, and a Project Judge. He was also a Trustee and Deacon at First Baptist Church in Appleton and was a long-time Supervisor on the Shible Township Board. Marlow enjoyed gardening, woodworking, camping with Ardis, and spending time with his family, friends…especially his grandkids!
Marlow passed away August 22, 2024, at the Appleton Area Health-Hospital in Appleton at the age of 86. Marlow is survived by his children: Steven (Dianne) Schwartz of Parkers Prairie, Craig (Loyla) Schwartz of LeMars, IA, Darrell Schwartz of Appleton, Martin (Julie) Schwartz of Northfield; his daughter-in-law Missie (Jagow) Schwartz; his grandchildren: Anthony (Emily), Jeremy, Veronica, Jonathon, Caty (Will), Amanda, Craig II, Brenton, Carl, and Cora; his great-grandchildren: Conrad, Quinn, and Kiera; his sister: Elaine (Warren) Rau of Appleton; his brothers: Harvey (Gwen) Schwarz of Grove City and Norman (Marlys) Schwarz of Appleton; his sisters-in-law: Arlene Schwarz of Hutchinson, Jackie Maas of Odessa, Vivian Huntington of Foley and Gloria Giese of Benson; and his many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding Marlow in death were his wife, Ardis Schwartz on December 13, 2023; his parents, Martin and Leona (Bartz) Schwarz; his parents-in-law, Carl and Stella (Mulvihill) Giese; his son Bradley Schwartz; his daughter Janine Schwartz; his grandson Patrick Schwartz; his sister, Eunice (Harold Hanson); his brother, Warren Schwarz; his sister-in-law, Eleanor (Don) Boettcher, brothers-in-law: Charles Giese, Gerald (Junyce) Giese, Richard Giese, Gerald Huntington, Alvin Maas; his nephews: Myron Giese, Wendell Hanson, John Giese, James Boettcher, and Michael Maas; and his nieces: Jodi Munsterman and Lori Schwarz.
Blessed be the memory of Marlow Martin Schwartz. Please sign the guestbook at www.zniewskifuneralhome.com
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