With love and sadness, the family of Patricia “Pat” Ann Ullom announce her passing on February 16, 2022, after a brief stay at Pine Haven Nursing Home in Pine Island, Minn. Patricia was born June 4, 1936, in Preston, Minn., to Emery and Ruth (Achatz) Caldwell. Her early education started at Our Lady of Lourdes School, in Lourdes, Iowa, and then at Marks Country School a mile … [Read more...]
Joan (JoAn) Dorothy Vitse
Joan (JoAn) Dorothy Vitse, 83, of Rushford, Minn., passed away peacefully at her home with family at her side Monday, February 21, 2022. Joan was born May 27, 1938 near St. Charles, the eldest of seven children, to Elmer and Esther Erdmann. She attended country school and graduated from Rushford High School. On January 4, 1958, she was united in marriage with Roger Vitse at … [Read more...]
Jerry Michael Olson
Jerry Michael Olson, 75, of rural Whalan, died Thursday, February 17, 2022, at his home. Jerry was born June 15, 1946, in Colquitt, Ga., to Millard and Elaine (Smith) Olson. He was raised in the Whalan area and graduated from Lanesboro High School. Shortly after graduating, he worked various jobs, from mink ranching to road construction before he found a 40-year career … [Read more...]
Shauma Renee Meyer
There are templates to help with writing a common obituary. Their format cannot be followed here because this obituary must describe an uncommon person. Shauma Renee Benson was born on September 11, 1983, in La Crosse, Wis., to her mother Michele Benson, but everything that happened after that was uniquely Shauma. As she entered school, even her kindergarten teacher, Barb … [Read more...]
Henry Edward “Doc” Lawston
Henry Edward “Doc” Lawston was born January 15, 1943, at Dr. Johnson’s Hospital in Lanesboro, Minn. The only child of Olney “Pat” Lawston and Della Nelson Lawston of Amherst Township, he was named after his two grandfathers. Henry attended country school through 8th grade and then graduated from Canton High School in 1961. He attended the University of Minnesota for his DVM … [Read more...]
Lowell C. Johnson
Lowell C. Johnson, formerly of Mabel, died Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Chosen Valley Care Center at the age of 83. Lowell was born on April 27, 1938, in Decorah, Iowa, to Gordon and Florence (Johnson) Johnson. He grew up helping on the family farm and attending school in Mabel, graduating as a Mabel Wildcat in 1956. After graduation, he attended college at the … [Read more...]
Jenell June Grabau
Jenell June Grabau, age 74, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away, surrounded by her loving family on February 19, 2022, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn. She was born June 16, 1947 in Wykoff, Minn., to Lawrence and Gladys (Stender) Eickhoff. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Wykoff, Minn. Jenell attended St. Johns Lutheran School until … [Read more...]
Top Performer – Grady Hengel
Journal Writing Project Empathy and sympathy, both needed in this world
By Trevor Garner Sympathy and empathy are two different emotions with two different ways of expressing them. Sympathy is judging how a person feels, meanwhile empathy is when you can imagine yourself in this person’s shoes. Now I ask you to imagine what this world would feel like without these two things, looks pretty bleak doesn’t it? No light, just a cold empty place. … [Read more...]
Stress: Don’t let it manage your life Chronic excess stress doesn’t just ruin your day – it could ruin your health
By UNMC, Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Omaha, NE There is a “healthful,” stimulating kind and level of stress. It’s called eustress. Susan Harris, University of Nebraska Extension Educator in Rural Health, Wellness, and Safety, says eustress assists in rising to a challenge. “For instance, if you have a son or daughter who’s getting married, … [Read more...]