Marsha LaFreniere has a passion for knitting and crocheting that she recently translated into Harmony’s newest storefront on Main Avenue, Homespun Harmony. Originally from Albert Lea, LaFreniere spent 10 years in the Air Force, where she moved around a lot. She met her husband in Rochester and they looked for a place to set down roots. That place was Harmony and a country home … [Read more...]
An innovative family business puts the customer first
Norman A. Kopperud probably wouldn’t recognize Norman’s Electric Service (NES), the business he started in 1946. “Our dad was a visionary,” Glen Kopperud said. “But even he wouldn’t have predicted how different his business is today. Technology and electronic advances have played a huge role in dramatically changing our work. What he would recognize though, is that we’re still … [Read more...]
Mabel Smokehouse is cookin’ up awesome food
When Darrell Peterson was asked what he liked best about the restaurant business, he didn’t hesitate and immediately said the people are. “I love the customers,” Peterson said. “It’s fun to cook for them and see them enjoy a good meal. The very best thing is when they come back and tell their friends and family about it!” That’s what has been happening since Peterson opened … [Read more...]
Semcac is changing lives, one person at a time
“We are helping to change lives one person at a time,” said Wayne Stenberg, Executive Director of the Semcac office in Rushford. He states, “In 1966 the Economic Opportunity Act was established and passed by the federal government. Their mission was to fight America’s war on poverty. Senator Walter Mondale awarded the organization their first $30,000 grant to help those in … [Read more...]
Allen M. Fossey
Memorial service for Allen M. Fossey will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn., with Pastor Dan Bredberg officiating. Visitation will be held 12:30 p.m. until time of service at the church. Burial of the urn will take place in the spring. Allen M. Fossey, age 91, of Preston, Minn., passed away January 30, 2019, at the … [Read more...]
Shooting in rural Chatfield
January 31, 2019 — According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, a 911 call was received at 7:23 p.m. on January 31, 2019, requesting medical assistance for an unresponsive male at 32573 Ninebark Road in rural Chatfield. Upon arrival, an officer discovered that there had been a shooting, and an adult male was deceased. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota … [Read more...]
Emma Marie Rahm
Emma Marie Rahm, age 83, of Hastings and Harmony, Minn., passed away January 29, 2019. She was born April 24, 1935, to Christian and Gladys Ellingson. She was a graduate of Harmony High School. She married Donald Rahm on June 3, 1956. Emma worked and met her husband at Stan’s Bakery in Harmony. She was a homemaker and later worked for 20 years as a para professional at … [Read more...]
Sharon Kranz
Sharon (Dahl) Kranz, 73, of Rochester, died Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Rochester Methodist Campus. God delivered Sharon to Andy and Clarice (Braithwaite) Dahl on May 14, 1945. She was the third of five children her parents had received from God. Growing up in St. Charles, Sharon shared many great days with her siblings and parents, as well as grandpa … [Read more...]
Dianne Marie Spitzer
Dianne Marie Spitzer, 74, of Chatfield, died peacefully Tuesday, January 29, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. During a two-month battle of bile duct cancer, she never lost her sense of humor. Dianne was born on August 25, 1944, in Rochester, Minn., to Elger and Anita (Block) Hasley. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1962. On May 4, 1963, Dianne married … [Read more...]
Harlan T. Eiken
Harlan T. Eiken was born May 23, 1933, to Talford and Hilda (Sand) Eiken in Spring Grove, Minn. His mother passed away in childbirth when he was eight. He then lived with his grandparents, Henry and Clarinda Eiken. He graduated from the Mabel High School in 1952. He married Jean Ann Rasmussen on March 12, 1954. Harlan and Jean raised turkeys in Rochester, Minn., and then … [Read more...]