David James Knutson, of Preston, Minn., died on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the Chosen Valley Care Center, after a valiant battle against COPD caused by asbestos exposure at two previous jobs. He was born in Lakeville, Minn., on November 6, 1936, to Margrethe Petrea (Larsen), a first generation Danish American and Leroy C. Knutson, a first generation Norwegian American. He … [Read more...]
Dorothy JoAnn VanTries
Dorothy JoAnn VanTries, born August 13, 1937, of Spring Valley, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was married to Donald VanTries on August 21, 1955, in the Spring Valley Baptist Church, where they were members for many years. They were together the rest of Dorothy’s life – over 67 years of … [Read more...]
Ramona Ann Hudson
Ramona Ann Hudson, age 89, of Harmony, Minn., died Monday, October 24, 2022, at Harmony Place in Harmony. Ramona was born July 30, 1933, in Canton, Minn., to Ralph and Clara (Gillund) Thompson. She graduated from the Canton High School in 1951. On October 16, 1954, she married Lawrence “Larry” Hudson in Harmony. They farmed in the Canton and Harmony areas. Larry passed … [Read more...]
Jackie “Jack” Lyle House
Jack House passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 14, 2022. Jack will be dearly missed. Jack was born in Preston, Minn., on April 3, 1948, to Lyle and Mary Jo House (Smathers). He grew up and attended school in Preston-Fountain, Minn. He followed his father’s footsteps while growing up in Minnesota and learned the painting trade. He was never a fan of the cold … [Read more...]
Lloyd K. Alden
Lloyd K. Alden, 85, of Grand Meadow, Minn., died on Monday, October 24, 2022, at Grand Meadow Healthcare Center. Services for Lloyd will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2022, at the United Church of Grand Meadow, with Pastor Jon Marburger officiating. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the Hindt Funeral Home in Grand Meadow. Burial … [Read more...]
Charlotte F. Braniff
Charlotte F. Braniff, 83, of Houston, Minn., died Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Northcrest Care Center in Waterloo, Iowa. Charlotte Florence Happel was born on December 17, 1938, in La Crosse, Wis., to Wesley and Stella (Evans) Happel. Charlotte was raised on South Ridge in rural Houston, Minn., on the family farm. She graduated from Houston High School and from Winona State … [Read more...]
Obert Colbenson
April 27, 1921 - October 23, 2022 Obert passed away on October 23, 2022, on a beautiful fall day. In his 101 years, Obert experienced many adventures as a young man and then had a fulfilling life living off the land with his wife Rose Mary on a farm north of Rushford. People will remember his love of storytelling, his Norwegian twang and the joy he found in the farming … [Read more...]
John J. Halloran
John J. Halloran, 92, of Canton, Minn., and most recently under the care (and spoiling) of his daughter Diane, outside Big Canoe, Iowa, died Saturday, October 22, 2022, just shy of 93 years young. “Johnny” was born November 7, 1929, in Canton, Minn., to Paul and Gertrude (Ryan) Halloran. He was a member of the Canton High School graduating class of 1950. In May 1963, he … [Read more...]
Gary “Bohunk” Ptacek
Gary “Bohunk” Ptacek, age 68, of Spring Valley, Minn., lost his battle with cancer on October 14, 2022, at home on his family’s farm, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived in death by his sweetheart Michele Nagele, children Jesse (Raychel) Ptacek and Abby (Jak) Fessenden; grandchildren Olivia, Milly, Teddy, Nelson, and Sameen; mother Millie Ptacek, siblings Kathy Ruesink, … [Read more...]
Lori Colwill
Lori Colwill, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 20, 2022, after a brief hospitalization. She will be sorely missed. She was a happy go lucky soul with a zest for life, always quick to assist those she saw in need. Throughout her life she demonstrated remarkable resilience, strength, and courage in the face of monumental challenges. The … [Read more...]










