June 30, 1929 – March 7, 2025 Charles Enos Applen passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on June 30, 1929, in Cresco, Iowa, Charles was the son of Enos and Bertina Josephine Applen. Also know as Pete, he grew up in Granger, Minn., a town he cherished for its close-knit community where everyone knew each other. Charles proudly served his … [Read more...]
Tabatha Lynn Blexrud
Tabatha Lynn Blexrud left this life and entered eternal rest on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the young age of 54. Tabatha was born on January 10, 1971, to the Kenneth Gustason and Jane Carrigan. She graduated from Preston-Fountain High School in 1989. In 1992 she graduated as a long-term care nursing assistant. On July 15, 2006, she married the love of her life, Kevin … [Read more...]
Dale Norman Garness
Dale Norman Garness, 75, of Mabel, died on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at his home surrounded by family and friends following a courageous battle with cancer. Dale was born November 15, 1949, in Spring Grove to Burnell and Berneice (Larson) Garness. He grew up on the family farm in rural Mabel and graduated from the Mabel High School in 1967. He served in the United States … [Read more...]
Delbert Stehr
Delbert Stehr, 83, of Caledonia, Minn., passed away on February 22, 2025, at Cottagewood Senior Communities of complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born November 26, 1941, to Walter and Orinda (Schuldt) Stehr. Delbert was preceded in death by his wife Sondra (Moen) Klinski Stehr, his parents, brother Richard, sister Irene Orlowski, and grandson Phillip … [Read more...]
Kimberly Ann Schraeder
Kimberly Ann Schraeder, age 65, of Ostrander, Minn., died on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in her home in Ostrander, Minn. Kimberly was born on January 18, 1960, in Rochester, Minn., to Kenneth and Carole (Capelle) Hodson. She attended LeRoy-Ostrander High School and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ostrander where she taught Sunday School, Bible School in the summer, … [Read more...]
Truman Hollis Omodt
Truman Hollis Omodt, 88 years old, of Spring Grove, Minn., went home to be with his Lord. He passed away on Ash Wednesday at 7:32 a.m. at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, in La Crosse, Wis. He went quietly and peacefully after a short illness, with his wife by his side, on March 5, 2025. Another branch tragically fell from the family tree. Truman was born on February 24, 1937, … [Read more...]
Margaret “Marge” Christianson
April 27, 1943 – March 4, 2025 Margaret “Marge” Christianson, 81, of Preston, Minn., passed away on March 4, 2025, at St. Marys Hospital, with her family by her side. Marge was the definition of hard work and heart. A dedicated farmer and homemaker, she poured her energy into her cattle, the land and the people she loved. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, … [Read more...]
Troy William Westphal
June 4, 1997 – December 26, 2024 Troy William Westphal, 27, of Edgewater, Fla., passed away on December 26, 2024. He was born on June 4, 1997, in Plantation, Fla., to Terry and Kim Westphal (Lien). During his childhood, Troy lived in Minnesota before returning to Florida in his teenage years. There, he met his fiancée, Hailey Sloan, and together they welcomed their … [Read more...]
Joan LaRay Gaul
In Loving Memory of Joan LaRay Gaul The Upper Iowa River has lost one of its fiercest and most faithful souls. On March 1, 2025, Joan LaRay Gaul set off on her final journey, carried not by the rivers current this time but by the winds that sweep over the bluffs she loved so well. She lived life on her own terms – strong-willed, independent, and deeply connected to the land … [Read more...]
Gary Luther Goodno
Gary Luther Goodno, 83, of Hesper, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2025. Born on September 8, 1941, in Spring Grove, Minn., to Olaf and Selma (Morken) Goodno, he was the youngest of six children. Gary grew up in Highlandville, Bee and Hesper, spending time as a teenager working at Bergsgaard Farms south of Spring Grove during the summer. In 1959 he graduated … [Read more...]
Joe Wilt
Joe Wilt, age 47, a former resident of Spring Grove, Minn., passed away unexpectedly on January 31, 2025. The funeral services will be Friday, March 14, at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Visitation is at 1 p.m., with services at 2 p.m. There will be a gathering in the church hall following the service. Burial will be in Iowa. A full … [Read more...]
Deanna Gaare
Deanna Gaare, formerly of Mabel and Preston, Minn., died on February 26, 2025, following a long illness. Deanna was born and raised in Mabel, Minn., daughter of Blaine and Helen Gaare on November 21, 1965. She graduated from Mabel-Canton High School in 1984. Following high school, she went to St. Cloud Technical and Community College. She worked for 35 years in the senior … [Read more...]
Judy Chapel
Judy Chapel, 79, of Houston, Minn., died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Benedictine Nursing Home in La Crosse, Wis. Judy was born June 12, 1945, in La Crosse, Wis., to Lester and Margaret (Lange) Schultz. For many years, Judy worked at Skemp Clinic (later became Mayo Clinic La Crosse). After retirement, she filled her days taking care of her oversized garden and … [Read more...]
Raymond Francis “Pete” Verville
Raymond Francis “Pete” Verville, born August 7, 1924, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025. He lived a long life with curiosity, energy, a love of farming, building, fixing, fishing in Minaki, Ontario, friends, and family. He was able to celebrate is 100th birthday with friends and family last August and loved every minute of it. He is survived by Patricia (Brad), … [Read more...]
Arden Gordon Tuftin
Arden Gordon Tuftin, age 97, of Whalan, Minn., passed away peacefully at his home on February 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on March 14, 1927, to Andrew and Grace (Thoen) Tuftin, Arden was baptized and confirmed at Whalan Lutheran Church and grew up in Whalan. He attended country school at Whalan and high school at Lanesboro, Minn. With permission from his parents, … [Read more...]