John Dana Pongratz, age 96, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Emplify Health by Gundersen. John was born January 24, 1929, to Rolland and Florence (Dana) Pongratz in Warrens, Wis., where his family owned and operated an IGA store. He graduated from Tomah High School in 1946 and Eau Claire State Teacher’s College in 1950 with teaching degrees in music and chemistry. … [Read more...]
Bonita “Bonnie” Wingness
Bonnie Wingness, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded with love by her family, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn. Bonnie was born on December 11, 1939, to Glenn and Vergil (Sands) Wegner in Minneapolis, Minn. She was the second of seven children. On September 2, 1977, Bonnie married the love of her life, Duane Wingness, at the … [Read more...]
Marvin M. Slafter
Marvin M. Slafter, 81, of rural Mabel, died Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his home. Marvin was born October 5, 1943, in rural Rochester, Minn. He attended Canton High School before serving in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963. Marv’s favorite memories of his time in the service involved the experiences he had while stationed in Germany with a Polish unit. On March 4, … [Read more...]
Florence Evelyn Jones
Florence Evelyn Jones, 101, died Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Zumbrota Care Center in Zumbrota, Minn. A private graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs at a later date. Arrangements with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel, Zumbrota. … [Read more...]
Elvin Clifford Paulson
Elvin Clifford Paulson, age 84, of Rushford, Minn., died Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. Elvin was born November 28, 1940, in La Crosse, Wis., the son of Clifford and Marion (Unnasch) Paulson. He was a lifelong farmer in Rushford, farming with his brother Milford. Elvin met the love of his life, Marlys Danielson, and they were united in … [Read more...]
Jayme Lee Vix
Jayme Lee Vix, 59, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, Minn. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crescent is assisting the family with arrangements. … [Read more...]
Robert Daniel Bardwell
Robert Daniel Bardwell was born on May 25, 1947, in Fosston, Minn., to Lester and Jeanne (Dodge) Bardwell. He spent his early years exploring the Clearwater River and riding scooters with cousins in the north woods – a time filled with adventure and imagination. At age nine, the Bardwell family journeyed west in their blue and white Chevy Belair, towing a little trailer all the … [Read more...]
Ronald D. Ekker
1934-2025 Ronald Duwayne Ekker, who passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, at the age of 90, was a beloved husband, father, coach and basketball visionary. A service will be held on August 13 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis Mo. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or youth programs through the USA Basketball Foundation are … [Read more...]
Janice Grabau
Janice Grabau, age 73, formerly of Wykoff, Minn., died on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus, in Rochester, Minn. Janice Marie Holtberg was born on May 6, 1952 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minn., the daughter of Alvin W. Holtberg and Myrtle Selma (Steuck) Holtberg. Janice was baptized at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Evansville, … [Read more...]
Roma Leone (Adair) Michel
Roma Leone (Adair) Michel, 88, of Bluffton passed away on May 22, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Mabel Community Center from 12-2 p.m., with lunch served. A brief service begins at 1 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Howard County Hospice, 327 8th Ave. W., Cresco, IA 52136 or ArtHaus, 107 W. Broadway St., Decorah, IA 52101. … [Read more...]