Princess Ishan Akenzua was born to King Akenzua the 2nd, one of the 12 High Kings of the Kingdom of Benin and King of the Edo people, and her mother Ovbuade Akenzua in Uzebba Edo State Nigeria on June 25, 1918. At age 19 her father King Akenzua passed and she was elevated and coordinated as Queen Regent of the Edo people, Kingdom of Benin. During her regency term the … [Read more...]
Wendell “Sonny” Meyer
Wendell “Sonny” Meyer of Spring Valley, Minn., 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, of natural causes, at his daughter’s home in Sargent, Minn. Wendell Herbert Meyer was born September 9, 1931, on the family farm near Spring Valley to Herbert and Gaynol (Bauer) Meyer. He was the second of six children and attended country school … [Read more...]
Timothy Arnold Kappauf
Timothy Arnold Kappauf, age 62, of Houston, passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at his residence in Looney Valley. He was born January 31, 1963, and preceded in death by his father Arnold, and mother Shirley Kappauf. He was a member of the Laborer’s Union and spent the last 25 years of his career working for Fowler & Hammer. He loved golf, being … [Read more...]
August “Augie” Arthur Williams
Augie Willliams passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at his farm south of Rushford, Minn., on June 15, 2025. Born in Rochester, Minn., on August 31, 1938, to William “Bill” Williams and Arlie (Anderson) Williams, Augie graduated from Rochester High School, Rochester Junior College, and Mankato State University in 1960 with a business degree. After college Augie … [Read more...]
Mary Esther Amundson
March 20, 1948 – May 15, 2025 Mary Esther Amundson, 77, of rural Spring Grove, was born on March 20, 1948, in Caledonia, Minn., to Raymond and Esther Fruechte. Mary was a lifelong resident of the area, with the exception of her time attending Stout State in Menomonie, Wis. Mary had a deep-rooted connection to her community and spent her life pouring her creativity, … [Read more...]
Elsie A. Franzen
Elsie A. Franzen, 84, of La Crosse, died Thursday, June 19, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Elsie was born May 22, 1941, in Washington, Iowa, to William and Emily (Florang) Chmelar. She graduated high school and went on to school to be a beautician. On June 2, 1990, she married Donald Franzen. In retirement they lived in Haines City, Fla., before moving to … [Read more...]
Eugene Ronald Mulhern
Eugene R. (Butch) Mulhern passed away on June 23, 2025, at his home in Spring Valley, Minn., after a long struggle with his health. Eugene was born to Clayton and Emma (Eickhoff) Mulhern on November 23, 1937, in Preston, Minn. He was baptized as an adult in Cherry Grove United Methodist Church prior to leaving for military service. Eugene was a member of Wykoff United … [Read more...]
Robert William Jones
Robert William Jones, 63, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away on June 23, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Bobby was born on November 4, 1961, to Robert L. Jones and Rhoda A. (Thompson) Jones in San Francisco, Calif. In 1965, the Jones family moved to Spring Valley where he became a well-known kid on Lyndale Avenue and North Section in Spring Valley, attaining long … [Read more...]
Donna Mae (Thompson) Benson
Donna Mae (Thompson) Benson, 84, of Mabel, died Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Gundersen Harmony Care Center in Harmony, where she had been for a short time. Donna was born June 8, 1941, in La Crosse, Wis., to Arnold and Minerva (Topness) Thompson. She attended school in Peterson, Minn., and graduated from Central High School in La Crosse. Donna was married to Jim Lowers. They … [Read more...]
Genevieve Marie Haakenstad
Genevieve Marie Haakenstad passed away in her 94th year, at home with family, June 8, 2025. Gen was born in La Crosse, Wis., the second daughter of Rueben and Irene Kimpton Olson. She grew up here with sister Marian, 11 months her senior. She moved to a farm outside Baraboo, Wis., at age 16 and graduated from Baraboo High School. On June 2, 1950, she married Richard … [Read more...]