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. A celebration of Judy’s life will be held from 11-3 p.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025, and the American Legion, 149 Leonard St. South, West Salem, Wis. A private burial will be held at the Money Creek Cemetery. Hoff Funeral Home in Houston, Minn., has been … [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...]