Pastor Gary Garnatz, 73, died Monday, April 13, 2026, in his home at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth, Minn. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1970 and went to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S. Dak., graduating in 1974. Gary’s seminary education was at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and he graduated in 1978. He served in four parishes in his 40 years of ministry: … [Read more...]
Donald J. Gorder
Donald J. Gorder, age 81, of the Illinois Veterans Home, died on Friday, April 10, 2026, in the Home surrounded by his family. He was born on November 18, 1944. in Rushford, Minn., the son of George Lawrence Gorder and Bernice (Halvorson) Gorder. He married Teresa Sue Kramer on May 22, 1986. She survives. Donald worked for the State of Illinois in the Department of … [Read more...]
Carole Granger Wrubel
Carole Granger Wrubel, age 81, of Lanesboro, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Benjamin and Eleanor (Horihan) Granger. Carole devoted her life to serving others and making a difference in her community. After graduating with a B.A. in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, she volunteered to serve in VISTA in New York, … [Read more...]
Marjorie Ann (Moodie) Pfremmer
July 8, 1941 - March 17, 2026 Marjorie Ann (Moodie) Pfremmer passed away March 17 in Lakeland, Fla. She is survived by husband Kent R. Pfremmer. Graveside service will be held May 1, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston, Minn. … [Read more...]
Michael Steven Ptacek
Michael Steven Ptacek, 69, of Longville, Minn., (formerly of Grand Meadow, Minn.), passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He spent his last days surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on July 22, 1956, in Preston, Minn., to Mildred (McConnell) and Joseph Ptacek of Spring Valley, Minn. Mike attended Spring Valley High School and … [Read more...]
Nancy (Jensen) Arnold
Nancy (Jensen) Arnold, born July 28, 1952, in Ames, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2026. While her passing was sudden, she is deeply loved and will be carried in her families’ hearts always. On April 24, 1970, Nancy married Rick Arnold of Chatfield, Minn. Together they shared almost 56 years together raising their family and building a life centered on … [Read more...]
Louise Joanna (Elton) Sikkink
Louise Joanna (Elton) Sikkink, of Harmony, Minn., passed away April 6, 2026, at WinnMed Hospital in Decorah, Iowa surrounded by her family. Louise was born June 2, 1935, to Marvin and Tressie (Alfson) Elton. She attended school in Hutton and graduated from Harmony High School in 1953. She began her career as the secretary to the superintendent at Harmony High School. During … [Read more...]
Donald Welander
Donald Welander, age 83, of Wykoff, Minn., died on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Cottagewood Senior Communities, in Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley, Minn. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left at … [Read more...]
Wayne “Big Wayne” Boehmke
Wayne “Big Wayne” Boehmke passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 1, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital. Wayne was born on December 25, 1958, to Eldon “Pete” Boehmke and Judith Boehmke (Olson) in Winona, Minn. He was united in marriage to Wanda Ruedy on June 7, 1980. Wayne was a lifelong farmer and an avid animal lover, a passion he passed on to all of … [Read more...]
Leland Morris Mickelson
Leland Morris Mickelson passed away peacefully at the Gunderson Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn., on March 29, 2026, at the age of 85, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. He was born in Lanesboro, Minn., on March 28, 1941, the eldest child of Melvin and Christine (Raaen) Mickelson. He was confirmed at Rushford Lutheran Church. He later made his home … [Read more...]