Shirley Ann Casterton was born on October 31, 1937, in Decorah, Iowa, to Richard and Lillie Mae (Aga) Thompson. She was baptized and confirmed at Ridgeway United Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, Iowa. Shirley’s early years were marked by love and learning. From kindergarten through second grade, she attended Lincoln #6 with her mother as her teacher. She completed the … [Read more...]
Sister Gertrude (Trudy) Schommer
Sister Gertrude (Trudy) Schommer, age 86, died on January 9, 2024, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn. Sister Trudy was born on May 18, 1937, in Wayzata, Minn. She was the fourth of five children born to the late Edward and Gertrude (Mergen) Schommer. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on July 31, 1955. She was a Franciscan Sister for … [Read more...]
Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson, 72, died unexpectedly at her home in Ostrander on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. Mary was born May 10, 1951, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Nordahl and Verna (Jackson) Braaten. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Mary graduated from Austin High School, Austin Community College, and St. Cloud State University with her … [Read more...]
Gloria Karmona (Bratland) Roble
Gloria Karmona (Bratland) Roble, age 91, passed away at home after over a year battle with stomach cancer on January 11, 2024. Gloria was born on October 10, 1932, in Spring Grove, Minn., the daughter of Kenneth and Gladys (Olson) Bratland. She spent 12 years at Spring Grove schools, graduating in 1951. She attended college in Minneapolis and worked for an insurance … [Read more...]
Patricia Ann (Volinkaty) Guth
On the morning of January 10, 2024, Patt (age 86) peacefully concluded her seven-year battle with breast cancer in the embrace of her home, surrounded by family. No one faced this journey with more sheer will and determination than she did. Her extraordinary resolve to remain with her family and friends manifested through relentless rounds of treatment to extend her life. Patt … [Read more...]
Carroll John Evers
Carroll John Evers died unexpectedly at Mayo Clinic St. Marys Campus on January 10, 2024, in Rochester, Minn., at the age of 83. Carroll was born on November 10, 1940 ,to John and Ethel (Lentz) Evers on their family farm and lived there all of his life. He attended St. Johns Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from Wykoff High School in 1959. In 1959, he joined the … [Read more...]
Lois Jean Ulrich
Lois Jean Ulrich, age 95, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on January 5, 2024. Lois was born October 22, 1928, to Gilman and Clara (Brown) Eide. Lois grew up on the family farm north of Lanesboro, Minn. She attended country school and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1946. After high school, Lois moved to La Crosse, Wis., where she met Roger Ulrich. Lois and Rog … [Read more...]
Joan Kathryn Hoff
Joan Kathryn Hoff, 93, of St. Charles, died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield. Joan was born December 14, 1930, in Waukegan, Ill., to Melvin and Violet (Nelson) Johnson. She graduated from Central High School in Superior, WI in 1949. While in Superior, her mom married Alex “Pop” Kerecman. He became a huge part of Joan’s life. Joan … [Read more...]
Douglas Melvin Miland
Douglas Melvin Miland, 98, of Spring Valley, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Douglas, better known as “Melvin,” was born July 15, 1925, to Francis Zinke. He was raised in rural Spring Valley by his grandparents Richard and Lydia Miland. He attended school in Spring Valley and graduated in 1942. Melvin loved playing football … [Read more...]
James “Jim” Russell Casey
James “Jim” Russell Casey, 70, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Linn Haven Nursing Home in New Hampton, Iowa. Jim was born in Harmony, Minn., to Ronald and Carol (Gager) Casey on October 24, 1953. He went to school in Harmony and graduated in 1971. He attended Rochester Area Vocational Institute and graduated with a degree in cooking. His first job was at the … [Read more...]