From working in the marketing department at an electronics company in Rochester to doing graphic design at the Fillmore County Journal to working in tourism, the Chamber of Commerce and the EDA in Preston, Gabby Kinneberg has gained skills and formed relationships at each job that have helped her with her career at the veterans home in Preston. “It’s crazy how much I learned in … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback – Calvin Hoag: A Civil War Story
By Bretta Grabau Fillmore County Historical Society It is always a pleasure for a museum to receive objects that can further explain the story of an artifact already in its collection. Years ago, before the Fillmore County Historical Society had even moved into its present facility in Fountain on County 8 just off of Highway 52 from the courthouse, a picture had been given … [Read more...]
Maynard E. Johnson of Mabel Killed in Action in France, Near the Rhine River
By Gretchen Dahlen Former Mabel resident Maynard E. Johnson was born in 1924 in Newburg (rural Mabel), Minn. He graduated from Mabel High School and entered the University of Minnesota. He was inducted into the Army in June 1943 and sent to Texas, receiving training through the Army Service Training Program (ASTP). Pulled out early, he was assigned to the 66th Infantry … [Read more...]
Local Hero Remembered Nearly 58 Years After Vietnam War Sacrifice
Nearly 58 years ago, a quiet moment on a rural Winneshiek County farm turned into one of heartbreak. Darlene (Olson) Wennes was at home east of Hesper, looking out the window, when she saw a military vehicle turn up the driveway. In that instant, she knew the war in Vietnam had come home. Her son, Robert Allen “Bob” Wennes, was a casualty of the Vietnam War. Born on February … [Read more...]
Veterans, Community Gather for Tradition and Tribute at 18th Annual Military Ball
Veterans representing all branches of the military from Southeast Minnesota gathered at the 18th Annual Military Ball on Saturday evening, April 26, at the Fest Building in Spring Grove. The event, steep in history and tradition, welcomed approximately 120 attendees, including veterans, their spouses, and members of the public. Col. Fuller’s speech focused on … [Read more...]
A Cavapoo Caring for Veterans
The Preston Veterans Home welcomed their first resident in January of last year. In March of the same year they welcomed a 1-month-old puppy. Now a year old, this adorable young Cavapoo is living his best life as the home’s facility dog. The veterans home in Preston is one of the five out of eight state homes in Minnesota to have a facility dog. The Cavapoo dog breed is … [Read more...]
Adeline Jean Agrimson
Adeline Jean Agrimson, age 88, of Peterson, Minn., passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. She was born February 10, 1936, the daughter of Adolph and Judith (Woxland) Bremmer in Rushford, Minn. Adeline grew up on her family’s farm near Arendahl, Minn., where her future husband Arne lived just across the valley. Adeline graduated from … [Read more...]
A Tribute to All Veterans
Dean R. Aarre Loren “Ordale” Aarre Daniel R. Aarsvold Scott Aarsvold Carl A. Aasum Brian Abell Lisa Abell Victor Abbott Kenneth W. Abraham Paul C. Abrahamson Leslie ‘Moe’ Adamo Aaron Adams John S. Adams Dave Adamson Gordon Addington Michael Adler Arthur Affeldt Brent Afseth Gustave Affeldt Lyle Affeldt Milo … [Read more...]
Preston State Veterans Home Celebration
The roots of this skilled nursing facility were planted as early as 2013 through the dedication of local veteran advocates and volunteers. The Preston Veterans Home Committee was established in the summer of 2015. Co-chairs and Vietnam veterans Don Gildner and Ron Scheevel began with little more than a dream. Over time with the help of volunteers/advocates and numerous trips to … [Read more...]
One of Mabel’s Own
Eighty-one years after the crash of a B-24D in North Africa during WWII, the mystery of what happened on that tragic day, September 4, 1943, remains unsolved. Aboard that plane was one of Mabel’s own boys, Darol Milton Sherburne. Staff Sergeant Darol M. Sherburne was killed on September 4, 1943, at Craw Field, Port Lyautey, Morocco, North Africa. Immediately after take-off, … [Read more...]