Lowell R. Kinstler, 85, Houston, Minn., died on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Gundersen Hospital. Lowell was born on May 28, 1938 in La Crosse, Wis., to Alfred and Dorothy Kinstler. Lowell attended grade school in Paradise Valley and graduated from Houston High School on June 1, 1956. He was united in marriage to Krystle Johnson in Houston, Minn., on July 2, 1961, and enlisted … [Read more...]
Niel Frederick Christensen
Niel Frederick Christensen, Sr., age 90, of Houston, Minn., went to his eternal home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Valley View Healthcare in Houston. He was surrounded by Janelle and their family. Niel was born October 20, 1933, in Harlan, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Anna (Nielsen) Christensen. He grew up in Jacksonville, Iowa. He met the love of his life, Janelle Rose … [Read more...]
Roger Allen Arndt
Roger Allen Arndt was born to George and Ruth Arndt, in Winona, Minn., on January 18, 1952, and met his creator on April 23, 2024, after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. After graduation from Winona Senior High School in 1970, he studied auto mechanics at Winona Technical School, graduating in 1972. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany as a hawk … [Read more...]
Niel Frederick Christensen
Niel Frederick Christensen, age 90, of Houston, Minn., passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Services are pending at this time. Arrangements are entrusted to Hoff Funeral Home – Houston. … [Read more...]
Tom Westby
Tom Westby, 67, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, passed away in his home on April 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Tom was born in La Crosse, Wis., on March 29, 1957, to Harley and Joycelyn (Benson) Westby. He grew up in Houston, Minn., where he spent his formative years building a trophy-winning hot … [Read more...]
Connie Peterson
Connie Peterson passed away at her home on Sunday, March 31, 2024. She was the adopted daughter of Warren and Betty Swenson of Houston. Connie attended Houston Public School and graduated in 1970. Upon graduation, she married James Peterson of Caledonia. They had been married 50 years before Jim’s passing in 2021. From that marriage they had one son, Sammy James Peterson. … [Read more...]
Donald Meyer
Donald Meyer, 81, died peacefully at his home, with his family by his side on March 26, 2024. Donald is survived by his wife Eleanor Meyer, his two daughters, Tamera Ringhand and Lynn Olson, his sons Jonathan, James, Matthew and Chris Meyer; his sister Karen Moga, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Donald was born on March 8, 1943, to Paul and Jennifer Meyer, … [Read more...]
Allan Robert Larson
Allan Robert Larson, age 78, of Houston, Minn., died Monday, February 19, 2024, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis. Allan was born November 20, 1945, in Rushford, Minn., the son of Irving and Frances (Tracey) Larson. He honorably served his country in the United States Army, during the Vietnam Conflict. While he was in basic training, he met his Army buddy, Ray … [Read more...]
Houston School – Organized and Audited
The Houston School Board began their regular January 4 meeting with their organizational meeting to start off the new year. Little changed - Rushford State Bank was named the official depository; the district legal counsel also remained the same. Wire transfer authorization was given to Superintendent Mary Morem and Director of Finance Gwen Rostad. Once again Mimi Carlson was … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves Resolution Opposing New State Flag and Seal
Houston County Chairman Eric Johnson presented Resolution No. 24-06 in “opposition to the recently redesigned Minnesota state flag and seal” at the January 9, 2024, commission meeting. The board unanimously adopted the resolution. Chairman Johnson shared a memo from Houston County Sheriff Brian Swedberg illustrating the financial impact on the county if the state moves … [Read more...]
Houston Considers Stop Signs Request
At their regular January 8 council meeting, the Houston City Council discussed a citizen request to add stop signs at the intersections of Chase and Spruce and Chase and Maple. Jeri Virock, who has lived on Chase Street for 17 years, said she personally has witnessed two accidents at the intersections. According to Virock, some drivers “blow right through,” paying little … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Annual Meeting
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery called the January 2 annual meeting to order and presided over the election of officers for 2024. Duane Bakke was elected chairman and Marc Prestby was elected vice-chairman. Bakke highlighted county ongoing projects: the veterans home, jail construction with the first phase to be completed in the fall, work on extending the five-year plan, … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Elect New Chairman
The first order of business at the January 2, 2024, Houston County Commission meeting was the election of the 2024 board chairman and vice chair. Commissioner Eric Johnson will take the lead as chairman and Commissioner Bob Schuldt will step into the role as vice-chairman. Board Clerk Allison Wagner promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led the board and the … [Read more...]
Mernes Marilyn Flatten
Mernes Marilyn Flatten, 89, of Houston, died December 9, 2023, at her home. Mernes was born April 8, 1934, in Virgina, Minn., to Elmer and Agnes (Harrigan) Mueller. Following graduation from Central High School in St. Paul, Mernes attended the University of Minnesota and in 1995, she earned a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Bachelor of Science. And in 1957, she received a … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]