Robert Donald Ellinger, affectionately known as Bob, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, in Decatur, Tex., surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on September 8, 1945, to Donald George and Mary Jane Ellinger, Bob’s early years took him from the plains of Iowa to the beauty of Billings, Mont., and on to Preston, Minn., where he … [Read more...]

Irene M. Aarre peacefully passed away at Traditions of Preston, Minn., on September 9, 2025 at the age of 95, surrounded by her family. She was born March 3, 1930, in Riceville, Iowa, to Charles and Mary Humpal. Irene grew up and went to school in the Protivin, Iowa, area. She enjoyed being on the farm, dancing, bowling, playing cards, and driving around “checking the … [Read more...]

Mina Ruth Callanan, “Ruth,” 93, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Chosen Valley Care Center, surrounded by her husband Art and all eight of her children. Ruth was born April 1, 1932, in Preston, Minn., to George and Bessie Burns. She graduated from Preston High School in 1950.  She was united in … [Read more...]

Sylvia “Ann” Ott, age 91, passed away at Gundersen Harmony Care Center on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in Harmony, Minn. Funeral service for Ann will be at 1 p.m., on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn., with Pastor Kris Hertsgaard Kincaid officiating.  Visitation will take place from 12:30-1 p.m., prior to the start of the service.  Burial … [Read more...]

Steven J. Slostad, age 73, of Lakeville, Minn., passed away peacefully at home on August 5, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Survived by wife of 39 years, Doris Dingley and son, Alex (Maggie) Slostad. Also, four brothers: Carsten (Edward, deceased), Paul (Carla), James (Debra), (Tony), Peter (Joyce) Slostad and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by … [Read more...]

Lois Jean Shaw, 86, Preston, Minn., passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at the St. Charles Senior Living, in St. Charles, Minn.  Lois was born and raised in Spring Grove, Minn., to Norman and Mabel (Wegner) Stigen on August 20, 1938.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, 509 Kansas St., NW, Preston. Visitation is one … [Read more...]

Mary Munns, age 99, of Preston, Minn., died on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Park Lane Estates in Preston. Memorial Mass was held for Mary on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 11 a.m., at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston, Minn., with Father Nicholas Gawarecki officiating. Visitation took place one hour prior to Mass on Saturday, July 5, starting at 10 a.m. Mary was interred at … [Read more...]

Wendell Albert Watts, age 98, formerly of Preston, passed away on June 23, 2025. He was born on September 17, 1926, to his parents Albert and Bertha Watts. He grew up on their dairy farm known as “Watts’ Brothers” close to Preston in southeastern Minnesota. He attended District 67 country school for eight years followed by high school in Preston, Minn., graduating at 16 years … [Read more...]

Virginia Marie (Freiheit) Mandelko, 84, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Harmony Place, Harmony, Minn., surrounded by her family.  Virginia was born July 9, 1940, at her parents, Earl and Thelma (Finch) Freiheit’s home near Wykoff, Minn. She was baptized and confirmed at Dr. Martin Luther Church of Spring Valley.  She married Allan Eugene Mandelko August 19, 1960, at … [Read more...]