Medford Funeral Home Obituaries

Introduction to Medford Funeral Home

Located in the heart of Medford, Minnesota, Medford Funeral Home is a trusted and compassionate funeral service provider that has been serving the local community for years. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, this funeral home has established itself as a beacon of hope and support during difficult times. In this article, we will delve into the services and amenities offered by Medford Funeral Home, as well as its history, staff, and community involvement.

A Brief History of Medford Funeral Home

Medford Funeral Home has a long and storied history in the Medford community. Founded on the principles of compassion, respect, and dignity, this funeral home has been providing exceptional funeral services to families in need for generations. Over the years, the funeral home has undergone changes and expansions, but its core values have remained unchanged. Today, Medford Funeral Home is a modern and state-of-the-art facility that offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of each family it serves.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Sharon "Sheri" Krogh - July 11, 1950 - April 01, 2024

Departed: 04/01/2024 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Sharon (Sheri) Ann Krogh left this world on April 1, 2024, at Benedictine Living Community in St. Peter, MN. She fought many battles with illness throughout her life, but Parkinson's Disease would ultimately claim her bright spark.

Sheri was born on July 11, 1950, in Faribault, MN, to Francis (Frank) and Elaine “Nee Nee” (Jones) Kilness. She lived most of her life in Medford, MN, surrounded by a large extended family. She married her high school sweetheart, Larry Wayne Krogh, on July 13, 1968. They welcomed the births of four children over the next six years. Tragically, Larry died far too young in 1976. Sheri raised the children alone. Fortunately, she was blessed with family and friends (and a wicked stubborn streak) to help her along the way. That stubbornness, independence, and fierce love served her well. She worked as a highly sought after income tax preparer for 30 years, a local cafe owner (Cozy Corner), and a retail manager (Kitchen Collection). But, by far, her proudest accomplishment was raising her children.

Sheri believed that food was the way to people's hearts. She'd often reminisce about learning to cook in the kitchen of her Grandma (Frances) Jones. She could host a party like no other. She was full of life and shared so much of her time and talents with others. From volunteer roles (Girl Scouts, Medford Women's Club, Medford Historical Society) to helping family and friends in need, she never turned down a chance to be of service or comfort.

Fishing, family, and music were at the center of her world and her fondest memories would always involve those things. Her passion for fishing led her to build a fish house with her dad. Many winter and summer weekends were spent on Mille Lacs Lake catching the big ones and listening to the oldies station.

Sheri is survived by her four children: Jamey (Malonna) Krogh of Medford, Jason (Becky) Krogh of Faribault, Jenna Krogh of St. Peter, and Jill (Howie) Putz of Mankato, 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and her brother Scott (Lisa) Kilness of Medford. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, her parents, Frank and Elaine, her grandparents, and many special friends and family members.

Friends may greet the family Friday, April 5, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Medford Funeral Home (310 E. Central, Medford, MN). Private family interment to follow.

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Larry B. Johnson - June 10, 1948 - February 19, 2024

Departed: 02/19/2024 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Larry Burnett Johnson, age 75, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on February 19, 2024, at his home in Medford, MN.

Larry was born in Farmington, MN, on June 10, 1948, to Burnett and Helen (Peterson) Johnson.

Larry graduated from Northfield High School, Northfield, MN, and shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a gunner on the USS Galveston, stationed out of California. He proudly served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on February 22, 1972.

Larry worked various jobs including meat cutting, construction, welding and eventually truck driving, which was his last job before retirement.

Larry is survived by his daughters: Renee Dybevik (Eddie) of Owatonna, Rebecca Delaske (Jeremy) of Faribault; his mother Helen Johnson of Northfield; grandchildren: Dakota Johnson of Owatonna, Nathaniel and Burnett Keller of Owatonna; sister Bonnie Hansen of Northfield; brother Gary Johnson of Bemidji; sister Jean Kapp (David) of Cannon Falls; as well as nieces and nephews, and close friends Butch Jones and Gary Schlossin.

He was preceded in death by his dad Burnett; daughter Dawn; son-in-law James (Crash) Miller; brother-in-law Donald Hansen; and sister-in-law Liz Johnson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Medford Funeral Home (310 E Central, Medford, MN). Visitation will be one hour prior to the Memorial Service. Afterward, a luncheon will be provided at the funeral home. Interment with full Military Rites will take place at Prairie Creek Cemetery, Northfield, MN, with honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

The family would like to give special thanks to Larry’s caregiver Heather and friend Butch for their support and friendship.

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Deanna Marilyn Koch - August 10, 1938 - January 12, 2024

Departed: 01/12/2024 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Deanna Marilyn (Ohnstad) Koch died Friday, January 12, 2024, in Owatonna, MN, at the age of 85. Deanna was born, the youngest of eight children, on the family farm in Deerfield township in Minnesota, on August 10, 1938, to Nicolai and Mathilda (Olson) Ohnstad. Along with her six older brothers and one older sister, she attended District 92 Country School. Eventually she and her mother moved into town, and she graduated from Owatonna High School in 1956.

After marrying the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Koch, in Las Vegas, NV, on January 25, 1957, they headed west eventually settling in Downey, CA, where they raised two daughters, Renee and Rhonda. Deanna worked for years as a secretary/administrative assistant at Anaconda & Coast Metal Craft.

Deanna will long be remembered as the life of every party. She was quite the trickster and loved a good joke. She enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, Polka dancing, and playing games and cards with friends and family. She was instrumental in planning events and getting people together.

Family was deeply important to Deanna. She made tremendous effort to keep in touch with everyone and was the planner behind multiple family reunions. She liked to reminisce about her days on the farm and loved spending time at the Steele County Free Fair.

Deanna and Bob had an open-door policy, and their home was a welcoming place whether you were family, friend or even a member of the Armed Forces. They always had a bed, couch or floor, and big hearty breakfasts available for each and every visitor.

Deanna is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Bob, of Owatonna; daughters Renee (Dick) Hanks and Rhonda Koch-Parkhouse of California; grandchildren: Courtney (Riley) Wills, Kristen (Michael) Peña, Brianna Koch and Kaley (Paul) Murchie; great grandchildren: Walker and Claire Wills, and Niko Peña ; stepson Darrell (Mary) Koch, stepdaughter Sue Koch; and sisters-in-law Dorothy Ohnstad and Darlene Ohnstad.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Neil, Glenn, Louie, Myron, Claire and Homer (Nick); sister Merdis Dahle; grandson Nick Marold; son-in-law Dick Hanks; stepdaughter Karen Herron; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, at Medford Funeral Home (310 E Central, Medford, MN 55049) at 11:00 AM with burial to follow at Medford Union Cemetery.  The service will be live-streamed.  Click on the 'Webcast' link to view.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. There will be a time to gather at the Elks Lodge in Owatonna (126 E. Vine St. Owatonna, MN 55060) following the burial.

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Jessica Nicole Aspenwall - October 23, 1996 - December 21, 2023

Departed: 12/21/2023 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Jessica Nicole Aspenwall, 27, of Wykoff, MN, passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2023, in a motor vehicle crash, along with her beloved dogs Abby and Rebel.

Jessica was born October 23, 1996. She attended Rosemount High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Jessica developed her business JA Horse and Mule Co. where she specialized in the sale, marketing and training of horses and mules. Jess was happiest when working with animals. She was driven, successful, and fortunate to build her life and career around the things she loved most.

Jessica is survived by her mother Sherri Wood, father Brent Aspenwall, brother Andrew (fiancée Alyssa Melin) Aspenwall, sister Kate (Michael) Biermaier, nieces Elsie Biermaier and Hannah Aspenwall, nephew Ian Biermaier, boyfriend Gabriel Murphy, closest BFF’s, beloved dog Goliath and all the horses.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, December 29, 2023, at Bethel Church (1611 Hemlock Ave NE, Owatonna, MN 55060). Friends may greet the family from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church.

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Nancy Grace Scholljegerdes - June 13, 1933 - October 24, 2023

Departed: 10/24/2023 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Nancy Grace Scholljegerdes, age 90, of Owatonna, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 24, 2023. She was born on June 13, 1933, to Lacey and Mildred (Fleming) Thisthwaite. On December 4, 1950, Nancy married LeRoy Scholljegerdes and they had three children; Bonita ‘Bonnie”, LeRoy Jr. (Infant) and David. Nancy and LeRoy had a mink ranch west of Medford, MN. It was a family-owned business for 42 years where Nancy devoted all those years working hard. Nancy loved her flower beds out on the farm. After LeRoy died in 1996 Nancy moved to Owatonna. There again, she had beautiful flower gardens. She loved her home in Owatonna on Brooktree Golf Course. For 9 years her little dog TT kept her company. She enjoyed watching the birds on her deck as well as golfers passing by. Along with her bird watching Nancy collected bird figurines.

She is survived by her daughter Bonita Moeller, and son David Scholljegerdes; grandchildren, Kimberly (Kevin) Lang and Brian Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Cash and Kendall.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, LeRoy; Infant son LeRoy Jr; brother George; sisters Betty, Bev, Jean and Sandy.

Private interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Medford, MN.

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Michael Wayne White - August 17, 1961 - September 24, 2023

Departed: 09/24/2023 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Mike White, 62, was born on August 17th, 1961, in Owatonna, MN, the son of Vern O. White and Patricia M. (Hudrlik) White. He passed away peacefully on September 24th, 2023, at his home in Medford, MN.

Mike graduated from OHS in 1980 and took college courses for general education and law enforcement. In his early career he worked as a flooring installer at Hudrlik Furniture, a foreman at roofing and truss companies, and a machinist. Mike also worked at "White’s Whatever" as a store manager. For the past 24 years, Mike was self-employed as a contractor and carpenter, operating Mike’s Contracting and Mike White’s Furniture Repair shop out of his home. Mike could fix just about anything and knew many tricks of the trade.

Mike loved his family and his two favorite dogs, Samantha and Jenny. He enjoyed hunting with his dogs, carving, listening to music, fishing, golfing, and lobster dinners. Mike was determined and tenacious when he had a goal. He had a unique sense of humor. He was also polite, well-liked, and had a strong faith in God. We will miss him very much, but are thankful he is with God and free from pain.

Mike was very thankful for family, friends, and Owatonna community medical staff and law officers who helped him in so many ways. They didn’t just do it out of obligation, but cared about him as a person and treated him with respect.

Mike is survived by his mother Patsy White of Owatonna, sister Susan (and Thomas) Peterson of Owatonna, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Vern White, his brother Timothy White, and his sister Lisa Ebeling.

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Carolyn Trine Tande - March 05, 1940 - September 13, 2023

Departed: 09/13/2023 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Carolyn Tande, of rural Medford, died unexpectedly at her home on September 13, 2023.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Medford Funeral Home (310 E. Central Ave, Medford, MN) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 11:00 am at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault, MN, with the visitation continuing at the church one and a half hours prior to the service.  The funeral service will be live-streamed.  Please click on the link below under the memorial service information.

A grave site service will be held for family following, where she will be reunited alongside her husband on what would have been their 59th wedding anniversary. Carolyn Trine (Opjorden) Tande, named after both grandmothers (Caroline and Trine) was born March 5, 1940, to Torfinn and Ella (Nelson) Opjorden in Milan, MN, a small Lutheran Norwegian community, which offered her the unique experience of growing up on a farm IN town!

Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Kviteseid Lutheran Church, church activities were a priority, and enjoyed immensely throughout the years. She was active in Lutheran Churches of Reformation, Lutheran Disaster Response, Luther League, and her church choir.

Carolyn graduated with honors in 1958 from Milan High School where she enjoyed singing in the choir and small vocal groups. She played tenor saxophone in the band, pep band, marching band, and the quartet. One could even find her twirling a baton during parades.

She continued her education at St Olaf College (if your name was Opjorden, it was expected that would be your college) and could be found always singing in the choir, on the rink with her ice-skating club in the winter and golfing with her team in the spring. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1962 and worked as an Extension Home Economist in Rice County.

She later attended a Southeast District Extension Conference and met Larry who was the Assistant Ag Agent in Steele County at the time. A few months later, shy Larry was strongly encouraged by a co-worker of his to invite Carolyn to attend a movie with him that was playing in Owatonna. He was sure she wouldn't go but finally called. She said, "Yes", but it would have to be the second show because she had choir practice at First English Lutheran Church earlier in the day. The movie was "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and the rest was history. Larry and Carolyn were married October 11, 1964, at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan on a beautiful Autumn Sunday afternoon. The Medford area is where they settled since 1964.

Carolyn's love, passion, and skill set as a Home Economist translated into a dream job with the U of M Extension Service, Floral Design, and a Sales Associate in the Women's & Children's Department at Cabela's.

She enjoyed judging at area county fairs as well as the Minnesota State Fair in the home economies and horticulture areas of 4-H and open class. Carolyn recently judged in Waseca County, Dodge County, Rice County, Wabasha County, Olmstead County, Mower County, Freeborn County and Steele County as well as at the MN State Fair. She was active in the Steele County Home Economics Association and previously honored the coveted role as president. Carolyn was also active in garden club, and a former member of the Owatonna Community Band.

Carolyn carried with her a strong faith in God. Membership at First English Lutheran began in 1965. Carolyn was very involved in her church community choir, Vacation Bible Studies teacher, decorating committee, altar guild, and mission quilting. She had sewn over 300 drawstring backpacks for Lutheran World Relief.

Over the years, traveling took them to most of the states and several foreign countries due mainly to Larry's judging of dairy shows and his work with National Holstein USA as president. Her favorite countries were Spain and Ireland.

Their 82-acre hobby farm gave her lots of opportunities for gardening where she had over 200 hostas, numerous dahlias, roses and pretty much anything else she could enjoy watching flourish.

Family was a priority for Carolyn. She and Larry were blessed with two children: daughter Tara (Mountlake Terrace, WA) who is a German Tour Guide and Emergency & Incident Coordinator at Rick Steves' Europe. Son Thane (Prior Lake, MN) is the owner of Knotty Oar Marina in Prior Lake. Carolyn was proud of the work ethic her children developed as well as the parenting skills they have shown with her seven grandchildren who were grandma's pride and joy.

Tara and Thane were blessed to have them as parents and truly understood the meaning of “till death do us part" as they watched Mom take care of Dad in his later years with grace, love, and compassion.

Carolyn was proud of her children but was most happy singing the praises of her grandchildren and always sharing stories of what they were up to; Tatum, Tana, Dakin, Dahvi, and Dassi Tande and Poppy and Sage Swenson. They will take great pride in knowing how much grandma (and grandpa) loved them. They will always remember grandma's laugh and smile, her ability to squish bugs with her fingers, the beautiful flowers in her yard, and her knowledge of every bird and animal that passed through the meadow, field, pasture, and yard.

Carolyn will lovingly be remembered not only by her children and grandchildren, but her brother Luther (Martha) Opjorden, brothers-in-law Gerald (Arla) Tande and Paul Tande, nephews Christopher, Stewart, and Nicholas (Opjorden), Rhys and Seth (Tande), nieces Karen and Thea (Tande).

She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry, parents Torfinn and Ella Opjorden, parents-in-law Leslie and Gertrude Tande, nephew Kurt Tande and niece Wendy Tande.

Memorials may be directed to First English Lutheran Radio Fund or donor's choice.

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Verlyn Francis Cornelius - April 04, 1926 - August 30, 2023

Departed: 08/30/2023 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: The Life of Verlyn Francis Cornelius: 1926-2023

Verlyn was born April 4, 1926, on a farm in Canton, SD to parents John and Emma (Johnson) Cornelius. He was number seven of eight siblings. He was baptized into the Christian faith on July 25, 1926. He attended schools in Canton and graduated from Canton High School in May of 1944. Verlyn entered service in the United States Navy in July of 1944, during World War II. He served on the USS 1214, a sub destroyer, doing convoy duty. He was honorably discharged in June of 1946.

He married Dorothy Michelson on February 8, 1947, at Grand Valley Lutheran Church in Canton, (Lincoln County), SD. He then began his career with the Postal Department as a city letter carrier. He worked as a letter carrier at Post Offices in Canton, SD, Vancouver, WA, and Owatonna, MN. He became the Postmaster at the Post Office in Medford, MN, in May of 1954. He retired on May 29, 1981, after 34 years in the Postal Service.

Verlyn’s wife, Dorothy, passed away on May 4, 1985, after 38 years of marriage. He married Lorraine Borgstahl on April 5, 1988, in Mantorville, MN. The two were married for 33 years until Lorraine passed away on September 20, 2021. Verlyn and his family were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, MN starting in 1956. Verlyn served as a church council secretary, elder, Sunday school teacher, and superintendent.

During his 36 years in Medford, Verlyn was a charter member of the Medford Civic Club, a member of Medford Fire Department, Veteran of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Postmasters, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He proudly volunteered to distribute Veteran Memorial Day flags to three Medford cemeteries for nearly forty years.

Verlyn is survived by his daughter Nannette Wandry (Brian) of Owatonna, MN; son Dorian (Lori) Cornelius of Medford, MN; stepson Gary Borgstahl of Chicago, IL; stepdaughter Lynn Howard of Owatonna, MN; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Verlyn was preceded in death by his two wives Dorothy and Lorraine, son Kivden Cornelius, one infant son, and one grandson, John Cornelius.

Verlyn passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Bridgewater in Owatonna. Funeral services for Verlyn will be Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, MN. Friends may greet the family Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from 4-6 PM at Medford Funeral Home and again at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 6, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow services at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery with military honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

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Joyce Marie Pribyl - April 04, 1926 - May 09, 2023

Departed: 05/09/2023 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Joyce Pribyl, Owatonna, died Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 11:30 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church in Medford, MN. Friends may greet the family from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Monday, May 15 at the Medford Funeral Home (310 E. Central, Medford, MN). A Medford/Deerfield Catholic Daughters of the Americas rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM. The visitation will continue from 10:30 - 11:20 AM on Tuesday at the Medford Funeral Home, followed by a procession to the church.

Joyce Marie (Byrne) Pribyl was born on Easter Sunday April 4, 1926, to Raymond and Anna (Wenzel) Byrne on the family farm in Waseca County. She attended rural schools and then New Richland High School, graduating in 1945. She attended the University of MN St. Paul campus short courses while employed at the County Extension Office in Owatonna from 1945-1948.

On August 31, 1948, she married Silvin Pribyl at St. Hyacinth Church in Owatonna and moved southwest of Medford where they farmed for 25 years. In 1974 they moved to Owatonna. Joyce went to work at Penney's in 1965, retiring from there in 1984. She then worked at Owatonna Tool until 1988 and finished up her working years at Tri-M-Graphics. She also wrote weekly articles for the Photo News.

Joyce stayed active after retirement. She volunteered for the Bloodmobile, Cancer Drive, United Way, Exchange Club for the Child Abuse Prevention Program, Mission projects, and KC Fish Frys. She was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, helped with the annual poppy campaign for the VFW, and worked at the Village of Yesteryear. Joyce received the Steele County Outstanding Senior Citizen award in 2001.

She served on numerous boards- Cedarview Nursing Home, Steele County Social Services, Steele-Dodge County Community Health Board and Governors Senior Citizen Commission to name a few. She was a 4-H Leader for the Deerfield Get There Club for 19 years and in 1962 received the Typical 4-H Leader Award. Their family hosted exchange students on two occasions-one from Columbia South America and the other from Maryland.

Joyce belonged to various organizations. She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of Christ the King Church in Medford serving as their second Grand Regent, a member of Winona Council of Catholic Women, the Happy Hour Club, Ladies Elks, Steele County Historical Society, and a life member of the Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. Joyce took great pride in Sil’s military service as a Navy pilot and participated in many patriotic events.

She had many hobbies over the years: quilting, crocheting, ceramics, writing poetry, traveling, and playing the organ and mouth organ. She loved music and had fond memories of her mom's piano playing and Danny O’ Donnell tunes gave her the opportunity to tell you she was Irish. She was always ready for a game of cards or Sequence with her grandchildren. Playing Bingo at The Brooks (where she resided since 2014) became a favorite pastime. She truly enjoyed people and would strike up a conversation with anyone she encountered.

Joyce is survived by son Paul, daughter Marie (Lenny) Foss, grandchildren Stacey Pribyl, Kelley Pribyl, Chris Pribyl, Erin Foss, Andy (Brittany) Foss, and Alie (Dane) Bernardo, 4 great-grandchildren, sister Genelle Lee, sisters-in-law Betty Herdina, Joan Pribyl, and Leona Pribyl and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Sil in 2006, Paul's life partner Darlene Cullen, her parents, 5 brothers: Dennis, John, William, Eugene, and Raymond Jr., and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A special thanks to the people at the Brooks, niece Joan (Lowell) Skelton and family, Debbie Schlichter, and the Hospice caregivers for the help and kindness shown to Joyce.

Memorials may be given to the Steele County Historical Society or Christ the King Church.

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Oleta Jan Martin - August 24, 1933 - February 12, 2023

Departed: 02/12/2023 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Oleta Jan Martin died February 12th, 2023, in Owatonna, MN. She was born August 24, 1933, in Gary, Indiana to parents Clinton and Fern (Harrison) Flemming.

Oleta lived half of her life in California and half of her life in Owatonna. She became a widow when her husband Bud Martin passed away. She was full of life and enjoyed all her friends that came over to play cards with her. She worked most of her life and her final employment was with Motel 6 in Owatonna. She retired and fully enjoyed it. She became ill in the last two years, and her son Barton took care of her up until her death.

Oleta is survived by three sons and one daughter: Barton Reeves, Douglas Reeves, Gregory Reeves and Robin Saunders. She will be missed by everyone who loved her and especially her dogs, Coco, Bella and her cat Pumpkin. May our mom  rest in peace.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Medford Funeral Home (310 E Central, Medford, MN 55049). After the memorial, burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery.

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Nancy Jensen - April 25, 1945 - December 24, 2022

Departed: 12/24/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Nancy Louise Jensen of Morristown passed away December 24, 2022 at 9:05 AM at Rochester Mayo Hospital. She was surrounded by family members as she gained her golden angel wings.

Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Medford Funeral Home. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at 10 AM. Interment will follow services at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

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Nancy was born April 25, 1945, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. She was adopted by Milton and Bernice (Binger) Anderka of Faribault, MN. A brother, Charles Anderka passed away in his younger years.

Nancy attended and graduated from Faribault Senior High School in 1963. She was active in the marching band. Throughout her life, she enjoyed raising a variety of animals. Nancy belonged to a Gold Valley Saddle Club in Faribault. She enjoyed bowling with friends, and arts and crafts of various kinds. Nancy spent numerous hours either crocheting or reading novels. Nancy had several family pets throughout the years. One of her beloved pets, Molly B, will forever be named on her HHR license plate. Yet all of her pets were special and spoiled with endless love and treats.

Nancy retired from Curvelite/Viracon after 30 years of employment, as did her husband, Paul. After retirement, the couple enjoyed life at Cedar Lake Camping Resort. They also traveled to many places from Canada to the southern border of Texas. They traveled by car, truck, boat, horse, and Nancy’s 1994 Harley-Davidson motorcycle Sportster 883.

Nancy is survived by her lifelong partner and loving husband of 58 years, Paul Jensen, of Morristown. She was the proud mother of four children: Robert Jensen of Blooming Prairie, Carmen (Alvin, Jr.) Clausen of Owatonna, Cheryl L. Jensen (October 1971-May 1977) and Jolene Aase of Medford. Six grandchildren: Amber Clausen (Micheal Brander, Jr.) of Elson, MO; Kyle Clausen (Kayla Fincher) of Owatonna; Austin Aase (Arianna Rippentrop) of Medford; Autumn Clausen (Brady Wallert) of Owatonna; Jessie Aase of Medford, and KyleeAnn Jensen of Blooming Prairie. Three great-grandchildren Oaklynn Clausen, Milo Branderhorst, and baby “AJ” Aase coming in April 2023.

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John Henry Hager - August 05, 1934 - December 15, 2022

Departed: 12/15/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: John Hager, of Medford, passed away December 15, 2022, at Homestead Hospice House.

John was born August 5, 1934, north of Waterville, MN, to Henry and Anna (Hollinger) Hager. He attended Medford Public Schools until he was needed to help at the family farm.

He was drafted into the United States Army in 1957, serving until 1959 at which time he was honorably discharged. He earned his GED in 1958 while in the service.

He married Shirley Conrath on September 30, 1959, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Deerfield. They raised three children Mary Ann, Richard, and Michael. John worked at Swift in Waseca, EF Johnson, Fahnnings in Waterville, Jostens, Medford Feed Mill, helped Don Morgan with farming operations, and OTC until retirement. John started snow removal part time while working at OTC. Eventually, this turned into a small business, Hager Snow removal, with the addition of lawn care. He proudly ran this business until his passing.

He was a member of the Medford Fire Department, Medford Civic Club, American Legion, was a board member for Salvation Army, trustee at Christ the King Church, board member for Resurrection Cemetery, and a member of the Medford Knights of Columbus. John was a founding member of the Grandfather’s Club. John was one of the main leaders that initiated the building of the Medford Veteran’s Memorial. He spent many hours researching, planning the project, and seeing it through to completion.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley; daughter Mary Ann (Mike) Jensen, sons Richard (Laurie) Hager, Mike Hager (Coleen Zimmerman), brothers Dennis (Becky) Hager, Gene (Tena) Hager; sisters Rosanne (Wayne) Barbknecht, Sue (Don) Redman, Sandy Sutlief, Deb Halbleib, grandchildren Matt (Sadie) Jensen, Josh Jensen (Caitlin Schneider), Brad (Janice) Hager, Alyse (Rudy) Miller, Wes (Alyssa) Hager, Derrick (Caramie) Dempsy, and Chelsey Hager; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Henry and Anna, brothers David, Neil, Paul, Louis, Donnie, and sisters Lucille, Mary Jean, Helen, and Loretta.

Mass of Christian Burial will be December 19, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church in Medford. Friends may greet the family from 2-5 PM December 18, 2022, at Medford Funeral Home, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 5 PM. Visitation will continue Monday from 10:00 – 10:50 AM at Medford Funeral Home, followed by a procession to the church. Burial will follow the mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Medford with military rites by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

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Jacob J. Spinler - February 25, 1931 - December 15, 2022

Departed: 12/15/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Jake Spinler, lifelong resident of Steele County, died December 15, 2022 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be December 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church in Medford. Friends may greet the family from 4-6:30 PM December 20, 2022, at Medford Funeral Home, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 10:00 – 10:50 AM at Medford Funeral Home, followed by a procession to the church. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Medford with military rites by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

Jake was born February 25, 1931 in Medford Township, the son of Fred and Frances (Pester) Spinler. He attended country school in Merton Township. He was drafted into the United States Army, serving our country from 1952 to 1954 in the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Juliana Kubat on August 10, 1957, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. The couple made their home in Merton Township where they raised three daughters. Jake was a farmer for all his working life, retiring from farming in 1997. Jake continued to do custom combining and helping neighbors work the land in the fall and the spring.

Jake was a member of the V.F.W, American Legion in Owatonna, Knights of Columbus in Medford, and the Grandfather’s Club. Life interests include traveling, fishing, and playing cards in a card club. He enjoyed going on a wheat run, driving a combine from Texas to Montana.

Jake is survived by his wife of 65 years, Julie; daughters Janet Springer, Judy (James) Brady and Jerine (Dan) Plaisance; grandchildren Elizabeth (Abe) Kasper, Kelsey (Steven) Pfeifer, Rachel (Jon) Gasner, Janine (Tony Eliason) Brady, Jennifer Brady, Jessica (Eric) Weegman, and Jordan Brady; and great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include siblings Margie Ryg, Mildred Ehrich, and Tom (Ruth) Spinler; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents, sister Franie Mullenbach, son -in-law Ed Springer, and granddaughter Hannah Plaisance.

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Charles Langer - July 07, 1953 - October 24, 2022

Departed: 10/24/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Charles Langer, age 69, of Owatonna, passed away October 24, 2022.

Friends may greet the family 1-3:00 PM Sunday October 30, 2022, at the Medford Funeral Home. Interment at Owatonna Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date.

Charlie was born to parents Gertrude (Ableman) and Ernest Langer in Owatonna.

He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1971. Charlie worked for Tube Co. for a few years, then worked for Kwik Trip as a cashier.

His quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor will be missed. However, most of all he will be remembered for his kind nature. He was someone you wanted to go fishing with.

Charlie was survived by uncle, Joe (Joan) Langer, California, aunt, Geri Ableman, Faribault, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by, parents.

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Frank "Poncho" Panos - December 30, 1957 - October 12, 2022

Departed: 10/12/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Frank “Poncho” Panos died Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna, MN.

Francis Stanley Panos was born December 30, 1957 to Stanley and Elsie (Zak) Panos in Owatonna, MN. He attended Medford High School. He married Deanne Dillon in Owatonna in 2000. Together, they raised their triplets Dominic, Dakota, and Jasmine. The couple later divorced, but remained good friends.

Frank was the owner/operator of Medford Cabinet Shop for all of his life. He assumed ownership of the shop from his father, Stanley. His life interests included motorcycling, snowmobiling, fishing, and trips to the casino. He enjoyed being the life of the party. His greatest love was the time spent working in his shop.

Left to carry on “Poncho’s” memory are children: Dominic and Dakota of Owatonna, and Jasmine of Medford; the triplets mother, Deanne; sisters Jan (Mike) Guse, Owatonna, and Judy (Floyd) Davidson, Tower, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Medford Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may greet the family Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

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Richard "Dick" Kay - November 07, 1928 - August 11, 2022

Departed: 08/11/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Family and friends mourn the passing of Richard “Dick” Kay in his 93rd year on August 11, 2022. He was born in Chicago, IL to parents Joseph and Marie Kwiatkoski November 7, 1928. Having spent his childhood in southwestern Minnesota, he graduated from Minneota High School and took college extension courses from Purdue University while serving 14 months in the Navy from 1948-1949. Dick married Helen Carlson of Lynd, MN Oct 18, 1951 and moved several times before settling in Medford, MN in 1953. Together they raised five children.

Dick bought out the Walter Diers Insurance Agency Nov 1st, 1953 and in 1959 purchased the First State Bank of Medford, which he sold in 1964. Dick built the Medford Insurance Agency and the US Post Office building. His sons, Jerry and John, joined the business in the mid-70’s and it was later sold in December 1996.

Dick’s generosity of time, talent, and treasure was shared with civic, educational, and city affairs, serving on the Christ the King Church board. He was a 67 year member of the Owatonna Elks #1395 and Faribault Eagles #1460, as well a 62 year member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4909, Medford, and Monsignor Henry Speck 4th Degree Assembly, Owatonna. Dick also served as Medford City Clerk, on the finance committee for Medford School, and a 3 term as Medford Civic Club President. Dick and Helen enjoyed travel, family, time with friends in the community and reading.

Dick is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Kay, his 5 children: Marilyn (Tery) Hurst, Australia, Jerry (Doreen) Kay, San Diego, Cathy (Steve) Holl, San Diego, John (Joanne) Kay, Medford, Janet (Steve Bosch) Kay, Burnsville, and 8 grandchildren: Andrew Kay (Anne Nichols), Michael (Lauren) Holl, Daniel (Megan) Holl, Alex Kay (Ashley Schauer), Amy Kay, Amber(Corrie) Kay-Bastian, Katie Kay, Kaitlin (Scott Grivell) Longfellow, and 10 great grandchildren: Marin Kay, Amariana Williams, Kariyana Williams, Bianca Williams, Jontayha Reavers, Roma Kay-Bastian, Rita Kay-Bastian, Piper Grivell, Goldie Grivell and Kellan Holl.

Dick was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Kwiatkoski, his mother, Marie Kwiatkoski, daughter-in-law, Pam Kay, his sisters, Odilia Pierce and Pauline Pesek and his brother in law, James Pesek.

Dick’s family would like to sincerely thank Medford Senior Care and Heartland Hospice Care for the tremendous compassion, love, and kindness they showed. The final days of loving comfort care were a true blessing to Dick and his family.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 2:00- 5:00 PM, at the Medford Funeral Home with a Medford Knights of Columbus Rosary starting at 1:45 PM. Funeral mass will be held Monday, September 12, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church at 11 AM. Following the funeral mass friends will gather in the lower level of church for a time of lunch and fellowship.

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Lisa Thoreson - December 21, 1967 - May 15, 2022

Departed: 05/15/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Lisa Thoreson, Medford, died May 15,2022, at her home. Celebration of life will be held at Medford Funeral Home on May 26th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

Lisa was born December 21, 1967, in Owatonna, the daughter of Peter and Mary Ann (Meyer) Thoreson. She attended Medford Public School and was a member of the graduating class of 1986. She played basketball, was a member of the track and volleyball teams, sang in the choir and was involved in musical theatre productions. Lisa raced canoes with her friend Jill for American Legion Post 301 in Faribault while they were teenagers. They were involved in many of the Medford Straight River Days Canoe races and also placed in state and national championships.

Lisa worked at Truth, Rice Lake State Park as a Park Ranger, J and L Cleaning Services, JC Pegg Law Office and became a notary public, and also Whistle Stop, The Brooks, McDonalds and Casey’s.

Her life interests include canoeing, socializing with friends at the Medford Muni, motorcycle riding with various clubs, and fairy gardens. She liked classic rock and roll, and the gypsy lifestyle.

She is survived by one son, AJ, a brother Tim, both of Medford, niece Kellee (Chris) Hobert and great nephews Lucas and Mason of Charles City, Iowa; niece Allyson Thoreson of Eden Prairie, lifelong loyal friend Jill (Merritt) Olson and many friends and acquaintances. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

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Larry Anton Tande - December 19, 1938 - March 26, 2022

Departed: 03/26/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Larry Tande, of rural Medford, always referred to life as a JOURNEY. Now at 83 years of age and 15 challenging years of multiple myeloma, his journey on earth has come to an end. Larry passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022, at his home.

Visitation will be Friday, April 8, 2022, at the Medford Funeral Home (310 E. Central Ave, Medford, MN) from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 10:30 am at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault, MN, with the visitation continuing at the church one hour prior to the service. The service will be live streamed on the Facebook page for First English Lutheran Church. Oh, what a journey Larry has traveled!

Larry Anton Tande was born December 19, 1938, to Leslie and Gertrude (Hennis) Tande of rural Madelia, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Rosendale Lutheran Church, resulting in a strong Christian faith his entire life. His formal education began in country school, followed by Madelia High School where he was active in FFA. After graduating with honors in 1956, he continued his education at the U of M where he majored in Ag Education. After student teaching in Mountain Lake, he felt the classroom form of teaching was too confining and was not for him, and that Extension would be a better fit. He was hired by the U of M Extension Service in 1960 as Assistant Ag Agent working with the 4-H program in Steele County. This was a great fit for Larry as he had been an active 4-Her in Watonwan County, winning a trip to National 4-H Club Congress representing Minnesota as the 4-H Dairy Project winner and two years later to the National 4-H Dairy Conference. His final 4-H Dairy Show at the Minnesota State Fair, showing "Flash", his purebred Holstein cow, resulted in a champion ribbon and silver coffee service.

The Steele County 4-H program flourished under his leadership with 1250+ members in 32 clubs. Larry also went on to earn his Master’s degree in Dairy Science and Horticulture at the U of M during this time. Larry left Steele County in 1973 and joined the State 4-H Staff as State 4-H Livestock Specialist. During this time ID's were started as well as the rate of gain program for the meat animal projects and genetic awards for dairy. He also rewrote/updated all the 4-H livestock manuals/bulletins. When Russ Gute, Steele County Ag Agent, retired, Larry was lured back to Steele County as Steele County Ag Agent and County Extension Director. This was followed by serving as Extension Regional Director supervising staff in South Central and Southeast Minnesota until his retirement after 42 years with the Minnesota Extension Service.

At a Southeast District Extension Conference, Larry met Carolyn Opjorden, the Rice County Extension Home Agent. A few months later, Larry was strongly encouraged by a co-worker of his to invite Carolyn to attend a movie with him that was playing in Owatonna. He was sure she wouldn't go, but finally called. She said, "Yes", but it would have to be the second show because she had choir practice earlier. (The movie was "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".) As they say, "The rest is history". Larry and Carolyn were married October 11, 1964, at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan, MN. They have been blessed with two children: Tara (Mountlake Terrace, WA) is a German Tour Guide and Emergency and Incident Coordinator for Rick Steves' Europe and Thane (Prior Lake, MN) owns the Knotty Oar Marina in Prior Lake. Seven grandchildren are special blessings: Tatum, Tana, Dakin, Dahvi, and Dassi Tande and Poppy and Sage Swenson.

Along with his career in Extension, Larry bred Registered Holsteins beginning with two that were 4-H projects for Tara and Thane. The herd continued to grow and under the Tande prefix, 98% of the herd was home bred. You could often see them in the ring at the Steele County Fair as well as at the Minnesota State Fair. He bred his cattle for production and type and his classification BAA for his herd was among the top 25 in the nation. The Progressive Breeders Registry Award was awarded several years. The highlight was seeing Tara's Holstein heifer, "Ajax", win Reserve Junior Champion at the 1980 World Dairy Expo. The herd was dispersed in 2013.

Larry considered his membership in organizations to be leadership opportunities. He served on several committees at First English Lutheran Church including church council, President of church council, chair of a call committee, and member of the LEAD team. Of course, helping during the annual lefse making days at Christmas time was much fun! He served on the Minnesota Holstein Board of Directors, was President, and in 1989 was the chair of the National Holstein Convention held in Minnesota. In 2001 he was elected to the Holstein Association USA Board of Directors serving for 6 years, followed by 2 years as Vice-President and 2 years as President. During this time, he was involved in developing training conferences for those who wished to be judges of dairy cattle. This approved list is now used for shows at all levels. He also led the work for updating the illustrations of the true type Holstein cow and bull, setting the standards for Holstein type around the world. He was Open Class Dairy Superintendent of the Minnesota State Fair for several years. He had leadership roles in numerous other organizations including: Minnesota PDCA Board of Directors, Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Board of Directors, National PDCA Board of Directors, World Dairy Expo Board of Directors, Holstein Foundation Board of Trustees, President of Minnesota Association of Extension Agents, to name a few.

Larry was a well-known and sought-after dairy cattle judge. He judged over 620 dairy cattle shows--most of the Minnesota county fairs, many district shows, many state fairs, 3 times at World Dairy Expo and several foreign dairy shows including Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Dominican Republic, Spain, Columbia and Ecuador as well as many US National shows. He was well known for his descriptive and easy to understand reasons and sharp eye. He taught several state, regional and national judging conferences for all breeds. He was known for his work, teaching and supporting kids from beginning 4-H members to college judging teams--helping them learn to evaluate and select good cattle. He loved working with the youth and was well respected. He always offered a kind and encouraging word of support. When asked during an interview if he ever received a negative remark about a placing, he replied, "Very few. I simply agree with them. They had the right to their opinion, but that day I was the judge and I got paid for mine." Integrity and kindness were important to him. With his leadership skills appreciated by so many, he humbly accepted numerous awards: Steele County Livestock Hall of Fame; Minnesota Holstein Association President's Award, Person of the Year Award, Longtime Meritorious Service Award; Minnesota PDCA Distinguished Breeder Award, Distinguished Service Award; Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame; U of M Gopher Dairy Club Distinguished Service Award, Golden Graduate Award: National Association of Ag Extension Agents Distinguished Service Award; National Pedigree Livestock Council Distinguished Service Award; Steele County ADA Livestock Achievement Award; and the National Dairy Shrine Pioneer Award. The list goes on---

Larry has now begun a different journey, his Heavenly Journey. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of over 57 years, Carolyn. His children, Tara and Thane, will always have peace remembering his unconditional love and pride in them. His grandson, Dakin, and granddaughters, Tatum, Tana, Poppy, Dahvi, Sage, and Dassi will carry on the fun as they remember Grandpa's yummy caramel rolls, abundant tomatoes from his garden, and the many corners of his farm to explore. Larry is also survived by his brothers Gerald (Arla) and Paul and brother-in-law Luther (Martha) Opjorden as well as by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of colleagues and friends around the world. Larry shared his final words to be shared with all----"I've had a good life. Don't cry for me. I have been so blessed with my family and career. I couldn't have asked for more!"

Memorials may be directed to Owatonna Homestead Hospice Patient Care Fund, National Holstein Foundation for Dairy Youth Programs, or donor's choice.

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Lloyd "Pat" Kern - April 29, 1932 - February 23, 2022

Departed: 02/23/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Lloyd “Pat” Kern of rural Steele County died February 23, 2022, at his son’s home in Faribault. Mass of Christian Burial is set for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Medford. Friends may greet the family on Monday, February 28, 2022, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Medford Funeral Home. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm at the funeral home on Monday. The visitation continues on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, starting at 10:00 am at the Medford Funeral Home followed by a procession to the church at 10:45 am.

Lloyd was born April 29, 1932, in Walcott Township, Rice County, the son of Nick and Mary (Voegele) Kern. He attended Prairieville Country School in Rice County. Pat was united in marriage to Doris M. Schuler on June 14, 1951, at Christ the King Church in Medford. The couple made their home in the northeast corner of Steele County where they farmed. Pat farmed all his life and harvested his last crop in 2021 at the age of 89.

Pat was a member of the Medford Knights of Columbus, Grand Knight in 1978, and helped organize the K of C Auction for many years. He was a member of the Owatonna Elk’s and Eagles and also a member of several boards that included AMPI, Moland Creamery, and Merton Township Board. Pat’s philosophy in life was, “I was an agricultural engineer all my life -- I started with nothing and have most of it left”. Pat’s hobbies included socializing, polka music, traveling the world, and also playing bumper pool in the farmers vs cities bumper pool tournament.

Pat is survived by his six children: Jerome (Lorinda) Kern of West Concord, Marilyn (Trish Moudry) Kern of Mendota Heights, Darold (Bonnie) Kern of Colorado Springs, CO, Barbara (Alcid) DeMars of Apple Valley, Allen (Bonita) Kern and Carol Olson (Fiancé Mal Galusha), both of Faribault; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Pat was preceded in death by his wife Doris in 2012, grandson Adam, two brothers and three sisters.

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Gary Sell - November 08, 1960 - February 05, 2022

Departed: 02/05/2022 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Gary R. Sell Sr., of Owatonna, died the morning of February 5, 2022, at age 61. Gary was born on November 8, 1960, in Faribault, MN to Lester H. Sell and Violet L. (Beavens) Sell. He was the youngest of 5 children.

Gary attended high school in Waterville, MN where he was a wrestling manager, and graduated in 1979. After high school Gary joined the US Navy on November 7, 1983, where he was assigned to the USS Roark. He was honorably discharged May 27, 1988.

While in the Navy & stationed in the Philippines, Gary met the mother of his 2 children. His son Gary Jr was born in the Philippines in 1986. After moving back to the US, his daughter Helen was born in 1988. His two children were absolutely everything to him.

In 2006 Gary married his wonderful wife Allin (Bayot) Sell and they were blessed with 15 years of marriage.

Gary loved spending time with his wife, kids and his two precious grandchildren who lit up his world. He loved to travel back and forth to the Philippines with Allin as often as they could and had plans for retirement there. Gary also loved sipping back a few captain cokes with his friends and just having a good time.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Violet Sell, and his brother Lester Sell Jr.

He is survived by his wife Allin, children Gary “Jake” Jr and Helen; grandchildren Melia and Mason; his siblings Donna Bruske, David Sell Sr and Robert Sell and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was loved by so many.

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Becky A. Lovgren - December 11, 1981 - May 22, 2021

Departed: 05/22/2021 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Loving mother, daughter, sister and friend—

Becky Ann Lovgren born December 11th, 1981 in Bismarck, North Dakota to Robert and Julie Lovgren (Koch), passed away on May 22nd, 2021. At the age of 39, Becky gained her purple angel wings at the Owatonna Homestead Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer.

Becky is someone you will never forget. She always left a lasting impression and became friends with anyone she met! She was always someone you could rely on for literally anything! Becky was so laid back, go with the flow and always up for a good time—especially if it was going to be crazy! Her zest for life is unmeasurable. We are all better people for have known her. Becky worked many different jobs in Owatonna over the years and became friends with so many people! Many people remember Becky’s humor, passion and conversation from her time worked at Budget Mart, Target, Caribou Coffee, Fleet Farm and Jenni-o Turkey Store. Her vibrance, outstanding fun-loving personality was contagious to everyone she met! Becky will be remembered for her beautiful smile!

Becky loved spending every moment possible with her two children: Dalton and Briella. She is so proud of them; she will watch over them and her memory will live on through them. Becky loved spending time with family, going out with friends, clubbing and spending many vacations on the lake with her North Dakota family.

Becky is survived by her two children, Dalton and Briella Ament, her father Bob Lovgren, her mother Julie Lovgren and her brother, Brad (Amanda Barnett and two children- Abigail and Everly) Lovgren.

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Merle E. Gostomczik - September 10, 1919 - April 06, 2021

Departed: 04/06/2021 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Merle E. Gostomczik, 101, of Medford, died on April 6, 2021 at the Emeralds of Faribault. She was born on September 10, 1919 to Bernard and Hattie (Stauty) Harguth. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School of Waseca in 1937. She attended nurses training at St. Mary’s Nurses School in Rochester. Merle was united in marriage to Leo Gostomczik on May 3, 1940 at Sacred Heart Church in Waseca. Merle was a farmwife alongside her husband and the family settled on a farm in Deerfield Township. Later in life Merle worked in food service at the Owatonna Hospital until her retirement. Merle was a member of Christ The King Church in Medford, charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America and St. Anne Court of Medford/Deerfield. Merle was also a 4-H leader for many years, member of the hospital auxiliary and Steele County Historical Society. Her life interests include crocheting, knitting, reading, music and playing the organ and piano. She is survived by daughter, Jeanette Wartham of Medford; grandsons, Scott Wartham of Medford and Mark (Amy) Wartham of Charlotte, NC. Two Great-Grandsons Nicholas and Daniel Wortham. She is preceded in death husband Leo and son-in-law James Wartham. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, April 9, 2021 at Christ The King Church in Medford, MN with Fr. Jim Starasinich officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may greet the family on Thursday from 4 – 6 PM at the Medford Funeral Home. The Catholic Daughter of America will have a rosary at 4:00 pm at the funeral home on Thursday. The visitation will continue on Friday starting at 10 AM at the Medford Funeral Home followed by a procession to the church at 10:50 AM for the mass.

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Bernard "Bud" J. Pribyl - May 02, 1923 - March 14, 2021

Departed: 03/14/2021 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: * A live stream of the prayer service will take place on the Brick Meger and Medford Funeral Home Facebook page at 4:00 PM*

Bud was born May 2, 1923 in Steele County to Charles and Minnie (Pechachek) Pribyl. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1941. Bud married the love of his life Dorothy (Pfeifer) on December 27, 1948 and together they lived their best life until her passing in 2010. Bud began his jewelry career after graduation at Jostens. He served in the US Army and Reserves from 1948-1954. Bud and Dorothy had two children, Larry (Janis) Pribyl and Bev (John) Allgood. In 1965 the family moved to St. Charles, IL where he continued his jewelry career until his retirement in 1986. Bud and Dorothy retired to the Medford area to be close to and enjoy their family. Bud enjoyed dancing and golf with Dorothy and spending time at their cabin on Lake Tetonka. In retirement he also enjoyed bowling, fishing, card playing am making stained glass projects. He took great pleasure in spending time with family and friends.

Bud was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and also had memberships in the Owatonna VFW and Elk's Club.

Bud is survived by son Larry (Janis) Pribyl of Cable, WI and daughter Bev (John) Allgood of Owatonna, MN; grandchildren Steve (Cindy Schafer) Pribyl of Denver, CO, Natalie (Steve) Tschopp of Owatonna, MN and Jackie (Tim) Kostner of Duluth, MN. He was a beloved "Papa" to his great-grandchildren James, Rylea, & Nora Tschopp, and Calvin & Ruby Kostner.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, parents Charles & Minnie, siblings Dorothy Kubicek, Helen Cheseny, Dick Pribyl, Rose Marie Green and brother and sister in law George & Betty Pfeifer.

The family thanks the Ecumen Countryside and Brooks communities for their loving care the past 3 years.

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Jean A. Larson - May 18, 1938 - March 10, 2021

Departed: 03/10/2021 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Jean Ann (Thiele) Larson passed away March 10, 2021 at the Emerald of Faribault.

Visitation will be 2-4 PM Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the Medford Funeral Home. The visitation will continue at the Medford Funeral Home on Monday from 10:30- 11:15 AM followed by a procession to the church for the funeral mass. Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Monday, March 15 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Medford, MN. A live stream of the funeral will be on the Medford Funeral Home Facebook page.

Jean Ann Thiele Larson was born May 18th, 1938 to Leonard and Leona (Dietz) Thiele. Jean graduated from OHS in 1956 and worked at Security Bank and Trust.

She and George were united in marriage December 28th, 1957, while George was home on leave from the Navy.

In 1958, after being discharged from the Navy, George and Jean returned to Deerfield where they farmed until George’s death in 1992.

Jean continued to run the farm, raising sheep and doing fieldwork. After leaving the farm, she worked at the Kitchen Collection in the Medford Mall and part-time for Drug Wise in Owatonna.

Jean loved to dance, read, bake, and can jams and jellies. She also enjoyed driving tractor while planting or harvesting, growing flowers and watching over her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children and spouses: Tim and Joanne Larson (Medford), Rich and Teri Larson (Caledonia), Charles and Diane Larson (Owatonna), Trina and Dean Schmelzer (Withee, WI), Mathew and Ashly Larson (St. Charles). 17 grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandson, one brother Vince and Lori Thiele and, sister-in-law Josephine Matz.

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Theodore "Ted" A. Stadler - September 24, 1951 - February 28, 2021

Departed: 02/28/2021 (Medford)

Obituary Preview: Theodore “Ted” A. Stadler, age 69 of Medford, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 28th, 2021.

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Services Offered by Medford Funeral Home

Medford Funeral Home offers a comprehensive range of funeral services designed to meet the diverse needs of families in Medford and surrounding areas. From traditional funeral services to cremation options, memorial services, and pre-planning, this funeral home provides personalized attention and care to ensure that every family receives the support they need during a difficult time. Some of the specific services offered by Medford Funeral Home include:

• Traditional funeral services with visitation and burial
• Cremation services with memorialization options
• Memorial services to celebrate the life of a loved one
• Pre-planning and pre-funding options for peace of mind
• Grief support and counseling services

The Staff at Medford Funeral Home

The staff at Medford Funeral Home is comprised of experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to families in need. From licensed funeral directors to administrative staff and support personnel, every member of the team is committed to ensuring that every family receives the highest level of service and attention. The staff at Medford Funeral Home understands that every family is unique, and they take the time to listen, understand, and respond to their individual needs.

Amenities at Medford Funeral Home

Medford Funeral Home features a modern and comfortable facility designed to provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere for families to gather and celebrate the life of their loved one. Some of the amenities offered by this funeral home include:

• A spacious chapel with seating for up to 200 guests
• A large reception area for gatherings and receptions
• A private family lounge for quiet reflection and conversation
• A state-of-the-art audio-visual system for personalized tributes
• Ample parking and easy accessibility for all guests

Community Involvement at Medford Funeral Home

Medford Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the community it serves. Through various outreach programs, charitable initiatives, and community events, this funeral home demonstrates its dedication to supporting local families and organizations. Some examples of community involvement at Medford Funeral Home include:

• Hosting annual memorial services for families who have lost loved ones
• Sponsoring local charities and fundraising events
• Providing educational resources and workshops on grief support and end-of-life planning
• Partnering with local hospices and healthcare organizations to provide additional support services

Why Choose Medford Funeral Home?

Families in Medford and surrounding areas choose Medford Funeral Home for many reasons. Here are just a few:

• Personalized attention and care from experienced professionals
• A wide range of services to meet unique needs and preferences
• A modern and comfortable facility designed for comfort and convenience
• A commitment to excellence and exceptional customer service
• A reputation built on trust, integrity, and compassion

Contacting Medford Funeral Home

If you or someone you love is in need of funeral services or pre-planning assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Medford Funeral Home. You can reach them by phone at (phone number), or by visiting their website at (website URL). Their physical address is 310 Central Ave East, Medford, MN, 55049-9587. The staff at Medford Funeral Home looks forward to serving you with compassion, respect, and dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, achievements, and funeral or memorial services.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, preserving their memory and legacy for future generations.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or crematorium may assist with writing the obituary or provide guidance on what information to include.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, city of residence, and information about their surviving family members. It may also include details about their occupation, hobbies, achievements, and any notable accomplishments.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important information. Aim for around 150-200 words, depending on the publication's guidelines.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the deceased.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to learn about their submission process and any specific requirements they may have. Some may accept submissions online, while others may require email or phone submissions.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication and its policies. Some newspapers or online platforms may charge by the word or line, while others may offer package deals or discounts for longer notices.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, it's becoming increasingly common for people to write their own obituaries in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life story is told in your own words.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed tribute that provides additional context and celebrates the person's life.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including meaningful quotes or poems can add depth and personality to the obituary, making it a more personal and heartfelt tribute.

How do I handle sensitive or difficult information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or difficult aspects of the person's life that you're unsure how to address in the obituary, consider consulting with family members or close friends for guidance. Remember that the goal is to honor the person's memory with respect and dignity.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to continue the person's legacy and support a cause they cared about.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication's schedule and deadlines. Online platforms may publish immediately, while print newspapers may take several days or even weeks.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In some cases, minor corrections may be possible after publication. However, significant changes are often not permitted once the obituary has gone to print. Be sure to proofread carefully before submitting the final version.

What if I need to correct errors in an already-published obituary?

Contact the publication directly to report any errors and request corrections. They will guide you through their process for making changes.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

Sometimes families choose to republish an obituary on anniversaries or special occasions. Check with the original publication for their policies on republication.

How do I find archived copies of old obituaries?

You can try searching online archives, visiting local libraries or genealogical societies, or contacting the original publication directly. Many newspapers also maintain online archives that can be searched by keyword or date range.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an obituary for a veteran?

Yes, when writing an obituary for a veteran, be sure to include relevant military service information, such as branch of service, rank, and any notable awards or decorations. You may also want to consider including patriotic language or symbols.

Can I include humor or lighthearted anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor and personal stories can help bring the person to life and make the obituary more engaging and relatable.

What if I'm struggling to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress?

Are there any specific cultural or religious considerations when writing an obituary?

Yes, be mindful of cultural and religious customs when writing an obituary. For example, some faiths may have specific traditions around mourning periods or burial practices that should be respected.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Absolutely! Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of a loved one's passing and connecting with others who want to pay their respects. Share a link to the online obituary or post a brief summary along with any relevant photos or memories.

How do I preserve an online obituary over time?