Starbuck Funeral Home Obituaries

Introduction to Starbuck Funeral Home

Located in the heart of Merkel, Texas, Starbuck Funeral Home has been a pillar of support for families in their time of need. With a rich history and a commitment to providing compassionate care, this funeral home has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected in the region. In this article, we'll delve into the history, services, and amenities offered by Starbuck Funeral Home, as well as what sets them apart from other funeral homes in the area.

A Brief History of Starbuck Funeral Home

Starbuck Funeral Home has a long and storied history that dates back many years. Founded on a commitment to serving the community with dignity and respect, this funeral home has been family-owned and operated for generations. Over the years, they have built a reputation for providing personalized care and attention to detail, earning the trust of families from all walks of life. Today, Starbuck Funeral Home remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence in funeral service.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Marge Pauline Mensing - September 04, 1930 - September 20, 2022

Departed: 09/20/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Funeral services for Marge Mensing of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be held Monday, September 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at West Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hancock, Minnesota, with Reverend Steve Carmany officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at West Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Margery Pauline Rhoads, daughter of Frank and Ivadel (Lewis) Rhoads, was born September 4, 1930 in Peoria, Illinois.  She grew up and attended school in Anita, Iowa until the seventh grade, when her family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she graduated High School.  Marge met Wayne Mensing on a blind date. The two of them went swimming, even though Marge couldn’t swim! They dated for one and a half years, and were united in marriage on August 23, 1952.

Following their marriage, the couple moved to Fargo, North Dakota where their two children, Deborah Ann and Paula Jean were born.  Marge worked at General Mills and later at the Osseo School District while Wayne returned to college to enter the Seminary.  After which time Marge focused full time on her life as a mother and her work with her husband in the ministry.  In January 1973, their family settled in Starbuck, Minnesota, where Wayne was called to serve.  Marge worked with her husband as his personal secretary and assistant, a position she held for the duration of Wayne’s active ministry.  Marge and Wayne moved to Montevideo in 1989, where she continued to work alongside her husband. In 1995, Marge and Wayne retired. Following their retirement, they split their time between Minnesota and Indio, California until Wayne’s death in 2000.  Marge worked with the Granite Falls Interfaith Disaster Relief Office, and part time for the Granite Falls Chamber Office. In 2019, Marge moved back to Starbuck to be closer to family, where she continued to live until the time of her death.

Marge was an avid golfer, and very proud to have recorded a hole-in-one. She also took part in numerous bowling leagues. She was very active with church activities including: Bible studies, councils, women’s committees and supervising children while on camping and canoe trips with the Luther League and confirmation kids. She was known for creating beautiful banners to be hung during various seasons at church, and creating papier-mâché puppets for Sunday school and community events/holidays. She enjoyed cross-stitch, reading and visiting with her friends at Holly Ridge, but not playing Bingo! She loved spending time with her Paulson Park “girls,” and Monday nights at Toppers.  She enjoyed preparing meals for holidays, making and sharing her special hot chocolate, brownies and Biscotti with her family, and always bragged about her “greats” (great-grandchildren) to all of her friends and visitors. Her greatest love was for her family.    Marge’s faith is what she held most dear to her, and her compassion and unconditional love is what she will be remembered by.

Marge died Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, Minnesota.  She was 92 years old.

She is survived by her daughter: Paula (Mike) Hoverud of Starbuck; grandchildren: Michelle Moen (Pat Winter) of Starbuck, Jeannie Hoverud (Gary Verhoeff) of Belgrade and Mitchell Hoverud (Kristi Winter) of Clontarf; great-grandchildren: Austin Hoverud, Hailey Hoverud, Gavin Moen, Ava Moen, Morgan Winter, Nolan Winter, Brayden Winter and Tenley Winter and sister: Ann Tatum of Omaha, NE. She was preceded in death by her husband: Wayne Mensing; her parents; step-father: Raymond Sterner; daughter: Deb Thompson; brother: Gail "Whitey" Rhoads and sister: Barb Eklund.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements for Marge. Marge Mensing's Memorial Folder

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Stephen R. Swenson - March 11, 1951 - August 13, 2022

Departed: 08/13/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: A Remembrance Gathering for Stephen Swenson, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022, at the Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. followed by a Prayer service at 4:00 p.m.  Pastor Paul Johnson will be officiating and burial will be at Fron Cemetery in Starbuck.

Stephen Ray Swenson was born on March 11,1951 in Morris Minnesota. He was the third child of Elmer and Genevieve Swenson. Steve grew up with siblings Gary and Vicki in Starbuck MN. His childhood was spent living across the highway from Lake Minnewaska. With the lake so close he enjoyed swimming at the beach, fishing, and water skiing. He often “hung out” with his father at the Farmers Union Coop in town and enjoyed talking with the area farmers. He loved the family dog, Butch, his buddy since he was a toddler.

During the teen years he learned small engine repair and worked at the Ford dealership detailing cars. That began his love of cars and trucks, especially the Ford Mustang. After graduating from Starbuck High School in 1969, he attended Moorhead State College graduating with a BA degree in Business Administration in 1973. Using his business degree, he worked for the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Hopkins MN, the Minnesota Retail Merchant Association, St. Paul MN, and Cenex Petroleum/CHS Refined Fuels, Inver Grove Heights MN.

Steve met Lynn Hesby while at Moorhead State College and they were married on January 26, 1974 at the United Methodist Church in Crookston MN. They lived for 2 years in Minnetonka MN. The family years began in December of 1974 with the birth of their son Aric. After a move to Brooklyn Park MN, three more sons: Nicholas, Joel, and Andrew, joined the family. Their calendar was now full with school activities, sports (cross country, baseball, and basketball), church, and Boy Scouts. Family vacation time was spent visiting grandparents in Starbuck and Crookston and camping in the state parks of Minnesota and in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Steve began a successful career at Cenex Petroleum/CHS Refined Fuels in Inver Grove Heights MN in 1980. He had many friends within the petroleum industry. Steve was well known for telling Ole and Lena jokes. Maybe that’s how he got the nickname “Swen”. He enjoyed many outings with them, including salmon fishing near the Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada, wild pig hunting in Texas, and pheasant hunting in Kansas. He retired from his position as Manager of Supply and Logistics, Refined Fuels on June 1, 2012.

During his retirement he enjoyed watching the “cutest grandchildren ever” grow up, traveling, camping, working part time at North Country Ford as a driver, and volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. Steve enjoyed meeting new people and could start a conversation with almost anyone. One of his favorite pastimes was coffee and doughnuts with friends he met at a coffee shop.

Stephen died peacefully on Saturday, August 13,2022, at the J.A. Wedum Hospice in Brooklyn Park; he was 71 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn; and sons: Aric and Nicholas, both of Brooklyn Park MN, Joel (Karen Evans) of Golden Valley MN, and Andrew (Holly Creed) of Grosse Pointe Woods MI; and 3 grandchildren: Ella, Julia, and Evan; his brother Gary and sister Vicki Aaberg (Roger) all of Starbuck MN.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Genevieve.

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Doris Mavis Gorder - May 04, 1935 - August 04, 2022

Departed: 08/04/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Memorial services for Doris Gorder of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be held Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Minnewaska Lutheran Church in Starbuck, Minnesota, with Reverend Dr. Joel Rolf officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Burial will be at Minnewaska Lutheran Cemetery, Starbuck, Minnesota.

Doris Mavis Suckow, daughter of August and Helen (Erdman) Suckow, was born May 4, 1935, in Holloway, Minnesota.  She grew up on farms in Danvers and Holloway, Minnesota.  She graduated from Starbuck High School and the University of Minnesota Morris.  She was united in marriage to Arnold Gorder Jr. on January 9, 1954, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  The family made their home in Starbuck, where they raised their children Ronald and Kathryn. Doris worked as an art teacher in Garfield, Alexandria and Starbuck Public schools.  Arnold passed away September 11, 2019.  Doris continued to live in Starbuck until the time of her death.

Doris was a lifelong member of Indherred Lutheran Church or Minnewaska Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed art, gardening, camping and reading.

Doris passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, Minnesota.  She was 87 years old.

She is survived by one son: Ronald (Orlene) Gorder of Lowry; one daughter: Kathryn Tohal of New Ulm; five grandchildren: Lisa (Nate) Lindemann, Adam Gorder, Jackie (Nick) Tohal, Sarah Tohal and Sam Tohal and one great-grandchild: Kenley Lindemann. She was preceded in death by her husband: Arnold Gorder; infant children: Ralph, Randall and Mark Gorder; son-in-law: Brian Tohal; her parents; one brother: Harold Suckow and four sisters: Florence Sylte, Mildred Suckow, Doreen Stolt and Vernie Hagestuen.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements for Doris. To send condolences to the family please visit www.starbuckfh.com.

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Judith Ann McFarlin - February 17, 1947 - July 06, 2022

Departed: 07/06/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Our beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 6, 2022 at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, MN. Judith Ann McFarlin, 75, of Starbuck, MN was born in Fargo, ND on February 17, 1947 to Clarence and Elizabeth Lund. Judy was raised in Moorhead, MN where she attended high school. Judy loved QVC, camping, bonfires, gardening, rummage sales, pull tabs, her garage bar, and playing Sorry with the grandkids. Judy’s biggest accomplishments were her babies: Kimberly Ann, Chad Gene, Laura Lee, and Ann-Pell Marie along with her Grandma Things. She loved nothing more than their visits and spending time with her kids and grandkids. On April 20, 1990, Judy was united in marriage to Steven McFarlin in Crookston, MN where they established their lives together. They moved to Starbuck in 1997 where they enjoyed boating and decorating their bar. Judy is survived by her husband, Steve; her four children, Kim (Jason) of Hudson, WI; Chad (Danielle), of Mooresville, NC; Laurie (Craig) of Crookston, MN; and Ann-Pell of Jerome, ID; as well as her two stepchildren, Heather (Todd) of Wellington, OH; and Maurice of Austin, MN. She is also survived by her brother, Ronnie of Moorhead, MN; and sisters, Gayle (Bernie) of Fargo, ND; and Mernie of Fargo, ND; along with 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Elizabeth; her in-laws, Maurice and Lue; brother, David; son-in-law, Kirk; and sister-in-law, Jackie. A Celebration of Life will be held at the City Park on the west shores of Lake Minnewaska off Hwy 28 in Starbuck, MN next to Hobo Park and Marina on Wednesday, July 13 at 11:00 AM. Please join us for a luncheon following the service in the park. Memorials may be sent to 103 East 8th Street, Starbuck, MN 56381. A special thank you to the staff of Minnewaska Lutheran Home and Glacial Ridge Hospice for the tremendous health care and family support.

Starbuck Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Judith.

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Richard Staat - May 27, 1924 - June 28, 2022

Departed: 06/28/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Richard Vernon Staat passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Glacial Trails Memory Care Center in Starbuck, MN; he was 98 years old. Services are pending.

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"Boots" Marlin Friese - September 24, 1939 - June 27, 2022

Departed: 06/27/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: There will be a visitation for Boots Friese on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Barrett Community Center in Barrett, Minnesota.

Boots Marlin Friese, son of Albert and Louise (Langer) Friese, was born September 24, 1939, in Brooten, Minnesota.  He was baptized in 1941 and confirmed May 3, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove Lake, Minnesota.  Boots was raised in rural Brooten and attended Brooten High School.  Following his schooling, Boots enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1958 to 1962.  He was united in marriage to Betty Hayne on July 16, 1967.  Together, the couple traveled for a few years while Boots worked telephone construction. In 1970, Boots took a job with Runestone Telephone Company in Hoffman, where he worked until his retirement in 2004. Boots and Betty made their home on a farm East of Barrett, where they farmed for a short time, and lived for 50 years.

Boots enjoyed deer hunting with his time spent at deer camp, fishing, camping, spending time with family and friends, picking his guitar, a good time and happy hour.  He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Boots passed away Monday, June 27, 2022, at his home.  He was 82 years old.

He is survived by his wife: Betty Friese of Barrett; three children: Robin Anderson (Chuck Henriksen) of Cyrus, Lisa (Kurt) Swensrud of Starbuck and Chad (Tanya) Friese of Granite Falls; ten grandchildren: Jayde (Jon) Jallo, Tristan Anderson, Alicia (Aaron) Schueller, Tyrel (Jordan) Swensrud and Dylan Swensrud, Yolanda (Dustin) Voth, Brook Iverson, Austin (Raelin) Friese, Ayden Friese, Evan Friese; ten great-grandchildren: Easton Nohl, Boy Jallo, Sawyer Swensrud, Jackson and Landon Schueller, Payton, Porter and Emmett Swensrud, Emeril and Leeland Voth; siblings: Corky Friese (Rosie Krusemark) of Barrett, Anne Henze of Alliance, NE, Kay (Jack) Brock of Alliance, NE and Lorna (John) Dierks of Sauk Centre. Boots is also survived by many family members and friends that are considered family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law: John and Dottie Hayne; sister: Zona (Erling) Baalson; nephew: John Brock III and great-grandson: Zach Voth.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements for Boots.

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Peder Marcus Baukol - March 18, 1932 - June 24, 2022

Departed: 06/24/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: A Celebration of Life for Peder Baukol will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Starbuck, Minnesota.  Reverend Paul Johnson will be officiating.  A visitation will be at the church on Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Peder Marcus Baukol was born on March 18, 1932, to Marcus and Betsey (Ronnei) Baukol at the family farm in White Bear Lake Township, Pope County, Minnesota.  Peder was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and received his education at country school through the 8th grade and then Starbuck High School where he graduated with the class of 1949.  After high school, he attended the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus for a short time before returning home to farm along side his dad.  In November of 1953, Peder was drafted in the United States Army, he was stationed overseas in Germany for nine months and in October of 1955, he was honorably discharged.  Peder met a young woman from Glenwood, Thelma “Timmie” Rosten, the couple dated and were married on May 12, 1956, at Indherred Lutheran Church, north of Starbuck.  They made their home on a farm near Peder’s family home and started their family, welcoming three children.  Peder retired from farming in the early 2000’s; even after retirement, he was always looking for things to do and land to buy (unable to convince Timmie to make the purchases!) In June of 2018, following a knee surgery, Peder became a resident of Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck where he continued to live until the time of his death. Peder was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  He was proud of the community he lived in and was always supporting it in various ways and could always be found at community events.  He loved planning for and traveling with Timmie, their friends and family; a few of their travels took them to Europe, Alaska, and on several bus trips.   He was always reading, enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, and in younger years, hunting and fishing.  He was an avid Minnesota Sports fan – the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers.  Peder was very humble and thankful for the life he was given – “Count Your Blessings” he would always say!  He was extremely proud of his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as it meant his family was growing!  One of his favorite pastimes was driving around, checking the fields, and deciding what land he was going to purchase next!

Peder died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, June 24, 2022, at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, he was 90 years old.

Peder is survived by his wife, Timmie of Starbuck; his daughter, Suzan (Bruce) Holten of Starbuck; his son, Peder II (Pat) Baukol of Alexandria; daughter-in-law, DeAnna Baukol of Pelican Rapids; 9 grandchidren: Derek (Tiffany) Holten of Starbuck, Justin (Linsey) Holten of Mapleton, ND, Cory (Abby) Holten of Moorhead, Tanner (Lauren) Holten of Crookston, Peder III (Jennifer) Baukol of White Plains, NY, Andrew Baukol of Laramie, WY, Amy (Rick) Zertuche of Fargo, ND, Sarah (Jackson) Koster of Redwood Falls, and Tyler (Leah) Baukol of Breckenridge;  16 great-grandchildren: Asher Holten, Lennon, Hayes, and Bode Holten, Henley Holten, Cooper, Briar, and Lynden Holten, Peder IV, Nicola, and Josephine Baukol, Beau and Eason Zertuche, Kason and Camden Koster and Emersyn Baukol.  He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Baukol; and siblings: Lawrence, Bernice, Melvin, Warren, and Chester.

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Mary Jane Lida - October 08, 1946 - June 14, 2022

Departed: 06/14/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Funeral services for Mary Lida of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be held Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry, Minnesota, with Reverend Bryan Taffe officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Fron Lutheran Cemetery, rural Starbuck, Minnesota.

Mary Jane Sell, daughter of Edward and Lillian (Chors) Sell, was born October 8, 1946 in Westbrook, Minnesota.  She was baptized November 10, 1946 in Westbrook.  In 1953, the family moved to a farm west of Lowry, where Mary grew up and attended school.  She was confirmed May 15, 1960 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lowry.  Mary graduated from Glenwood High School in 1964.  In high school, Mary was active in choir, Home Economics Club, Hospital Careers Club and Red Cross Training. Mary attended cosmetology school in Fergus Falls.  She was united in marriage to Charles Lida November 27, 1965 at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck by Reverend Paul Tolo.  The couple bought a farm near Lowry, Minnesota and later moved to Starbuck.  Mary opened a beauty shop at her farm in 1967 and later had three locations in Starbuck.  She also worked as a hairdresser for Starbuck Funeral Home for 35 years. Charles passed away February 17, 2006.   Mary later met Lane Kalina and the two became great friends.  They bought property by Walker, Minnesota, where they enjoyed their time camping and hunting for many years. Mary continued to live in Starbuck until the time of her death.

Mary was a member of Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lowry for many years, where she taught Sunday school, attended Bible Circle and helped at many church functions.  She had a passion for music, cooking, needle work, hunting and fishing.   She enjoyed her clients and hair styling.  Mary loved flying in the airplane with her husband.  They had three different planes. One time, Charles took her for a ride where they did 18 loops between Benson and Starbuck!  In 1987, Charles and Mary ran the shooting gallery in Virginia City, NV for one and a half years. While there, Merle Haggard played next door and Clint Eastwood shot pistols and posed for pictures. For the last 16 years, Mary and Lane have spent most of their time traveling and camping at their property in Walker.  She will be missed by all of her clients and friends she has made throughout the years.

Mary passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, Minnesota.  She was 75 years old.

She is survived by special friend: Lane Kalina of Glenwood; brother: Steven Sell of Eurka, MT; nephew: Mike Sell of Garfield and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband: Charles Lida; infant son: Matthew Paul; infant twins: Carla and Kathleen; her parents and nephew: Chris Sell.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.

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Shirley Joan VanVeldhuizen - March 29, 1935 - June 09, 2022

Departed: 06/09/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Memorial services for Shirley VanVeldhuizen of Worthington, Minnesota, will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at American Reformed Church in Worthington, Minnesota, with Reverend Alan Salwei officiating.  Burial will be at the Worthington Cemetery in Worthington, Minnesota.

Shirley Joan Aberson, daughter of Bert and Jennie (Geurink) Aberson, was born March 29, 1935 in Orange City, IA.  She attended country school south of Orange City.  She was united in marriage to Kenneth VanVeldhuizen on November 11, 1960 in Orange City, IA.  The couple farmed in Hospers, IA.  In 1974, they moved to a farm north of Reading, MN. They retired from farming in 1999 and moved to Worthington.  While in Worthington, Shirley and Ken delivered papers for the Daily Globe.  Ken passed away July 3, 2019.  Shirley continued to live in Worthington until the time of her death.

Shirley was a member of the American Reformed Church in Worthington. She enjoyed embroidering, baking, playing games, watching gameshows and spending time with family.

Shirley is survived by two daughters: Jennifer (Scott) DeCramer of Worthington and Shelley Gronewold of Las Vegas, NV; six grandchildren: Brittany (Dusty) Haskins, Natosha (Brian) Escalante, Haylee Behrends, Tyrus (friend, Sarahi Pereyra) Gronewold, Travis Behrends and Jevin Gronewold; six great-grandchildren: Kiara, Ashton, Kendryn, Kinley, Koralyn and Kayde; five siblings: Betty Engeltjes of Edgerton, Jeane VanVeldhuizen of Sanborn, IA, Esther VanDenBerg of Rock Valley, IA, Gilbert (Thelma) Aberson of Orange City, IA and Will (Darlene) Aberson of Orange City, IA.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth VanVeldhuizen; grandson: Zachary Behrends; her parents; sisters: Wilmina Cleveringa and Joan Dykstra; brother: John Aberson and brothers-in-law: Bernie Engeltjes, Gene VanVeldhuizen, Darrell VanDenBerg, Nick Cleveringa and Jake Dykstra.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements for Shirley.  To send condolences to the family please visit www.pedersenfh.com.

Shirley  VanVeldhuizen's Memorial Folder

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Larry Eugene Mix - November 25, 1945 - May 26, 2022

Departed: 05/26/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Funeral services for Larry Mix, of Cyrus, Minnesota, will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck.  Pastor Patrick Franey will be officiating.  A visitation will be held Friday, June 3, 2022, from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home and Saturday from 10-11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church prior to the funeral services. Burial will be at the St. John's Cemetery following the funeral services.

Larry Eugene Mix was born on November 25, 1945, in Jackson, Minnesota to Kenneth Darl and Eithlyn Louise (Poelaert) Mix.  Larry was baptized in his faith in Jackson, Minnesota, and at the age of 5 moved with his family to rural Cyrus, Minnesota. He was confirmed at St. Petri’s Lutheran Church in Cyrus. Larry received his education in the Cyrus School District, graduating with the Cyrus High School class of 1963.  While in high school, Larry was the only student who played varsity football for five years!  Larry had a variety of jobs following high school. He worked at the grain elevator in Cyrus and Clyde Machines in Glenwood, as a heavy equipment operator building roads across the state, and finally began his career as a delivery driver with UPS in Morris in 1968; retiring after 40 years of service in 2009.  In 1963, Larry was united in marriage to Mary Hawkinson in Cyrus.  They made their home around Cyrus and welcomed six children – five boys and one girl.  In 1985, Larry was united in marriage to Jeanne Courneya at their property in New Prairie Township, Pope County, Minnesota.  They completed their family by welcoming three more sons.

Larry was happiest spending time with friends and family.  He loved gardening, hunting, cooking and was especially known for his annual hog roasts. Larry was very mechanically inclined and had a way of making something out of nothing. He taught himself many trades in that way and passed that on to his children. He also had an iron will – when Larry made up his mind to do something – he did it!  Larry loved dancing and spent most of his weekends dancing with Jeanne; two-stepping all over the dance floor.  In his later years, he enjoyed watching the sunsets from his breezy deck chair, watching his favorite television shows (Dancing with the Stars, Wheel of Fortune and the evening news), and visiting with family.

Larry was an honest, stubborn, and faithful man.  He wore his heart on his sleeve and enjoyed a good debate.  Larry was hard-headed yet soft-hearted; he was blessed to have married two amazing women and raise a loving and close family.  He had a strong faith and believed that Jesus was his savior.  When he was going through hard times, Larry would ‘give it to God’ and would read his bible until his heart was content.

Larry died peacefully, surrounded by his family at home on Thursday, May 26, 2022; he was 76 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Mix of Cyrus; his first wife, Mary Hawkinson of Cyrus; eight sons: DeWayne (Linda) Mix of Cyrus, Devin Mix of Cyrus, Darin (Dana) Mix of Roseville, David (Jen) Mix of Lakeville, Dustin (Shiva) Mix of Eden Prairie, Trevor (Alicia) Mix of Sauk Centre, Travis (Kasie) Mix of Chanhassen, and Tanner Mix of Cyrus; 19 grandchildren: Ronnie (Maria) Johnson, Kristi (Kerry) Krafthefer, Ryan Mix, Rachel (Ethan) Mix, Riley Mix, Garrett Mix, Afton Mix, Zachary (Shelbea) Mix, Nathan Mix, Adam Mix, Janessa Mix, Brady Mix, Daniel Rahmani, Bijan Rahmani, Adalynn Mix, Cato Mix, Layla Mix, Jaxtyn Mix, and Talon Mix; 5 great-grandchildren: Oliver and Hazel Krafthefer, Ophelia and Callahan Miller, and Zayne Mix; siblings: Carl Mix of Murfreesboro, TN, Louis (Pat) Mix of Cyrus, Linda Wente of Annandale, Jeff (Joyce) Mix of Moreno Valley, CA, and Jeannie Martens of Washington, UT.  He is preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth and Eithlyn Mix; his daughter, Dawn Mix; his sisters-in-law Joene Mix and Addy Mix; and his brothers-in-law Dalton Wente and Jeff Martins.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY PREFERS THAT YOU PLANT A TREE IN MEMORY OF LARRY.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in care of arrangements for Larry.

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Agnes Glenn Martinson - April 08, 1927 - May 25, 2022

Departed: 05/25/2022 (Starbuck)

Obituary Preview: Funeral services for Agnes Martinson will be on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck.  Reverend Paul Johnson will be officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Fron Cemetery, rural Starbuck.

Agnes Glenn Schultz was born in Odessa Township, Big Stone County, Minnesota with her Aunt Anna Lindquist as midwife, to parents Frederick and Clara (Melcher) Schultz on April 8, 1927. Agnes was baptized on March 26, 1947, and confirmed on April 3, 1947, at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville, Minnesota. She was raised in Park Rapids, where she attended school until the 8th grade.  Following her schooling, she moved in with her sister, Evelyn.  Agnes moved to Ortonville and worked at the phone company.  While there, She met and married Stanley Martinson on April 27, 1947, at First English Lutheran Church.  Following their marriage, they moved to Minneapolis while Stan attended school.   In 1960, they relocated to Starbuck.  Aggie worked at the hardware store for a short time before starting her career with the Starbuck Schools as a cook.  She retired and continued living on the lake in Starbuck.   Stanley preceded Agnes in death in 2017.  Agnes moved into Holly Ridge in Starbuck and in January of 2022, she became a resident of the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck where she lived until her death.

Aggie was an active member at Fron Church in Starbuck, she was involved in the quilting circle, bible study, taught Sunday school, and served on different boards.  She loved to be on the lake and was an avid flower gardener.  Aggie played with various Bridge clubs in Starbuck.  In her earlier years, she was an excellent softball player, and enjoyed golf.  She was a fabulous cook and baker, especially her lefse and brown sugar cookies.  She always believed that if you worked hard, everything would be taken care of.

Agnes died peacefully on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, she was 95 years old.

Agnes is survived by her son, Greg (Jane Brenden) Martinson of Sartell; her daughter, Mary (Howard) Bremmer of Buffalo; grandchildren: Lindsay (Zach) LaNore, Geoff Martinson, Betsy (Jeremy) Risk, Jill (Jeff) Lemmerman, John (Michelle) Bremmer and Mark (Michaela) Bremmer; great-grandchildren: Avery and Peyton LaNore, Payson and Rielynn Risk, Benjamin and Leo Bremmer, and Hudson, Remington, and Harlow Bremmer; brother-in-law Roger Martinson; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Earl Martinson; son, Richard Alan Martinson; brother and sisters: Elsie Hanson, Adeline Ennenga, Ernest Schultz, Evelyn Becker, Fern Lantis and Helen Jones; brothers-in-laws and sisters–in-laws: Jim and Christy Martinson, Marvin and Lois Knopf, and Ebbie Martinson.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Holly Ridge and Minnewaska Lutheran Home for all of the wonderful care Agnes received.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIALS ARE PREFERRED TO DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS AT MINNEWASKA AREA HIGH SCHOOL.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in care of arrangements for Agnes.

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Services Offered by Starbuck Funeral Home

At Starbuck Funeral Home, they understand that every family is unique and has its own set of needs and preferences. That's why they offer a wide range of services designed to meet the individual needs of each family they serve. From traditional funeral services to cremation options, memorial services, and pre-planning, their experienced staff is dedicated to guiding families through every step of the process. They also offer a variety of additional services, including grief counseling, aftercare programs, and bereavement support groups.

The Facility at Starbuck Funeral Home

Nestled in the heart of Merkel, the facility at Starbuck Funeral Home is warm and inviting, providing a comforting atmosphere for families to gather and celebrate the life of their loved one. The funeral home features spacious chapels, comfortable visitation areas, and ample parking for guests. Their state-of-the-art facilities are designed to accommodate families of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations of life.

The Staff at Starbuck Funeral Home

The staff at Starbuck Funeral Home is comprised of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and compassion to every family they serve. From licensed funeral directors to administrative staff and support personnel, every member of their team is committed to delivering personalized service with integrity, respect, and kindness. They take the time to listen to families' needs, answer questions, and provide guidance throughout the entire funeral planning process.

Pre-Planning Services at Starbuck Funeral Home

At Starbuck Funeral Home, they understand that planning ahead can be a thoughtful and responsible decision. That's why they offer pre-planning services designed to help individuals plan their funeral arrangements in advance. By making these decisions ahead of time, families can avoid difficult choices during an already emotional time. Their experienced staff will guide individuals through the pre-planning process, helping them make informed decisions about their final wishes.

Community Involvement at Starbuck Funeral Home

Starbuck Funeral Home is deeply rooted in the Merkel community and is committed to giving back through various outreach programs and initiatives. They partner with local organizations to provide educational resources, support bereaved families, and promote awareness about important issues related to end-of-life care. Through their community involvement, they demonstrate their dedication to serving others beyond just funeral services.

What Sets Starbuck Funeral Home Apart

So what sets Starbuck Funeral Home apart from other funeral homes in the area? It's their unwavering commitment to providing personalized care and attention to detail that makes them stand out. They take the time to get to know each family they serve, listening to their stories and learning about their loved ones. This allows them to create meaningful tributes that honor the lives of those who have passed away. Additionally, their experienced staff is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in funeral service, ensuring that families receive the highest level of care possible.

Contacting Starbuck Funeral Home

If you're in need of funeral services or would like more information about Starbuck Funeral Home, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact them by phone at [phone number] or visit their website at [website URL]. Their office is located at 201 Edwards St, Merkel, TX 79536, and they welcome visitors during business hours. Whether you're planning ahead or need immediate assistance, the compassionate staff at Starbuck Funeral Home is here to support you every step of the way.

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 other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, accomplishments, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to notify 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 generations to come.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or cremation service 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, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about memorial services, donations in lieu of flowers, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a short paragraph.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the person who has passed away.

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

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to find out their submission guidelines and deadlines. Some may accept submissions online or via email, while others may require a phone call or in-person visit.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

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

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it is becoming more 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, usually including only the most basic information. An obituary is a more detailed tribute that provides a fuller picture of the person's life and legacy.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! While an obituary should be respectful, it's okay to inject some humor or personality into the writing. This can help celebrate the person's life and make the tribute more engaging and memorable.

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 a trusted friend. It's essential to be honest and respectful while still conveying the essence of the person's life.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or lyrics that were meaningful to the person who has passed away can be a lovely addition to an obituary. Just be sure to verify the accuracy of any quotes or lyrics before including them.

How do I proofread an obituary for errors?

Carefully review the obituary for spelling, grammar, and factual errors before submitting it for publication. Consider having multiple people review it as well to catch any mistakes.

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

This may depend on the publication or online platform. Some may allow corrections or updates, while others may not. Be sure to check their policies before submitting the obituary.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

The length of time an online obituary remains available varies depending on the platform. Some may keep them up indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period.

Can I share an obituary on social media?

Yes, many online platforms allow you to share obituaries on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. This can be a convenient way to notify friends and acquaintances of a person's passing.

What is a living obituary?

A living obituary is a tribute written about someone who is still alive. This can be a unique way to celebrate a person's life and achievements while they are still with us.

Can I write an obituary for a pet?

Absolutely! Many people choose to write tributes to their beloved pets when they pass away. This can be a meaningful way to acknowledge their importance in our lives.

How do I handle multiple marriages or complicated family relationships in an obituary?

This can be a delicate situation. Consider consulting with family members or a trusted friend to determine how best to acknowledge these relationships in the obituary.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, this is a common practice. Specify the charity or charities that you would like donations made to in lieu of flowers.

How do I ensure that an online obituary is accurate and respectful?

Carefully review the content before submitting it for publication. Make sure all information is accurate and respectful, and that you have permission to share any photos or personal details included.

Can I write an anonymous obituary?

This is generally not recommended. Obituaries are meant to be tributes to real people who have lived full lives. Anonymous tributes may not carry the same emotional weight or significance.

How do I preserve an online obituary for future generations?

You may want to print out a copy of the online obituary or save it digitally for future reference. You could also consider creating a physical scrapbook or memory book with copies of the obituary and other mementos.