Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel Obituaries

Introduction to Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel

Located in the heart of St. James, Minnesota, Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel has been providing compassionate and professional funeral services to the local community for many years. With a long history of serving families in their time of need, this funeral home has established itself as a trusted and reliable choice for those seeking to honor their loved ones.

A Brief History of Sturm Funeral Home

The story of Sturm Funeral Home began many years ago, when a group of dedicated individuals came together to provide a vital service to the people of St. James. Over the years, the funeral home has grown and evolved, but its core values of compassion, respect, and dedication have remained unchanged. Today, Sturm Funeral Home is proud to be a part of the St. James community, and continues to serve families with the same level of care and commitment that it has always provided.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Ruth Schmillen - August 16, 1917 - October 29, 2022

Departed: 10/29/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Ruth Schmillen, age 105, of St. James, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society – Pleasant View in St. James.

Memorial services will be 2:00pm, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in St. James with Rev. David Lick officiating.

Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James.

Visitation will be at the church one hour before services on Tuesday.

Please check back for a complete obituary notice.

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Kevin Bigaoutte - January 01, 1957 - October 25, 2022

Departed: 10/25/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Kevin James Bigaouette, 65, passed October 25 2022.

He is survived by his wife Joann, his sisters Shannon, Colleen,Kelly Farm (Jim) and brother Brian (Michaela).Also survived by brother in-law Robert Schroeder (Judy) and many nephews and nieces.

Kevin's occupation was HVAC maintenance for the State of Minnesota for 28 years. Kevin was retired and spent his last year's enjoying life on the farm in St James.

His presence was very well known in any room he entered and will be deeply missed by his best friend and loving wife Joann, his family and his friends. No service has been scheduled at this time.

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Marjorie Moulton - April 13, 1926 - October 20, 2022

Departed: 10/20/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Marjorie Moulton, age 96, of St. James, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Mayo Clinic Health Care System - St. James.

A memorial service will be held 3:00pm, Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James with Pastor Ricardo Renteria officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the services on Saturday. Private family burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James.

Marjorie Lucille (Overmire) Moulton of St. James, age 96, entered into glory on October 20, 2022 at the Mayo Clinic Health System (St. James). Marge was born in Minneapolis, MN on April 13, 1926 to Rev. Raymond Edwin and Lillian (Tifft) Overmire, descendants of Governor William Bradford of the Mayflower. With her family having moved to Lima, Ohio, Marge spent her early years there and in Huntington and Richmond, Indiana. She graduated from Richmond Senior High in 1945 after which she and her family moved back to Minneapolis. Marge attended the University of Minnesota where she graduated in 1951 with a Home Economics degree with Related Arts in Business. It was during this time that she met her future husband and companion, Keith Moulton. They married in August of 1951, while Marge worked at the University of Minnesota. In 1954 after Keith finished medical school and his internship, they moved to St. James, MN where Keith set up his medical practice with Dr. Roger Parsons. Two months later Keith was called up by the Navy, where they spent most of their time in Seattle, WA where they added two children to their family. After two years, they returned to St. James where Keith resumed his medical practice and they added two more children to their family.

Marge was a supportive and encouraging mother to her four children all of her life. She also enjoyed arts and crafts, including knitting, cross stitch, calligraphy, oil painting and handmade cards. Marge had a wonderful sense of humor and brought fun and laughter to her family and friends. Marge received Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord in November 1980. Her faith in Jesus Christ led her to have a deep care and concern for her family and others. Marge spent many years as a member of the United Methodist Women’s Circle, a board member for the St. James Christian Women’s Club. She was a member of Tuesday Study Club for nearly 60 years. She and two beloved friends formed a Christian trio, Lightshine, which sang at many events and churches. Marge and Keith were faithful prayer warriors, closing each day praying for the needs and concerns of others.

Marge was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Keith, her parents, Raymond and Lillian Overmire, and her brother, Ray Jr., and her sister, Alice. She is survived by her sons David (Pamela) and Brian (Laurie); daughters Kay (Allan) Hawkins and Judy (Bruce) Haugen; grandchildren Randi (Joshua) Streblow, Jana (Dan) Eads, Grant Hawkins, Stephen (Rebecca) Moulton, Sarah (Ryan) Miller, Hannah Haugen and Simon Haugen; and 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Marge was a loving daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

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Jerry Noren - June 24, 1951 - October 17, 2022

Departed: 10/17/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Jerry Noren, age 71, of St. James, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health System- Fairmont.

Memorial services will be 11:00am, Saturday, November 5, 2022, at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, rural St. James, with Rev. Mandy France officiating.

Visitation will be at the church one hour before services. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

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Robert Berndt - April 25, 1954 - October 16, 2022

Departed: 10/16/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Robert Berndt, age 68, of St. James, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 16, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan, Minnesota with Rev. Diana Hunstad officiating.

Visitation will be Friday at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James from 4-8pm.

Robert Raymond Berndt was born in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, on April 25, 1954, the son of Raymond and Nancy (Boback) Berndt. Bob grew up in the South Branch township area and attended public school in St. James. He graduated from St. James High School in 1973. Bob owned and operated his own trucking business, Berndt Trucking, for almost 50 years. He did some farming on the side but mostly trucking. He loved to collect and restore old John Deere tractors as well as an occasional John Deere lawnmower. His love of John Deere tractors started at a very young age and only grew over time.

Bob, and his family, loved going to garage sales and flea markets. He really enjoyed visiting the largest flea market in the world located in Texas.

Bob married Sharon Shepard on September 27, 1980. They enjoyed all the traveling together to flea markets and garage sales. Sharon passed away in September 2021. Bob loved his family and spent all the time he could with the grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. They all were his pride and joy.

Bob is survived by his daughters; Kellie (Doug) Mohrbacher of Jordan, Nancy (Dan) Sandberg of St. James, 4 grandchildren; Christina (Cody) Butler, Tyler (Taylor) Mohrbacher, Kimmy (Tyler) Zilverberg, Drake Surber, 5 great-grandchildren; Malakai and Callahan Butler, Hailee ‘Dolly’ Mohrbacher, Everleigh Mohrbacher and Adalynn Zilverberg, siblings; Karen (Brian) Sykes of Arkansas, Roger (Cindy) Berndt of St. James and Randall (Mary Alice) Berndt of Montana, nieces; Stacy Hander of Wells, Stephanie Berndt of Federal Way, WA, Samantha Mackey of Waukee, IA, nephews; Alex Zender of Clements, and Joe Zender of Oak Grove. He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon, parents, grandparents and his dog Sheba.

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Joanne Christman - September 23, 1933 - October 14, 2022

Departed: 10/14/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Joanne RaVaye (Alkire) Christman, 89 years young, formally of St James, passed away at the Emeralds at Faribault, Skilled Nursing Facility, where she was recovering from hip surgery and a sepsis infection.

Joanne was born om September 23, 1933, to Burrell Earl Alkire and Gertrude Margaret (Schuster) Alkire in Letcher, South Dakota. She graduated from St. James High School on May 29, 1952. She met Kenneth Melvin Christman at a roller skating rink in St James. They wed on October 23, 1954, at Salem Lutheran Church in Comfrey MN in an evening ceremony. She was Baptized and Confirmed on December 5, 1954, by Pastor Carl G. Fink at the Salem Lutheran Church in Comfrey. Their union produced 6 children: Cheryl Lea, Kenneth Dean Jr., Kathleen RaVaye, Debra Kay, Pamela Jean and Richard Earl. They moved their family from Mountain Lake to Windom, finally making St. James their one true home. Joanne worked outside the home at a bakery and clothing store until they managed their own business. She then was the manager of the Hiway Cafe until they purchased Schwans Cafe and named it, Hometown Café. After selling the Hometown, they became the maintenance staff at Park Apartments. Finally retiring to a home in Ormsby, where they could enjoy the small-town lifestyle. A few years after Kenny’s passing in 2006, the home became too much for her so she sold it and moved to an apartment in St. James.

She was a wonderful cook and could make a meal out of anything in the fridge. She made everything from scratch, even for the cafés she managed owned. For our birthdays, she would make whatever we wanted. Her fried chicken and potato salad was always fought over. She enjoyed bowling and bowling on a team with Ken, they won quite a few trophies. She did a lot of sewing, mostly making clothes for the girls. Retiring gave her more time to enjoy her family, friends, flower gardens, embroidering, reading, word search puzzles, playing cards and even learning to journal all of her many photos.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Ken, daughter Cheryl, son Kenny Jr., mother Gertrude, father Burrell, sisters Ruth Alkire, Donna Sandmeyer, Carrol MacMaster, brother Burrell Alkire Jr, and brother-In-law Henry MacMaster, sister--in-law Pauline Alkire, granddaughter Cheryl R Rettig. She will be deeply missed by her children: daughters Kathy (Charles) Noren of St. James, Deb (Creig) Noren of West, TX, Pam. (Mark) Rettig of New Hartford, NY, son Rich (Lisa) of Waseca. grandchildren Nick (Jen) Dannhoff, Matt (Sheila) Dannhoff both of St James, Brandon (Stacy) Rettig Whitesboro, NY, Samantha Christman SD, Erik Noren St James, Danni Petersen (special friend David) Rochester, MN, Adam Petersen, Lake Crystal, Courteney Christman, Waseca, 8 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Granddaughter, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

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LaVonne Watson - February 29, 1928 - October 03, 2022

Departed: 10/03/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Memorial services will be 11:00am, Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James with Rev. Mandy France officiating.

Burial will follow at the Butterfield City Cemetery in Butterfield.

Visitation will be at the church on Saturday beginning at 10:00am until service time.

LaVonne Watson, age 94, of St. James, Minnesota, passed away on October 3, 2022 at 7:11pm in her apartment at Prairie View Apartments, where she loved living for the past 7 months.

LaVonne (Nordby) Watson was a leap year baby; born on February 29, 1928 at her home in Butterfield, MN to Jane (Langeland) and Otis Nordby. She attended District 24 until 6th grade and finished her education at Butterfield Public Schools, graduating in 1945. LaVonne then moved to Spring Valley, MN, where she worked as a bookkeeper for an electrician and Kummers Novelty. She then met the man of her dreams, Vernon Watson. They were married on November 10, 1951 at First Lutheran Church parsonage in Butterfield, MN. Over their married life, Vern and LaVonne lived in North Dakota, Butterfield area, Ormsby and finally, St. James. Vern and LaVonne owned "Vern's Place" in Ormsby where they spent long hours working hard to support Terry, Lonny, Lynn and Jana. She also was a waitress at The Town House. She then worked at the Ormsby School until it closed and then transferred to St. James for 19 years before retiring. After retirement, LaVonne enjoyed embroidering dish towels and pillow cases. She canned anything that could be canned and especially her delicious Tomato Chili Mix. LaVonne also made the best chicken gizzards and oyster stew. She was a member of the VFW, Legion Auxiliary and Eagles. Anyone that knew LaVonne, knew she had an open door policy. She served food for the hungry, drinks for the thirsty and laughs for the soul.

LaVonne will be joining her husband, Vern; parents, Jane and Otis; sisters, Shirley Piepenburg, Gloria Laske; brothers, DeWayne, Beryl, and Richard Nordby; baby grandson, Matthew Falk, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her sons, Terry "Cub" (Carol) Watson, Lonny (Bonnie) Watson, Lynn (Brenda) Watson; daughter, Jana Falk; brothers, Dennis (Sharon) Nordby of New Ulm, James (Cheri) Nordby of Nisswa; sisters-in-law, Brenda Nordby, Betty Nordby; brother-in-law, Willard Piepenburg; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

God bless the memory of Mother, Grandma and sister, LaVonne.

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Olga Castro Salazar - October 05, 1949 - October 03, 2022

Departed: 10/03/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Olga C. Salazar, 72, peacefully passed from this life on October 3, 2022 in Madelia, Minnesota. She was born to the late Rafael Castro and Eugenia Pedraza Castro on October 5, 1949 in San Benito, Texas.

Olga was a home health provider before her retirement. In her leisure time, she enjoyed watching HGTV and Spanish-language novelas, and going to casinos. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her loving family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rafael and Eugenia P. Castro; her brothers, Rafael Castro Jr. and Reynaldo Castro; and her sisters, Ernestina Alvarez and Celia Perez.

Left to treasure Olga’s memory is her husband Dionicio Salazar Jr.; her children, Dionicio Salazar III (Marisa), Javier Salazar (Maribel), Noe Salazar (Glenda), Olga Salazar Rodriguez (Pedro), and Samuel Salazar; her grandchildren, Kristal Marie Salazar, Lorenzo Joaquin Salazar, Adrian Noe Salazar, Leonel Javier Salazar, Sophia Celeste Salazar, Samantha Rae Rodriguez, Lesley Nicole Salazar, and Sadie Ree Rodriguez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Salazar family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A prayer service will begin at 7 o’clock that evening. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Iglesia La Hermosa, 483 W. Stenger Street, in San Benito. Following the service, Olga will be laid to rest at San Benito Memorial Park (City Cemetery).

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Dionicio Salazar III, Javier Salazar, Noe Salazar, Samuel Salazar, Lorenzo Salazar, Adrian Salazar, and Leonel Salazar. Olga Salazar Rodriguez will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Local arrangements were provided by Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.

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Mae Brekken - December 02, 1921 - September 19, 2022

Departed: 09/19/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: After 100 years, Mae Brekken, joined her family members in heaven who loved the Lord; she passed away September 19, 2022 at her home. Mae Vivian (Askeland) Brekken was born December 2,1921 at home in Watonwan County to Christian and Minnie (Thuestad) Askeland. She attended Country School and later completed her GED. She was baptized and confirmed at the LaSalle Lutheran Church. In her younger years, she was a 4-H member and later a 4-H leader. She encouraged her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their 4-H work. She married Adolph Brekken on December 20,1945 at LaSalle Lutheran Church. They loved

the Lord and taught young people in Sunday School and Youth League to love the Lord. She actively served her church and community. She loved working at the Godahl Store when she was in her 80's and 90's, as she was "too young to retire!" She enjoyed sewing and made lots of quilts. Many family members received her special quilts. Mae helped sew things for her granddaughters' weddings, which made their day special.

Mae would want all of you to know Jesus personally and be in heaven someday.

Mae is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Ken) Hanson; her son, Keith (Cindy) Brekken all of St. James; grandchildren, Kim (Rich) Louwagie, Kris (Steve) Cross, Kyle (Amy) Hanson, Kari (Darrick) Miest, Katrin Erdmann (Matt Anderson), Jeremy (Ashley) Brekken, Jon Craig, Travis Brekken (Kelli Tucholke); 21 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren; sister-in-iaw, Elaine Askeland and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Adolph; granddaughter, Heidi Craig; brothers, William, Albert and Clifford and sisters, Clara, Mildred, Gladys and Esther.

Memorials would be preferred in lieu of flowers, to the Gideon's and Hosanna Free Lutheran Church.

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Sonja Rae Monson - April 24, 1937 - September 01, 2022

Departed: 09/01/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Sonja Monson age 85, of Saint James, Minnesota passed away at her home on September 1, 2022 in rural Saint James.

Sonja Rae (Anderson) Monson was born on April 24, 1937, to Albert and Marion (Norland) Anderson in Cylinder, Iowa. She was one for two girls and one of seven children for Albert and Marion. Sonja was baptized and confirmed at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore. Sonja grew up on a farm by Elmore, Minnesota. She graduated from Ledyard, Iowa in the class of 1955. She worked as a waitress in Elmore and that is where she met Virgil Monson. The two were married on April 28, 1957, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, MN. This union blessed them with two daughters, Janet and Julie.

She was a faithful believer in God. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Madelia. Virgil and Sonja would attend every Sunday until she was unable to due to health reasons. They then would watch the services on the internet every Sunday. Sonja was also a member of the Sons of Norway. She was very involved in 4-H as well, helping anyway she could. Sonja and Virgil settled in their forever farm in La Salle, MN which the couple purchased in 1970. The couple raised their daughters along with pigs, sheep, cattle and Arabian horses. The couple also farmed the land. They truly loved the farm life. This is evident today, in the love of horses Janet and Julie have.

She attended Mankato Secretarial School and graduated in 1984 with a 4.0 GPA. She then started working at the House of Print as a Shift Leader in the mail room. She worked there until her retirement in 2012. In her retirement, she enjoyed life on the farm with her kitties and horses until her health started to decline.

Sonja left this world and went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the age of 85 years.

Left to cherish her everlasting memory is her husband, Virgil; daughters, Janet and Julie; brother, Karryl (Rebecca) Anderson; numerous nieces and nephews and many other family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Marion; sister, Karen; brothers, Albert (Junior), Robert (Bobby), James and infant brother, David Darryl.

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Robert Henry Paulson - July 28, 1946 - September 01, 2022

Departed: 09/01/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Robert (Bob) Henry Paulson 76, of St James, MN formerly of Mt. Lake, MN, entered his heavenly home on September 1st, 2022, at his home with his wife Sandra, the love of his life at his side. Sturm Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. A private family prayer service will be held at a later date.

Bob was born in Windom, MN to Helmer and Minnie (Freitag) Paulson on July 28th, 1946 and was Baptized and Confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Lake, MN. He graduated from Mt. Lake High School in 1964. Bob married Sandra Darlene Brandt on February 25, 1966, and the couple had four children together. He worked for Mathiowetz Construction driving a belly dump truck until he was disabled from a car accident in 2008. His greatest love in life was his wife Sandra, his children, and grandchildren. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing, often giving his catch of the day and lures away to the kids and people he met while fishing.

Bob is survived by his wife Sandra Paulson of St. James, MN. Children Jacqueline (Jeff) Colassi of Attleboro, MA, Natalie Paulson of Lakefield, MN, John (Meridee) Paulson of Mt. Lake, MN, and Amanda (Gary) Blom of St. James, MN. Grandchildren Dalton and Cassandra Mortenson of Lakefield, MN, Carly Paulson and fiancé Cole Martin of Louisville, KY, Sam Paulson of Mitchell, SD, Reggie, Brett, and Charlie Blom of St. James, MN. Brother Roger Paulson of Mt. Lake, MN. Sisters Jane Riley of Gore, VA and Jean Ann Murphree of Mt. Lake, MN. He was preceded in death by his father Helmer Paulson and mother Minnie Paulson.

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Ruth Ann Karen Danger - May 20, 1938 - August 31, 2022

Departed: 08/31/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Ruth Ann Karen (Shervheim) Danger, age 84, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2022 at her home in St. James, MN

Ruth Ann was born in Kensington, MN on May 20, 1938 to Lewis and Ruth Shervheim. Ruth Ann’s father passed away when she was eight, leaving her mother to raise Ruth Ann and her older brothers, Lloyd and Myron. Through this experience, the family would draw on faith in God’s abundant grace-the hallmark of Ruth Ann’s entire life. Ruth Ann attended school in Kensington, MN and upon graduation enrolled at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN.

Following graduation from Gustavus in 1960, Ruth Ann accepted a position teaching English at St. James Middle School. It was during these first years in St. James that she met a kind man working in the local grocery store. A friendship developed, and after two years of dating, on July 12, 1964, she was united in marriage to Charles ‘Bill’ Danger of St. James, MN.

Ruth Ann taught until 1968, when she and Bill were blessed with their first son, Scott. Over the next six years, Ruth Ann and Bill would welcome two more sons, Paul and Mark. Ruth Ann cherished her time at home with their children while Bill managed the family grocery store, Ralph’s Super Valu, in St. James. She returned to the classroom in 1977 as a Special Education teacher, serving in that position until she retired in 2001. Ruth Ann’s commitment to her students’ development and endless belief in them will be remembered with great fondness by all of those she taught and worked with.

Rooted in her Christian faith, Ruth Ann was a stalwart supporter of her sons, a devoted grandmother, a cherished friend, and a champion mother-in-law. Ruth Ann also appreciated the many neighbors, extended family, and church members, who enriched her life, including the visits and meals extended so generously in her final days. As she would say, life has been so good.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Charles ‘Bill’; parents Lewis and Ruth Shervheim; brother Lloyd Shervheim; her parents-in-law Ralph and Alice Danger; and brother-in-law Bob Danger.

She is survived by her sons Scott (Kim), Paul (Sara) and Mark (Sarah); grandchildren Sydney, Maia, Nicholas, Burgan, Ingrid, Irelin and Greta; brother Myron (Ardys) Shervheim; sister-in-law Ruthie Shervheim, and many nieces and nephews.

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Linda Kay Olson - June 18, 1953 - August 06, 2022

Departed: 08/06/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Linda Olson, age 69, of St. James, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am, Friday, August 12, 2022, at St. James Catholic Church in St. James with Father Timothy Hall as celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in St. James. Visitation will be from 4-7pm Thursday at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and continue one hour before services at the church on Friday. Linda Kay “Babe” (VonBank) Olson was born in Estherville, Iowa to Donald “Doc” VonBank and LaVon (Looft) VonBank Kastner on June 18, 1953. She graduated high school in Armstrong, Iowa in 1971. Linda got married to Todd Olson on June 8, 1974. They welcomed their first addition to their small family when their son, Ross, in 1977. The family grew slightly larger when they welcomed their daughter, Synnova, in 1984. Linda worked as a waitress at a diner in Fairmont, MN for several years. She worked for a number of years for the St. James Plaindealer as a proofreader and advertisement designer. After working at the St. James Plaindealer, she was a homemaker. She thoroughly enjoyed sports, especially playing softball during and shortly after high school. She enjoyed watching and talking about HER Packers AND Vikings and NEVER interrupt her during the boarder battle games. Linda was a very crafty woman that helped her pass the time. Her love was unmatched. Especially for her children. She tried to attend Ross and Synnova’s extra-curricular events in school that they were involved in. She was a wonderful baker and enjoyed baking especially for her grandchildren. Linda a two-time non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivor. Linda is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Todd. Her children Ross Olson (Sherry Mertens) of Sauk Rapids, MN and Synnova Olson (Steve Peters) of Truman, MN. Grandchildren Marriah Salisbury and Ethan Severson. Her brother Duyane (Joyce) VonBank of Armstrong, IA. Linda is proceeded in death by her parents and her step-father, Carl Kastner.

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Wayne Kispert - June 24, 1928 - August 01, 2022

Departed: 08/01/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Wayne Kispert, age 94, of Butterfield, died on Monday, August 1, 2022, at the Good Samaritan- The Village in Mountain Lake, MN.Funeral services will be 2pm, Monday, August 8, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Butterfield with Rev. Andrew Hermodson-Olsen officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Butterfield VFW Honor Guard. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. Burial will be at a later date at the Kenyon City Cemetery in Kenyon, MN.Wayne Darrell Kispert was born June 24, 1928, in Faribault, Minnesota, the son of John and Cora (Hildebrandt) Kispert. Wayne grew up in Holden Township in Goodhue County, Minnesota, where he attended country school #55. He then attended and graduated from Kenyon High School in Kenyon, MN. Wayne then enlisted in the Army serving from 1946-1948, serving in Korea. On August 8, 1948, he was united in marriage to Bernice Kyllo in Nerstrand, MN. The couple moved to Iowa City in 1953 where Wayne drove truck. Wayne went to work at Kenyon Security State Bank from 1954 until 1964 when they moved to Butterfield where he worked at the State Bank of Butterfield until 1982. They purchased the Oakwood Golf Course in 1982 until 1992. In 2000, they returned to the Butterfield area.Wayne was a member of the Butterfield VFW, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, served on the Kenyon Fire Dept. for 10 years and the Butterfield Fire Dept. for 16 years, was one of the original incorporators of the Threshing Bee and served as its president for 11 years.Wayne enjoyed working with large steam engines, he was a collector of antique steam and gas tractors. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and golf.Wayne is survived by his brother Lloyd Kispert of Nerstrand, sister Olive Houston of Grantsville, Utah and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

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Fern Louise Branstad - July 24, 1930 - July 17, 2022

Departed: 07/17/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Fern Louise Branstad, age 91, of St. James, MN, died on July 17, 2022, at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James.The funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church, St. James, on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Andy Hermodson-Olsen presiding. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service. A reception will be held at the church following interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. The service will be livestreamed at 1:30 p.m. on the First Lutheran Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/flcstjames Fern Louise Juhl was born to Peter and Ethel Juhl on July 24, 1930, in Gettysburg, SD. She graduated from Waldorf Academy and attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, for two years. On August 15, 1948, she married Hubert Branstad in Leland, IA. The couple farmed in Leland until 1956 when they moved to New Ulm. Following another move to Lamberton, the family settled in St. James in 1961. Fern was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, and worked in the Veteran's Services office for 10 years. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church, attending Bible studies, Circle, and FLCW activities. She enjoyed traveling, bird watching, spending winters on the Gulf Coast in Florida, watching fast pitch softball, and spending time with her family at their cabin in Wisconsin. Fern was an exceptional hostess, and everyone enjoyed her quick wit, good sense of humor, and buttery popcorn.Fern is survived by her children Harley (Gwen) Branstad of LaSalle, Jim (Pat) Branstad of St. James, Gloria (Randy) Voth of New Ulm, Julie (Robbie) Schmidt of St. James; grandchildren John (Shannon) Branstad, Anne Branstad and special friend Dann Roberts, Jeff (Patria Lawton) Branstad, Jamis Voth, Raya (Luke) Shibiliski, Carolin (Angel) Ortiz, Andrew Schmidt, Rachel (Justin) Coons, Danny Thielman and special friend Kayla Morris, Leslie (Danny Brown) Hackett, and Kristenza Nelson; 11 great- grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bob Quayle; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Fern was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ralph, Larry and Harold Juhl; sisters Anna Mae Beers and Lorraine Quayle; her husband of 70 years, Hubert, in 2018; daughter Janean Thielman; and granddaughter Amber Voth.

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Hartwin Henry Kietzer - December 15, 1930 - July 13, 2022

Departed: 07/13/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Hartwin Kietzer, age 91, of Truman, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society Pleasant View in St. James. Funeral services will be 10:30AM, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Willow Creek. Burial will follow at the St. John’s Lutheran Willow Creek Cemetery-North with military honors provided by the Lewisville American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be Monday at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James from 4-7pm and at the church on Tuesday one hour before services. Hartwin Henry Kietzer was born December 15, 1930, to Esther and Leo Kietzer of Vernon Center. He attended Willow Creek Elementary and graduated from Amboy High School. He lived on the family farm and served in the Army during the Korean War. In 1967 he and his wife Iona, along with their 3 daughters moved to Truman where they farmed for over 50 years. Hartwin and Iona spent several winters in Arizona enjoying the sunshine and making new friends. They also enjoyed summers fishing in Canada for over 20 years. Many family members made this trip with them. Hartwin enjoyed woodworking and built many custom pieces for family members as well as over 100 bean bag games who are still enjoyed by many family friends. He was a perfectionist so definitely a "measure twice, cut once" kind of guy. He was a storyteller, proud of his family and the farm they built. He is survived by his 3 daughters: Susan Hunstad (Pat McClelland) of St. James, Sandy (Neil) Kettner of Lewisville, Mary (Gregg) Backstrom of Maple Grove, 7 grandchildren: Melissa (David) Etter, Preston (Laura) Roloff, Tyler (Chelsea) Hunstad, Tyler Kettner (Kelsey Borntrager), Levi (Amber) Kettner, Stacy (Jacob) Denman, Megan (Aaron) Simons, 13 great-grandchildren, a brother: Delphin Kietzer of Vernon Center, 3 sisters-in-law: Betty Kietzer of Menomonie, WI, Irene Engerud of Scottsdale, AZ, and Laura Greiner of Fairmont. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, in-laws, 2 brothers, a son-in-law, grandson, and others.

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Darlene Hilda Irene Miller - June 06, 1941 - July 02, 2022

Departed: 07/02/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Darlene Hilda Irene Miller was born on June 6th, 1941. She was born to Edwin and Minnie (Kueker) Miller, on the family farm near Lewisville, MN. She graduated in 1959 from St. James High School.On June 27, 1959 Darlene married David Rilea in St. James, MN. Darlene and David had 3 daughters. Darlene and David divorced in 1976.Darlene married Richard Davis on June 24, 1978. They divorced in 2009.Darlene loved horses and was a very crafty person. She loved to embroider tablecloths, pillowcases and pictures of horses. Darlene enjoyed old western's best. If it wasn't country it wasn't music (she told that to her girls a lot). Darlene doted on her 3 girls, they were her everything.Darlene Hilda Irene Miller age 81, of Wells, MN died July 2, 2022 at UHD Hospital in Blue Earth, MN of natural causes.Darlene is survived by her daughters: Diane (David) Crimmins of Brooklyn Park, MN, Dalene (Joel) Annen of Winnebago, MN, and Dawn Westermann of Alexandria, MN; sisters: Laura Greiner of Fairmont, MN and Avis (Raymond) Roiger of New Hope, MN; and brother, Melvin (Lola Johnson) Miller of Madelia, MN. She had 9 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Alice, sister-in-law Betty Miller, brother-in-law Lyle Greiner, and niece Sherry Rambo.Darlene will be laid to rest at Trinity Fieldon Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Lewisville Township 47334 132nd Street, Lewisville, MN. Services will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Winnebago, MN public viewing at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am, lunch to follow service.Donations can be made to MS Society, 2829 University Ave SE, Suite 900, Minneapolis MN 55414, in memory of Darlene Miller.Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James, Minnesota.

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Gary Marvin Goldschmidt - October 16, 1954 - June 29, 2022

Departed: 06/29/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Gary Marvin Goldschmidt was born on October 16, 1954 in New Ulm, Minnesota, the son of Marvin and Bernice Goldschmidt. Gary grew up in Sleepy Eye in his younger years and then moved to a farm in rural Comfrey where he graduated from high school in 1973. Gary married Kim Petterson on December 18th 1987 in Las Vegas. Gary & Kim were blessed with their twins, Katy and Kara on February 20, 1989. Gary and Kim started raising their girls together on the farm north of St. James where he started and continued to run Goldschmidt House Movers. The family moved to their lake home on Long Lake in 2006. Gary enjoyed his lake home to the fullest. Sunrises to sunsets you would find Gary taking care of his lawn, his home, and feeding the birds while relaxing by the water. He was always quick to invite friends and family to the lake for a beer where his laugh came easy with a sparkle in his eye. Most of all he enjoyed watching and spoiling his four-legged buddies Briggs, Roney, and Henri. Gary enjoyed following his favorite teams the Twins, Vikings and Gophers. He also enjoyed the Miami Dolphins, because of the time he spent with his family in South Beach. Gary started Goldschmidt House Movers in 1983 and built it into the legacy it has become. For the last 39 years Gary moved everything imaginable all over the tri state area, with a smile on his face. He truly loved house moving, it was more than a job to him, it was his passion. Gary was a man of prayer; he started each day praying for many family and friends. He lived by his rules, love family first, work hard, be honest, take time for people, enjoy life to the fullest and treat others as you want to be treated. Gary is survived by his loving wife Kim of 34 years, his two daughters and son in-laws Katy and Eric, Kara and Sam. His mother Bernice, his siblings and spouses; Gail and Daryl Sonnabend, Gwen & John Schueller, Gregg and Deb Goldschmidt, Gene and Shawna Goldschmidt. His mother in-law Ardis Petterson, his brother in-laws and spouses Kevin and Kim Petterson, Danny & LeAnn Petterson. Along with many nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his father Marvin Goldschmidt, father in-law Ronald “Bud” Petterson, grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

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Mary Shupe - July 19, 1946 - June 26, 2022

Departed: 06/26/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Mary Shupe, age 75, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in North Mankato. Funeral services will be 2pm, Friday, July 1st, at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James with Rev. David Lick officiating. Visitation will be Friday at the funeral home from Noon until service time. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. Memorials may be directed to the Watonwan County Food Shelf. Mary Elizabeth Smith was born on July 19, 1946, at Wadena, Minnesota, the daughter of LeRoy (Tom) and Barbara (Colson) Smith. Mary graduated from St. James High School and with honors from the Minnesota School of Business in June 1968. Mary worked at a variety of places. Most notably her time spent at the Pentagon, years as a member of the Board of Directors of S-T Industries and her many years of service to First Presbyterian Church in St. James as secretary and Clerk of Session. Her time at the church brought her into contact with many people in need and opened opportunities to also serve on the Food Shelf Board and serve as contact person for the local Salvation Army. During those years, not much happened at the church without Mary being involved. It was well known throughout town that if you were in need of help "Mary at First Presbyterian" was the person to see. These opportunities brought out the caregiver in Mary. A trait that would stay with her even through the fog of Dementia. When she wasn't taking care of others Mary loved to read, sing and was known to take some time to watch Tom Selleck on the Blue Bloods tv show. In later years she found puzzle books and started doing a lot of journaling. Through it all one thing remained, her love of music. Especially The Oak Ridge Boys. She attended many concerts and collected many t-shirts. Their music brought an energy and spark to her that few things could. Mary is survived by her children; Mike (Mary) Shupe, Thomas Shupe and Amy Shupe all of St. James, a sister Margaret Smith of St. James, grandchildren; Derrick (Yari), Odell and Isabella. Mary had a special relationship with Tatyana, Devon, Adrianna, Lilyanna, Jocelyn, Isabella and Mateo Aguilar. She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents.

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Kenneth Siebel - February 14, 1917 - June 03, 2022

Departed: 06/03/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth Siebel, age 105, of North Mankato, died on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Monarch Meadows in North Mankato. Funeral services will be 2pm, Friday, June 10, 2022, at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James with Rev. George Dummann officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James with full military honors provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Kenneth Siebel, age 105, of North Mankato, died on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Monarch Meadows in North Mankato.Kenneth Lee Siebel was born February 14,1917 to Clyde and Bessie Siebel (Freeman) of Grogan, MN. He was the oldest of 3 children. He grew up on a farm by Grogan. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army. Ken served from 1939 - 1945. He was stationed in Alaska. Then he was transferred to the Air Corp and was stationed in Texas. After the war Ken went to college in Minneapolis. Ken was a salesman for Allis Chalmers. On December 30,1948 he was united in marriage with Clara Katherine Passion, starting a 72-year union with her. They made their home in Columbia Heights. After retiring he and Katherine moved to Lewisville, before moving to Fairmont 2017. December of 2021 Ken moved to North Mankato.Ken is survived by his sister, Norma Busse, many nieces, and nephews. Also, Great / Great great- nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Katherine (June 13, 2021), his parents, sister and brother-in-law Loren and Ruth Gilman, Brother-in-law Ervin Busse and great-nephew Jacob Busse.

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Mary Knickrehm - April 11, 1926 - May 19, 2022

Departed: 05/19/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Mary Lou Knickrehm joined her loved ones in heaven on May 19, 2022. She was the youngest of seven children born to Cornelius and Suzanna Friesen on April 11, 1926, Mary Lou grew up in the Lostwood, North Dakota area before moving with her parents and several siblings to a farm outside of Butterfield, Minnesota. She graduated from Butterfield High School and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN for one year. Mary Lou married Harold John Knickrehm on July 31, 1947. They had two daughters, Julie and Kristine. Harold and Mary Lou lived on a farm south of St. James where Mary Lou helped with all of the chores and fieldwork until Harold retired from farming in 1987. In 1974, they built a beautiful home on Long Lake where they lived together until Harold's death in 2003. Mary Lou continued to live on the lake, caring for her beach and lawn. She could be seen driving her big lawnmower around her property at a good clip. She worked at The Fabric Store, S Marie"s, and the Encore. She lived alone on the lake with her cat, Miss Daisy, until 2019 when she moved in with her daughter, Julie, who lived in Red Wing. Mary Lou moved to Pleasant View in St. James in 2021 where she died.Harold and Mary Lou had many interests besides farming. They were avid square dancers for many years. They attended all of Kris' high school and college track and cross country meets. They also attended all of the plays that Julie directed at Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Faribault, MN. Travel was another of their interests. They went to Hawaii, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Florida, Nebraska, and Europe. One summer, they took a family trip from Minnesota through North Dakato, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. Mary Lou and Harold were known for the intricate wooden figures which they gave to family members each Christmas. Mary Lou was an excellent seamstress, making all of her kids" clothes. She also loved to sing, embroider, draw and paint. She would do New York Times crossword puzzles in ink. She was a voracious reader, often having two or three books going at one time, Mary Lou was known for her caramel rolls, rhubarb cream pie, "green dessert" and gingerbread men. Mary Lou is survived by her daughters, Julie (Brent) Maxwell from Red Wing, MN and Kristine (Robert) Oleson from Omaha NE.; her sisters-in-law, Lorraine Sawatzky and Elaine Henze, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Anne, Ted, Susan, Cornelius, Jake, and George and her husband, Harold. Memorials can be made to the Friends of St. James Library, the American Cancer Society, and the Animal Humane Society. Mary Lou will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery where Harold is buried. No plans have been made for a celebration of life as of yet. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James, Minnesota.

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Eric Penn - October 31, 1947 - May 09, 2022

Departed: 05/09/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Eric Penn, 74, of St. James entered his heavenly home on, May 9, 2022. Funeral service and burial will be Monday, May 16th at 1:00 pm at Albion Lutheran Church, rural St. James. Visitation will be Sunday, May 15th from 4:00-6:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and one hour prior to the service on Monday, May 16th at Albion Lutheran Church. Eric Penn was born October 31, 1947 to Frank and Margaret (McNabb) Penn in Waterloo, Iowa. He grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa, attending the I.S.T.C Laboratory School (later called Price Laboratory School) and graduated from that Laboratory School (then under the name of State College High School) in 1966. While in high school Eric participated in swimming, diving, and drama. He loved the water and he especially enjoyed the behind the scenes prop and set work involved in the theater. Eric attended Mankato State University (MSU) and earned his teaching degree in math in 1970. Eric met Laurel Wigand during his time at MSU and married her on June 14, 1970 in Henderson, Minnesota. Eric taught math and coached high school sports for a few years after college before exploring a career at a John Deere dealership in Iowa. The color green stuck and in 1979 Eric took another John Deere job as the Parts Manager at Cunningham Implement in St. James, Minnesota, where he remained until his retirement. Eric and Laurel raised their three children in St. James. Eric was a hard worker, and a loyal employee, friend and neighbor and he was a very proud father and grandfather. Nothing made him happier than to follow the activities of his children and later his five grandchildren. Eric loved to learn and he enjoyed figuring out how things worked. He had a creative side and made many signs and picture frames out of wood. He also made and flew many remote control airplanes for a number of years. Eric also created over 100 stained glass windows in a wide variety of designs and sizes. He especially loved to make ones of birds and fish and any other animals his family requested, but later in life he wasn’t very fond of the ones with super small pieces. The windows he made trigger special memories for his family. Each of Eric’s five grandchildren have at least one piece of glass that he created specifically for them. Eric is survived by his children: Chad Penn of St. James, Carlie (Brian) Olson of Hanska, and Cory (Hannah) Penn of Rochester, 5 grandchildren (Tanner, Cooper and Sawyer Olson; Kayla and Khloe Penn), brother LeRoy Penn of Spanaway, Washington, sister-in-law Lois (Lance) Twedt of Inver Grove Heights, sister-in-law LaDonna (Tom) Bender of Henderson, and brother-in-law Larry (Stephanie) Wigand of Henderson; and so many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Laurel (Wigand) Penn, father and mother, Frank and Margaret Penn, father in-law and mother-in-law, Sylvester and Doris Wigand, and sister-in-law Tamie Penn. Eric and Laurel enjoyed traveling and attending theater and musical performances. They also loved watching sports and seeing their kids and grandkids at their activities was very important to them. Their family takes peace in knowing that Eric and Laurel are reunited and that both of them have their eyes on everything their grandkids are doing. They are their grandkids’ biggest fans.

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Lois Ankeny - December 21, 1930 - May 02, 2022

Departed: 05/02/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Lois Gust Ankeny was born December 21, 1930, the only child of Karl and Dorothy Reynolds Gust on a farm south of Verdi, MN. She was born in the same bedroom as her Mother and her Mother’s eight siblings. She was raised on another farm south of Verdi. During her growing up years she was active in school activities and 4-H, winning trips to the State Fair with her projects. For 12 years she attended the school in Verdi where she graduated in 1948. That fall she enrolled in the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, majoring in Home Economics. She graduated from the University in June of 1952. While at the University she met John Ankeny and they were married July 19, 1952, at the little Methodist church in Verdi where Lois had been baptized and confirmed. It was the church that her great grandfather, Thomas Hancock Reynolds helped start. This was the first wedding held in the church.John and Lois lived their entire married life in St. James, MN. Lois taught Home Economics at Butterfield for three years. She retired from teaching when they adopted their first child. Three more children were adopted soon after that and in 1965 their biological daughter was born. That completed their family of five children. Lois and John were long time members of the St. James Methodist church being active in the choir, couples club, church board, mission coordinator, circle and United Methodist Women where she at one time was president. While raising their family, Lois was active in Bible School as a teacher and as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. She was a 4-H leader for many years. She also was active in the Home Economics club, Garden Club, St. James Historical Society, Opera House Restoration, Christian Women, Bible Studies and Extension club. Both she and John were active in community activities, namely Meals on Wheels.As their family was growing up, they would take a family trip each year so they visited many states. After the family was grown, she and John expanded their travels to Europe, Alaska, Panama, Hawaii and Canada. Lois has always been very mission minded and assembled hundreds of mission quilts, knitted baby sweaters and other mission sewing. Her beet pickles were the hit of the church bazaar. In the winter of 2013 both she and John had serious health problems which made it necessary to move from the home they had lived in since 1955 and move to the Brandt Ridge Assisted Living facility. In October, 2020, she moved to Pleasant View Nursing Home. She and John often commented on the wonderful life they had together.Lois Ankeny, age 91, of St. James, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022, at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Society in St. James.Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Dorothy Gust, and her husband, John Ankeny. Lois is survived by her five children: Rick (Carol) Ankeny, Hartford, SD; Robin Ankeny, Lengby, MN; Ron Ankeny, Mahnomen, MN; Risa Carlson (Dave Wheeler), Elmwood, WI; Rachel (Jake) Johnson, Akeley, MN; six grandchildren: Shawn (Brooke) Ankeny, Miranda (Chris) Jacobs, Jamison, Jakob and Rianna Carlson, and Gabby Klicker; six great grandchildren: Jaiden, Liberty and Evelyn Jacobs, A’vayah Yost and Austin Klicker and MJ Ankeny, as well as many nieces and nephews.

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Carol Mays - October 11, 1927 - April 30, 2022

Departed: 04/30/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Carol Mae Mays, 94, of St James MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 30, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society of St James, surrounded by family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 25 at the First Presbyterian Church, 706 Third Ave South, St. James, MN 56081. Visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the church, and a service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James.

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Raymond Kleinow - June 15, 1936 - April 29, 2022

Departed: 04/29/2022 (St. James)

Obituary Preview: Raymond Albert (Ray) Kleinow was called to his eternal home on April 29, 2022, at his home in Burnsville, Minnesota, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.Funeral services will be 11:00am, Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, rural St. James, with Rev. Mandy France officiating.Burial will follow at West Sveadahl Lutheran Cemetery, rural St. James, with Military Honors provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard.Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday beginning at 9:30am until service time.Ray Kleinow was born on June 15, 1936, at his parents' home in Selma Township, Comfrey, Cottonwood County, Minnesota to the late Albert Martin and Elise Hiskaline (Junker) Kleinow. He was baptized and confirmed in the Salem Lutheran Church, Comfrey, Minnesota. He received his early education at the Comfrey Public School followed with a GED in 1958.On June 8, 1957, Ray was united in marriage to Delores L. Anderson at the West Sveadahl Lutheran Church in Sveadahl, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Michael, Debra and Joal. Following Ray's service at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, they made their home in Burnsville, Minnesota. They enjoyed many family road trips and camping trips together, and they visited many of the U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and Canada. Ray and Dee also made two trips to Sweden and Germany where they connected with a number of their distant relatives and many genealogy friends.Being raised on his parents’ farm, Ray enjoyed many outdoor activities, but mechanical and electronic devices were his passion. In 1953, he enrolled in a correspondence course from DeForest Technical Institute in Radio, TV and Electronics. This helped him to receive the training he wanted in the U.S. Air Force in Airborne Radar Maintenance. This training led to a career in the computer field at Control Data Corporation, where he was an instructor of computer maintenance. He was assigned to two main frame computer design teams, and later he was a program manager of several military projects within the Government Systems Division. The project he enjoyed the most (over 10 years) was being a program manager of the Phoenix computer which controlled the missiles on the F-14 Tomcat. (If you've seen the movie "Top Gun", then yes, it’s that system).After retiring, Ray enjoyed studying and researching his family history and visiting the ancestral villages of the Kleinow and Junker lines in Germany. He was a volunteer research helper at the Bloomington LDS Family History Center. He was also active with the Minnesota Genealogical Society and the Germanic Genealogical Society, and he was a founding member of the Ostfriesen Genealogical Society of America. He helped Dee in the Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota by team-teaching a Swedish Genealogy Workshop at the American Swedish Institute for 19 years, retiring in 2019. Ray was proud of his heritage, but his pride and joy was his family.Ray is survived by his wife, DeLores: his children, Michael (Penny) Kleinow and their children John (Jenna) Kleinow, Katie Kleinow, and Thomas Kleinow; Debra (Brent) Jass; Joal (Lisa) Kleinow and his children Kristina Kleinow, Joey (Brianna) Kleinow and Gabby Kleinow, plus four step-grandchildren, Kayla (Jordan) Currie, Linnea (Jake) Kluver, Blake (Kelley) Asbury, and Alexa Asbury, and eight step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence and Richard (Lise); a sister, Edna (Orval) Curry; a brother-in-law, LeRoy (Marion) Anderson; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert M. and Elise H. (Junker) Kleinow; his wife's parents, J. Walter and Esther O. L. (Carlson) Anderson; two sisters, Betty (Borchardt) Johnson and Phyllis Roehl; three sisters-in-law, Shirley Kleinow, Beatrice Kleinow, and Marie Kleinow; and two brothers-in-law, Giles Roehl and Floyd Johnson.

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Services Offered by Sturm Funeral Home

At Sturm Funeral Home, the team understands that every family is unique, and that every individual deserves a personalized farewell. That's why they offer a wide range of services to cater to different needs and preferences. From traditional funeral services to cremations, memorial services, and celebrations of life, the staff at Sturm Funeral Home are dedicated to helping families create a meaningful and memorable tribute to their loved one.

The Facility at 906 10th Ave. S., St. James, MN

The funeral home is located at 906 10th Ave. S., St. James, MN, 56081, and features a warm and welcoming atmosphere that provides comfort and solace to families during difficult times. The facility is well-maintained and tastefully decorated, with ample parking and easy accessibility for all visitors. The chapel is spacious and can accommodate large gatherings, making it an ideal venue for funeral services and memorial ceremonies.

The Team at Sturm Funeral Home

The staff at Sturm Funeral Home are experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to families. They understand the importance of attention to detail, and work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the funeral service is carried out with precision and care. From the funeral directors to the support staff, everyone at Sturm Funeral Home is committed to providing compassionate and personalized support to families during their time of need.

Pre-Planning Services at Sturm Funeral Home

At Sturm Funeral Home, the team recognizes the importance of pre-planning funeral arrangements. By planning ahead, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected, and that their loved ones are spared from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. The staff at Sturm Funeral Home are happy to guide individuals through the pre-planning process, and can provide valuable advice and guidance on all aspects of funeral planning.

Community Involvement

Sturm Funeral Home is deeply committed to the local community, and actively participates in various events and initiatives throughout the year. From hosting bereavement support groups to participating in charity fundraisers, the staff at Sturm Funeral Home are dedicated to giving back to the community that they serve.

Contacting Sturm Funeral Home

If you're looking for a funeral home that truly cares about you and your family, look no further than Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel. You can contact them by phone or email, or visit their website to learn more about their services and facilities. Whether you're planning ahead or need immediate assistance, the team at Sturm Funeral Home are here to help.

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 often includes details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

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 sense of closure and help to celebrate the person's life.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the obituary is written by the family of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. In some cases, a close friend or colleague may also write an obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include details about their life accomplishments, military service, and charitable work.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the family's preferences. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

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 nice way to personalize the tribute and make it more meaningful.

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

Most newspapers and online platforms have specific guidelines for submitting obituaries. You can usually find this information on their website or by contacting their customer service department.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, word count, and other factors. Some online platforms offer free or low-cost options, while traditional newspapers may charge by the line or word.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance, often as part of estate planning or as a way to ensure their legacy is preserved. This can be a therapeutic exercise and allow you to have control over how you are remembered.

What is a self-written obituary called?

A self-written obituary is sometimes referred to as a "living obituary" or "autobituary."

How do I find an old obituary?

You can try searching online archives of newspapers or websites that specialize in genealogy research. Many libraries also maintain archives of local newspapers that can be searched in person.

Can I edit an obituary after it has been published?

This depends on the publication's policies. Some may allow corrections or updates, while others may not. It's best to check with the publication directly.

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

A death notice is typically a brief announcement of a person's passing, often without additional biographical information. An obituary provides more detailed information about the person's life.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Obituaries are meant to celebrate the person's life, so including personal stories or humorous anecdotes can make it more engaging and memorable.

How long after someone passes away should an obituary be published?

This varies depending on cultural traditions and personal preferences. In general, it's common to publish an obituary within a few days to a week after the person's passing.

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

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial services in the obituary as a way to honor their loved one.

What if I want to keep the funeral private?

If you prefer to keep the funeral private, you can still publish an obituary without including details about the service. You might instead mention that a private ceremony will be held or that memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

This depends on the publication's policies. Some may allow you to republish an obituary on special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice errors or inaccuracies in an already-published obituary, contact the publication immediately to request corrections.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes! Including meaningful quotes or song lyrics can add depth and personality to the obituary.

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

If you're finding it difficult to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress, consider seeking support from a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor. They can help you process your emotions and craft a fitting tribute.

Can I create a digital archive of my loved one's life story?

Yes! There are many online platforms and tools that allow you to create digital memorials or archives of your loved one's life story. These can be shared with family and friends and preserved for future generations.

How do I ensure that my loved one's legacy lives on through their obituary?

By writing a thoughtful and detailed obituary that captures their spirit and accomplishments, you can help ensure that their legacy lives on. Consider sharing stories and memories with others who knew them well to keep their memory alive.