J. H. Lynner Co. Obituaries

About J. H. Lynner Co. Funeral Home

J. H. Lynner Co. Funeral Home is a trusted and respected funeral home located in Clarkfield, Minnesota. With a rich history and a commitment to providing compassionate care, this funeral home has been serving the community for generations. Located at 1006 11th Avenue, Clarkfield, MN, 56223, J. H. Lynner Co. is dedicated to helping families say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and respect.

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J. H. Lynner Co. has a long-standing reputation for excellence in funeral care. The funeral home's experienced staff is dedicated to providing personalized service to each family they serve, ensuring that every detail is taken care of with precision and care. From traditional funeral services to cremations and memorial gatherings, J. H. Lynner Co. offers a range of options to suit every family's unique needs and preferences.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Myra Ford - February 04, 1932 - April 19, 2022

Departed: 04/19/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Myra Ford, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 at her home at Johnson Memorial Care Center, Dawson, MN from complications with cancer. After several difficult hospitalizations, she decided to waive chemotherapy or radiation treatment and was wonderfully cared for by the Dawson Area Hospice staff and the very outstanding doctors and loving nursing staff at Johnson Memorial Care Center.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, April 29th, 2022 at 11 AM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Clarkfield. Pastor Lori Wold will officiate the service, and the following family members and friends will be her pallbearers: Curt Ford, John Ford, Matt Ford, David Blank, Bryan Stadick and Doug Porter. The family requests everyone to be COVID conscious and masks are preferred.

Myra was born on February 4, 1932 in Clarkfield and was the youngest of seven children born to John and Julia (Christensen) Ford. She was born with spina bifida, which caused deformity of her spine, legs and feet resulting in many surgeries, leading to a sometimes difficult and painful life. She absolutely loved Clarkfield and her home with her parents, and affectionately and lovingly cared for them in their later years. She loved to read, enjoyed listening to music, and she followed the country’s news, world events, and politics. She could talk, discuss, and argue all the facts with anyone who was up to it. Within her family and friends, she was known for her bakery treats, cakes, breads and her holiday Norwegian specialties.

Those left behind to cherish Myra’s memory are her only surviving sister, Myrtle Blank of Mound, MN, along with her nephews and nieces: Curt (Cheri) Ford and their family (Jason, Tricia, Benjamin, and Alayna) (Nicole Ford Starks, Myron, Miles and Amarrah), John Ford and his family (Matt, Angie, Addison and Jackson), Lois (Pete) Ford Stadick and their family (Bryan and Corie), David Blank, and Julie Blank.

Myra leaves this earthly world to greet her parents, John and Julia Ford; brothers, Haynes Ford (Annie and their daughter Shirley), Lloyd (Agnes) Ford, Roland Ford, and sisters, Inga Ford, Evelyn Ford, and LaVerna Ford.

Throughout the years, many friends and neighbors have assisted Myra with household work, transportation, errands, yard work and many other needs. The family would like to thank them and express our appreciation for your generous assistance and care when she required help. A special thank you to Doug and Paula Border for their dedication and friendship over the years.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Erik Shelstad, who thoughtfully cared for Myra for many years and took such personal interest in her needs. We truly believe we have angels amongst us and many of them work at Johnson Memorial Care Center and with the Dawson Area Hospice team. We cannot begin to name the nurses and hospice staff, but this talented staff provided care and love when family could not be there, kept her safe from the COVID virus, and made her comfortable and pain free. Words are inadequate to express what that meant to Myra’s family. Bless you all and thank you.

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Norma "Stina" Anderson - March 15, 1929 - April 12, 2022

Departed: 04/12/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Norma “Stina” Anderson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 at the age of 93. A native of Clarkfield, MN, she was born on March 15, 1929 to Heimer and Alice (Anderson) Johnson. She graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1947 and Minneapolis Beauty School in 1949.

Stina was known for her sweet tooth and making World Famous Brownies for anyone who also had a sweet tooth, her one liners, and quick wit.  She loved to laugh! She was a loving farmer’s wife, worked as a part-time beautician, and helped in the field.  Working with her hands was fun for Stina as she tackled painting, quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, hardanger, stained glass and silver jewelry.

Family was important to Stina.  She kept a perfect house and always had cookies ready for forenoon lunch.  She was great at surprises and generous in her gifts. She loved to eat out, travel, and play cards with her friends. She and husband Erling spent many winters going south to Texas and Arizona, but never stopped returning home to Clarkfield. She will be missed by friends on earth but welcomed by many who have gone before her.

Stina was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Anderson, and her husband of 67 years, Erling Anderson.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Dennis) Ellingson; grandchildren, Josselyn (Jason) Gulbrandson and Chandler (Mandy) Ellingson, and four great-grandchildren, her “tootsabellas:” Stina & Cadence Gulbrandson and Daniel & Porter Ellingson.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 22nd, 2022 from 5-7 PM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, and will continue on Saturday, April 23rd from 9-10 AM at Augustana Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, followed by the memorial service at 10 AM. Interment to follow in Fridhem Cemetery, rural Clarkfield, Tyro Township.

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Lila Senora Mauland - February 15, 1926 - April 07, 2022

Departed: 04/07/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Lila Senora (Olson) Mauland was born on February 15th, 1926, in Swede Prairie Township, Yellow Medicine County, to Lars G. & Serine Louise (Martinson) Olson. She was baptized at Israel Lutheran Church, also of Swede Prairie Township. She grew up near Clarkfield and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1943. On May 29, 1948, she was united in marriage to Herbert Mauland of Cottonwood at Israel Lutheran Church. They settled on a farm by the Yellow Medicine River in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County. They were blessed with seven children.

Music was very important to Lila her whole life. She played piano by ear in her early years and later took piano lessons and learned how to read music. As an adult, she taught herself to play the accordion. She sang in the St. Lucas Lutheran Church choir until the choir disbanded, and also sang in duets and trios for many funerals over the years.

Lila and Herb enjoyed canoe rides along the Yellow Medicine River in their later years. She also went along with Herb on short fishing trips. Lila was an expert seamstress and sewed many clothes for her children and others. She also quilted and made many, many beautiful quilts over the years. She loved children and was always an advocate for children. Lila was a very strong, practical, loving, and giving person.

On Thursday, April 7th, 2022, at the age of 96, Lila passed away surrounded by loving family at Prairie Home Fieldcrest in Cottonwood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb; parents, Lars and Serine Louise Olson, and 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Lila is survived by her daughters: Bev (Larry) Isaackson, Diane Gregoire (Dave Hubbard), Judy (Wayne) Van Maldeghem, all of Cottonwood, Mary Mauland of White Bear Lake, identical twins Lois (Doug) Albin of Clarkfield and Laurie (Gary) Knudsen of Spicer, and son Arlen (Judy) Mauland of Cleveland; grandchildren, Kari Kroger, Sara (Bill) Ward, Erin (Jake) Scandrett, Chad (Julie) Gregoire, Jon (Crystal) Gregoire, Kay Van Maldeghem (Justin Kroger), Kate (Nate) Safe, Michael (Alyssa) Maki, Melanie (Neil) Winterfeldt, Andrew (Emily) Albin, Jesse (Becky) Knudsen, Cal (Leah) Knudsen, Derek (Nikki) Mauland, and Elizabeth (Ryan) Mattison, and 30 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Vernon (Rhea) Olson, sister-in-law Ruby Olson, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10th, 2022 from 4-6 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 5:30 PM, at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield. Visitation will continue on Monday, April 11th, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in rural Cottonwood, Normania Township, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials can be made to the St. Lucas Lutheran Cemetery Association or to Prairie Home Fieldcrest.

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Mark Edward Laechelt - July 20, 1958 - April 03, 2022

Departed: 04/03/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Mark Laechelt was born July 20, 1958 at the Clarkfield Hospital in Clarkfield, MN to Merlyn and Alice (Wick) Laechelt.  Mark was one of 6 children.  As second to the youngest, he and his little brother Merle were always getting into some kind of trouble.  Mom knew, when it was too quiet, that they were up to something.

Mark was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Boyd.  He graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1976, which he would always remind everyone, was the biggest graduating class in Clarkfield history.  Mark attended Agronomy School for two years while farming full time with his dad.

On December 9, 2006, Mark married Natalie Berg.  He became a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather on that day.  Better known as “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren, there was nothing he loved more than teaching them about crops, farming, and how his family had farmed this land for 200 years.  His granddaughter MaryJane and Papa were like two peas in a pod.  She loved to tell him that he was “not handsome!”  And he loved to hear it!  There was never a finer moment when all of his granddaughters MaryJane, Amanda, and Tiffany spent time with him on the farm.  Mark loved his family.  If you knew Mark, you knew the special relationship he had with his brothers, Mike and Merle, his sister June, and his nephew Doug Pierce. He was a champion of the special-needs programs and loved being “Uncle” to his nieces and nephews.

Mark had many challenges in his life with health and because he just seemed to be accident prone.  He survived a fall from a grain bin and numerous surgeries.  In the last few years, he seemed to be finally turning a corner. He started going hunting with the guys in Montana, restarted a big garden, and put up a table at the farmer’s market.  He loved his garden, his pigs, cats, and dogs—all of which were spoiled rotten. Mark loved visiting relatives, visiting neighbors, visiting anyone really.  He loved to visit!  And he loved to talk about the weather.  No matter what subject you talked about, he would eventually give a weather report.  Numerous times a week there would be calls, from neighbors, to catch up on how much rain had fallen.  While Natalie was working in Vegas, Mark was blessed to have so many people check in with him.  A special Thank you to Leland Rogge and Todd Cole, who called Mark almost every day just to check on him, help him with a project, and of course, get a weather report!

The last week of Mark’s life was spent with Natalie and the numerous animals on the farm.  There was a lot of visiting and celebrating of June’s retirement.  He spent time tickling Mike and visiting with Dougie and Janet. However, Mark’s body was getting tired.  He was sleeping more and more and became tired more frequently.

Mark laid down his tired body and peacefully took the hand of Jesus on April 3, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn and Alice Laechelt; father and mother-in-Law, Earl Berg and Darlyne Breyfogle; brother, Merle; grandson, Max Walton; sister-in-law, Cindy Berg; grandparents, Walter and Julia Laechelt and Anton and Mable Wick; aunts and uncles, Rose and Edward Wick, Solvieg and Floyd Belseth, Juliana and Everett Belseth, Clifford Wick, and Phyllis and Sylvester Kockleman.

Mark is survived by his wife Natalie; step-daughters, Myracle (Aaron) Walton of Henderson, NV, Kimberly (Rion) Landrum of Mt. Vernon, KY, and honorary son, Douglas Younie of Henderson, NV; siblings, Julie (Bill) Ward of Norfolk, VA, Janet (Alfred) Pierce of Clarkfield, MN, June Laechelt of Wilmar, MN, Michael Laechelt of Canby, MN; granddaughters, MaryJane, Amanda and Tiffany; 2 great-granddaughters; 1 great-grandson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mark’s visitation will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 2022 at 10 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Tyro Township, followed by the funeral at 11 AM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

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Darlyne Elizabeth Breyfogle - November 24, 1941 - March 26, 2022

Departed: 03/26/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Darlyne Elizabeth Breyfogle was born to Delbert and Elizabeth (Van De Veire) Breyfogle on November 24, 1941, the oldest of 10 children. She married Earl Berg and to this union five children were born: Natalie, Brenda, Richard, Timothy, and Scott.

First John 4:16 states, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” Darlyne stepped into eternity at 2:41 am on March 26, 2022 with nothing but profound love surrounding her.  Nothing but love mattered in those moments. No wrong word, no regret, no bad feelings. For five days before her passing, her family gathered with her to share stories and lather her with love. This was complete with four bonus sleepovers with creative sleeping arrangements that would have had her hooting with excitement running around the house gathering up all the pillows and blankets for everyone to stay.

Darlyne was a strong and bold woman. She taught the value of hard work and standing up for yourself. She didn’t take the easy route through life, but with resilience, the Big Book, and God’s constant unfailing love she worked through it. She loved hard and strong just as she was. She had this same love for her family, mixed with nuzzles and kisses for all of her grandbabies. She was proud of all her 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren that she would let you know were hers.

Something that brought her so much delight with her family involved music, whether it was dancing, singing or her occasional accordion solo. She loved dancing and you would hear her whooping with excitement at the right song for a good dance. She loved flowy skirts, high heels, painted nails, and extravagant jewelry. Guesstures was a must play game during family time that brought so many laughs that turned into tears, mostly coming from her.

A drinker of diet coke, if you looked in the backseat of her car, you were surely to find a box of them stashed there. She made the best potato salad, adding all the needed ingredients in until the color and taste were just right. She was a lover of all the sweet things to eat and there was always room for dessert. She loved her dogs and nearly everywhere she went you could guarantee they would be trailing right along with her, especially Trixie. A maniac driver with a lead foot and pendulum steering wheel; she could make the strongest stomach motion sick riding with her in the car.

She was an incredibly hard worker and had her own cleaning business until she nearly couldn’t walk. It was done the old-fashioned way, on her hands and knees scrubbing; she took great pride in her work and taught this to her family.

Her strength, her smile, her beauty, her scowl, her hooting, her love for the babies and the rest of her family will be missed. Blessed be her memory. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 10th, 2022 at 10 AM at the Assembly of God Church in Clarkfield, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 AM.

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Brent Alan Miller - February 27, 1952 - March 25, 2022

Departed: 03/25/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Brent Alan Miller was born on February 27th, 1952 to Orville and Ardis (Holm) Miller in Minneapolis, MN. He was confirmed at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1970. He attended technical college in Anoka before joining the family business, Miller Equipment, where he spent much of his career. Brent finished his working years at Prairie’s Edge Casino. In July 1973, Brent was united in marriage to Mary Drake at the United Methodist Church and the couple had three children: Colleen, Eric, and Kyle. Brent enjoyed brain teasers and puzzles—having enough in his collection to fill a case, gardening, going to the Fiesta City Speedway with Mary on Friday nights, rooting for the Vikings, and family camping trips when his children were young.

On Friday, March 25th, 2022, Brent passed away at his home in Clarkfield at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ardis and wife, Mary.

Brent is survived by his father, Orville “Shorty” Miller; children, Colleen, Eric (Crystal), and Kyle (Elizabeth) Miller; grandchildren, Ethan, Mason, Claire, Carter, Maxwell, and Henry; brothers, Larry (Joy) and Wayne Miller, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 30th, 2022 at 12 PM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, followed by the memorial service at 1 PM. Interment to follow in the Clarkfield City Cemetery.

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Kathleen "Kathy" Jacobson - December 04, 1930 - March 03, 2022

Departed: 03/03/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Kathleen (Vold) Jacobson was born on December 4th, 1930 in Friendship Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, to John and Betty (Bengtson) Vold. She was baptized and confirmed at Hazel Run Lutheran Church in Hazel Run, MN. After graduating from Clarkfield High School in 1948, she entered Franklin Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN, graduating in 1949 as a licensed practical nurse. She returned to Clarkfield and worked at the Clarkfield Hospital for several years and later worked at the Clarkfield Care Center until her retirement. She cared for family members including her parents, in-laws, and many others.

On March 21st, 1952 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Donald Jacobson at Hazel Run Lutheran Church. This year they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They made their home on the farm and raised their family. She was a busy farm wife with cooking, gardening, raising a family, besides working nights as an LPN. Always a generous and loving person, she was loved by all. In 2011, they moved off the farm to their home in Clarkfield. As members of Clarkfield Lutheran Church, she was active in quilting and women’s groups.

After Kenneth passed away on June 13th, 2016, Kathleen continued to live in their home. She enjoyed gardening and getting together with friends and family. In November 2021, she suffered a serious fall in her home and her health rapidly declined. She entered hospice in January 2022 and moved to her son’s home in February. Kathleen died on Thursday, March 3rd, surrounded by family at her son and daughter-in-law’s home at the age of 91.

Kathleen is survived by her son, Kimm (Sheryl) Jacobson; daughter, Kayann (Ross) Riecke, all of Clarkfield; grandchildren: Carrie (Daniel) Dorson of Eden Prairie, Kris (Stacy) Jacobson of Granite Falls, Randy Jacobson of Olivia, Nathan (Hillary) Riecke of Clarkfield, and Erin (Kevin) Peterson of Dilworth, MN; great-grandchildren: Kylor Schroeder, Alex Jacobson, Jacob, Anna, and Ava Dorson, Cody, Cameron, and Hazel Jacobson, Calvin and Weston Riecke, Lexi and Runyon Peterson; brothers, Phillip and Lewellyn (Joyce) Vold, of Clarkfield, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Betty Vold; husband, Kenneth; infant son, Kelly in 1967; parents-in-law, Alex and Julia (Stevens) Jacobson; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Vold and Eileen (Jacobson) Stensrud; brothers-in-law, Ariel Jacobson, Harland (Norma) Jacobson, and Howard (Elaine) Jacobson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 13th, 2022 at 1 PM at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church, followed by the funeral service at 2 PM. Interment to follow in Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery.

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Lynell Bruce Leasman - October 04, 1947 - March 02, 2022

Departed: 03/02/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Lynell Leasman’s journey ended peacefully on March 2nd, 2022 at his home in Boyd, MN.

Lynell Bruce Leasman, first born son of Helen May (Haaland) and Bruce James Leasman, was born on October 4th, 1947 in Clarkfield, MN. Lynell was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd. Lynell graduated from Boyd High School in 1965. Lynell went on to attend Vo-tech in Canby and then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967, prepared to work on airplanes. Lynell was aboard the USS Enterprise outside of Oahu, Hawaii in 1969 when a series of explosions caused the ship to break out in fire; a devastating experience that he never forgot. Lynell was honorably discharged on November 2nd, 1970. He was awarded the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary medal. Lynell was a lifetime member of Dawson Strand & Saboe VFW post and the Boyd American Legion.

Lynell was united in marriage to Deborah Kay (Kostad) Brehmer on September 24th, 1977. Lynell, Deb and her son, Mike, made their home in Boyd. Two daughters, Laura and Lynnsey, born to this union, attempted to give Lynell as many gray hairs as possible (hardly any!). Lynell joined the Boyd Fire Department in 1972. With many years spent as the Fire Chief, Lynell dedicated himself to the fire department for 50 years. Lynell made his living as an auto mechanic, running Leasman Repair, and helped all his “neighbors” in Boyd, ensuring their utilities were working and roads were plowed. He also served citizens of Boyd as a member of the city council for many years.

Lynell enjoyed racing go-carts, tractor pulls, riding motorcycle, collecting treasures, and going to auctions. Lynell also spent many hours playing cards with his family, making sure they always knew the correct rules and, somehow, almost always winning. There was nothing he could not fix, find, or fabricate. Lynell was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Lynell was a jokester who loved pranks and mastered the art of dad jokes before they were cool. Lynell was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2018. A man of few words, on the day of his diagnosis stated, “Some say life is like a card game, guess I was just dealt a bad hand this round.” Lynell and his family are eternally grateful to Dr. Huber, Nurse Jess- CNP, and the rest of the Oncology team at Avera Marshall for providing outstanding care and treatments to keep him fighting for as long as he did. Lynell and his family were also blessed with support from the wonderful hospice team from Carris Health, especially Kris and Becky, during Lynell’s final months. Lynell fought ferociously and without complaints, his final spoken words being “I’m okay.”

Lynell shared his life with his wife of almost 45 years, Deb; children, Mike (Jen) Brehmer, Laura (Glen VanHecke) Swedzinski, and Lynnsey (Ben) Standahl; grandchildren, Nathan (Kelli), Matthew & Joseph Brehmer, Baily Kaas, Gus VanHecke, Clare & Cole Swedzinski, Shelby, Kylie & Torbjorn Standahl; mother, Helen May, and siblings Alice (Roger) Janiszeski, Lonnie (Lonnie) Leasman and Leslie Leasman. “Uncle Boog” will be greatly missed by Rick & Ryan Mogard, Lori Strelow, Teri Doehring, and Kristi Terry, David Palo, Audrey Kangas, Keith Palo, Christopher and Rachelle Leasman. He will also be missed by cousins, many friends, and Menards. Lynell is preceded in death by his father, Bruce, and parents-in-law, Stanley & Leone Kostad.

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Avis Marie Stangeland - November 29, 1936 - February 16, 2022

Departed: 02/16/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Avis Marie Kilpatrick was born on November 29, 1936 in Clear Lake, SD to Andrew and Hilda (Rehder) Kilpatrick. On August 1st, 1955, Avis was united in marriage to Oscar Stangeland in Lake Kampeska, SD and the couple had four children: Debbie, David, Allen, and Brenda. The family resided in Gary, SD for a short time before moving to their long-term home in Clarkfield. Avis loved gardening and helping to care for her neighbors’ lawns, reading, and embroidering. Upon her move to the Clarkfield Care Center, Avis really came out of her shell and made friends easily with her sweet and bubbly nature.

On Wednesday, February 16th, 2022, at the age of 85, Avis passed away with family by her side at the Clarkfield Care Center. She is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Hilda Kilpatrick; husband, Oscar Stangeland; brothers, Maynard and Donald Kilpatrick, and sisters, Elda Mae and Helen Stangeland.

Avis is survived by her children, Debbie Lewis, David Stangeland, Allen Stangeland, and Brenda Negen; grandchildren, Chris and Jon Negen, Heidi Schumack, Tiffany Rios, and Amanda Wicks; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Leo and Richard Kilpatrick, and sister, June Thomas.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 26th, 2022 at 12 PM at the Clarkfield Assembly of God Church, followed by the memorial service at 1 PM. Interment to follow in the Clarkfield City Cemetery.

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Jeanette Mae Andresen - September 11, 1951 - February 13, 2022

Departed: 02/13/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Jeanette Mae Andresen, age 70, of Eagan passed away on February 13th, 2022 at the Friendship Manor in Shakopee, MN.

Jeanette was born in Clarkfield, Minnesota to Amelia Lucille (Stenevik) Stensrud and Melvin Bernard Stensrud on September 11, 1951 and grew up in Clarkfield and Bloomington, MN in her teenage years. She graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Bloomington, MN and worked for various federal agencies for thirty years, retiring in 2016. She married Douglas James Andresen on September 26, 1970 and raised two children in Apple Valley, MN, divorcing after 13 years. Jeanette found her greatest joy dancing, crocheting, reading, and traveling through numerous countries.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Amelia Stensrud; sister, Linnae Stensrud, and brother, Kevin Stensrud. Jeanette is survived by her two children, Michael (Kristy) Andresen, and Melissa (Jeff) Barnett; grandchildren, Tyler, Mikey, and Hailey; brother, Jeff (Brenda) Stensrud; sister-in-law, Sharon Stensrud and other family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 29th, 2022 at 2 PM at the Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery. Blessed be her memory.

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Margaret Leone Morland - October 17, 1932 - February 12, 2022

Departed: 02/12/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Margaret Leone Day was born on October 17, 1932, one of Sidney and Laurena (Reiten) Day’s 10 children, in Granite Falls, MN. She graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1949 before marrying Harry Morland on July 6, 1951 at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church. The couple had 4 children: Marcia, Laurie, Michael, and JoAnn. Shortly after they wed, Harry served in the Air Force until his discharge in 1954 when the family moved back to Clarkfield to take over the family farm. Margaret and Harry were the owners of Morland Country Store, 7 miles south of Clarkfield right off Highway 59, and she dabbled in retail throughout her life. Above all, Margaret and Harry loved adventuring in their camper, especially in the Lake Okoboji, IA area, and enjoyed going dancing together. Known as the quiet one, Margaret could sew and made her children’s clothes herself. She also collected dolls, enjoyed bowling, and relished time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

On Saturday, February 12th, 2022, at the age of 89, Margaret passed away with family by her side at the Whitewater Health Services Nursing Home in St. Charles. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Laurena; husband, Harry Erling Morland; siblings, Mildred, Darwin, Donald, Delores (Babe), Lois, Gordy, Jerry, and Dale, and son-in-law, Erlond Moe.

Margaret is survived by her children, Marcia Moe, Laurie (Norm) Amiot, Michael Morland, and JoAnn (Steve) Nisbit; grandchildren: Marissa (Jeff) Martin, Shawna Chumley, Julia (Josh) Klaas, Chara (Brian) Collins, Darius (Irene) McCool, Courtney (Tori) McCool, Shane McCool, Ashly (Gustavo) Hernandez, Amber (Bill) Berry; great-grandchildren: Jaylynn, Nathan, Kyra, Karina, Odin, Leona, Joseph (Ashley), Nickolas, Nassiah, Andrew, Isabel, Mikayla, Sophia, Ariella, Madison, Vincent, Navaeh, Gage, Finn, Violet, Mason, Aireanna, Mannox, Brandon, Cristina, and Lilliana; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Brexlyn and Huxley, and brother, Keith Day.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 19th, 2022 at 1 PM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, followed by the funeral service at 2 PM. Interment to follow in the Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery. Family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Whitewater Health Services Nursing Home for the wonderful care and concern they showed to Margaret.

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Esther Lillian Anderson - August 31, 1926 - January 30, 2022

Departed: 01/30/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Esther Lillian (Pease) Anderson passed away on Sunday, January 30th, 2022 at the age of 95. Esther was born in Trego, Wisconsin, and was the third child of Lillian (Rice) and Hollister Pease. The family moved when she was six years old to Dexter, MN where they farmed and raised cows, pigs, horses, chickens and bees.

Esther graduated from high school in 1944 before moving to Golden Valley, MN, where she studied nursing, becoming an LPN. After graduation in 1946, she moved to Clarkfield, MN, and worked as a nurse in many areas of the Clarkfield Memorial Hospital until it closed in 1986. She then worked in the Clarkfield Clinic until her retirement in 1991, finishing a 40-year career in nursing. She was married to Arnold “Pete” Anderson from 1952 until his death in 1969.

Esther enjoyed gardening, reading, quilting, embroidery, listening to music, shopping, traveling, attending to her cats, and spending time with family and friends. Her sister, Luella, tried to teach her to crochet and knit, but Esther found it drove her crazy. Instead, she learned the art of embroidery, which she loved and continued to do until the last few years of her life. Her family received many expertly embroidered dish towels, tablecloths, and pillowcases. She traveled with long-time friend and co-worker, Mary Peterson, to many locations. Her adventures included Amsterdam, Hawaii, Spain, Europe, Algeria, South Africa, North Africa, South America, Canada, the Caribbean, and many parts of the Unites States. While living in Clarkfield, she rescued many cats, and fed and cared for many neighborhood strays. She was known as “Auntie Esther” to her nieces, their families, and her nieces’ childhood and adult friends. Her nieces loved to visit Auntie Esther after school and for overnights. She always had the best snacks, and it was always so fun to be with her.

In 2014, she moved to Spring Park, MN, to be closer to family. She eventually moved to Summerwood Assisted Living in Chanhassen, where she passed away after a recent cancer diagnosis.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Hollister; husband, Arnold; sisters, Luella and Marian, and brother Arthur.

She is survived by her nieces Cindy Alness (Richard) of Mound, MN, Sandra Martin (Steve) of Albion, IN, Debra Hollister (Bryan) of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Julie Nelson (Tim) of Excelsior MN; great-nieces and nephews, Eric (Melissa) Alness, Angela (Jesse) Koller, Amy (Curtis) Larson, Melissa (Brenton) Haack, Andrew (Sarah) Alness, Sarah Haimes (Mary), Leah (Richard) Miller, Tim (Stephanie) Werner, Naomi (Steve) Odom, Peter (Laura) Werner, Ben (Nichole) Werner, Philip Werner, Rhys Nelson, Torben Nelson, and 30 great-great nieces and nephews.

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Alice Ovedia Lukken - April 17, 1924 - January 18, 2022

Departed: 01/18/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Alice Lukken, age 97, passed away on Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 at Nelson Gables Assisted Living in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Alice was born on April 17th, 1924 in Riverside Township to Andrew and Hilma (Lee) Westgaard.  She was the youngest of nine children. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dawson, and attended school in the Dawson area. On December 1st, 1946 she was united in marriage to Donald Lukken and together they had two children, Barbara and David. They started their life together living in a small house on the same farm as Donald’s parents.  In 1954 they moved to Clarkfield and lived there on their farm for 60 years.  After she fell and broke her pelvis in 2017, Alice moved to Nelson Gables in Alexandria to be closer to her daughter, Barbara.

Alice was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and started working on family genealogy after her first trip to Norway in 1981.  On a return trip to Norway in 1986, she was able to meet with members of her mother’s family, as well as members of Donald’s family.

Alice is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Paul) Flykt; daughter-in-law, Laurel Lukken; grandsons, Christopher Flykt, Matthew Flykt, Nathan Lukken, Nicholas (Amy) Lukken; great-grandchildren, Courtney Flykt, Alexandra Flykt, Jayden Lukken, Elizabeth Lukken and Collin Lukken; 4 step-great-grandchildren, Cody, Cole, Trista and Keegan, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Hilma Westgaard; husband, Donald; son, David, and all her brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Visitation will be on Saturday, June 4th, 2022 from 10-11 AM at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church, followed by the memorial service at 11. Interment to follow at Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens in Montevideo. Memorials preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice of Alexandria.

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Arlene Eleanor Hahn - April 23, 1928 - January 02, 2022

Departed: 01/02/2022 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Arlene was born on April 23, 1928. She was the oldest of seven children born to John and Pearl (Erickson) Doose. She was baptized into the Christian faith on May 20, 1928 and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Boyd. She was a life-long member of the Lutheran church. She attended Redeemer Church in Boyd until they closed and her membership was continued on at Zion Lutheran Church of rural Boyd. Arlene graduated high school from Wood Lake, MN. On April 28, 1947, she was united in marriage to Merle Hahn. They enjoyed nearly 75 years of wedded bliss together. To this union two children were born; first daughter, Barbara (Barb) Ann in 1948 and then a son, Gerald (Jerry) William in 1951.

Arlene was well-known around the Boyd area. She worked as a machinist for Chandler Industries in Montevideo for a number of years and then purchased and ran Hahn Grocery Store in Boyd. She also worked a number of years for Eldo Thompson at his machine shop next to the Boyd school. In 1986, a terrible accident left her son Jerry paralyzed from the waist down. Arlene immediately took on the role of caregiver and housekeeper for Jerry. You could often find Arlene at Jerry’s house either making a home-cooked meal or cleaning and keeping up the house. Along with this new role came getting the house ready for a number of guests that would often spend the weekends at Jerry’s home. There were so many fun times spent with friends and family during these adventures.

In her younger years, Arlene loved to camp and fish and spent many weekends camping at Don and Lavonne Priebe’s cabin on Big Chip Lake in Brandon, MN. “Up North” as she called it, they would spend time with their kids, grandkids, parents, siblings and all their extended families. Arlene loved getting together and spending time with her family at the lake as they all seemed to have such a great time together. Arlene also loved to visit and have a couple beers with Merle and their friends at the end of a hot summer day by sitting at the picnic table under the shade tree in the backyard. She was a great cook and loved to make her homemade buns and apple pies. Near the end of July each year she would get together with a large group of friends and turn canning sweet corn into a fun event for everyone. Arlene also enjoyed going to family reunions each summer and was active in her church.

In later years, Arlene could not miss out on “Holy Tuesdays”, as you could almost always find her at the Boyd Senior Center playing cards and enjoying the company of friends. She was active in the Legion Auxiliary as well as driving people to and from appointments for Prairie 5. She so enjoyed these times, but as the years progressed, it was harder for her to continue on with these activities, so bird watching became a favorite pastime as her and Merle would often sit by the kitchen table and watch out the picture window. Nothing went unnoticed with Arlene watching out the picture window of the house.

Arlene was so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always enjoyed when they would stop for a visit. Grandma loved to hear about their school activities and the sports they were involved in. A cookie or two was always available for the kids to have. In the summertime, Arlene would enjoy riding on the golf cart with Merle as they would cruise around town and throughout the countryside. Their golf cart voyages would take them out looking for asparagus or may end up with just a random stop to visit with some friends they would encounter along their journey. It wasn’t uncommon to see Arlene and Merle up to 10 miles away from home cruising on the cart! A couple years ago, in the midst of Covid, Arlene and Merle celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. They were pleasantly surprised by a wonderful parade of well-wishers from the surrounding Boyd community. She was so happy and surprised by all the people who took the time to think of them on their anniversary.

Arlene Eleanor Hahn went peacefully to be with the angels on January 2, 2022 at the age of 93. Her last few days were spent at the Prairie Ridge Hospital in Elbow Lake, MN where she was surrounded by family. As the gates to heaven opened to welcome her in, Jerry welcomed her with open arms. Arlene was preceded in death by her son, Jerry; parents, John and Pearl Doose; parents-in-law, William and Dorothy Hahn; brothers, Chuck Doose and John Doose Jr.; sisters, Violet Anderson and Shirley Shogren; brothers-in-law, Dick Shogren, Don Priebe, William Priebe, Francis Johnson, and Darrell Hahn; sisters-in-law, Ruby Doose, Marilyn Johnson, Margaret Hahn, Phyllis Hahn, and Marie Priebe.

Arlene Hahn is survived by her husband, Merle Hahn of Evansville (formerly of Boyd); daughter, Barb (Robert) Henrichs of Evansville; grandsons, Ryan Henrichs (Julie Dahlen) of Ashby, Darren Henrichs and Robbie (Alisa) Henrichs, both of Evansville; grandson, Chad (Kim) Hahn of Dawson; granddaughter, Carin (Scott) Buseman of Waconia; step-grandsons, Shane (Lisa) Henrichs of Evansville and Michael (Darcy) Henrichs of St. Cloud; great-grandchildren, Cassandra Englund, Faith and Ryan Henrichs Jr., Christopher Henrichs, Rachel, Braxton, and Brayden Hahn, Chloe Henrichs, and Bryce and Eric Buseman; step-great-grandchildren, Justin (Amy) Henrichs, Carly (Rocky) Yates, Jordan Henrichs, Bella, Natalie, and Owen Henrichs; step-great-greatgrandchildren, Tenly, Piper and Twins (in June) Henrichs, Taylor, Ryland, and Kendra Yates; brother, Gordon (Cheryl) Doose of Garfield; sister, Lavonne Priebe of Willmar, and brother-in-law Virgil Anderson of Boyd.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 7th, 2022 at 1 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Boyd, Tyro Township, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 PM. Interment to follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Boyd. Blessed Be Her Memory!

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LaVerna Ford - August 23, 1925 - December 21, 2021

Departed: 12/21/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: LaVerna V. Ford was born on August 23, 1925 to Edwin and Anna Olson in Minneapolis, MN. She was one of six children with three sisters and two brothers.  She met the love of her life, Roland Ford, in July of 1941 and they were married in Clarkfield on November 24, 1946.  They lived many years in the city of Clarkfield, and in 1958 moved to the John Ford family farm south of town.  They were blessed with one child, their son Curtis Alan, and they all loved their life on the farm.  LaVerna held many different jobs in Clarkfield at restaurants, variety, and grocery stores, but in 1969 she opened her own variety store with her good friend and partner, Toots Miller.  Her and Roland made many winter trips to Texas but decided to sell their farm in 2003 and purchase a home in Clarkfield.  After Roland’s death in 2010, she moved to be closer to Curt and Cheri in Walker, MN.

LaVerna passed away peacefully on December 21, 2021, at the age of 96 at Essentia St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brainerd, MN.  She had been living at Dignity & Grace Care Center in Backus, MN near her family.

LaVerna leaves this earthly world to join her beloved husband, Roland; parents, Edwin and Anna Olson; brothers, LeRoy (Elsie) Olson and James Olson, and sisters, Vivian (Leon) Aasen and Florence (Chet) Ruud.

Those left behind to cherish LaVerna’s memory are her son Curt (Cheri) Ford; grandson, Jason (Tricia) Ford and their children, Benjamin and Alayna; granddaughter, Nicole (Myron) Ford Starks and their children, Miles and Amarrah; sister, Marge (Jack) McClean; three sisters-in-law, Myrtle Blank, Myra Ford and JoAnn Olson, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be sadly missed by her family.  She leaves her family with so many memories, some of her beautiful drawings and artwork, and most of all her cherished and wonderful photo albums.

A private interment was held Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 at Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Clarkfield.

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Veryl Adolph Jessen - January 14, 1933 - December 08, 2021

Departed: 12/08/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Veryl Adolph Jessen was born the second of five children to Henry and Helena (Hieb) Jessen on January 14, 1933 on their farm in Harrold, South Dakota. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harrold, SD and confirmed his Baptismal Promise at Camp Release Lutheran Church in rural Granite Falls, MN. He attended Morris Agricultural (High) School before meeting his future wife, Bernetta Fenske, playing church softball. Veryl enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1953-1955 before returning home to marry Bernetta on June 25, 1955 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Omro Township. The couple had four children: Bradley, Kay, Ron, and Kathy.

Upon discharge from the service, Veryl worked as a mechanic for Sharkey Implement for a couple of years before moving to a farm in Tyro township in 1957 to start his farming career. In 1963 he purchased a farm in Omro township where he lived for the remainder of his life. Veryl’s life was dominated by service to others; he served on the many boards at his church, sang in the church choirs for most of his adult life, and served on the Clarkfield school board. He used his mechanical ability by helping many farm neighbors repair their tractors, combines, and other farm machinery, overhauling many gasoline farm engines.

Veryl and his brothers sang while their sister Eleanor played the piano and sang at many neighbors, friends, and relatives’ weddings, funerals, wedding anniversaries. They would always sing hymns and Christmas carols at their family Christmas parties and other family events.

Veryl “retired” at the age of 65 but continued to be a steadfast presence in his brothers’ and nephews’ farming operations, running a planter in the spring and a combine in fall until the last few years when his health declined. He enjoyed golfing with his brother, Alfred, fishing, square dancing in his younger years with his brother and sister-in-law, Delmore and Bethel, and was so dedicated to farming that he would forgo holiday trips up to the lake to stay home to get the baling done on time and make sure the cows were milked and taken care of correctly. Veryl harbored lesser-known talents including his homemade peanut brittle and rosettes, and being an excellent marksman, with his under-handed rock throwing and being able to land rocks square between the eyes of a bull as needed to keep them away while doing chores in the cattle yard. Above all, Veryl will be remembered by his family for his dependable willingness to help, optimistic spirit—"making the best of it" until the very end, straightforward sense of humor, unfailing attendance at every birthday party, school concert and recital, sleepovers at Grandpa's house (which was a place of wonders for the curious granddaughter), the deep love he had for his family, and unwavering faith in the Lord. His family finds comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain, but rather in the arms of Jesus, preparing to celebrate his first Christmas in Heaven.

In his final days, the love Veryl shared with his family was poured back unto him in the form of a hand held, forehead kissed, tears shed and memories shared. He was a bright spot in our lives and will be missed beyond measure.

On Wednesday, December 8th, 2021, at the age of 88, Veryl passed away with family by his side at the Madison, MN Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Helena; wife, Bernetta; daughter, Kay; father and mother-in-law, Ernest and Cecelia Fenske, sister-in-law, Marlys Jessen, and brothers-in-laws, Kenneth Block and Delmore Fenske.

Veryl is survived by his children, Brad (Theresa), Ron (Tammy), and Kathy (Rick Schwachtgen) Jessen; 5 granddaughters, Ericka (Chris) Phelps, Stephanie (Jacob) Sternhagen, Erin (Andy) Vukas, Stacey (Jarrod) Oberg, and Sami (Dan) Koep; 10 great-grandchildren: Brody, Henrik, Warren, Reese, Britta, Addison, June, August, Iver, and Graham; brothers, Irvin (Kathy) Jessen, Alfred (Deanna) Jessen, and Herb (Cynthia) Jessen; sister, Eleanor Block, sister-in-law, Bethel Fenske; sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Duaine) Kurtzbein; brother-in-law, James (Janet) Fenske, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 12th, 2021, from 3-5 PM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, and continues on Monday, December 13th at 10 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Tyro Township, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

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Eldon Vincent Willander - May 25, 1925 - November 27, 2021

Departed: 11/27/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Eldon Vincent Willander passed away peacefully with God at his side at the Clarkfield Care Center on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the age of 96 years, 6 months and 2 days.

Eldon and his twin sister, Ethel, were born on May 25, 1925 to parents Oscar and Emelia (Anderson) Willander in Tyro Township, Clarkfield, Minnesota. He graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served our country during World War II aboard the USS West Virginia in the South Pacific from 1944-1946.

After his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Eldon farmed and married Ramona Loken on April 11, 1970. He was a lifetime member of Augustana Lutheran Church.  Eldon enjoyed farming, hunting, gardening, fishing, raising his children, attending Navy reunions, and being a member of the St. Leo American Legion Post 524 and the Montevideo VFW.

Though Eldon was, for the most part, a quiet man, he still spoke up for what he believed in, trusted in the Lord, and loved with all his heart. He lived a full life working hard as a farmer, playing a very active role in raising his children and ensuring that they were brought up in a Christian home. He was proud of his military service and loved to talk about his time in the Navy during World War II.  He had a knack for remembering people’s names, always saying hello, and making each person that he conversed with feel special.

Eldon is survived by his children, Howard Willander and Julie Willander of rural Boyd, MN and Priscilla Willander of Jordan, MN. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Caden Johnson and Merron Johnson; brothers, William and Irvin Willander, numerous nieces and nephews, and close friend Diane Moen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Emelia Willander; wife, Ramona; brothers, Howard Willander, Delmer Willander, Oscar Wendell Willander, and Edgar Willander; sisters, Ethel Beck, Norma Hiepler, and Alicia Peterson, and numerous cherished aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 2 PM at Augustana Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment to follow at a later date in Fridhem Cemetery, Tyro Township, MN. Due to the recent surge in COVID cases, masks will be required in the church for the service. A video recording of the Celebration of Life will be available on this page following the service for those unable to attend. Memorials preferred to the family and can be mailed to 301 4th St. W. Jordan, MN 55352

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Johnie Leroy Sturgeon - January 20, 1926 - November 19, 2021

Departed: 11/19/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Johnie Sturgeon, age 95, of Clarkfield, MN passed away on Friday, November 19th, 2021 at the Clarkfield Care Center. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18th, 2022 at 2 PM at Augustana Lutheran Church in Clarkfield. Interment with military honors to follow in Fridhem Cemetery.

Johnie Leroy Sturgeon was born on January 20th, 1926 in Montevideo, MN to John and Rachel (Ogilvie) Sturgeon. His early years were spent on a farm near Montevideo. When he was a teenager the family moved to a farm east of Clarkfield and it was there Johnie met the love of his life, Ruth Friberg. He graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1944. Johnie and Ruth were blessed with five children: Nancy, John Wayne, Marlene, Jennifer and Donavon and had just celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary on October 24th, 2021.

After graduation, Johnie enlisted in the Army and served with the 11th Airborne in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was a paratrooper and jumped 8 times during his Army career, which spanned from 1944 through 1946. He played trombone in the 11th Airborne band during his time in Japan. Johnie was an active member of the American Legion for over 73 years, serving in many positions, and was the Commander of the Willmar American Legion Post while living there.

Johnie was a hard worker, farming and working full time at AMPI and later at CENEX in Clarkfield. After moving to Willmar in the late 1970's he worked at the CENEX delivering propane. In 1993 Johnie and Ruth returned to Clarkfield to live out their retirement years.

Next to his family, Johnie’s love was music. He started out playing trombone in the Clarkfield High School band and shared his musical talent with family and friends for the next 70 plus years. He played and sang with “The Hollanders,” “Big Jim Band,” “Ancient Age,” “Bernette and Johnie,” and “The Moonlighters.” After retirement, Johnie and friend Wayne entertained at numerous senior citizen events and nursing homes. One of his highlights was playing with son Donavon and Wayne at his grandson Josh’s wedding dance.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Ruth; children, Nancy (Bill) Houston, John W. Sturgeon, Marlene (Dale) Berg, Jennifer (friend Mike) Oaks, and Donavon (Laurie) Sturgeon; grandchildren, Mark, Shelley, Joshua, Jessica, Katy, Angie, Hannah and Isaac; great-grandchildren, Krista, Ricky, Abby, Gavin, Graham, Grace, Haven, Journey, Iris, Alex, Zach, Isabella, Donnie Jr, and Carly; great-great grandson, Henrik, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rachel; brothers, Woodrow and Mike; sister, Ruth Lynner, and grandson Bill Houston Jr.

Blessed be his memory. Memorials preferred to the Clarkfield Care Center Employee Fund.

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Joyce Margaret Gelhar - August 28, 1927 - October 26, 2021

Departed: 10/26/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Joyce Margaret (Beltz) Gelhar passed away peacefully at the Clarkfield Care Center on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. She was born August 28, 1927, the only child of Gilford (Johnson) Beltz and Mabel Gudeem. After her father died in 1937, she moved with her mother from Minneapolis to Southern California where her mother was employed as an accountant. Joyce graduated from Los Angeles Fremont High School and began her nursing education at UCLA, finishing her degree at Fairview Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis in 1949. While in school she met her husband-to-be, Ervin Leroy Gelhar, while he was a patient in her care. She loved to joke that she met her husband in bed. Together they raised four children: Diane, Janet, Glenn, and Carol. They lived in Illinois, Los Angeles, and then Oregon until 1972 when they were offered the chance to come back to the family farm, which she always referred to as the “home place” just north of Clarkfield.

Besides being a skilled and dedicated nurse, she was also a master seamstress, an excellent baker, and a loving mother and wife. She always had a strong faith and was an active member of Clarkfield Lutheran Church, including a stint as parish nurse. She was active after retirement, working in hospice, and teaching exercise classes. Joyce believed the most important thing in life was caring for others. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Joyce is survived by her children: Diane (Russell) Rawls, Janet Dinsmore, Glenn Gelhar (Megan Falvey), and Carol Fenske (Steve Wahl); grandchildren: Monica Kingsbury, Valerie Smith, Zachery Smith, Zane Smith, Brennan Gelhar, Erik Gelhar, and Clinton Fenske; 6 great-grandchildren, and many “adopted” children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 11 AM at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 10 AM. Interment to follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Boyd. Memorials preferred to the Clarkfield Care Center Employee Fund in recognition of the excellent care she received there.

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Charles "Chuckie" Nelson - January 01, 1930 - October 25, 2021

Departed: 10/25/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Charles “Chuckie” Richard Nelson was born January 1, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Albin Gotfrid and Svea Ingeborg (Sjoblom) Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Augustana Lutheran Church. He attended grade school and high school in Clarkfield, graduating from Clarkfield High School in 1948. After high school, Chuckie enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany after basic training. He was a member of the Clarkfield Legion Post 169.

Following his military service, Chuckie worked several jobs in International Falls, MN cutting and hauling trees for Boise Cascade Paper Mill. He worked with his father for Nelson Community Motor Service in Clarkfield and had various other jobs until his retirement.

Chuckie passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021 at the age of 91 at the Minneota Manor in Minneota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albin Sr. In 1972 and Svea in 1980; brother, Albin Jr.; nephews, Kerry Olson and Greg Thompson, and sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty (Fayette) Jensen, Mary Sampson, Lorraine (Richard) Olson, Loretta (Ed) Rinas. Chuckie is survived by brother-in-law, Wayne Sampson; sister-in-law, Pat Nelson, and several nieces and nephews.

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Enid Priscilla Hanson - November 27, 1926 - October 19, 2021

Departed: 10/19/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Enid Priscilla Ronning was born on November 27, 1926, the only child of Edward P. Ronning and Edith A. (Lundquist) Ronning. She grew up on her parent’s farm near Boyd, Minnesota and attended school in Boyd. By skipping two grades, she was able to graduate from high school in the spring of 1943 and began her studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield in the fall of that year.

At St. Olaf, she majored in Food & Nutrition, but also was able to study Norwegian and pipe organ. After completing her B.A. degree in 1947, she began an internship at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to become a registered dietician. Upon completion of her studies, she was hired at a hospital in Minot, N.D.

At the Minot hospital, she met a lab technician named Elaine Hanson, who later introduced Enid to her older brother, Richard T. Hanson. Enid and Richard married on May 13, 1951.

As a married couple, Enid and Richard’s first home was in Golva, N.D., where Richard managed the lumberyard for his father. While living there, they had two daughters, Kristi in 1953 and Sonya in 1955. By 1955, however, they had decided to leave North Dakota and begin farming with Enid’s father. On their farm near Boyd, Richard and Enid had three more children: Einar in 1957, Erik in 1960 and Ann in 1962.

Besides caring for her husband and children, Enid cared for her mother after Edith broke her hip. At first, Edith lived with them on the farm and then stayed in the Clarkfield Nursing Home until her death in 1979. Enid later worked as a dietary assistant at the Dawson Nursing Home.

The farm was Enid and Richard’s home for the rest of Richard’s life; he died in 2002. Even after Richard’s death, Enid continued to live on the farm with her younger son, Erik. After Erik married and moved to Marshall, Enid lived on the farm alone until her children convinced her it was time to move to town. She bought a house in Dawson and moved there in 2010.

In 2018, Enid suffered a fall and was no longer able to live independently. She moved into the Assisted Living wing of the Dawson Care Center, where she stayed until her death on October 19, 2021.

Enid received from her parents and passed to her children the Lutheran faith, pride in her Scandinavian heritage, joy in growing things, and commitment to community life.

Except for her years away at school and in North Dakota, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Boyd: she was baptized, confirmed, married, baptized three of her children, buried her husband, and had her memorial service there. She served through the women’s organization, Sunday School, choir, and even occasionally played the pipe organ.

Enid was proud of her Scandinavian heritage (3/4 Norwegian, 1/4 Swedish). She had the opportunity to visit Norway three times: once before World War II, again after World War II, and a final visit with her son Einar in 1982. Through those visits, she met her Norwegian relatives and corresponded with them throughout her life.

Enid loved to garden. Every spring she was thrilled to find new sprouts, showing that her flowers had survived another harsh Minnesota winter. Her summer and fall seasons were filled with growing, harvesting, and preserving fruits and vegetables to feed her family. Even when she moved to town, her new home had to have a garden and she supervised its planting even after she couldn’t do it herself.

Finally, Enid was committed to her community. In addition to her church activities, she was active in Homemakers’ Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. She always enjoyed opportunities to meet new people and renew old acquaintances. Even when traveling, she would try to learn how she was connected to everyone she met.

Enid is survived by her five children and their spouses: Kristi and Francis Hauger (Clear Lake, SD), Sonya and Mark Rustad (Redwood City, CA), Einar and Michelle Hanson (Hudson, WI), Erik and Rhoda Hanson (Marshall, MN) and Ann and Michael Forsberg (Benson, MN). She also has eight surviving grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Steven (Kelsie) Hauger and Brian (Kyla) Hauger, Karen Tölva (and son, Bjorn), J.T. Rustad, Marit and Britta Hanson, and Alex and Adam Forsberg. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her grandchild Deidra Forsberg.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd, followed by the memorial service at 2 PM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

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David Elmer Wiegers - September 24, 1941 - October 15, 2021

Departed: 10/15/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: David Elmer Wiegers was born on September 24, 1941 at home on the farm in Omro Township to Elmer and Anna (Munsch) Wiegers. He was baptized at home on October 19, 1941 and confirmed on April 3, 1955 at St. John’s Lutheran Church—Omro. David graduated from the Clarkfield High School in 1959.

David’s true love in life was farming with and collecting old tractors. Oddly enough, he farmed with Internationals and collected Case tractors. Ever the socialite, and one of the “guys’ guys,” David was a member of the American Legion Post 198 in Boyd after serving in the National Guard, Board Treasurer for Omro Township at one point, and frequent restauranter of both the Boyd Café and Elsie’s Café in Clarkfield with his friends. David loved auctions, garage sales, and ducks—particularly his mom’s home-cooked duck. Little known facts about David include his country-western two-step dancing skills and that he raised rat terrier dogs in his younger years. He was also very fond of attending singles’ dances. Overall, David was a very generous man and made friends in the community everywhere he went.

David died on Friday, October 15th, 2021 at the age of 80 at the care center in Lake City, MN, one month after receiving a cancer diagnosis in September. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Anna, and is survived by many cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 22nd, 2021 from 5-7 PM with a time of sharing beginning at 6:30 PM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield. Visitation will continue at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Omro on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 9 AM, followed by the funeral service at 10 AM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

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David "Dave" Berdel Tongen - June 03, 1954 - October 05, 2021

Departed: 10/05/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: David Berdel Tongen was born June 3, 1954. He was number 4 of 8 children born to Omar and Hazel (Johnson) Tongen of Hazel Run, MN. David was baptized and confirmed at Hazel Run Lutheran Church. He attended Hazel Run grade school for grades 1-6, then Clarkfield High School for grades 7-12 before graduating in 1972.

David worked a variety of jobs during his life. He and his friend Russ renovated houses in the Twin Cities and he was a photographer for weddings, graduations, babies, and parties. He was a great bartender and also worked for Tongen Construction as a Central Office Technician. David loved his family very much and he lived with his parents before moving to Clarkfield. He will be remembered by all for not only his own laugh, but how he made others laugh when he was with them.

On Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at the age of 67, David joined his parents and many loved ones in heaven. He is survived by many family and friends who loved and will miss him. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 10 AM at the Hazel Run Lutheran Church, followed by the memorial service at 11 AM. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

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Marvin Donald Saby - December 27, 1931 - August 14, 2021

Departed: 08/14/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Marvin Donald Saby was born on December 27, 1931 in Hanley Falls, MN to Sulvan and Bernice (Lecy) Saby. He attended Hanley Falls school through the 6th grade. As a young man, he helped install the powerlines that still run through Hanley Falls before also working at a cinder block factory. Eventually he would find himself working in the lab at AMPI for 23 years of his career. In 1956, Marvin became the proud owner of 80 acres of farmland and established Saby Farms. At the Community Bible Church in Montevideo in 1962, Marvin married June Hanson and the couple raised two sons, Randy and Paul. A devoted father and fan, Marvin never missed one of his boys’ high school football games. He loved taking his family on fishing trips to Lake Winnibigoshish, Lake Mary near Alexandria, the Missouri River, South Dakota, and shark fishing in Seattle. He was known for having live crickets in his pockets to give the grandkids and heating his shed to a balmy 90 degrees so he could listen to the radio in the utmost comfort. Most of all, Marvin cherished trips to the Granite Falls pool and popcorn stand for good times and ice cream with his grandchildren. Marvin will be remembered for his generosity and always putting his family first.

On Saturday, August 14th, 2021 at the age of 89, Marvin passed away surrounded by family in Montevideo. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sulvan and Bernice and wife of 58 years, June Saby.

Marvin is survived by his sons, Randy (Shelley) and Paul (Stephanie) Saby; grandchildren, Lauren (Daniel) Horner, Mac (Rachel) Saby, Cody (Lauren Jette) Saby, and Ali (Patrick) Byrne; great-granddaughters, Addyson and Sadie Horner; brothers, Archie (Joan) and Odin (Dee) Saby; sister, Judy Wilson, and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held. Interment will be in the Clarkfield City Cemetery.

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Dorothea Mae Heimark - June 25, 1926 - August 13, 2021

Departed: 08/13/2021 (Clarkfield)

Obituary Preview: Dorothea Mae (Johnson) Heimark, 95, formerly of Clarkfield, Minnesota and Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on August 13, 2021 at Southview Acres in West Saint Paul with family by her side. She was born in Dawson to Dr. Carl M. Johnson and Anna Marie (Loberg) Johnson on June 25, 1926. Dorothea graduated from Dawson High School and went on to study nursing at Macalester College. She married Charles J. Heimark on May 29, 1949, making a life together on a farm in rural Clarkfield where, in addition to corn, soybeans and sunflowers, they raised Charlette, Charles (Corky), Carrie Jo, and Carla. Dorothea played an active role in the company they started, General Dryer Corporation, which designed and manufactured grain dryers and sunflower harvesting equipment called the Headsnatcher.

Dorothea was strong, resilient, and grounded in faith and grace. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, cooking, and leading youth enrichment activities such as Girl Scouts, 4H and church school. She practically lived on coffee loaded with creamer and sugar and she had a penchant for rescuing stray dogs. Dorothea was gifted with a beautiful soprano voice that she shared with her faith community and around her home. Dorothea traveled to exotic lands and yet the cottage near Pelican Rapids remained her favorite place in the world.

Dorothea lived her life known as someone who was kind, gracious, and generous. On her final day she was heard quietly saying to her nursing caregiver “I am honored that you take such good care of me.” A class act to the very end.

Dorothea is survived by her children, Charles (Corky), Carrie Jo, and Carla (Bob Sarafin); grandchildren, Christopher, Carrie, Tawnia, Jaimie, Nichole (Jake Foster), Alex (Karina Rohr), and great-grandchildren, Maison, Maxi, Ty, Jaidyn, Hudson, Gracyn, Dawson and Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, daughter Charlette, and grandson Peter Benson.

At her request, a simple and private graveside memorial service will be held at Bergen Lutheran Cemetery this fall. Memorials preferred to Minneapolis VA Medical Center Fisher House or to any animal rescue shelter.

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Compassionate Care

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences we face in life. At J. H. Lynner Co., the staff understands the importance of providing compassionate care during this challenging time. They take the time to listen to families, offering emotional support and guidance as they navigate the funeral planning process. From helping with paperwork and logistics to providing a comforting presence during visitations and services, the team at J. H. Lynner Co. is committed to supporting families every step of the way.

Personalized Funeral Services

No two individuals are alike, and at J. H. Lynner Co., the staff believes that funerals should reflect the unique personality and spirit of the person who has passed away. They work closely with families to create personalized funeral services that celebrate the life and legacy of their loved one. From music selections and readings to flowers and other tributes, every detail is carefully considered to ensure that the service is a meaningful tribute to the person who has passed away.

Cremation Options

In recent years, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for many families. At J. H. Lynner Co., the staff is experienced in handling cremations with dignity and respect. They offer a range of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and traditional funeral services followed by cremation. Families can trust that their loved one will be cared for with compassion and professionalism throughout the cremation process.

Pre-Planning Services

While it may not be easy to think about our own mortality, pre-planning a funeral can be a thoughtful and practical decision for ourselves and our loved ones. At J. H. Lynner Co., the staff offers pre-planning services that allow individuals to make their funeral wishes known in advance. This can help alleviate some of the burden on family members during a difficult time, while also ensuring that personal preferences are respected.

Community Involvement

J. H. Lynner Co. is deeply rooted in the Clarkfield community, and the staff is committed to giving back through various outreach programs and initiatives. From hosting grief support groups to participating in local charity events, the funeral home is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community they serve.

Contacting J. H. Lynner Co.

If you're facing the loss of a loved one or simply want to learn more about J. H. Lynner Co.'s services, don't hesitate to reach out. The funeral home's caring staff is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide support, and guide you through the funeral planning process with compassion and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It serves as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with friends, family, and community.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries are important because they provide a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also informing others of their passing. They can also serve as a historical record of a person's life and achievements.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, an obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. In some cases, the deceased may have written their own obituary in advance.

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, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include a brief biography, accomplishments, and any notable achievements.

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.

Where are obituaries published?

Obituaries are typically published in local newspapers, online obituary platforms, funeral home websites, and social media. Some families may also choose to publish an obituary in a national newspaper or industry publication.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication and the length of the obituary. On average, it can range from $50 to $500 or more.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, you can write your own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life story is told in your own words. Many people choose to write their own obituary as part of their end-of-life planning.

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

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only the basic facts such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute to the person's life.

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 engaging for readers.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

You can usually submit an obituary to a newspaper through their website or by contacting their obituary department directly. Be sure to follow their guidelines for length, format, and deadlines.

Can I make corrections to an obituary after it has been published?

If you need to make corrections to an obituary after it has been published, contact the publication or funeral home as soon as possible. They will work with you to correct the errors and republish the revised obituary.

How long do online obituaries remain available?

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

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include meaningful quotes, lyrics, or poems in an obituary to add personal touches and reflect the person's personality or interests.

What is the purpose of an online guestbook?

An online guestbook allows friends and family to leave condolences, share memories, and pay tribute to the deceased. It provides a way for people to express their sympathy and support from anywhere in the world.

How do I find an old obituary?

You can try searching online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites. You can also contact local libraries or historical societies for assistance in finding old obituaries.

Can I reprint an old obituary?

You may need permission from the original publisher or copyright holder to reprint an old obituary. Be sure to check copyright laws before reproducing someone else's work.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

A eulogy is a spoken tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service, while an obituary is a written notice announcing the person's passing. Both serve as ways to honor and celebrate the person's life.

Can I include charitable donations information in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary. This can be a meaningful way to continue the person's legacy and support their favorite causes.

How do I write an effective condolence message?

A good condolence message expresses sympathy, shares a fond memory or anecdote about the deceased, and offers support to the grieving family. Keep it sincere, heartfelt, and brief.

What is the etiquette for responding to condolences?

A simple "thank you" or acknowledgement is sufficient when responding to condolences. You may also choose to respond with a brief message expressing appreciation for their support during this difficult time.

Can I create my own custom online memorial page?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to create custom memorial pages for your loved one. These pages can include photos, stories, videos, and other mementos celebrating their life.

How do I cope with grief after losing a loved one?

Grief is a natural process that takes time. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, seek support from friends and family, consider counseling or support groups, and take care of your physical and emotional well-being during this difficult time.

What resources are available for bereaved families?

Bereaved families can find support through local hospices, counseling services, support groups, online forums, and organizations specializing in grief support. Funeral homes often provide resources and guidance as well.