Tri-County Funeral Home Obituaries

Tri-County Funeral Home: A Compassionate and Professional Funeral Service Provider in Prinsburg, MN

Tri-County Funeral Home, located at 506 3rd Street, Prinsburg, MN, 56281, has been providing compassionate and professional funeral services to the local community for years. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on personalized care, this funeral home has established itself as a trusted partner for families during their most difficult times.

Our History and Mission

Tri-County Funeral Home was founded on the principles of compassion, respect, and dedication to serving families with dignity and honor. Our mission is to provide exceptional funeral services that celebrate the lives of loved ones, while also supporting families through the grieving process. We believe that every life is unique and deserves to be remembered with a personalized farewell that reflects their personality, achievements, and legacy.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Doris Mae Roelofs - August 06, 1938 - April 18, 2022

Departed: 04/18/2022 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Doris Mae Roelofs, age 83, of Renville, passed away Monday morning, April 18, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

View Full Obituary

Donna Jean Elliot - January 11, 1960 - April 07, 2022

Departed: 04/07/2022 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Donna J. Elliot, age 62, of Olivia, passed away on Thursday afternoon, April 7, at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

View Full Obituary

Wanda LaVerne Kleinhuizen - May 08, 1929 - April 04, 2022

Departed: 04/04/2022 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Wanda L. Kleinhuizen, age 92, of Prinsburg, passed away Monday morning, April 4, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, at First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  Interment will be at Holland Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Wanda LaVerne Kleinhuizen was born on May 8, 1929, to Bertus and Willemina “Minnie” (Bonnema) Van Heuveln of Prinsburg.  She grew up in the Prinsburg area and received her education in Raymond and Clara City where she graduated from high school.  In 1948, Wanda married Donald Kleinhuizen.  They made their home in Prinsburg and were blessed with three children.  Wanda was a lifelong member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Prinsburg where she participated in Mission Club, choir and mixed chorus.  She had a lovely voice and enjoyed singing.  As a child she performed with her sisters at U.S.O. shows and later for a time on a weekly KWLM radio program.

During their married life, Wanda often accompanied Don on his travels for road construction. When their children were in school, Wanda worked for six years at Variety Supply of Clara city. In 1981, Don and Wanda traveled to Ecuador on a mission trip.  They also traveled to all 48 continental states and 7 European countries.  They spent 15 winters in Texas after retirement.  Wanda will be remembered for her wisdom, fun-loving spirit and unwavering faith in the Lord.

She is survived by her three children, Kathleen (and Kent) Tebben of Grand Rapids, MI., Sharon (and Mark) Erickson of Willmar and Arvid Kleinhuizen of Willmar; seven grandchildren, Jesse (and Sarah) Fuls, Moriah (and Dr. Andrew) Hoekwater, Mackenzie (and Caleb) Bjorklund, Selena (and Ryan) Olson, Chantell Slagter, Riley Kleinhuizen and Brittany Kleinhuizen; fifteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.  Also surviving are two siblings, Wilmette (and John Jr.) Swanson of South Carolina and Burton (and Sandy) Van Heuveln of Elbow Lake and Don’s sister, Eileen Fritz of Waconia, besides other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don in 2009; her parents and three siblings, Donna Plowman, LeMar Van Heuveln and Maureen Thiel.

View Full Obituary

Dorothy L. Negen Blokzyl - March 01, 1924 - January 07, 2022

Departed: 01/07/2022 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Dorothy L. Negen Blokzyl, age 97, of Willmar, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 7, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

View Full Obituary

Betty Ann Bohlsen - March 09, 1928 - December 01, 2021

Departed: 12/01/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Betty Ann Bohlsen, age 93 of Clara City, passed away Wednesday morning, Dec. 1, at the Clara City Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Betty Ann Bohlsen was born on March 9, 1928, in Prinsburg, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Belle (Roelofs) Hoogeveen.  She was baptized and confirmed at First Christian Reformed Church and received her education in Prinsburg and the Clara City High School.  On September 24, 1946, Betty was united in marriage to John Bohlsen.  They lived and farmed for over 51 years and retired in Clara City.  Betty was a member of Bethany Reformed Church and was active in the Esther Circle.  She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Betty loved to visit with her family and friends.  She enjoyed music, reading, camping, fishing, traveling and playing cards.  For the past two years, Betty has resided at the Clara City Care Center.  On her better days, she enjoyed playing piano and organ, working on puzzles and playing cards.  Betty enjoyed the company of the other residents and made many new friends.

She is survived by her six children, Dennis (and Alice) Bohlsen of Zimmerman, Roger (and Juli) Bohlsen of Shakopee, Duane (and Kathy) Bohlsen of Arnolds Park, Iowa, Bob Bohlsen of Ramsey, Randy Bohlsen of Dayton and Dianne (and Bruce) Barber of Spicer; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren.  Also surviving are five siblings, Willis Hoogeveen of Willmar, Dorothy Krause of Willmar, Mildred Dekruyf of California, Edith (and John) TeBrake of Brooten and Luella (and Gradis) Vander Beek of Brooten, one brother-in-law, Virgil (and Hilda) Bohlsen of Willmar and one sister-in-law, Genevieve (and James) Zuidema of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John in 2013; one great granddaughter, Hanna Horvath; one daughter-in-law, Robyn Bohlsen and five siblings, Harriet Dekruyf, Celia McGennis, Jennie Hookem, Annetta Muldoon and Alvin Hoogeveen.

View Full Obituary

Boyd Folkerts - February 20, 1933 - November 14, 2021

Departed: 11/14/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview:

View Full Obituary

Marvis June Gerdes - September 27, 1933 - November 08, 2021

Departed: 11/08/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Marvis J. Gerdes met her Savior on Monday, Nov 8, at St Cloud Hospital with her husband at her side.

View Full Obituary

Helen Ruth Post - December 11, 1926 - September 13, 2021

Departed: 09/13/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Helen Ruth Post, 94, of Willmar, passed away early Monday, Sept 13, at Bethesda Grand Memory Care in Willmar.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday Sept 16, at the First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept 17, at 10 am at the First Christian Reformed Church. Burial will be in Holland Township Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg. www.tricountyfuneral.com.

Helen Ruth Post was born December 11, 1926, in Willmar, Minnesota to Wietsa and Pearl (Webb) DeVries. She grew up in Roseland and graduated from Willmar High School.  On May 28, 1948 she was married to Harry C Post. They made the family farm near Prinsburg their home until 1999 when they moved to Willmar.

She is survived by her sons, Harvey (and Sheila) Post and Doug (and Denise) Post; two daughters, Sharon (and Dave) Botker and Betty (and Tom) Holt; eight grand-children and six great-grand-children, besides other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Peggy in 1973; her husband, Harry in 2005, and all her siblings. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

View Full Obituary

Geneva Ann Jacobsma Bonnema - June 19, 1902 - July 28, 2021

Departed: 07/28/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Geneva A. Bonnema, age 101 of Prinsburg, passed away Wednesday morning, July 28, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 2, at First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  Interment will be in Holland Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be one  hour prior to the service.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Geneva Ann Strootman Jacobsma Bonnema was born June 19, 1920 in Holland Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota to John and Gertrude (Hoogeveen) Strootman.  Geneva grew up near Prinsburg and attended school there.  Her high school years were spent in Hull, Iowa, where she attended and graduated from Western Christian High in 1939.  She taught Country School for 1 year and then married Arthur Jacobsma.  They farmed in the Sibley and Ocheyden Iowa area until moving to Prinsburg in 1956.  Geneva taught school for 10 ½ years.  Seven years were taught at Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg.  On February 5, 1982 she was married to Cornelius Bonnema.  She was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.

She leaves to hope in the resurrection, one daughter, Sandra Joy (Lee) Duininck; three grandchildren, Heidi (Merle) Gerdes, Troy (Heather) Duininck and Trevor (Janey) Duininck;  nine great grandchildren, Nathaniel (Jessica) Gerdes, Eli, Jeb, Gus, Hattie Duininck, Reegan, Colette, Drew, Sienna Duininck; two great great granddaughters, Landri & Lydia Gerdes; one stepdaughter, Delores Slagter of Willmar;  one stepson, Clinton Marcus of Willmar; many step great grandchildren and many great great grandchildren.  Also surviving is one brother, Bud Strootman of Galt, CA., and one brother-in-law, Ivan Brouwer of Prinsburg, besides other relatives.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur Jacobsma in 1971; husband, Corneilius Bonnema in 2002; stepchildren, Clinton & Elaine Bonnema, Rodney Slagter, Forrest & Marilyn Slagter and LaVerna Marcus; a sister, Nelva and brother-in-law, Bill DeBoer and sister, JoAnn Brouwer, and sister-in-law Betty Strootman.

View Full Obituary

Russell Henry Sietsema - May 23, 1929 - July 25, 2021

Departed: 07/25/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Russell H. Sietsema, age 92, of Raymond, passed away Sunday evening, July 25, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 29, at the Raymond United Methodist Church.  Interment with military honors will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, at Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Russell Henry Sietsema was born May 23, 1929, in Holland Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Grace (Fischer) Sietsema.  He grew up and received his education in the Raymond Public School and graduated from high school in 1947.  He worked on the family farm and drove stock truck for Roger Bailey.  In 1951, he was drafted into the Army where he was with the 16th Signal Battalion and earned the rank of Sargent.  On July 10, 1952, he married Gertrude Ellen Honken at the Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City.

They returned to the Raymond area in 1953 and farmed west of Willmar for one year and then farmed near Priam for five years. They then move to a farm east of Raymond in 1959 before settling on to the family farm in 1962. They stayed on the farm and retired from farming in 1994. He was an assessor in Kandiyohi County for many years.  Russell and Gertrude fostered 43 different children from the years of 1977 to 1999. Russell was a Charter Member of the Raymond Lions Club in 1977 and remained a member until his death.  He was the Lion Club Secretary from 1986 to 2011. Russell and Gertrude enjoyed winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. Russell continued to travel South for a few years after Gertrude passed away.  Russell could also be found in the summers at Big Kandi Lake where he enjoyed the company of many friends. He was raised in the United Methodist Church in Raymond and was a member at the Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City until returning to the United Methodist Church in Raymond. Russell enjoyed farming, Lions Club, reading, the outdoors, and visits with his family, particularly his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, and friends.  He passed away on Sunday July 25, 2021 at his home. He attained the age of 92 years 2 months and 2 days.

He is survived by three children, daughter Janice and (Douglas) Schmidt for Rapid City, SD, son Merle and (Charlyn) Sietsema of Raymond, MN and daughter Lori and (Bradley) Corso of New Hope, MN, along with one daughter in-law Janice and (Ken) Beyerl of Clara City, eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters Lyla Kapsner of Princeton and Marlene and (Marvin) Noe of Sauk Centre, one brother Kenneth of Hutchinson, along with many other relatives and friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his wife Gertrude (2003), his son Duane (2011), along with three sisters, Esther, Alice and Beatrice, one brother, Harvey, and his parents.

View Full Obituary

Sylvia Marilyn Visser - August 24, 1923 - July 13, 2021

Departed: 07/13/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Sylvia M. Visser, age 97 of Willmar, died Wednesday, July 14, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20, at the Rock of Life Church in Willmar.  Visitation will be hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond. Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home of Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Sylvia Marilyn Visser was born on August 24, 1923, on a farm in Rheiderland Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of Harry and Mabel (Hebrink) Berghuis.  She grew up and received her education in rural Clara City.  Sylvia was married to Doward Visser on October 23, 1942. They lived near Prinsburg and later moved to Raymond. This union was blessed with two children, Sharon and Leon.  In 1986, they retired and moved into Willmar.

Sylvia and Doward enjoyed spending seventeen winters in Alamo, Texas. She was an active member of the Rock of Life Church in Willmar. Her hobbies included camping, fishing, crocheting, embroidery and baking.  She especially enjoyed playing cards with her beloved friends and family.  Sylvia cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her two children, Sharon (and Wallace) Van Eps of Willmar and Leon (and Marlene) Visser of Raymond; four grandchildren, Brian (and Kari) Van Eps, Kris (and Scott) Sorenson, Jodi (and Joey) Kurtz and Joel Visser; six great grandchildren, Justin and Kailey Van Eps, Amber (and John) Schwarte, Kyle Sorenson and Adyson and Brody Kurtz and one great great grandson, Isaiah Schwarte.  Also surviving are two brothers, Gordon Berghuis of Grove City and Dallas (and Sharon) Berghuis of Clara City, one sister, Edith Ahrenholz of Willmar and two sisters-in-laws, Arylne Berghuis Willmar and Arvilla Berghuis, both of Litchfield.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doward Visser in 2020; two brothers, Roger and Don Berghuis; one sister, Arline Asche; one sister-in-law, Borgie Berghuis and two brothers-in-law, John Asche and Harold Ahrenholz.

View Full Obituary

Douglas Jon Ledeboer - October 18, 1960 - July 05, 2021

Departed: 07/05/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Douglas J. Ledeboer, age 60, of Prinsburg, passed away unexpectedly Monday afternoon, July 5, at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital from an apparent heart attack. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 12, at First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  Interment will be at Holland Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 11, at the Tri-County Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Douglas Jon Ledeboer was born on October 18, 1960, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Phyllis (Plowman) Ledeboer.  He grew up in the Prinsburg community, graduated from CMCS in 1979 and then began working for Norling Brothers Construction building pole barns.  On January 3, 1987, Douglas was married to Melissa Schalmo.  To this union they were blessed with two daughters, Sierra and Bethany.  They made their home in Prinsburg and were later divorced.  On January 17, 1998, Douglas was married to Julie Cofer.  He welcomed another daughter, Jena and they made their home in Prinsburg.  From 1983 to 2003, Douglas was employed at PRINSCO and was forced into early retirement due to ill health.  He was a life member of the First Christian Reformed Church.  Douglas enjoyed his Honda Goldwing motorcycle and red Chevy Camaro.  He also enjoyed camping, cooking, his family dogs and spending time with all his beloved grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; three daughters, Sierra (and Dylan) Hauer of Alexandria, Bethany Block of Olivia and Jena Torkelson of Raymond; and eight grandchildren, Landon, Harvey, Eleanora and Delbert Hauer, Rylan and Tayla Block, Kaylin Torkelson and Autumn Cofer.  Also surviving is his mother, Phyllis Ledeboer of Prinsburg and two brothers, DuWayne Ledeboer of Raymond and Delton (and Brenda) Ledeboer of Fountain, CO., besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert and two stillborn grandchildren, Abigail and Watson Hauer.

View Full Obituary

Ruth E. Dragt - April 03, 1922 - May 19, 2021

Departed: 05/19/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Ruth E. Dragt, age 99, of Willmar, passed away Thursday morning, May 19, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, at the Roseland Reformed Church.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Ruth Evelyn Dragt was born on April 3, 1922, in Roseland, Minnesota, the daughter of Jacob and Anna (Kohrs) Damhof.  She grew up in the Roseland community and graduated from Danube High School in 1940.  On June 5, 1942, Ruth was united in marriage to Bernard M. Dragt.  They lived and farmed on the Dragt family homestead near Roseland and in 1984, they moved into Roseland.  She was employed at Tony’s Grocery Store in Roseland, the local telephone office and grocery store in Prinsburg and at Quality Fabrics in Willmar.  Ruth enjoyed sewing (she made many prom dresses), needlework and embroidery (making many afghans for her children and grandchildren), gardening (vegetables and flowers), baking, canning and fishing (making many fishing trips up to Lake of the Woods.  She was active in her church and served with ladies aide, Sunday School teacher, choir member, bible study and prayer group.  She was also a 4-H leader and active with Home Extension.

She is survived by her two sons, DuWayne (and Marcia) Dragt of Bloomington and David (and Rita) Dragt of Willmar; five grandchildren, Troy Dragt, Tracy Keyes (Jim), Alisa Dragt Hoffman (Andy), Nikki Kopel and Angie Willardson (Niel); and eight great grandchildren, Jebben Keyes, Kyla Keyes, Sydney Dragt, Harrison Hoffman, Callie Pakkala, Luke Pakkala, Ella Willardson and Cole Willardson.  Also surviving is one brother, Kenneth (and Karen) Damhof of Willmar and one sister-in-law, Vera Pampuch of Raymond, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernard in 2010; one brother, Calvin Damhof; two sisters, Henrietta (and Harvey) Dragt and Margaret (and Marvin) Bruggers; and one sister-in-law, Anna Damhof.

View Full Obituary

Selma Hubers - August 28, 1928 - May 16, 2021

Departed: 05/16/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Selma Hubers, age 92, of Willmar, passed away Sunday afternoon, May 16, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Holland Township Cemetery in Prinsburg.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Selma was born on August 28, 1928, in Holland Township near Roseland, Minnesota, the daughter of Garrit and Anna (Hoffman) Marcus.  She grew up on a farm in Holland Township and received her education in Prinsburg.  On January 10, 1947, Selma was married to John A. Zondervan and they made their home in Prinsburg.  After John retired, Selma began working for Willmar Poultry Company.  John passed away in 1996.  In 1999, Selma was married to Clarence “Chuck” Hubers.  They lived in Raymond and later moved to Willmar.  Chuck passed away in 2014.  Selma enjoyed knitting, gardening, flowers, coloring, puzzles and playing bingo.  She was known by many for her famous hugs.

She is survived by four sons, Ron Zondervan of Willmar, Steve (and Nancy) Zondervan of Monticello, Craig (and Susan) Zondervan of Waite Park and Mark (and Stacey) Zondervan of Willmar; one son-in-law, Dave Freitag of Breckenridge; three step-children, Barbara (and Randy) Bonnema of Raymond, David Hubers of Isanti and Dwight (and Brenda) Hubers of Willmar; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; three sisters, Annie Brouwer of Willmar, Josie Swart of Prinsburg and Eleanor Vruwink of Pease; and two brothers, Gerald (and Kathy) Marcus of Willmar and Calvin (and Mavis) Marcus of Prinsburg, besides many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands, John and Chuck; one daughter, Louann Freitag; one son, Arlyn Zondervan; one step-son, Daniel Hubers; and three brothers, William, Dick and Francis Marcus.

View Full Obituary

Byron W Ahrenholz - Unknown - April 20, 2021

Departed: 04/20/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Byron Ahrenholz, 78, went to be with the Lord suddenly on April 19, 2021 at Carris Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota. He was born July 5, 1942 in Renville County to Wilbert and Gertrude (Damhof) Ahrenholz. He graduated from Central Minnesota Christian School in 1960. Following graduation, he served in the Army Reserves from 1960-1966. He married his high school sweetheart, Delores Wearda on July 27, 1962 and enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage. They made their home in Clara City until 1995, when they moved to Spicer.

Byron started working at Wearda Implement in 1961, learning the farm machinery business from the ground up. He was mentored by his father-in-law, Dick Wearda, eventually acquiring the business in 1982. In 1975 they took on a complete line of sugar beet equipment. With the sugar beet processing plant put up in 1975 and several farmers interested in sugar beet farming.  Byron has served the farming community faithfully for the past 60 years.

Byron and Delores have enjoyed both leisure and mission traveling.  They enjoyed their lake home and time with family and friends at the lake, especially on the 4th of July.  He volunteered on the Little Crow Ski Team from 1993-2000 as a boat driver. Fishing in Canada and the Missouri River was something he looked forward to every year. He also loved hunting and spending time with his grandkids, teaching them lessons in the process. Wintering in Florida was an annual event that he and Delores looked forward to every year.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Gertrude.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Delores, his children and their families: Kristine and Daniel Freedland, Karla and Brad Hultquist, Todd and Nici Ahrenholz, his grandchildren: Rachael and Mark Mann, Erica and Alex Draeger, Nichole Freedland, Alex Hultquist, Annie Hultquist, Tedd and Erin Ahrenholz, Hank Ahrenholz, and his great-grandchildren: Myles and Georgia Mann, and Milo, Aubrey and Leo Draeger. His brothers: Don and Sally Ahrenholz, Roger and Mary Ahrenholz, Curt and Pat Ahrenholz, and Cal and Barb Ahrenholz.

Visitation will be held at Willmar Assembly of God Church in Willmar, Minnesota on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 5-7 pm. A private family interment will take place on Friday, April 23 at 11:30 am. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 23 at 1:30 pm at Willmar Assembly of God Church.

View Full Obituary

David Calvin Sportel - July 20, 1943 - April 11, 2021

Departed: 04/11/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: David Calvin Sportel, age 77, of Raymond, passed away Sunday evening, April 11, at Health East St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, at the Roseland Reformed Church in Roseland.  Visitation will from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 16, at the Roseland Reformed Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

David was born on July 20th, 1943, in Willmar, MN, the son of Dick and Grace (Bestge) Sportel.  He was baptized at the Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  He grew up on the family farm in rural Raymond.  David attended the Sunnyside Country School for 8 years where he majored in recess.  He finished out his schooling in Willmar and eventually attended Ridgewater College Vets Class studying Farm Management.  David worked various jobs before being drafted in March, 1965.  He spent time at Fort Leonardwood, Fort Knox & Hawaii.  He traveled to Vietnam with his Division in 1966 and served at Pleiku with many men who became friends and brothers.  He received medals during his service including the Combat Infantry Badge and Purple Heart.  Upon returning home David met Elaine Iverson, who he called the love of his life.  They were married on October 4th, 1969 at Rock Valle Lutheran near Echo.  They were blessed with their son, Daniel, in 1975.

In 1999 David was diagnosed with kidney failure.  One of the real heros in his life stepped forward and in 2001, Bob Roelofs, donated a kidney.  Out of this nearly life ending diagnosis, David received the blessing of a new life and new family in Bob, and enjoyed life to the fullest until the present time.

David was able to farm the land he was raised on and felt honored to do this all his life.  In later life he enjoyed fixing old tractors with his friend, Jim Kluver.  One of his summer highlights was attending various tractor rides with Jim in many different states.  Dave loved to say there is no better way to appreciate God's bounty than the smell of newly plowed ground, newly cut alfalfa and corn flowering on a summer night.

Dave enjoyed coming to town to have coffee with friends.  He liked to talk to people and could have great conversations wherever he happened to be.  He was a survivor and possessed a deep faith in his Creator.  Dave carried a positive attitude right until his final hours.  The price of freedom is great but bought at a great cost.  He is survived by his wife, Elaine, of Raymond.  Son Dan (and Patricia), and favorite grandsons, Will and Dylan, of Sandy, UT.  Brother Chuck (and Annette) Sportel.  Sisters Carol (and Roger) Reigstad, and Connie (and Melvin) Bourne.  Nieces Rhonda Sandahl, and Amy Larkin.  Nephews Robin Reigstad, Ricky Reigstad, Ryan Sportel, Ross Sportel, and Aaron Bourne.  Besides other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister.

View Full Obituary

John S. Ruschen - July 23, 1932 - March 14, 2021

Departed: 03/14/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: John S. Ruschen, age 88, of Raymond, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 14, at the Clara City Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, at the Bunde Christian Reformed Church.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

John Samuel Ruschen was born to Sam and Bertha (Tebben) Ruschen on July 23, 1932.  He grew up on the family farm east of Clara City.  He attended country school thru 8th grade and graduated from Clara City High School in 1950.  He was baptized and attended Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City.  On September 25, 1953 he was united in marriage to Harriet Meyer at Bunde Christian Reformed Church.  They lived near his parent’s farm until establishing their own homestead SW of Raymond in 1955.  Here he lived and farmed until moving to the Clara City Care Center in 2016.

John was an active member of Bunde Christian Reformed church and served as a deacon, elder & catechism teacher.  He also served on Lonetree Township board, CMCS school board, and the Clara City Telephone board.

John’s life revolved around the farm.  They were engaged in crop farming, dairy cows, cattle & hogs.  If time allowed, or it rained, he enjoyed taking the chance to do some fishing.  Going on rides to check fields was also one of his favorite pass times, along with having the grandchildren join him in sitting on the porch swing or going on gator rides.

John is survived by his wife, Harriet; children Steven (Linda) Ruschen of Clara City, James (Gaye) Ruschen of Wichita, KS; David (Jolene) Ruschen of Raymond, Paulette (Don) Kooistra of Grandville, MI, and Joel (Jina) Ruschen of Raymond; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchilden and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister & brother-in-law Grace & Paul Hanson, and nephew Larry Hanson.

View Full Obituary

Lenore Mae Marcus - November 19, 1924 - March 03, 2021

Departed: 03/03/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me.   -John 14:1

Lenore Mae (Slagter) Marcus, age 96 of Willmar,  passed away Wednesday morning, March 3, at Compassionate Care Cottage.

The Celebration of Life Service for Lenore Marcus will take place on Tuesday, June 29, at Unity Christian Reformed Church of Prinsburg, Minnesota.  The community is invited to join the family for the interment at 9:00am at Holland Township Cemetery, followed by the Celebration service at 10:30am at the church.  The family then welcomes everyone to remain after the service for a luncheon in Lenore’s memory, giving thanks to God for her life and testimony.

Lenora Mae was born on November 19, 1924 to Garrit and Lillian (Wibbels) Slagter on the family farm north of Roseland.  Later the family moved to a farm west of Prinsburg on highway 7.  She had a typical farm girl life with older sister Priscilla and younger brother Thorval.  They all had chores to do and Lenora’s was to take care of the cows with her dog Tippy following her everywhere.  Instead of a bicycle, she had a pony to ride to visit her friends.

Lenora completed 8th grade at Prinsburg Christian School.  Starting in 9th grade, she rode the bus to Clara City.   Lenora enjoyed her 4 years at Clara City High School.  It was then she changed her first name to Lenore.  She and her best friend June sang together often at local events and even on the radio.  Lenore also participated in class plays with her friend Vivian.  Her senior year was marked with the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  Her boyfriend “Bud” Marcus enlisted in the navy.  The class of 1942’s yearbook was full of classmates’  plans of helping in the war effort.

After her May 28, 1942 graduation Lenore, along with her sister Pat and cousin Ruth, headed to Minneapolis to attend the Department of  Defense welding school.  The 3 Musketeers became “Rosie the Riveters” and headed to Ypsilanti, Michigan to work on B-25 bombers at the converted Ford plant.  Fond memories included watching Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh walk under the plane she was working on while they were touring the plant.

In April, 1943, Lenore and sister Pat were home in Prinsburg visiting their parents.  At the same time her boyfriend Bud was home on leave from the Navy.  On April 16, 1943, Lenore married Russell Marcus.  After their simple ceremony he went back to his ship and she went back to welding bombers.

Summer of 1943 Lenore and Russell started their married life in Corpus Christi, Texas in Navy Quarters.  They enjoyed a year together before Russell was back on the ship the USS Megara heading to the Pacific Theatre.  Lenore moved home to her parents.  Son Roger was born February1945 in Prinsburg while his dad was gone.  When the war was over they lived in Prinsburg and son Norman was born June 1947.  After a few years in civilian life Russell enlisted in the U.S. Army and the little family moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  Son Timothy was born there in January 1953 while his dad was in Germany.

Proverbs 31:10-31 defined Lenore’s role as a military wife.  No matter which army base in the US and in Germany that they were sent to, Lenore set up a home where her sons felt cared for and loved.  The family lore was that she left every living quarters cleaner than the way they found it!  The boys’ friends always felt welcomed in the Marcus household.

When Russell went to Vietnam for a year in 1966, Lenore and Tim moved to the valley near her sister in Texas.  Upon his return the family moved to Germany for his 3rd and last Army tour.

Retirement came in 1968 and they moved back to Prinsburg to care for her parents.  Lenore and Russell spent summers out west with Duininck’s Road Construction.  They enjoyed those 30 years,  joining Unity CRC Church, visiting and playing cards with friends, traveling back to Germany twice, and spending winters in Tucson.

Lenore is survived by Roger (and Karen) Marcus of Palouse, WA, Norm (and Rose) Marcus of Lafayette, LA, and Tim (and Vonna) Marcus of Sioux Falls, SD.  Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren Andree’ (and Brad) Rader of Palouse, WA, Nick (and Stephanie) Marcus of Shorewood, MN, Jordan (and Tim) Forsthoff of Lafayette, LA, Erin (and Dustin) Douglas of Sioux Falls, SD, and Jackie (and Seth) Lozano of Duluth, MN.  Lenore was overjoyed by the 18 great grandkids and displayed all their pictures.

Lenore was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell, sister Priscilla Roelofs, brother Thorval Slagter, grandson Roger Marcus, and great granddaughter Natalie Forsthoff.

The family appreciates the love and care of Lenore by the Compassionate Care Cottage staff.

View Full Obituary

Jeryl "Jerry" Lavern Van Der Pol - October 13, 1943 - February 26, 2021

Departed: 02/26/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Jeryl  "Jerry" L. Van Der Pol, age 77, of Raymond, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, February 26, near Montevideo from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 28, at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond with military honors.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 27 at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church and will also continue for one hour prior to the service.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Jeryl LaVern Van Der Pol, age 77, was born on October 13, 1943 in the family farmhouse between Raymond and Willmar, MN to John and Violet (Marcus) Van Der Pol. They were unable to get to the hospital that day because of a bad snowstorm.  Jeryl was the third of what would eventually be eight children. Jeryl attended Priam Country School until 7th grade and then transferred to Central Minnesota Christian School attending until 8th grade. In 1964, he enlisted in the US Army serving with the 7th Battalion, 16th Field Artillery as a cook in West Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1966. He then worked for Berghuis Construction operating heavy equipment. He helped build highways and commercial buildings in west central and southern Minnesota including Interstate 90. He met his future wife, Mary Jane Vonderharr, at the unemployment office in Willmar where she was employed. She finally said yes to a date on the third try. Jeryl and Mary were married at Willmar Christian Reformed Church in Willmar, MN on July 15, 1972. They began dairy farming near Spicer, MN in 1973. In 1976, they moved back to the farm that Jeryl grew up on to farm and raise pigs. They continued to farm until 1980 when financial difficulties forced them to stop farming. Farming was Jeryl’s one true passion in life. He then gained employment as a welder and worked for several different manufacturing companies including Willmar Manufacturing, Agco, and Redball making farm equipment until his retirement. Jeryl was known for his mechanical skill, particularly welding, and didn’t hesitate to use those abilities to help others. One of his proudest accomplishments was designing and building a snowblower out of an Owatonna swather and having the project published in Farm Show magazine. He was a member of Raymond Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed going on organized tours having taken tours to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific coast.

He is survived by his children Jeff (Carisa) Van Der Pol of Kennewick, WA, Brian Van Der Pol of North Mankato, and Jodi (Shawn) Autrey of Eight Mile, AL. Also surviving are grandchildren Grant Van Der Pol, Isabella Autrey, Lydia Van Der Pol, Katherine Autrey, and Violet Van Der Pol and brothers and sisters Shirley Van Kley of Peoria, IL, Gary Van Der Pol of Atwater, Duaine (Marlene) Van Der Pol of Montevideo, Leon Van Der Pol of Crystal, Debra Van Der Pol of Hastings, and Randall Van Der Pol of Prinsburg in addition to many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Van Der Pol, his parents John and Violet Van Der Pol, and his brother Alden Van Der Pol.

View Full Obituary

Katie Swart - October 05, 1923 - February 14, 2021

Departed: 02/14/2021 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Katie Swart, age 97, of Prinsburg, passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 14, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

View Full Obituary

Gertrude Haats - November 05, 1927 - December 26, 2020

Departed: 12/26/2020 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Gertrude Haats, 93, of Willmar and formerly of Raymond, passed away on Saturday, December 26, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. A private funeral for the immediate family will be held on Tuesday, December 29.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

She was born on November 5, 1927, in Chippewa County to Nick and Lena (Smit) Heida.  Gert was baptized and confirmed at the Raymond United Methodist Church and attended school in Raymond.  On August 27, 1948, she married  Albert Haats.  They made their home in Raymond where they raised their four children.  Gert was a lifelong member of the Raymond United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and was an active member of the Women’s Society.  She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary serving as secretary for over 30 years.  Gert and Albert enjoyed square dancing early in their marriage and then old-time dancing.

Gert was an excellent seamstress who took pleasure in sewing clothes for her daughters and then using the remnants to make quilts.  She supplied each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with quilts not just once but multiple times.  She was also a great baker and always had fresh baked treats for after school snacks. She dedicated her life to her family, raising her children and providing a loving home.   Those who knew Gert best will miss her kindness, sense of humor and most of all her loving heart.  Even in her final years living with dementia she had a smile, wink of the eye and sometimes an eye roll for her visitors and care team.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Patti) Haats of Willmar, Judy (Gary) Anderson of Clear Lake, Lori (Todd) Prekker of Greenfield and Brenda Williams of Maple Grove; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Jeannette Tebben of Clara City; and two sisters-in-law, Gert Heida and Adeline Klemenhagen, both of Willmar, besides many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert in October 2012; four brothers,  John  (Ann), Tony, Richard ( Annette), and Bert  and two sisters, Lucy (Rence) Bents and Marie (Bill) Tammen.

View Full Obituary

Debra Kay Brouwer - October 30, 1963 - December 22, 2020

Departed: 12/22/2020 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Debra Kay Brouwer, age 57, of Willmar, passed away on Tuesday morning, Dec. 22, at her residence in Willmar.

View Full Obituary

Marjorie Bonnema - November 19, 1922 - December 19, 2020

Departed: 12/19/2020 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Marjorie Bonnema (Breems), age 98, of Grandville, MI, passed away Saturday morning, Dec. 19, at the Brookcrest Nursing Home in Grandville. A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Holland Township Cemetery in Prinsburg.   Memorial gifts should be directed to your local Christian School in her memory.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.   www.tricountyfuneral.com

Margorie was born on November 19, 1922 in Prinsburg, MN. She was the daughter of Martin K and Alice (Niewenhuis) Breems. Marge grew up in the Prinsburg community and attended the Prinsburg Christian School through the eighth grade. In her youth she worked in the Prinsburg General Store owned by her parents. On December 5, 1940 she was united in marriage to Jerry E Bonnema and they began farming west of Prinsburg. Their love of Christian Education resulted in a career change and moves to several communities with the final being Hull, IA where they lived for 18 years. After retirement they moved to Bradenton, FL. Marge enjoyed working in her garden, volunteering as community librarian, knitting, reading and puzzle books.

She is survived by five children, Juel (David) Reitz, Gregory (Bonnie) Bonnema, Lane (Edie) Bonnema, Wesley (Viola) Bonnema and Vincent (Diane) Bonnema; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jerry in 1998; her daughter, Karen in 2010; one sister, Johanna and one brother, Byron.

View Full Obituary

Arleen Ardis "Ardy" Zondervan - January 24, 1934 - November 19, 2020

Departed: 11/19/2020 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Arleen Ardis “Ardy” Zondervan died surrounded by her children and singing on Thursday evening, Nov. 19, at Carris Health Redwood Falls Hospital due to complications of Covid. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  Interment will be at Holland Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home.  www.tricountyfuneral.com **The funeral service will have a delayed broadcast under the sermon tab at:  firstcrcofprinsburg.org

Ardy was born on a farm near Raymond, Minnesota on January 24, 1934, the daughter of Jerry and Jeanette (Roelofs) Apol.  At the age of 5, she moved to Prinsburg after the death of her father.  She attended Central Minnesota Christian School for 10 years and finished her junior and senior years at Clara City High School.

On June 9, 1952, she married Nelson Zondervan and they moved to Savannah, Georgia while Nelson was in the Air Force for 4 years.  After his discharge, they returned to the Prinsburg area where they farmed for many years.  In 1993, they retired from farming and moved to Prinsburg.

Ardy was the happiest when she was busy.  She was a true asset to the community. She was the first kindergarten teacher at CMCS where they met in the church basement.  She began the 1st Calvinette program at First CRC Church.  She was a successful Stanley home product salesperson for how 28 years.

She later purchased the Village Inn restaurant that she worked and managed for 12 years with her friend Lorraine.  She began a Senior Citizen's group in town. She planned many local excursions as well as  2 trips  to Europe, Australia, New York and Alaska.  She traveled every state except Hawaii.

In 2006, she received the honor of being Kandiyohi County Senior Citizen of the year as she made a difference in and touched so many lives.

Ardy loved volunteering for her church and the school.  She was passionate about quilting and working at the New To You thrift store and persistently pursued others to join her.

She was instrumental in the construction of Cardinal Estates where she lived for 15 years.  There she enjoyed coffees in the great room and playing cards with her friends, visiting with everyone who came through the doors and giving cookies to the neighbor boys and watching them play.

She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl (and Phil) Breems of Sioux Falls; her son,  Steven (and Terri) Zondervan of Prinsburg; six grandchildren, Kent (and Dea) Breems of Pella Iowa, Justin (and Abby) Breems, Kayla Breems, Chelsey, Jordan and Jacob Zondervan, all of Sioux Falls and six great grandchildren, Tessa, Isaiah, Ava and Elsa Breems of Pella, IA., and Carson and Lillyanna Breems of Sioux Falls, SD.  She is also survived by a sister, Marilyn and a brother Dallas Apol of Sioux Center, Iowa and sister-in-law, Tiena Zondervan of Willmar, along with many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Jerry and Jeanette; stepfather, Ernest Ruis; husband, Nelson; daughter, Kathleen; sister, Gladys Groen; brothers-in-law, John Groen and Junior Niewenhuis, John and Harriet Zondervan, Fred and Rena Grussing and Henry Zondervan.

View Full Obituary

Lorraine Joyce Hoogeveen - September 02, 1932 - November 14, 2020

Departed: 11/14/2020 (Prinsburg)

Obituary Preview: Lorraine J. Hoogeveen, age 88, of Willmar, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 14, at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

View Full Obituary

123Next ›Last »

Funeral Services Offered

At Tri-County Funeral Home, we offer a wide range of funeral services to cater to the diverse needs of our clients. From traditional funerals to cremations, memorial services, and celebrations of life, we provide personalized options that allow families to say goodbye in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them. Our experienced staff will guide you through the planning process, ensuring that every detail is taken care of with precision and care.

Facilities and Amenities

Our funeral home is designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where families can feel comfortable and supported during their time of need. Our facilities are modern, well-maintained, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure seamless ceremonies and gatherings. We also offer ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a convenient location in the heart of Prinsburg.

Pre-Planning and Advanced Planning

We understand that planning ahead can be a daunting task, but it's an important step in ensuring that your final wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected from unnecessary stress. At Tri-County Funeral Home, we offer pre-planning and advanced planning services that allow you to make informed decisions about your funeral arrangements in advance. Our experienced staff will guide you through the process, answering any questions you may have and providing valuable insights to help you make informed choices.

Cremation Services

We recognize that cremation is becoming an increasingly popular option for many families. At Tri-County Funeral Home, we offer a range of cremation services that cater to different needs and preferences. From direct cremation to cremation with a memorial service or celebration of life, we provide personalized options that allow families to honor their loved ones in a way that feels meaningful to them.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the grieving process can be overwhelming. At Tri-County Funeral Home, we understand the importance of providing ongoing support and resources to families during this difficult time. We offer grief counseling services, support groups, and online resources to help you navigate the healing process.

Community Involvement

We believe that being part of the local community is essential to who we are as a funeral home. At Tri-County Funeral Home, we're committed to giving back to our community through various initiatives and partnerships. We participate in local events, sponsor charitable organizations, and provide educational resources to promote awareness about end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Why Choose Tri-County Funeral Home?

When it comes to choosing a funeral home, you want to know that you're working with a team of professionals who truly care about you and your family. At Tri-County Funeral Home, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, compassion, and personalized service. Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing exceptional care, attention to detail, and unwavering support during your time of need.

If you're looking for a funeral home that will treat you like family, look no further than Tri-County Funeral Home. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced funeral directors.

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 is usually published in a newspaper, online, or in a funeral program to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

What is the purpose of an obituary?

The primary purpose of an obituary is to announce the death of a loved one and provide information about their life, achievements, and surviving family members. It also serves as a way to share news of the passing with a wider audience and invite people to attend memorial services or funerals.

Who writes an obituary?

Obituaries are typically written by family members, close friends, or funeral home staff. They may also be written by a professional obituary writer or journalist. The writer should have personal knowledge of the deceased and be able to provide accurate and meaningful information about their life.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about memorial services, donations in lieu of flowers, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the individual's life story. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from 100 to 500 words.

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

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary, on the other hand, provides more detailed information about the person's life and accomplishments.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, you can write your own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise that allows you to reflect on your life and legacy. However, it's essential to keep in mind that your loved ones may need to make changes or additions after your passing.

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 prepared to provide the necessary information and payment for publication.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to publish an obituary, such as funeral home websites, online obituary databases, and social media sites. These platforms often offer more flexibility and reach than traditional print newspapers.

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 notice. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more for print publication. Online publications may offer free or low-cost options.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can help personalize the notice and make it more engaging for readers.

How do I write a good obituary?

To write a good obituary, focus on telling a story about the person's life rather than just listing facts. Use descriptive language and anecdotes to bring their personality and achievements to life.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're struggling to write an obituary, consider asking a friend or family member for help. You can also hire a professional writer or seek assistance from funeral home staff.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, humor can be an effective way to celebrate a person's life and personality in an obituary. Just be sure to use good taste and avoid offending anyone who might read it.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If the deceased had sensitive or private information that you're unsure about sharing publicly, it's best to err on the side of caution and omit it from the obituary. Consult with family members or close friends if you're unsure.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or poems can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the person's personality or values.

What if I need to make corrections to an already-published obituary?

If you need to make corrections to an already-published obituary, contact the publication directly as soon as possible. They may be able to issue a correction or reprint the revised notice.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

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

Can I create a memorial website instead of publishing an obituary?

Yes, you can create a memorial website as a way to honor your loved one's memory. This can be a more personalized and interactive way to share stories, photos, and memories.

What if I'm unable to find information about my loved one's past?

If you're struggling to find information about your loved one's past, try talking to other family members or friends who may have insight into their life story. You can also search online archives or consult with local historians.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers 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 honor your loved one's legacy and support a good cause.

How do I ensure accuracy when writing an obituary?

To ensure accuracy when writing an obituary, verify facts with multiple sources whenever possible. Double-check dates, names, and other important details before submitting the notice for publication.

What if I'm overwhelmed by grief when trying to write an obituary?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief when trying to write an obituary, consider taking some time to process your emotions before attempting to write. Reach out to friends or family members for support if needed.

Can I write multiple versions of an obituary for different audiences?

Yes, you may want to write multiple versions of an obituary tailored to different audiences or publications. For example, you might write a shorter version for social media and a longer version for print publication.

How do I preserve my loved one's memory beyond the initial grieving period?

Beyond the initial grieving period, consider creating a memory book or scrapbook filled with stories, photos, and mementos from your loved one's life. You can also establish a memorial fund or scholarship in their name.