Obituaries
Fred Eiklenborg
Oct 15, 2024
Fred Eiklenborg, 70 years old, of Motley MN, passed away Tuesday October 15th, 2024, at his home.
We welcome family and friends to join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday July 12th, 2025, from 1 to 4 pm at the Oelschlager residence, at 17186 299th Avenue, Akeley, MN 56433.
Fred was born on February 6th, 1954, in Rock Rapids, Iowa...
Debra Mertens
Jul 13, 2025
October 21st, 1957- July 13th 2025
Debra Mertens, 67, of Staples, lost her long battle with many chronic illnesses at 945pm Sunday, at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples MN surrounded by her family. (Kacey’s lungs January 17th, 1985 - July 13th 2025)
A traditional burial will take place 11am on 7-19-25 at Motley Free Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior.
Deb...
Goldie Dunn
Jul 11, 2025
Goldie Belle Bliss Dunn beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother left with Jesus on July 11, 2025.
Goldie Bliss was the 12th and final child born to Pearley and Goldie Bliss of Pennington, MN on August 17, 1936. Goldie had a happy childhood growing up in Pennington until she met the love of her life, William F. Dunn. They were married...
Linda Stoltenberg
Jul 9, 2025
Linda Marie Stoltenberg (Ekdahl) was born on September 4, 1958 to Orville and Donna Ekdahl in Alexandria, Minnesota. She was 1 of 6 siblings. Although most of her childhood was spent in Alexandria, Minn., she graduated in Phoenix, Arizona. Linda lived a life that was dedicated to her friends and family. Linda was diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast...
Maryann Petersen
Jul 8, 2025
Maryann Petersen, age 81, of Staples, passed away surrounded by her family on July 8, 2025.
Maryann was born on August 1, 1943, to Rodney and Inez (Carr) Steffes in Rochester, Minnesota. She dedicated her life to caring for others working as an LPN for over 40 years. She also enjoyed working at Clarks in Staples for over 10 years, where...
Pamela Joyce Resch
Jul 7, 2025
Pamela Joyce Resch, 66, of Staples, passed away July 7, 2025, following a long battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, July 24th at the Staples Assembly of God Church at 11:00a.m. A luncheon will be served afterwards.
A private family interment will be held at a later date.
Pam was born June 4, 1959, to William and Peggie...
David Allen Smith
Jul 7, 2025
David Allen Smith, age 78, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2025.
David was born on February 14, 1947, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Clarence and Ada (Wosnick) Smith. After graduating from high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years.
David had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and especially enjoyed...
Peggy Thorn
Jul 6, 2025
Peggy Rae Thorn, 70, of Verndale, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, while enjoying the great outdoors she loved so much. Peggy was born to Robert and Dorothy Larson in Minneapolis, MN on June 16, 1955. She was a woman of contagious joy and laughter that bubbled up readily as she embraced every moment of life.
Peggy accepted Jesus...
Richard Lestina
Jul 5, 2025
Richard Boyd Lestina, born December 30, 1955, passed away peacefully through family caregiving at home on July 5, 2025, following a heroic battle with pancreatic and peritoneal cancers.
Rick was passionate about his work as a water resources engineer with the city of Maple Grove, retiring in July of 2018. He transitioned with Lori to a beautiful Longville Lake home for...
Rachel Reabe Nystrom
Jul 5, 2025
October 9, 1954 – July 5, 2025
Rachel Reabe Nystrom, a trailblazing journalist, devoted public servant, cherished mother and Oma, and beloved friend to many, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 70. After an 11-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the disease took much from her, but it never took her faith in Jesus Christ.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut,...
Maurice Karst
Jul 4, 2025
Pequot Lakes resident, Maurice Delane Karst, CPO (ret), a 20-year Navy veteran, passed away on July 4th, 2025, at the age of 90. He is survived by his dear wife of 38 years, Elly Karst, and many loved ones. No formal service is planned per Morrie's wishes. He will be honored with a military salute at his burial on August...
Albert Abear
Jul 3, 2025
Albert W Abear passed away into the arms of his savior on July 3, 2025, at his home. Al was born on July 21, 1945, to Benjamin Abear and Reba (Sisk) Abear.
He was a member of the Backus Nazarene Church where he taught Sunday school and was on the church board. He served in the US Army from 1964-1967, serving...
Carolyn Buss
Jul 3, 2025
Carolyn Marie Buss, age 90, of Pine River, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on October 9, 1934, on her parents’ farm west of Pequot Lakes, she was the beloved daughter of the late Gilbert and Esther Anderson. She graduated from Pequot Lakes High School in 1952 and later earned a degree as a dental...
Harrell Defries
Jul 2, 2025
Harrell Defries was born January 13,1936, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Otto and Gladyce Defries. He grew up and graduated high school in Redwood Falls, MN. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict and studied math and engineering at the University of Minnesota. After getting married in 1958, Harrell and Marge Defries settled in Bloomington, MN, to...
Floyd Jensen
Jun 29, 2025
Floyd Michael Jensen, 65, passed away on Sunday June 29th, 2025 surrounded by his family and in the comfort of his home after a courageous and heroic battle with a GIST tumor. Floyd was born on January 30th, 1960 to James Jr. and Carol (Trantanella) Jensen in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from Murray High School in 1978 and later...
Charlene White
Jun 27, 2025
Charlene Leona White, Age 75 of Pine River, MN, passed away at her home June 27, 2025.
Char’s celebration of life will be on July 8, 2025, at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Pine River with visitation at 11AM, service at 12PM, and a burial service following at Norwood Cemetery.
Char was born on Dec 2, 1949, to Clarence Jr and Ardelle Hall...
Thomas Hermel
Jun 22, 2025
Thomas Clifford Hermel, age 78, passed unexpectedly on Sunday, June 22nd, from extreme heat exhaustion at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. He died a "quick, happy death not listening to his wife." He left behind an impeccable collection of hunting guns, clothing and supplies, as well as industrial sized boxes of instant oatmeal, and more Tom Brady, Donald Trump...
Darline Molde
Jun 21, 2025
Darline Joy Molde, an 85-year-old resident of Lake Alexander, passed away at her lake home on June 21, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing on June 30, 2025. Visitation begins at 10am with the service starting at 11am.
Darline was born in Montevideo on November 10, 1939, to Arvid and Arline Miller. Darline grew up in...
Willis "Will" Hoyt
Jun 19, 2025
Willis Arthur Hoyt (Will) passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Minneapolis on May 17, 1957.
Will graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1975. He was preceded in death by Binky, Hughie, Merps, Ruby, and Lars. Surviving classmates are probably still subject to statues of limitations...
Dan Blaisdell
Jun 15, 2025
Daniel Roland Blaisdell, was born in Waseca, MN, on March 18, 1944, to Erna and Merle Blaisdell. Dan grew up with two siblings, brother, Gary Blaisdell, and sister, Twila Sickman.
Dan went to Janesville school and later married Karen E. Spindler on April 22, 1967. They lived in Owatonna, MN, and Dan worked at OTC for 6 years. In 1973, they...
