Obituaries
Margaret A. Woog
Feb 5, 2025
Peggy Woog walked the beaches of Florida and pedaled up and down the hills of Ireland, but seemed most satisfied when surrounded by friends and family at her Nisswa home – as long as they didn’t invade her kitchen space.
Peggy’s hospitality was always gracious – with a single, dramatic exception. When she was cooking, her kitchen was a no-fly zone,...
Stacey Moench
Feb 4, 2025
Stacey Lynn Moench, 47, of Staples, MN passed away at the CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN.
Stacey was born on Sept. 16, 1977, in Coon Rapids, MN, the daughter of Lee and Jayne (Cory) Moench.
She attended school in Staples and later finished her education in Brainerd, MN. When Stacey was 15 she was involved in a tragic accident,...
Elsie Sonnenburg
Feb 4, 2025
Elsie Mildred Sonnenburg, 95, of Motley, passed away on February 4, 2025. Interment will be held at a later date.
Elsie was born on July 11, 1929 to Fredrick and Grace (Benson) Sonnenburg in Minot, North Dakota. After high school, Elsie continued her education and received her nursing degree. She was a farmer at heart. She enjoyed being around her cats...
James Besenfelder
Feb 4, 2025
James Charles Besenfelder
Born: September 27, 1951, 1951 in DeKalb, Il.
Died: February 4, 2025, in Baxter, MN.
James Charles Besenfelder, 73, of Baxter, MN., passed away on Feb. 4, 2025. Jim was the son of Bonnie and Jim Besenfelder.
He grew up in DeKalb, IL., and attended St. Mary School, graduated from DeKalb High School in 1969, then attended DePauw University, Boston University,...
Arlene Gamache
Feb 2, 2025
Arlene Gamache, born on June 14, 1942, to Milton and Viola Ostrom, in Comfort Township, MN, passed away on February 2, 2025, in Isanti, MN.
Arlene married her husband, Joseph Gamache, and together they had three children. She enjoyed baking cookies and pies, crocheting, bowling, and golfing with her husband. Arlene was a life-long member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Backus...
Scott Pakarinen
Feb 2, 2025
Scott Pakarinen, 72, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away February 2, 2025.
He is survived by his wife, Dixie and his children; son, Seth (Becky) Pakarinen, daughters, Sara (Darren) Rector, Diane (Sean) Bird and Christine (David) Montague; grandchildren, Nathan Welliver, Ashley, Alyssa, Jordan, Scotty, Hannah, and Brody; brothers, David and Rodney (KC) Pakarinen; his sister, Amanda and great grandkids. He is preceded...
Sunnie Asplund
Jan 31, 2025
Sunnie Rae Asplund, born July 28, 1954, in Cloquet, MN, died peacefully in her sleep on January 31, 2025 at her home in Gull Lake, MN. Sister, aunt, cousin, mother, and loyal friend, Sunnie lived her life bringing joy to others. Those of us lucky enough to know her watched her spend endless energy rescuing the hopeless and the helpless-...
Werner Harry Nelson
Jan 31, 2025
Werner Harry Nelson, 87, of Pillager, passed away on January 31, 2025 at the St. Joesph Medical Center. Funeral Services will take place at 11am on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. A visitation will take place two hours prior to the services. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in...
Loree A. Besser
Jan 30, 2025
Loree A. Besser, 70, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Nisswa on January 30, 2025.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Brenny Funeral Chapel, 7348 Excelsior Rd N, Baxter, MN 56425 from 4-7 PM on Friday, February 7th. A short memorial service will follow at 7 PM, with a lunch to follow.
Loree A. Besser was born in...
Mervin Jensen
Jan 29, 2025
Mervin Carlyle Jensen was born on September 7, 1926, to Dora and Marinus Jensen in Albert Lea.He died on January 29, 2025, at the Veterans facility in St. Cloud, MN, where he resided since April of 2024. During WWII, Mervin was drafted and joined the Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific Corridor. Upon discharge, he returned to Albert Lea and...
Susan Gill
Jan 29, 2025
The Prayer Service for Susan will be livestreamed. Please follow here
Susan Forkner Gill, 78, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, at her lake home in Pequot Lakes, MN, from cancer. She was surrounded by her family.
Susan Claire Forkner, was born March 19th, 1946 to Richard E. and Joyce May Forkner in Langdon, ND. Her parents and two older brothers,...
Randolph "Randy" Johnson
Jan 29, 2025
Randolph “Randy” Belmont Johnson passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 72, after a courageous battle with cancer and COPD.
He was born on February 5, 1952, to Franklin Johnson and MaryJane Oddson. Throughout his life, he was known for his intelligence, hard work, and remarkable ability to fix just about anything. Whether on the road or at...
Susan Johnson
Jan 28, 2025
Susan Ann Johnson (Zwack) of Jenkins, MN, 68 years old, beloved mother of Heidi, Holly, Hannah and Hattie, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on January 28, 2025. She returned to the stars peacefully, surrounded by her four girls and grandkids.
Sue spent the first part of her childhood growing up in Hopkins, MN, before moving to the Lakes Area and graduating...
James Hendrickson
Jan 28, 2025
James M. Hendrickson, known to many as "Hymie," age 59, of Brainerd, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at his home. Born on February 2, 1965, in Crosby, MN, he was the son of Carl and Mary (Girtz) Hendrickson.
Hymie was a free spirit who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was passionate about riding his...
Clarice Gaalswyk
Jan 28, 2025
Clarice Marie Gaalswyk, age 91, of Staples, MN, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025. Born to Martin and Clara (Thorsett) Granby in Byron Township, MN, Clarice lived a life full of love, faith, and service to others.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday February 14, 2025, at 11:00AM at Motley Free Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating....
Rosella Peter
Jan 28, 2025
Rosella Marie (Teske) Peter, 94, of Baxter, Mn, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, at Bethany Nursing Home, Brainerd, Mn. She was born on April 1, 1930, in Wheaton, Kansas to Elsie and Edward Teske. She was the second youngest of eight children. Her mother passed away when Rosella was three years old. She was raised by her older...
Doris Irene Johnson
Jan 27, 2025
Johnson, Doris Irene (Carlson), born June 22, 1922, in Minneapolis, MN. Graduated South High, Minneapolis 1941. Married Berl Leland Johnson October 1, 1943.
Doris enjoyed investigating family Genealogy and was a long-time Friend of Bill W.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Henry Carlson and Nellie Elizabeth Carlson (Stillman) of Minneapolis, her brother Robert H. Carlson Jr., husband Berl,...
John Gorton
Jan 26, 2025
John M. Gorton, DDS, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the Staples community, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at the age of 83. His life was one marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to service – both as a healthcare professional and a member of his community. His character and values were shaped...
Burma Brekke
Jan 24, 2025
Burma Olson Brekke, of Crosslake, MN, passed away on January 24, 2025, at the age of 93.
She was born to Oscar and Hazel Olson Brekke on March 21, 1931, in South Dakota. She grew up in the tiny town of Albee, attending Albee Grade School and Revillo High School receiving her diploma in May 1949. She attended Northern State Teacher’s...
Ronald C. Peterson
Jan 24, 2025
Ronald Claire Peterson March 7, 1941 – January 24, 2025
Ronald Claire Peterson peacefully passed on January 24, 2025. Our Lord and Savior welcomed him as he was surrounded by his loving family, ending his short yet brave battle against Lymphoma.
Born on March 7, 1941, in Wadena, Minnesota, the eldest son of Donald and Luzetta (Martin) Peterson.
In 1961, Ron married Mary...
