Le Mars, IA - Wendell L. Johnson, 77, of Le Mars, formerly of Thief River Falls, passed away Friday, September 8, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA surrounded by his family.
    A time of sharing and remembrance was held on Tuesday, September 12 at the Mauer–Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com
    Wendell Lee Johnson was born on May 7, 1940 in Thief River Falls, the son of Albert and Helma (Grindland) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church.
    Wendell graduated from Lincoln High School, Thief River Falls in 1958. While in high school, Wendell was a member of the 1956 state hockey championship team. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy on July 28, 1959. Wendell served aboard the USS Parson destroyer. He earned an Honorable Discharge on July 17, 1963.
    On October 24, 1964, Wendell and Sharen Marie Schmidt were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Michigan, ND. Wendell’s work took the family throughout the United States. While living in Leadville, CO, Wendell worked as a miner. In 1967 the family moved to Dallas, TX so he could attend computer programming school. He worked in the computer field in Dallas, TX, Thief River Falls and Manitowoc, WI.
    In 1985, Wendell and his family moved to Le Mars, IA, where he took a position at K-Products in Orange City, IA, where he retired. During his retirement years, Wendell became an avid golfer and spent many hours and made many friends on the course.
    Wendell is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharen Johnson of Le Mars, IA; their son, Tyler and his wife, Lisa Johnson of Urbandale, IA; Sharen’s brothers and sisters, Marlys and Larry Hoverson, Connie Schmidt, Milton and Marlys Schmidt, Darryl and Wanda Schmidt, Dwayne and Kathie Schmidt, Sylvia and Greg Daws, James and Annette Schmidt. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins to whom he had a close bond.
    Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lois (Jerry) Fretting, Marian (Francis) Brault and Ardith Johnson; a brother-in-law, John Schmidt; and a nephew, Michael Brault.
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Auburn, WA - Dr. Harley Dale Gilthvedt of Auburn, Washington passed away on September 7, 2017 at the age of 86, surrounded by family.
    A memorial service to celebrate Harley’s life will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn on Saturday, September 23rd at 11:00 a.m. He and Vi will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.
    Harley, an Auburn resident for almost 60 years, was born on March 13, 1931 to Henry John Gilthvedt and Alpha Rosella (Johnson) Gilthvedt in Strathcona, Minnesota. Harley was the only son in the family, and had nine sisters.
    Harley married Viola (Vi) Loraine Wiskow on September 2, 1950 at her parents’ farm in Greenbush. He served in the US Army, and after his honorable discharge the couple moved to Auburn, Washington in 1958.
    Harley worked at the Boeing Company and Vi was a stay at home mom to their 3 children; Wayne, Rondi, and Vicki. After Vi recovered from a life-threatening illness, the couple decided Harley should become a chiropractor. They packed up the family and moved to Davenport, Iowa where he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic and worked full-time at International Harvester while Vi worked full-time in a cabinet shop.
    Harley graduated salutatorian from Palmer College in 1966 and they moved back to their home in Auburn where they began their practice. Harley retired in 2008, but remained a frequent assistant to his daughter Vicki at the clinic until 2016.
    Harley was a member of the Board of Directors of Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport, Palmer West College of Chiropractic, Palmer Florida College of Chiropractic, and the first board director to receive emeritus status; Palmer Fellow; Palmer President’s Club Member; Past President of the International Chiropractors’ Association; Past President of the Chiropractic Society of Washington; Past President of the Auburn Noon Lions  & Zone C3 Chairman; founding member and Past President of the Vesterdalen Lodge in Auburn; a member of the Sons of Norway, VFW, Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge, and a 55+ year member of Messiah Lutheran Church.
    Harley loved his wife and his family, loved his profession and his patients, thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and was supremely grateful for the life God had given him. He and Vi enjoyed years of working, playing, and traveling the world together.
    Harley was preceded in death by his wife Viola, his parents, and sisters Allayne Glover, Voncille Schaefbauer, Hurdis Lindberg, Marilyn Dodson, and Karyl Nisly. He is survived by sisters Joyce Perkins, Marlys Schultz, Judith Slen, and Bonnae Mastroianni; son Wayne (Trudy) Gilthvedt, daughters Rondi (David) Mitchell and Vicki Wickham-Gilthvedt, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandsons.
    In lieu of gifts or flowers, memorials can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn, Washington or St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw, Washington.
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    Lake Bronson - Eugene “Jimmy” Schafer, 70, of Lake Bronson, passed away at Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center in Hallock on Thursday, September 14, 2017.
    Funeral services were held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hallock. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Lake Bronson.
    Eugene George Schafer was born September 30, 1946 in Crookston, to Frank and Anna (Linnert) Schafer. Gene grew up in Red Lake Falls and was a 1965 graduate of Lafayette High School. After completing high school, Gene’s brother Robert flew him to Pipestone where he studied meat processing.
    After becoming a butcher, Eugene opened Schafer’s Locker Plant in Plummer. Gene also worked construction and drove semi for several years. In the early 90s, Gene took a job at Arctic Cat and was a welder there for over 20 years. He moved to Lake Bronson in 2010 and retired in 2015.
    Eugene enjoyed dancing, playing cards and gardening. He was also a Vikings and Twins fan. Eugene loved Anne’s grandchildren, Summer, Spencer and Sawyer Billings, Chelanne and Jaden Kostrzewski. He took pleasure in attending their sporting events and just spending time with them on the farm.
    Eugene is survived by his brothers, Robert, of Red Lake Falls, Larry (Candace), of Red Lake Falls and Willard (Barbara), of Lakeville; his loving companion, Anne Billings, of Lake Bronson; and nieces and nephews.  
    Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margaret Boutain and husband Dale; an infant brother, Alfred; a nephew, Jeffrey Boutain; and a sister-in-law, Judith Schafer.
    Arrangements are with Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock.
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    Thief River Falls - LaVonne D. Thune passed away on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Valley Elder Care in Grand Forks, ND with her loving family at her side.
    Funeral service were held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Reverend Alex Amiot Officiating. Burial was held at St. Pauli Cemetery rural Thief River Falls.
    LaVonne Delores Nelson was born April 16, 1926 at Grygla, daughter of John and Amanda (Englund) Nelson. She moved to Thief River Falls with her family in 1938. She was baptized when she was confirmed with her brother Roy at Silver Creek Lutheran Church near Thief River Falls.
    LaVonne attended Greenwood School in Grygla and Northfield School in rural Thief River Falls. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1943. She attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA for a time. She also lived in Los Angeles and worked at the Hall of Records. Her favorite job was telephone operator for Northwestern Bell.
    LaVonne married Gordon Kaushagen in 1947. To this union eight children were born. When their children were a little older, she worked for Land O Lakes and Northwestern Hospital. Gordon passed away in 1976. On May 23, 1979 she was united in marriage to Don Thune.
    LaVonne was a past member of Silver Creek Lutheran Church and an active member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls where she taught Bible class and Sunday school. She was a born again Christian and loved studying her Bible.
    LaVonne also enjoyed flower gardening, baking, especially cinnamon rolls that she would share with people. She loved having coffee with family and friends. She also enjoyed riding horseback.
    LaVonne is survived by her husband Don at Valley Elder Care in Grand Forks, ND; children Judy (Richard) Olson of Brooks, Luther (Larae) Kaushagen of Thief River Falls, Daniel Kaushagen of Anchorage, AK, Mary Jane (Roger) Paradis of Mentor, Mark (Cynthia) Kaushagen of Thief River Falls, Joy Kaushagen of Grand Forks, ND and Kyle (Evie) Kaushagen of Thief River Falls: grandchildren Shannon (Dr. Scott) Knutson, Matthew (Kathryn) Kaushagen, David (Darcy) Kaushagen, Heather (Todd) Nelson, Heidi (Jeremy) Bloedow, Alexis (Nick) Nelson, Alison Lian, Gordon Kaushagen, Karissa Kaushagen, Jonah Kaushagen, Cole (Jamie) Furuseth, Andy Furuseth, Benjamin Furuseth, Katie Furuseth, Jenny Gayden, Sonja Carlson and Jerod Carlson: twenty-six  great-grandchildren: sisters Irene Johnson and Violet “Dolly” Hensley: sisters-in-law Irene Nelson of Thief River Falls, Vernice Nelson of Thief River Falls, Arlene Thune of Thief River Falls: brother-in-law Glen (Beverly) Thune of Twin Valley: many nieces,  nephews and cousins.
    LaVonne is preceded in death by her husband Gordon; daughter Kristi Furuseth; granddaughter Lona Moen; brothers Roy Nelson, Jerrold Nelson, Leo Nelson and John Dale Nelson; sisters Marion Olson and Helen Wilson; sister-in-law Pearl Nelson.
    Funeral arrangement with Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls.
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Darrel A. Swenson

    Red Lake Falls - Darrel A. Swenson of Red Lake Falls, died Monday, September 18, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls. Arrangements pending with Johnson Funeral Service, Red Lake Falls.
 

Darrel A. Swenson

    Red Lake Falls -  Darrel Swenson of Red Lake Falls,  passed away on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, with his loving family by his side.
    Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, September 22, 2017 St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls with Father Bob Schreiner officiating. Burial was held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery near Red Lake Falls.
    Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Service, Red Lake Falls.

Raymond Paulson, 82

    Thief River Falls -  Raymond Paulson, 82, of Thief River Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by his family.
    Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls,  with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military honors will be provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post #117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793 and the North Dakota Air Force Honor Guard.  
    Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. with a 5 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls.  Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral on Monday at the church.
    Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls.
 

    Thief River Falls - Margaret A. Peterson, Thief River Falls, 80, passed away on Friday September 22, 2017 at her residence with her loving husband by her side.
    Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church, Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
    Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2017 4 – 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. prayer service at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
    Margaret Ann Jerome was born January 7, 1937 at Hallock, the daughter of Edward L. and Elishia (Breyer) Jerome. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hallock.
    On August 31, 1956, Margaret was united in marriage to Gordon Jerome Peterson at St. Patrick’s Rectory, Hallock. The couple made their home in Fairmont, where she worked as a bookkeeper for 3M. They moved back to Thief River Falls where Margaret worked as receptionist and bookkeeper for Dr. Nelson for 31 years. Following his retirement, she worked at Paint and Glass for 17 years until her retirement due to health.
    She was a member of St. Bernard’s Church, Thief River Falls.
    Margaret is survived by her husband, Gordon, Thief River Falls; sisters: Marcella M. Jerome, St. Anthony, and Marlene C. Jerome, Minneapolis,; brothers: Gerald E. (Cheryl) Jerome, Beaverton, OR and Joseph M. (Lynne) Jerome, St. Petersburg FL.
    Margaret was preceded in death by her infant son Joseph Gordon Peterson, parents, Edward and Elishia Jerome; grandparents Napoleon and Elise Jerome and John and Marie Breyer, along with niece Gabrille Jerome.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Bernard’s Catholic School.
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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    Middle River - Robert G. Olson of Middle River, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, September 21, 2017 at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, with his loving family and his good friend, Pastor Ollie Urdahl at his side, at the age of 87.
    Funeral service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Newfolden, with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating.  
    Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at New Hope Lutheran Church.
    Robert Glenn Olson was born on April 22, 1930 in East Valley Township, Marshall County, to Carl and Glenna (Beerbower) Olson. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith.
    Robert grew up on his parent’s farm in Ringbo, northeast of Holt. He attended school through 8th grade at the rural Ringbo School. During his childhood, he and his sister Ardie helped with the farm work by driving teams of horses in the hay fields, raising sheep and dairy cattle.
    During WW II, Robert and his sister Ardie drove a bundle team of horses together in the grain fields during thrashing season on three different farms.
    In 1943, Robert, his sisters and parents, moved to Hastings, Nebraska to work in the Naval Ammunitions Depot where they loaded 40mm shells for the Navy. After the war, they returned to the farm and started farming again, now using modern tractors and equipment.
    As a young adult, Robert continued to run and operate the family farm and working for other farmers. In the spring of 1957, he met Shirley Ann Skyberg and they were united in marriage on May 3, 1957 in Greenbush. The couple took over the family farm and made it their home. They were blessed with six children, Robbin, Orrin, Susan, Ross, Bryan, and Kristie. They continued to raise dairy cattle, sheep and farmed small grain. He also worked at Agassiz Wildlife Refuge, and Land O’ Lakes/Northern Pride.
    Robert served on the Ringbo and New Hope Church Councils. He was a District Director for Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Red Lake Falls, for 32 years.
    Robert liked visiting and listening to country and gospel music, attending threshing bees, going to car shows, woodworking, collecting Matchbox cars, hunting and fishing. In his 20s, he sang in a quartet and performed locally.
    Robert is survived by his children: Orrin Olson, Thief River Falls; Susan (Mark) Lee, Plummer; Ross Olson, Perham; Bryan Olson, Middle River; Kristie Olson, East Grand Forks;  grandchildren: Andy Tabor, Thief River Falls,  Kayse (Zachary) Maass, Owatonna, Jami (Tanner) Nunn, Crookston, Sheena Lee, Fairbault, Courtney Lee, Mankato, Chelsey (fiancé, Dan Lepper) Olson, Perham, Brandon Olson, Minneapolis, Cierra Olson, Perham, Lisa, Harley, and Eva Olson, Middle River and Jackson Olson, EGF; great-grandchildren: Chastity Tabor, Talon Nunn, and Thea Nunn.: brother-in-law Kenny Peterson, Nisswa; and many nieces and nephews.
    Robert was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Olson, infant daughter, Robbin Jean Olson; parents Carl and Glenna Olson; sisters, Ardith Olson and Maxine Peterson; brother, Glenn Olson, daughter-in-law, Vickie Olson.
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    Thief River Falls - Lloyd W. Dyrdal, 69, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 22, 2017 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. He was surrounded by his loving family.
    Funeral service to celebrate Lloyd’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Burial will take place at a later date at the Camp Ripley Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls.
    Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
    Lloyd Wayne Dyrdal was born on May 5, 1948 in Thief River Falls, the son of Nels and Helen (Stigen) Dyrdal.  He was baptized, confirmed, and attended school in Thief River Falls.
    In 1966, Lloyd enlisted with the United States Army. He attended Heavy Equipment Engineer schooling September-November of 1966. He served as a combat engineer during 1966-68, 1970-71, 1971-72 in Vietnam and 1968-70 in Fort Bragg North Carolina.
    Lloyd also did a tour in Germany during 1971-72. After six years and an honorable discharge from the United States Army, he joined and served in the Army National Guard for several years. He is a member of The American Legion in Thief River Falls.
    Lloyd’s occupation was in the maintenance field at various locations including the Best Western, Arctic Cat, Watlow, and the Winona Knitting Mill.
    Lloyd enjoyed the sport of deer hunting in his younger years, and more recently enjoyed the sport by being with family and watching them hunt. He also had a passion for cars. He and his younger brother, Terry, have always been known for their “cool cars” and mechanical abilities to enhance these cars to their highest potential, not to mention the meticulous condition in which they kept them. Together, they attended many car shows and over the past few years attended NHRA races with family.
    Lloyd’s greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed letters, pictures, phone calls and texts, but most of all he loved visits from family–whether it was 5 minutes, a few hours, a family wedding or reunion, he carried a great deal of pride in his family. He also enjoyed many friends in the community, particularly at the American Legion of Thief River Falls.
    In his free time, Lloyd enjoyed old Country Western television shows/movies and working on the coin collection he and his youngest son started several years ago.
    Lloyd is survived by his children, Troy (Dara) Dyrdal of Thief River Falls, Melissa (Tim) Nelson of Baxter, Brent (Sarah) Dyrdal of Thief River Falls, Tony (Liz) Dyrdal of Wilmar, and Robert (Sam) Dyrdal of Winona; grandchildren, Christopher, Kendra, and Alexander Dyrdal, Faith, Ella, and Brady Nelson, Bree Dyrdal, Chloe Dyrdal, Morgan and Madison Dyrdal; sister, Susie (Jim) Sonnenfeld of Winona; brother, Terry (Shelley Legg) Dyrdal of Thief River Falls; several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
    Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Helen Dyrdal; brother, Roger Dyrdal Sr.; sons, Jamie and Jason Dyrdal; granddaughter, Marissa Dyrdal; nephew, Roger Dyrdal Jr.; brother-in-law, Orville McQuiston; along with all of his military brothers and sisters.
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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    Red Lake Falls - Darrel Swenson of Red Lake Falls, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, with his loving family by his side.
    Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. Burial was held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery near Red Lake Falls.
    Darrel Arthur Swenson was born April 4, 1938 at Holt, son of Arthur and Myrtle (King) Swenson. Myrtle passed away and Arthur was united in marriage to Elizabeth Copeland.
    Arthur attended country school in Rosewood and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. He went on to serve in the Army National Guard.
    On June 25, 1960 Darrel was united in marriage to Shirley Knott at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. In 1962, they moved to Red Lake Falls and raised their four children.
    Darrel was a police officer, owned Darrel’s Conoco, worked at Cenex and owned Darrel’s Repair. He was instrumental in starting the voluntary ambulance, from which he retired after 25 years of service, and was an orderly at Mt. St. Benedict in Crookston. Darrel was also a bus driver/maintenance man at Hillcrest Nursing Home and was a  courtesy van driver for Dakota Clinic.
    Darrel enjoyed gardening, small engine repair, weekly card games with friends, bowling, baking, making pickles and peanut brittle, camping, hunting and fishing, as well as playing many instruments. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
    Darrel is survived by his children Brian (Kathy) Swenson of Fargo, ND, Bradley (Dawn) Swenson of Red Lake Falls, Sheryl (Erik) Beitel of Thief River Falls, Stacey Papenfuss of Robbinsdale: grandchildren Ross (Sarah), Logan (Haley) and Preston (Chelsey) Swenson, Shelby (Derek) and Kristina (Preston) Swenson, Regan (Marissa) and Cody Hawk, Ashley (Nick), Lynzy and Sydnee Beitel, Alexis, John and Trace Papenfuss, great-grandchildren Ayden, Lilly, Skylar, Haedynn, Carter, Ashton, Bradley and Bryleigh. Brothers Allen Swenson, Billy (Angie) Copeland; sisters Carolyn (Rodney) Grandstrand, Marion (Glenn) Halvorson; sisters-in-law Eva Lundquist, Loretta Knott; brothers-in-law Orville (Gen) Knott and Floyd Erickson.
    Arthur is preceded in death by his wife Shirley on October 7, 2013, sisters Virginia McGlynn, Arlene Erickson; brothers Gene Copeland and Leland Copeland.
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    Thief River Falls - Raymond Paulson of Thief River Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by his family at the age of 82.
    Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, September 25, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial followed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military honors were provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post #117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793 and the North Dakota Air Force Honor Guard.  
    Raymond Leroy Paulson, the son of Olaf and Gina (Starren) Paulson, was born on September 2, 1935 in Roseau. He attended country school and later graduated from Roseau High School.  
    Following high school, Raymond enlisted with the United States Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Roseau where he met his future wife, Evelyn.
    Ray was united in marriage to Evelyn Novotny on November 3, 1962 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Badger. They moved to Virginia, where Ray began his career with the Minnesota State Patrol as a dispatcher. Their first son, Michael was born.
    In 1965, Ray transferred to Thief River Falls. Here they made their home and were blessed with three more children, Eric, Bruce, and Kris.
    Along with his career with the State Patrol, Ray also worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. After his 33 years of service to the State Patrol, he retired and continued working for several more years with the Postal Service.
    Ray enjoyed gardening, working outdoors, daily trips to the coffee shops, spending time with family members – especially his grandchildren.  He was an active volunteer with several activities at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Meals on Wheels.
    Ray was a selfless man that would help anybody in need and would always put others first. He was gentle and kind. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Ray will be dearly missed by many.
    Ray is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn of Thief River Falls; children, Mike Paulson of Thief River Falls, Eric Paulson of Tacoma, WA, Bruce (Sharri) Paulson of Thief River Falls, and Kris (Mike) Zimmer of Kenmare, ND; grandchildren: McKinzie, Megan, Kate, Jack, and Aubrey; siblings, JoAnn Hamlin of Montgomery, Shirley Efta of Milwaukee, WI, Bev (Jim) Hedlund of Roseau, and Reuben (Laura) Norquist of Roseau; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
    Raymond is preceded in death by his infant twin daughters; his parents; and his stepfather, Randy Norquist.
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Theresa J. Kleinwachter, 70

    Stephen - Theresa J. Kleinwachter, 70, of Stephen, passed away on Friday evening, September 22, 2017 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND.
    Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Stephen. Interment will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Cemetery in Stephen.
    Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church on Saturday.
    Arrangements are with DuBore Funeral Home in Warren.

    Thief River Falls - Shirley Ann Yonke, 87, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Friday September 29, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls from complications of Alzheimer’s disease with her loving family by her side.
    Funeral services will be  held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Reverend LeRoy Flickinger officiating.  Burial will be at Community Cemetery near St. Hilaire.
    Visitation will be held  one hour prior to the funeral service.
    Shirley Ann Hanson was born November 10, 1929 at her parent’s home in Garnes Township, Red Lake County, to Hans P. and Naomi (Hofius) Hanson. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith and attended country school through the 8th grade.
    From the age of 14 until her marriage, Shirley worked at various household jobs.
    At a dance in Plummer, Shirley met her future husband, Leonard August Yonke and on March 17, 1949 they were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They lived on a farm north of Thief River Falls in Excel Township and together they built a grade A dairy operation, along with their three sons and daughter, which they operated until retirement.
    Shirley’s interests included quilting, sewing, gardening, fishing, cooking, baking, competing in baking at County Fairs, 4-H, playing cards and most especially raising a family and spending time with her grandchildren.
    Shirley is survived by her children: Chester (Marla),  Lennae (Jim) Kosmatka,  Marvin (Carol), David (Denise); grandchildren: Jason (Kari), Scott (Brenda), Steve, Brian Kosmatka,  April (Marc) Quillen, Sheri (Jason) Weig, Josh, Lucas,  Desirae,  Danielle; great-grandchildren: Madison, Carter, Zachary, Evelyn, Jada, Paige, Avery, Archer; twin sister, Norma Swanson; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.
    She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; parents, Hans and Naomi Hanson; brothers, Harvey Hanson, Harold Hanson, and Allan Hanson; and sisters, Margie Prestebak and Idella Rewertz.
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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    Marshall - Warren A. Saetre, retired Ninth Judicial District Trial Judge, died Tuesday, September 26, in Marshall.  Still active at 94 years of age, Saetre died as a result of injuries suffered as a passenger in a traffic accident in Marshall.  His wife, Marjorie Sorenson, also died as a result of the accident and her funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 26.
    A memorial service for Marshall friends will be held at First Lutheran Church in Marshall on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. A service will also be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. His remains will be laid to rest beside Margaret in a family internment in Warren.
    Judge Saetre was born August 22, 1923 in Henning, the son of Alfred and Ida (Thoreson) Saetre, the fifth in a family of five boys and two girls. Two of his brothers, Gaylord and Homer, were also District judges in Minnesota. As a boy, Saetre learned the value of hard work from his Thoreson uncles who farmed the Henning area.
    Saetre nurtured a life-long love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting the prairie lakes of his home, and he developed the virtues of integrity and faith from his Norwegian Lutheran family. He became acquainted with grief as a boy when his father died in the midst of the Depression, and he learned from his mother’s grit as she raised her family through those hard times.  
    Saetre enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942, receiving his officer’s commission and silver wings as a fighter pilot. He flew P-38s and P-47s during WWII, and P-51s as a Minnesota Air National Guard officer following the war. He never forgot the honor of serving his country as a pilot and the thrill of flight that marked those years.  
    Following the war, Saetre met and married Margaret Strunk, the love of his life, in 1950 and graduated from William Mitchell Law School in 1951. In 1952, he opened a solo law practice in Margaret’s home town of Warren. In addition to private practice, Saetre served as Marshall County Attorney from 1953 to 1968.  His firm grew with the addition of partners Harold Myhre and Chuck Huddleston, now the firm of Rokke and Aandal.
    Saetre was appointed to the 9th Judicial Bench by Gov. Harold Levander in 1968 where he served until his retirement in 1989.  He won praise from other judges and members of the Bar, who said of him at his retirement, that “He was an uncommonly good judge… a role model for many years for younger judges and lawyers around the state.”  He was honored by the Minnesota State Bar Association for his years of service.
    Saetre was an author of the Minnesota Criminal Jury Instructions Guide and served as Chief Judge of the 9th District. He was a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Judges and studied at the National College of Trial Judges and also as a student of British Law at the University of Birmingham.
    There was more to Saetre than a distinguished career. He had a twinkle in his blue eyes and loved to tease. His annual Christmas letters from “Uncle Edvin” are legendary. Warren was a proud father, husband and community leader in Warren and Thief River Falls. He continued his love of the outdoors as an avid walleye fisherman on Lake of the Woods, and an inveterate duck hunter of the big lake.
    After the death of Margaret, Saetre surprised us with a reunion with high school classmate, Marjorie Sorenson, and subsequently married her in the fall of 2010. They were good companions for each other at their Marshall home and enjoyed happy twilight years together.
    Saetre is survived by his two younger brothers, Homer (Esther) Saetre, and Roland (Janice) Saetre; his son David (Janet Bewley); his daughters, Anne (Steve) Josephson; Nancy (Knute) Thorsgard; Linda Saetre; and youngest sons William and Steven. He loved his nine grandchildren very much, and delighted in his eight great-grandchildren.  He was loved by his step-grandchildren and their four great-grandchildren as well.  He is also survived by Marjorie’s son Scott (Colleen) Sorenson.  
    Saetre was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Strunk); his parents, his brothers Gaylord and Sidney, his sisters Josephine and Clarice; and his second wife Marjorie Sorenson.  
    In notes he prepared for his own obituary, Warren wrote, “Hello and goodbye from the luckiest guy I know… Life has been a great experience, both rugged and kind, so don’t feel sorry for me. And now I have taken my final step and I look forward to whatever awaits me.”
    Arrangements with Rehkamp Horvath Funeral Directors, Marshall, MN.
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Penny Magnell, 57

    McIntosh - Penny Magnell, 57, of McIntosh, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 2, 2017 at her home in McIntosh.
    Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McIntosh. Interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh.
    Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning.
    Arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Janice Henrickson, 73

    Thief River Falls - Janice Henrickson, 73, of Thief River Falls, died on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.
    Funeral service to celebrate Janice’s life will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
    Visitation will be held on  Sunday, October 8, 2017 from 5–8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to the service on Monday.
    Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Alan Gehrls, 77

    Karlstad - Alan Gehrls, 77, of Karlstad, formerly of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Monday morning on October 2, 2017 at his residence with his loving wife at his side.
    Memorial service to celebrate Alan’s life was held on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Warren A. Saetre, 94

    Marshall - Warren A. Saetre, retired Ninth Judicial District Trial Judge, died Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in Marshall. Still active at 94 years of age, Saetre died as a result of injuries suffered as a passenger in a traffic accident in Marshall. His wife, Marjorie Sorenson, also died as a result of the accident and her funeral service was held Tuesday, September 26, 2017.
    A memorial service for Marshall friends will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at the First Lutheran Church in Marshall at 1 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. A service will also be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 1 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. His remains will be laid to rest beside Margaret in a family interment in Warren.

Ione Gonsorowski,     89

    Thief River Falls - Ione Gonsorowski, Thief River Falls, 89, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls with her loving family by her side.
    Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls.  Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
    Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Janice L. Bouffleur, 76

    Mentor - Janice Lee Bouffleur, 76, of Mentor, died on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Essential Health in Fosston, with her loving family at her side.
    A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Rosehill Cemetery near Mentor with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating.
    Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Service of Thief River Falls.

Thief River Falls - Ione Gonsorowski,  89, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, with her loving family by her side.
    Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. Burial followed at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
    Ione Evelyn Vanyo was born on April 27, 1928 at home in Tabor, the daughter of Frank and Pauline (Miller) Vanyo. Ione was the eldest of seven children. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Tabor.
    Ione attended grade school, 1st through 7th grade, at Sunnyside School in Tabor and went one year (8th grade) in Alvarado, where she stayed with her uncle, John Vanyo and family. Grades 9-12, she attended Monroe High School in St. Paul, graduating in 1945.  
    On November 25, 1947, Ione was united in marriage to Hubert Gonsorowski at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Argyle. To this union, six children were born: Gary, Yvonne, Duane, Louis, Gerald and Roger.  They were married for 66 years until Hubert’s death in 2014.  
    Ione’s first job was taking care of a handicapped woman after school, then working at Walgreen’s Drug Store in St. Paul. After being united in marriage, Hubert and Ione moved to Grand Forks, ND where they lived with Florian and Martha Gonsorowski. Ione then went to work at Torgerson Drug Store in East Grand Forks.  
    The family moved to Argyle where Ione stayed home with the children and did the books for Hubert’s Standard Oil Service. In November of 1969, the family made their home in Thief River Falls.  
    Ione worked at Children’s Toggery and Bjorkman’s Clothing before going to St. Bernard’s Catholic School as the Head Cook from 1982-2009. During those years, Ione also did catering and weddings.  
    About three weeks ago, Ione wrote her own obituary and at this point she said, “that’s enough!”
    Survivors include her daughter, Yvonne (Tim) Benedict; sons, Duane (Diane) Gonsorowski, Louis Gonsorowski, Gerald (MaryBeth) Gonsorowski all of Thief River Falls, and Roger (Jenny) Gonsorowski of Independence, IA; grandchildren, Michael (Julie) Benedict, Rachel Benedict, Paul (Jackie) Gonsorowski, Jenni (Chris) Restad, Mauri (Anthony) Roy, Leanna Gonsorowski, Noah Gonsorowski, Geran Gonsorowski, Jazlyn Gonsorowski, Nick Gonsorowski; great-grandchildren, Gannon and Easton Gonsorowski, Gunner and Reagan Restad, Levi Roy and twin Roys due in February, and Mykah Melville; brother, Frank (Jewel) Vanyo, Jr.; sisters, Lorraine (Wayne) Olson and Pauline Fisher; sisters-in-law, Barb Vanyo and Betty Gonsorowski; brothers-in-law, Daniel Gonsorowski,  Edward Gonsorowski, and Gaylord Loughrey; and many other relatives and friends.
    Ione is preceded in death by her husband, Hubert in 2014; son, Gary in 1954; parents, Frank and Pauline Vanyo; siblings, Robert (Cecilia) Vanyo, Leo (Lorraine) Vanyo, Joseph Vanyo; brother-in-law, James Fisher; and many members of Hubert’s family.
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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    Thief River Falls - Janice Henrickson, 73, of Thief River Falls, died on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.
    Funeral service to celebrate Janice’s life were held  on Monday, October 9, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Burial was held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
    Janice Karen (Swenson) Henrickson, daughter of Lewis and Lorraine (Davidson) Swenson, was born at the Edward and Cora Knutson Davidson home in Middle River, on February 19, 1944. She attended school at Ringbo until the 8th grade. She graduated from Newfolden High School in 1962.
    Janice married Gene Henrickson at Ringbo Church on April 21, 1962 and to this union three children were born: Lori, Lisa and Lance.
    Janice went to Cosmetologist School, working as a hairdresser for a short period of time before going to work at Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator. She was a stay-at-home mom for a short period of time, worked at Falls Liquor Store and most recently, working at Digi Key for the past 17 years where she made many good friends.
    Janice enjoyed being with family, as her grandchildren and their activities were a priority. Fishing and campfires at Rocky Point and four-wheeling at Fourtown were some of her favorite things to do. She enjoyed gardening and took great pride in her flowers.
    Janice spent many days decorating for the holidays–making sure everything was festive. You could always talk her into going shopping, another favorite thing to do with her family, especially her grandkids. Janice was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.
    Janice is survived by her husband of 55 years Geno; children: Lori (David) Marquis, Lisa (Loren) Pittman, Lance (Shelly) Henrickson; grandchildren: Brody, Jordey, Zachary and Caden Marquis, Linzie (Austin), Bailey, Noah and Nick Pittman, Gage and Gracee Henrickson; Aunt Carol Comstock; sisters-in-law: Helen Rude and Esther Collins; brothers-in-law Gordy (Sandy) Henrickson , Howard (Noreen) Henrickson, several nieces and nephew and friends.
    Janice is preceeded in death by her parents, Lewis and Lorraine; grandson, Seth Marquis; sister, Gloria Miska; nephew, Ryan Miska; brothers-in-law, Donald Henrickson, Rudy Rude and Virgil Collins; mother and father-in-law, Pete and Inga Henrickson.
    Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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    Thief River Falls - Patrick Krause, 62, of Thief River Falls, died Friday, October 6, 2017 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls.
    Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at Nexus Church, Thief River Falls, with Pastor Matty Towse officiating.
    Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, and also one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
    Patrick A. Krause was born April 8, 1955 in Minneapolis, the son of Duane F. and Shirley C. (Hoover) Krause. He was baptized into the Catholic Faith in 1955, confirmed in the Lutheran Faith in 1969 and then baptized into the Baptist Faith in 1981.  
    Patrick attended St. Croix Lutheran High School, graduating in 1973, attended Northwestern Lutheran College in Watertown, WI for one year, attended Golden Valley Lutheran College, where he attained an A.A. in 1976, attended Augsburg Lutheran College, receiving a Bachelor of Music in 1988,  and attended Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, attaining a Master of Divinity in 1992.
    On July 15, 1978, Patrick was united in marriage to Diane Marie Nestrud at Brooklyn Center Baptist Church.
    At the age of 15, Patrick was cooking burgers and became a cook and chef in the food industry. He was a line cook and trainer, was head cook at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1976-1978; worked at Arden International Kitchens as Production Manager and R&D Associate and worked at Hope Community Church, Brooklyn Park from 1991-1992.  
    Patrick was ordained in 1995 and served Cushing Baptist Church in Cushing from 1992-1996; then Blomkest Baptist Church in Blomkest, from 1996-2002; and First Baptist Church in Roseau from 2002-2011.
    He liked singing, writing music, wrote scores for three plays in college and their wedding processional, computer programming, reading and cross-stitch.
    Patrick served with Guthrie Teen Council from 1972-1973; was soloist for church; founder and director of Little Falls Community Choir, served on the board of Stewards for the Minnesota Baptist Conference. He served as treasurer, chairman and secretary for Little Falls and Roseau Ministerial and was a tuba player for Willmar Community Orchestra in Willmar.
    Patrick is survived by his wife, Diane Krause; children: Sara Joy Krause, Joel Michael Krause, Leah Helen (Ben) Wattenphul and Anna Marie (Adam) Barth; grandchildren: Naomi Zae Johnston, Rhesa Victoria Wattenphul, Samuel Truman Barth and Chava Joanna Wattenphul; parents Duane and Shirley Krause; sisters: Peggy Ann Sundet, Linda Leigh Russell and Michelle Holly Krause.
    Patrick is preceded in death by his grandparents.
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com 
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    Fertile - Michael Glen Leach passed away on October 5, 2017 in his home in Fertile, at the age of 59 years old.
    A funeral service to remember and honor Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Sheila Michaels officiating.
    Visitation will be held from from 9-11 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m.  Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery of Thief River Falls, to follow the service.
    Michael Glen Leach was born on August 31, 1958 to Lawrence Edward and Gloria Ann (Audette) Leach in Thief River Falls. He grew up, attended school, and graduated in May of 1976 from Lincoln High School.
    Following high school, Mike entered the work force, first working at the Getaway in Thief River Falls for a few years and then working in automotive part sales for the bulk of his career.  
    After retiring from this work, Mike moved to Fertile. People who knew him knew how good he was at his work and appreciated his personal, authentic, and respectful attitude. He enjoyed helping people out and at his best, had a personality that lit up a room and made you want to be around him.
    During these years, Mike made his home in rural Thief River Falls and was united in marriage on May 20, 1978. He was father to three children; Jason and Krista (Green) Leach of Esko; Christopher and Sarah (Peterson) Leach of Barnesville; and Cassandra (Leach) and Brandon Sanford of Sunbury, OH. He was also grandpa to Trevor and Keira Leach, Norah Leach, and Kyleigh and Blake Sanford.
    Mike’s favorite hobbies included being out on the lake fishing as well as hunting at the family hunting land with his father, brothers, and friends. He enjoyed family events, watching a good ball game on the television, collecting war memorabilia, attending his kids’ sporting and music events, and pretty much anything Star Trek.
    At his core, Mike was a family man who never missed a moment to share how proud he was of his kids and grandkids with family, friends, and even strangers. He would carry around pictures and would light up when talking about them. It was a joy for him to include them in his hobbies.
    Michael is survived by his children and grandchildren (named above), parents: Lawrence and Gloria (Audette) Leach of Thief River Falls; siblings: Gregory and Marya (Hallstrom) Leach of Sioux Falls, SD; Kevin and Julie (Quam) Leach of Dellwood; Brian and Kathie (Lane) Leach of Duluth; as well as many nieces and nephews.
    Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents: Clifford and Anna Audette, and Glen and Olga Leach.
    Mike will be greatly missed, but may his memories continue to surround us with love and laughter.
    Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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