Obituaries

Wally Roles of Crystal MN, aged 92 passed away Dec 24, 2023.  Preceded in death by loving wife of 45 years Cecilia.

Wally lived a very full and rewarding life. Growing up on a Minnesota farm in the 1930’s, winning a state championship in high school wrestling, serving in the Army during the Korean War, working for 50 years in the construction field, married for 45 years, raising 6 sons, and living a life close to his faith.

Growing up on a farm during the depression taught him how to be resourceful and that if something needed fixing, you do it yourself.  So friends, family and neighbors could always count on Wally’s generosity to help with any project.  Wally was outgoing and with a good sense of humor, he loved to tease his friends. Wally had a love of the outdoors and sports which he introduced to all of his sons to.  Coaching baseball teams and passing on his love of hunting and fishing.

His cabin on Ten Mile lake held a special place in his heart which he purchased on Lundstrom’s Bay in 1968.  Although things were cramped in the two bedroom, one-bathroom cabin with six kids and a family dog, there was always enough rods for fishing and enough hotdogs and marshmallows for roasting.  In the 1970’s, many a good time was had on Wally’s large pontoon which was ideal for fishing or swimming parties.  Wally loved fishing for the elusive walleye in every area of the lake, including “Wally’s evening spot”.

After retirement Wally was able to enjoy a lot of time traveling around the world with his companion Gervae.  Relaxing and enjoying well-earned vacation time.

Sons, Randy (Patricia), Barry (Andrea), Scott, Rodney, Brad (Kelly) and Tony.  Grandchildren, Amy (Jason), Matthew, Tabitha and Zachary.  Great Grandchildren, Kate and Vincent.  Loving companion Gervae Anderson.

Paul David Edelbrock died peacefully after a short illness on November 14, 2023, in Walker, Minnesota. He spent his last hours in peace and comfort, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on April 1, 1930, to Edwina Borgerding and Felix Edelbrock. He was the youngest of five children and enjoyed an adventurous childhood in St. Cloud, where he was lovingly nicknamed "Ookie" by family and friends. Paul was fortunate to have lived a full life of over 93 years with many wonderful adventures and family memories.

During his childhood in St. Cloud, Paul earned his Eagle Scout Award and competed in numerous Minnesota canoe derbies. After graduation from Tech High School in St. Cloud, he was drafted into the army in 1951 and honorably discharged in 1952. Paul then spent several years traveling across the country pursuing grand adventures. He spent time exploring, camping, and working in Yellowstone Park. An avid skier, Paul eventually made his way to the mountains of Colorado, where he met his beloved wife Katherine Knowles Campbell, whom he married in 1965 in a beautiful ceremony in Nisswa, Minnesota. Paul and Katherine lived in Bemidji, Minnesota, Denver, and Colorado Springs before settling in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where they raised their family and lived for fifty-two years.

Paul was a serious collector of antiques and spent much time attending auctions in Wyoming and Nebraska and visiting every antique or "junk" store between Minnesota and Nebraska during his yearly pilgrimage to his cabin in the woods. With a remarkable attention to detail, he could appreciate the beauty of old homes. Paul was known for his painting, workmanship, and handyman skills. His passion was collecting beautiful antiques, which brought him much happiness.

In the later years of his life, Paul spent more time in his native Minnesota. He and Katherine meticulously transformed an old general store on Ten Mile Lake into a quaint cabin in the woods. Paul, Katherine, and many family members and friends made happy memories in this beautiful cabin. He was so pleased to have spent the last months of his life in his cabin looking out at the forest he so loved as a child.

Paul is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Katherine Edelbrock, as well as his five children: Anna-Karin Edelbrock Fogg of NYC and Scottsbluff, Lisa Sweet (Matthew) of Omaha, Susan Scheele (Evan) of Boston, Paul Edelbrock (Kirsten) of Parker, CO, and Bridget Cisar (Aaron) of Omaha.

His grandchildren also survive Paul: Charles Fogg of NYC, Nathan Scheele (Harmony) of Northampton, MA, Martin Scheele and Nina Scheele of Boston, Ansley Edelbrock of Boulder, CO, Alex Edelbrock of Lincoln, William and Eden Edelbrock-Peterson and Pearl, Kale, and Everson Cisar of Omaha. Paul is also survived by his wonderful nephew, Tim Prem, and his wife, Laurie of Cross Lake, MN.

A private family inurnment was held on November 17, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery in Walker, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Autism Action Partnership in Omaha, Nebraska. Https://autismaction.org/memorial-donation

Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.northernpeace.com. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Scottsbluff, NE, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 10:30 am. Father Konka will preside. A celebration of life will be held later in Scottsbluff. Paul joins his parents, Felix and Edwina; his brothers Wallace, Edward, and Tom; his sister Phyllis Prem; and many extended family members. May he Rest in Peace in his cabin in the sky.

Loydee was born on March 27, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas. Her parents were Lloyd & Mildred Sundin. She attended elementary and middle school in Wichita and completed high school in Santa Barbara, California. She attended Oregon State University and University of Colorado obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education and Speech Pathology. She taught classes in public schools and worked with home school education, as well as practiced speech pathology and testing for the Central School District and Western Oregon University.

Loydee and her first husband built a house between Dallas & Monmouth where they farmed for several years. She fell in love with agriculture and maintained that love throughout her life. Her participation in Oregon Women for Agriculture and American Agri-Women enhanced further her agricultural experiences. Loydee was co-owned Rock-N-Rogers Diners so she could have completed the cycle of “producer to consumer.”

Her strong ties to agriculture grew even more when she met Glen, a former farmer. This relationship led to a Presidential appointment for her by President Bush to the USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service’s state committee.

Because her parents grew up in Minnesota and her father worked for Josten’s, which only functioned during the school year, they purchased property on Ten Mile Lake near Hackensack, Minnesota, and enjoyed every Summer at the lake where Loydee grew up with many new lifelong friends. Loydee loved TML so much that after she and Glen went there, she asked him “so what to you think about the lake?” He said he loved it! She then said, “okay then we can continue our relationship – otherwise you would be history!” Loydee & Glen were married August 19, 1995, on a boat in the middle of TML.

Although Loydee had no children of her own, she immediately accepted and grew to love Glen’s family as her own – “ready-made” as she used to say. She watched her family grow to include grandchildren and great grandchildren. Stonebrink family reunions added to her family enjoyment when she met all of the aunts/uncles, cousin etc., especially when playing in their Cribbage Tournaments.

Loydee was (to say the least) “politically motivated” and supported those causes and candidates that in turn supported the US Constitution. She and Glen were invited to and attended a birthday party for President Ronald Reagan’s 85th birthday and a dinner party with President George and Barbara Bush. She initiated having Historical Performers (Thomas Jefferson and James Madison) to perform in the big red barn at her home to speak about the Founding Fathers 200 years ago.

She co-originated the Western Institute for Nature, Resources, Education and Policy (WINREP), a non-profit organization to study the intent of laws, then compare them to their implementation. Its motto was a unique Loydee slogan: “If it is right, defend it – If it is wrong, fix it!” In an effort to make this happen, she bought the Greenwood School, then donated it to WINREP, with hopes of starting a private school that would teach basics and U.S. History.

Loydee’s favorite TV show was The Shepard’s Chapel with Arnold Murray (former farmer). She and Glen watched often together and discussed what they had heard. That was their church!

Loydee loved good people, dogs, sunshine, farmers, honesty and God! She was one sweet, but tough lady who often said;

“The Hell I can’t – Watch me!

Kathleen Sarles, who died on February 8, 2024, was introduced to this world 84 years ago, but we all knew and loved her as Spike. To say she embodied every single letter of her name is an understatement. Spike loved fiercely, was passionately devoted to her family and friends and had a signature spunk all her own. Spike graduated from Hamline University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She also met her future husband Don at Hamline. They were married in the fall of their senior year and lived in the infamous "Quonset Huts" which were provided for married students. After graduation she worked as a nurse at St. Barnabas Hospital for six months. When the Minnesota National Guard stationed Don at the Fort Sam Houston base in San Antonio, Texas, Spike became a nurse at the Santa Rosa Hospital.

Upon returning to Minnesota, Spike taught Obstetrical nursing at Ancker Hospital's School of Nursing in St. Paul for three years. She left teaching to start her own family. While Spike missed nursing, she loved working full-time as a mom raising her three children (Greg, Lisa and Jodi). Eventually, Spike would welcome four beautiful granddaughters. Meeghan, Molly, Mara and Ella were her pride and joy.

Don and Spike divided their time between their home in Eden Prairie and cabin on Ten Mile Lake. They loved taking family and friends on evening boat cruises, entertaining during all holidays, and taking the grandkids fishing. Not only was Spike devoted to her family, but also to her church family, Rotary and various organizations. She rarely rested and loved to be surrounded by people and activity whether it was the annual lutefisk dinner, talking about the latest book at book club or getting ready to spend time at their timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Spike was proceeded in death by parents Tony and Helen Stallard and husband Donald Sarles. She is survived by son Greg (Andrea Nyhusmoen), daughters Lisa McCay and Jodi (Frank Seigars), granddaughters, Meeghan, Molly, Mara McCay, and Ella Sarles, countless extended family and friends, and her cherished dog, Zelda. Spike's Celebration of Life was held on Friday, February 23rd at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie.

In remembrance of Spike, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Eden Prairie Rotary Foundation (Eden Prairie Noon Rotary PO Box 524 Chanhassen, MN 55317) or to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, MN. (https://www.immanuel.us/about/giving).

Joan M. Urbanski, 92, of Cloquet, Minn., passed away Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, in Community Memorial Hospital.

Joan was born Sept. 1, 1931, in Arlington, Minn., where she grew up before her family moved to Ten Mile Lake near Hackensack. She attended Walker High School, graduating in 1949.

Joan earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics education from the College of St. Benedict in 1953. She began teaching in Aitkin that year, and then moved to Cloquet for a teaching position in 1955. Joan met her husband, Larry, while they were teachers in Aitkin and were engaged when both taught in Cloquet. Rules of that era did not allow married couples to teach in the same school, so after their marriage in 1956, Joan took a break from the classroom during the years their four children were born.

Joan resumed her teaching career at Wrenshall High School in 1963.
Joan helped her students learn the basics and advanced techniques of cooking, sewing, money management, child development and family education. She was faculty advisor to student clubs and activities, including Future Homemakers of America and Senior Class advisor. Joan led her students each December in hosting the renowned Christmas Tea social event at Wrenshall. Joan earned Teacher of the Year honors by the Minnesota Chapter of the American Home Economics Association.

Joan retired in 1993, completing a career of 33 years in public education. She continued as a substitute teacher for about 10 years in the Cloquet and Walker areas after retirement.

Joan was always full of energy. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, reading, flower gardening, antiques and stained glass. She loved decorating for the seasons and celebrating holidays, especially Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and birthdays.

While teaching, Joan cherished weekends and summers at the family home on Ten Mile Lake, and ultimately she and Larry lived at the lake after retiring. She enjoyed watching her children participate in school and community activities ranging from concerts to plays to sports.

Joan was involved in church circles at Queen of Peace Parish and Sacred Heart Parish, the Council of Catholic Women, Carlton County Extension Committee, and was a longtime 4-H club leader. She looked forward to hosting the Ten Mile Lake Women’s Coffee gathering. Joan held memberships in countless groups, including Alpha Delta Kappa women’s educators’ organization, Ten Mile Lake Association, VFW Auxiliary, Carlton County Historical Society, and Minnesota Historical Society. Joan was a member of Queen of Peace Parish in Cloquet and Sacred Heart Parish in Hackensack.

Joan was preceded in death by Larry, her husband of 63 years; her parents, Edmund and Mathilda Thomes; brother, Ramon Thomes; and aunt, Mary Murray.

Todd Bohlender, age 58, of Norwalk, passed away Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. Visitation will take place from 4-7 PM Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at Iles Norwalk Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at Wakonda Christian Church with a burial to follow at Norwalk Cemetery.

Todd was born in Des Moines on May 13th, 1964 to Jack and Susan (Keister) Bohlender. Todd spent his early childhood growing up in Coon Rapids until his family relocated to Norwalk in 1971. He was the oldest of three children. Todd married his high school sweetheart Patty (Sievers) in 1987. Together they moved to Indianola in 1991, where they raised their three children, Benjamin, Brandon, and Alyssa.

Todd took great pride in working for the family business started by his father in 1971. He valued every member of the Norwalk Ready Mix team. He began working for the family company full time after he graduated from the University of Iowa. His hobbies included supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes, attending most home football and basketball games. In the summer, his favorite place to be was Ten Mile Lake, his family’s cabin in Minnesota. Todd devoted his life to his wife, children, and five granddaughters. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Todd is survived by his parents, Jack and Susan; his wife Patty; his children Benjamin (Kathryn), Brandon (Kaitlin), and Alyssa; granddaughters Emma, Norah, Maya, Zoey, and Charlotte; his siblings Scott (Meghan) and Anne (Jamen Hull); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Iowa Make-a-Wish Chapter.

Bakken, William C. age 80, passed away on Sept 25, 2023. Preceded in death by his parents, Cliff & Betty Bakken and Dear Aunt Catherine Evenson.

Beloved P.G.A. Golf Pro "Billy B." had such a personable manner & was truly one of a kind! Played baseball in his early years, graduated Roosevelt High (Mpls) 1961, attended MSU Mankato and U of Minn, loved fishing Ten Mile Lake.

The Bakken family built a cabin in the early forties on Plainview Beach. After many years, the cabin was sold. Billy continued his love for Ten Mile by visiting his childhood friends through the years. He especially enjoyed night fishing with Bob Horn and sitting around a bonfire with his friends remembering the good old days. He enjoyed watching the Gophers, Twins & Vikes. One of his greatest joys was his only grandchild, Emily.

Survived by daughter Katie (Bakken) Tu, granddaughter Emily Tu, sister Barbara (Bakken) Bittner, John Bittner, Special Friend Faith Ericksen Kanz, cousins Lisa (Jim) Nyhusmoen, Jeff (Carol) Evenson, Carolyn (Howard) Leopold, as well as many close friends.

Memorials preferred to P.G.A. Reach Minnesota, pgareach.com/… and the Ten Mile Lake Association, www.tenmilelake.org

Loken, Julie Ann On February 22, 2023, Julie Ann Loken, fondly known as "Jules of the Mile," unexpectedly passed away at the age of 58 in Mound, Minnesota. Born on April 23, 1964, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Julie was the daughter of Vern and Elaine Swenson, and a proud graduate of John F Kennedy Senior High School in 1982.

Julie's love story began in 1984 when she met Tim, and they married in 1987, subsequently welcoming three children, Adam, Alex, and Luke. Being a mother was the most important role in Julie's life, and she took immense pride and joy in raising her children, always offering unwavering support, kindness, and witty humor.

Julie was not only a wonderful mother she also was key in the success of the family business. Julie will be sorely missed, but her memory will live on forever in the hearts of those she loved. Julie's carefree and creative spirit found joy in painting, drawing, gardening, listening to audiobooks, and solving puzzles. She relished the summers spent on pontoon rides at the family cabin in Hackensack, Minnesota - her happy place.

Julie is survived by her husband Tim Loken, her children Adam Loken (Johnna), Alex Loken (Hailey), and Luke Loken, her granddaughter Nora, her father Vern Swenson, her siblings Diane (Doug) Christian, and Scott (Kathy) Swenson, as well as several nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and friends. Julie was predeceased by her mother Elaine Swenson and sister Lynn Swenson. Julie's legacy of love, laughter, and creativity will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

How does one capture the incredible, varied, and fascinating life of John (Curly) Stahler in one document? One likely does not, but here are the highlights:

John Francis Stahler was born on June 10, 1938 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was then adopted by Chuck and Bernice Stahler. John grew up a very precocious child. Later “acquiring” 3 younger sisters, he took his responsibilities very seriously and was a (fairly) good child. He became active in the Sea Scouts, played numerous sports, and charmed all those around him, especially the ladies. His family owned a cabin on Ten Mile Lake where he spent summers in constant movement, including teaching himself how to pole vault.

John’s family moved west to California and settled in Pacific Palisades where he attended University High School with his lifetime friends Terry Thomas and Chris Barker. It was here that he was given the name “Curly” due to his stick straight hair. His passion for Basketball and pole-vaulting were curated and he broke numerous High School records in the latter.

John was accepted into numerous colleges and chose to attend Stanford University, which became one of his lifelong passions where he played basketball, ran track, and pole-vaulted.  He called himself “the last of the 5’6” white guys” on the basketball court. While possibly true, he knew it was not politically correct anymore to say, but, well we knew John, he would say it anyway 😉.

While at Stanford University, John pledged the Sigma Chi fraternity his freshman year. This turned out to be a seminal moment in his life where he made tremendous friendships in his brotherhood that he maintained until the end. He was so pleased that at least one of his children attended Stanford Sigma chi reunions with him each year. This year marks the 50th reunion gathering for the Sigma Chi class of 1960. John was sad to know he would need to miss it, given his declining health.

After Stanford John completed medical school at USC and his medical residency at LA's General Hospital where he met his future wife, Cathy Riutta. Within a few years they were married and eventually had three children: Kimberly Mae, David Leonard, and Gregory John. They were married for 22 years and lived in Los Altos for most of these years where he set up shop in nearby Mountain View as an Orthopedic Surgeon right next to Saint Francis high school where his children later attended. He practiced medicine for 55 years retiring just this past December where he was most recently assisting as a Neurosurgeon.

Prior to having children, John was “asked to serve” in Vietnam as a surgeon. A true Hawkeye Pierce (M.A.S.H), he cracked as many jokes as he could in a terrible situation. He kept a diary during his one year stay and Kim and Cathy later helped to publish it for him as a Father's Day present. He was very proud of this book, recently updating it. The book has been studied by students at numerous schools, including Saint Francis high school, and has been distributed to thousands of veterans (and all acquaintances) throughout the years.

John was an avid reader and writer. He collected thousands of books over the years and read, took notes, and circled typos in each one. He had an incredibly voracious appetite to learn about every subject under the sun from medicine, to Darwinism, to Saturn, to insects, and much more. You name it, it was in his bookcases at the end. He truly had a beautiful mind.

During his adult life, John was a devoted tennis player, often found on the tennis court at Los Altos Golf and Country Club. He played and won numerous tournaments, including several mixed doubles tournaments with his daughter, Kim. John also continued to play basketball for many years and coached Kim’s basketball team at St. William’s in middle school. He continued to play tennis up until late last year with his long-time friend and prior neighbor John Becker.

His other love was the water. Growing up as a Sea Scout, he loved boats and water. He learned to windsurf at the age of 45 and fell in love. He could be found out in the waters off Coyote Point marina long after we all felt he should. He was such an incredible athlete and had engineered the sport so well that he enjoyed it until he was 70 years old, both here in California and at his longtime Minnesota cabin on Ten Mile Lake.

John's final sporting chapter included sculling. He created a rig, hoisted it up on his 1972 VW bug, and headed to shoreline pond most weekday mornings before anyone else could disturb him (or tell him he couldn't). He would constantly brag about ‘bettering’ his time across the pond. It's surprising he never went into the negative numbers considering how well he always did. It was a beautiful sport to watch. It was a perfect athletic vehicle to get him through his 80’s when he finally hung up his oars.

In his most recent years, and up until two months ago, he walked. He walked one mile to Safeway, hauling back heavy bags of Pepsi and soup, and he walked one mile in the opposite direction to  a PAMF, a local medical clinic where he needed more and more check-ins. One of John's favorite life mottos was: “We exercise to exorcise our extra size”. This definitely described much of who he was.

John adored his Mountain View home, where he moved soon after the divorce, and where he spent his final 30 years. In this community, he found friends, ways to contribute and stay active (serving on the board of the HOA, mending numerous mailboxes and bridges without being asked, etc.), and taking care of his pride and joy, the tennis courts.  There (and in Hawaii), he taught many, many children to play - some even launching competitive tennis careers based on John's gift of the love of tennis.

John will be sorely missed by so many. He was definitely one-of-a-kind. He had a huge heart and a quick wit, always delivering what he considered to be a funny pun. He was alone with Kim at the end of his life and yet knew he was loved by many. When he knew it was his time, he cried, saying “I love everyone”. We all felt it. We all hope that he is finally resting in peace, although we know better.

John is survived by Kim, Dave, and John's 7 grandchildren.

Richard (Dick) Roberts, 87, a 25 year resident of Sedona, AZ and formerly of Ames IA and Ten Mile Lake, MN passed away March 6, 2023.  Dick was a U. S. Army veteran, retired civil engineer, employee of Iowa DOT, Buck Construction and co-owned Ames Millwork.  Dick attended Iowa State University, member of the cyclone Club, the C6 tailgate gang, and a fan forever of their entire sports program.  Dick was a member of both Ames, IA and Hackensack, MN Lions Clubs.

In 1968 The Roberts family was introduced to Ten Mile Lake by their friends (and later business partner) Barb and Jack Adams from Ames, IA.  The family spent one to two weeks each summer thereafter at Hamilton's Resort on north shore.  In 1973 the family purchased the Champlin families’ cabin on Sunset Beach (off Lower Ten Mile Lake Road) that the Champlins had built in the early 1950s.

After 18 years of marriage and two children Pam and Rick, Dick’s wife Alice passed away in 1975 following a brief illness.  Dick designed and Kevin Larson built an addition to the cabin in 1995/96 followed soon. After purchasing property to build a 3 stall garage.  “Johnny Appleseed” Dick planted trees on an bare spot of the property.  He also constructed a new dock in addition to assisting several neighbors with theirs.  Half year residency began with retirement in 1998 until the cabin sale in 2013.  Dick had a winning smile but an even broader one when on TML in his boat with a fishing rod and plenty of bait.

Dick is survived by his wife Barb and four children—Cindy (Dan) Stipp, Pamela (Mark) Marcum, Rick (Sue) Roberts, Teri (Mike Dozal) Hutt and granddaughters and great-grandchildren.

James “Jimmy” Keith Kellogg, age 88, of Walker, MN, passed away peacefully at home on July 11th, 2024. He was born on June 9, 1936, in Austin, MN, to Olga and Kenneth Kellogg. Jimmy led a vibrant and impactful life centered around his family.

After graduating from Austin High School, Jimmy made his start in the restaurant industry by starting The Oak Grill with his brother Jerry, renovating a garage into a sit-down diner that became a popular spot for students and teachers. In the early 1960’s, Jimmy served in the Army National Guard at Fort Ord, CA, as an Officer’s cook where he learned how to make Jimmy’s famous pancakes. After his service, he returned to Austin, MN, opening another restaurant, The Oak Leaf, and later The Old Mill, a favorite of Hormel for hosting company events. In 1971, Jimmy purchased a cabin on Ten Mile Lake and in 1978 relocated his family to the Leech Lake Area where he opened Jimmy’s Deli in Hackensack, MN. In 1987, he built and operated Jimmy’s Family Restaurant in Walker with his sons Dave and Jeff, still serving the Walker community today. In December of 1988, he opened the AmericInn of Walker.

Jimmy married Karen Jacob on September 14, 1958. They shared a beautiful marriage of 66 years and had four children, Joanne, Jeff, Dave, and Dan- filled with laughter and countless stories.

Jimmy’s passions included fishing, cooking, golfing, and traveling. He enjoyed checking his Hormel stock position, playing cribbage, and listening to his wife, Karen play the piano. Most of all, he enjoyed entertaining friends and hosting large family gatherings alongside his wife with his children and grandchildren. Jimmy and Karen wintered in Palm Springs for over 40 years.

Through the years, Jimmy was deeply involved in the Austin and Hackensack-Walker communities as a business owner and volunteer. At Grace Lutheran in Austin, he taught confirmation, spearheaded fundraising efforts to build The Hope Lutheran Church in Walker and sat on the golf board at Tianna Country Club. Jimmy was known to go out of his way to help others, he would often deliver meals to customers facing health issues over the years.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Olga; brother, Dick (Mary); sister, Ruth Anne Sarp; daughter, Joanne Piazza.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Jeff (Kristi), Dave (Jami), and Dan (Beth); brothers, Jerry (Jeannine) Kellogg, Ronny Kellogg, Gene Sarp; grandchildren, Chris (Bobby) Kelly, Janelle (Ryan) Rearick, Betsy (Jeff) Woodford, Michael Kellogg, Chelsie (Ray) Nugent, Katie (Alex) Piazza, Brooke (Walker) Smith, Haley (Jason) Kellogg, Grant Kellogg, James (Mariana) Kellogg, Cohen Kellogg; great-grandchildren, Gus Patric, Lincoln and Lyla Woodford, Jack and Leo Rearick, Graham, Olive, and Porter Smith, Blue and Sunday Nugent, and Catherine Kelly-Vance. Jimmy is remembered as a great father, husband, grandfather, and friend.

A Celebration of Jimmy’s Life was held on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., with a visitation held one hour prior to, all to be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Hope Lutheran Church Food Boxes, St. Jude’s, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or The Wounded Warriors Project.

Jimmy’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

John was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived on the South Side, where his love of baseball began. He lived there until his parents moved to Barrington, a Chicago suburb. He graduated from Barrington High School where he played football and sang in the choirs. John earned degrees from Carleton College and Emory University, which led to teaching science in Colorado. He met Lolly at a workshop for educators there. John was active in local and state education associations in Colorado, always advocating for teachers.

After thirty-three years, John retired from teaching to spend many happy years of international travel and Ten Mile Lake life with Lolly. His love of music, acting and singing, which started in high school and continued in college, never "retired".

John married into the Brandt family in 1975 and became a well-loved "outlaw" for 48 years. He and Lolly spent several summers at the family cabin on Angel Island before purchasing a home on Plainview Drive in 2008. It was their "dream come true" to be at Ten Mile May to October. The rest of the year they lived in beautiful Colorado, enjoying biking, hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, concerts, baseball games and good times with friends. John often said that he could not believe how lucky and happy he was.

John also loved all of the lake activities: family gatherings, fishing, sailing, coffees, and visiting around the lake in his boat, Zippy. He enjoyed golfing with "the boys", working in his raspberry patch, reading and watching the eagles, loons and sunsets.

John was secretary of the Ten Mile Lake Association, a job he enjoyed. He was also an active member of the Environment and Ecology Committee, helping with lake clarity readings and well water testing. He liked being involved in Ten Mile Association activities that promoted lake conservation and wellness. John brought his smiling face, enthusiasm, sense of humor and dedication to all his activities.

John Hallberg died suddenly on January 24, 2024 while driving to Florida for a month at the beach. He often said he was happiest being at his cabin on Ten Mile Lake with family and good friends but the beach was a special place too.

John will be deeply missed by his wife Lolly, brother-in-law Chris Brandt (Rita), sister-in-law Mary Brandt Layton, sister-in-law Carrie Brandt Wikman, sister-in-law Marit Brandt Piper, brother Richard Hallberg, dear nieces and nephews, many cousins and close Ten Mile and Colorado friends.

Memorials may be made to the Ten Mile Lake Association.

Vern “Wes” Cline (1925-2024)

Vern Wesley “Wes” Cline, of Hackensack, went to join our Lord peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 8, 2024.

Wes was 08 years young and known as a man who was always happy, spunky, and full of things to say.

Born in Menlo, Iowa, in 1925, he joined the Naval Air Force in 1942, where he faithfully defended our country as a bombardier in World War 2. From there, he found the love of his life, Verlee, and they spent the next 76 years together. Wes and Verlee moved to Ten Mile Lake in 1959, and purchased Happiness Resort, where they spent 13 years making friends and raising their two sons, David and Jay. Wes loved traveling, buying new cars, fishing, snowmobiling, telling stories and spending time with friends.

Wes was preceded in death by his four brothers and two sisters: Gerald, Opal, Velma, Willis, Leroy and Howard; and his parents, Harvey and Katie.

Wes is survived by his wife, Verlee; two sons, David (Wendy) Cline and Jay (Julie) Cline, both of Hackensack; and too many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to name.

We was loved by all and will be truly missed.

Westerdahl, Birdie Elaine (Thies Bagley) The sun shone brighter and the water sparkled more brilliantly as heaven welcomed Birdie Elaine (Thies Bagley) Westerdahl on September 15, 2024. Birdie was born November 6, 1935 in Florida where her lifelong love of the sun and water took hold. She spent her childhood in Wisconsin and Minnesota and proudly graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1954. She went on to the University of Minnesota where she became a lifelong member and supporter of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Birdie began her lasting passion for teaching and special education. Countless students in Minnetonka and St. Louis Park were the recipients of her patience, knowledge and talents. Never one to stop learning, she went on to complete her Masters at age 50.

In 1959, Birdie married Donald Bagley and they began their family welcoming two amazing kids - John and Linda. Their loving home on Claremore Drive was always filled with neighborhood parties, book clubs, sewing clubs, a central gathering spot for kids, all animals from dogs to cats to ferrets and snakes. Everyone was always welcome and felt seen, loved and celebrated by Birdie.

She shared her talents with many organizations including the Edina School Board, League of Women Voters, Junior League, Glen Lake Home School and even finding time to do some modeling for Ruth's Toggerty! After losing Donald, Birdie was reconnected with her high school sweetheart Bill Westerdahl with whom she spent the next 40+ years.

Birdie and Bill were the ultimate travel partners visiting 60+ countries. No matter where they were in the world, Birdie could find a beach and share a glass of wine with a new friend. Her greatest title "Gammy" came with the arrival of her grandchildren whom she celebrated with her whole heart. Always attending their events, she was easily spotted as the loving grandma with the yellow iPad recording every goal, serve, row and performance. Birdie lived life with zest, elegance and intention.

Her retirement years found her on the golf course, playing tennis, joining a dance line in Arizona, making rag rugs, needle pointing, attending Broadway shows and volunteering. Her family joked that she was truly bionic with amazing healing powers as she bounced back (in her spring heeled tennis shoes) from surgeries in record time over the years. And everyone can attest to, she never met a themed sweater or fur coat she didn't love!

A full life was balanced by her love of just enjoying nature. Whether on the beaches in Mexico or on the shores of her beloved cabin on Ten Mile Lake, Birdie found the peace and healing powers of the sun on her face and her toes in the water. Our hearts are full knowing that she is reunited with so many that have gone before her.

Birdie is survived by son, John Bagley; daughters, Linda Dornbach (Greg), Cappy Breuer (Jay), Amy Wexler (Chris); her grandchildren, Brooke and Casey Dornbach (Val), Haley and Donald Bagley, Catherine Johnson (Brady), Will Delaney (Nellie), Ali Miller and Kate Wexler and 4 great- grandchildren. In Birdie's own words in an article in the Star Tribune, May 1970, "I am high on life. There are so many exciting things to do". What a legacy she gifted to us all. There will be a private funeral service for family. To view Birdie's funeral virtually, go to her obituary at washburn-mcreavy.com anytime beginning 9-26-24. Memorials in Birdie's name to Ten Mile Lake Association, tenmilelake.org. P O Box 412, Hackensack MN 56452

Lorraine Mary Enos, Nee Andres, age 83 of Hackensack, formerly of Maple Plain, Minnesota, passed away on September 5, 2024. She was born on February 13, 1941, to H. Edward “Ed” and Marjorie (Bentler) Andres in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Lorraine spent her childhood years on a family farm near Randall, Minnesota. Her family later moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where her parents owned a grocery store. Her family made their final move to Delano in 1957, where her family owned/operated the Coast-to-Coast Hardware Store for almost 50 years. After graduating from high school in 1959, Lorraine moved to Minneapolis with 5 roommates and worked at a local bank.

On September 3, 1960, Lorraine married her high school sweetheart, Joe.  They were blessed with 6 children that they raised in various homes, with the majority of their years in the home they built in Maple Plain. She was proud of her careers as a stay-at-home mom and working at the family-owned hardware store. In 2005, Lorraine & Joe retired to their home on Ten Mile Lake and spent their winters in Tucson, AZ.

Lorraine was dedicated to the Lord and lived her life according to her Catholic Faith. She generously gave of her time to her church in St. Bonifacius and Hackensack, MN. Lorraine’s passion was people. She loved socializing, games, parties, dancing, traveling and meat raffles, along with a good cocktail. Her favorite places to spend time were on beautiful Ten Mile Lake and her “little” winter home in Tucson, AZ.

After she retired in Hackensack, Lorraine volunteered 16 years and devoted 2,530 hours with Faith in Action in Cass County where she touched the lives of 192 people - one ride and visit at a time. While volunteering at Faith in Action, she met her second husband, Lee Meyer and spent the next five years enjoying life to the fullest between Ten Mile and Tucson.

She is preceded in death by Joe, her husband of nearly 50 years, her second husband Lee of four years, infant son David; her parents, sister Monica and her husband Willie Larson, sister Sharon Andres, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Karen (Bob) McDonald, Jerry (Cheryl) Enos, numerous family and close friends.

Lorraine is survived by her beloved dog, Lucy, children Theresa, Joseph, Jenifer (Dan Gleason), Marie (Troy) LaFromboise, Robert (Jessie Stead); 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, 1 brother, and 4 sisters in law (whom she considered sisters); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  In addition, she was proud to be known as Mom and Grandma to many.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church in rural Delano, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 10-11 a.m., all at the church. Internment in Calvary Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life will be following immediately after her Internment, at the home that Lorraine & Joe built and raised their family, located at 8805 Indian Hill Road Maple Plain MN 55359

Lorraine’s Super-power was to love, see the best in everyone and giving lots of hugs!

Weldon Ray Hultgren, XC skier, tennis player, inveterate do-it-yourself-er, sun worshiper, woodcarver, and singer, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Weldon was an introvert who loved people, a gifted athlete who put family before sports, an honest man who (we learned this later in life) had the pool table skills of a shark. He took up wood carving in his 70s and carved beautiful, Swedish figures and Dala horses. He joined the Swedish men’s choir where he was careful to always stand next to someone who he thought sang better. He loved dogs, Dixieland jazz, choral music, and Swedish hymns. He hated skim milk and margarine, insisting on whole milk and butter. He loved watermelon and fresh tomatoes and hated lima beans (who doesn’t?). He loved homemade lemonade, and candy (often hiding in a coat pocket or a pants pocket or a desk drawer), and pancakes with real maple syrup, and he was a master at making mashed potatoes and frying up Spam.

Weldon, born June 22, 1932, to Robert and Alice (Johnson) Hultgren in Negaunee, Michigan, grew up mostly in Rock Island, Illinois, alongside his older brother Don and twin sisters Anita and Wanita. When he wasn’t out killing it at sports, he worked in his parents’ grocery store (where he honed his pool skills playing on the store’s pool table).

He ended up in the navy, not quite on purpose, where he spent 2 years on Kodiak Island, Alaska, during the Korean war. He was first put in care of weapons, but cleaning guns all day didn’t appeal to him, so he petitioned for a change and became the librarian.

After the navy he headed home to Rock Island, where he attended Augustana College. In addition to his studies, he helped turn the campus dome on Old Main into a giant teapot with his fraternity brothers late one night, and even better, met his future wife, Marilyn, in Philosophy 101.

After marrying in 1960, Weldon and Marilyn moved to the Minneapolis area where their twosome became a family of five, after they added three children: Deborah, Martin, and Sarah.

Weldon worked for the Soo Line Railroad as an industrial engineer until the 1980s when he shifted careers and counseled out-of-work men at Catholic Charities.

Weldon was a natural athlete, good at every sport he tried — football (in the 1940s when helmets offered no more protection than wrapping a towel around your head, and when the coach, seeing his broken nose, yelled at him to get back on the field), basketball, figure skating, cross-country skiing (serving on the ski patrol well into his 70s), track, tennis, biking, ping pong, and of course being a kind-hearted pool shark.

He cherished the family cabin on Ten Mile Lake and maintained a parcel of woods out back christened Weldon’s Woods. He was always fixing, raking, mowing, hauling, building, painting, doing what needed to be done to make it an oasis for him and Marilyn and their children and grandchildren for more than 50 years.

Weldon loved many. He loved his parents and his brother and his sisters. He loved his wife and children, and Ruth, the foreign exchange student who lived with their family for a year in 1984 and became like a third daughter.

He didn’t say much, but he loved people, enjoyed their company, appreciated their differences and always lit up when a familiar face appeared before him. He was kind. Never judged. Loved unconditionally.

He was fascinated by birds — feeding them, watching them, building them homes, learning about them. At Covenant Living in Golden Valley, Minnesota, where he and Marilyn lived for several years, the pond and creek beside the residence teemed with ducks. Whenever they saw him coming, dozens would race up the banks to the feeders to greet him.

In his last days, his family gathered around him. We told him how much we loved him, how much we learned from him, how much we will miss him. He didn’t want to go, we sensed. But he believed there is a life after this, which gives us comfort that he is happy and safe and now surrounded by those he lost over the years.

Weldon is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter Deb (Stanley) Koleski of Ashland, WI, son Martin (Camille Verzal) of Minneapolis, MN, and daughter Sarah (Josh Lund) of Pittsburgh, PA, and grandchildren Noah (Minneapolis), Avery (Seattle), Myles (Los Angeles), Ben (St. Paul), Natalie (St. Paul), and Ingrid (Pittsburgh), and his sisters Anita and Wanita (St. Petersburg, Florida), as well as many nieces and nephews and his exchange student “daughter”, Ruth Lau (Florida). He is preceded in death by his parents and brother.

A service will be held at a later date.

If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider one of the following:

• TenMileLakeAssociation, select DONATE and enter Weldon’s name on the form. Designate James W Schwartz Environmental Preservation Fund (JWSEPF)

By mail: TMLA

P O Box 412

Hackensack, MN 56452

• Friends of the Boundary Waters friends of the BWCA

James “Jim” Raymond Miller, age 84, peacefully passed away at Lakewood Health Systems in Staples, MN, on Saturday, November 9th, 2024. He was born on December 16, 1939, in Eden Valley, MN, the son of Margaret (Ruhland) and Nicholas Miller.

Jim grew up in Bertha, MN. He married the love of his life, Patricia, on April 4th, 1959, in Minneapolis, MN, and together they raised their family in Plymouth, MN. In 1975 they bought their place on Ten Mile Lake which became their permanent residence in 2014. Jim was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and friend. Jim retired after 52 years as a CPA and partner in Larson, Allen and Weishair & Co, LLP (currently CliftonLarsonAllen). He was active in his churches and Rotary including youth mentorship programs. He served on the boards of the Ten Mile Lake Association and Tianna Country Club. Jim loved hosting their foreign exchange students, who are like family, and traveling the world with Pat. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing pickleball and racquetball. He always looked forward to watching his children and later his grandchildren participating in sports and activities.

“God, Family, and Health Come Before Work - Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Work Hard To Support the Other Three” as Jim would say.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Nicholas; 3 infant siblings; grandson-in-law, Seth Petron; and beloved dogs, Shadow and Pete.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pat” Miller; son, Mark Miller; daughters, Kim (Bill) Marshall, Lori (Brian) McNamara, Pam (Tim) Ross, Teri (Dave) Gapinski; brother, Richard “Dick” (Cindy) Miller; sisters, Janet (Earl) Lindner and Connie (Matt) Isaak; 14 grandchildren, Jenny (Jesse), Ashley (Sean), Mandy (Jon), Adam (Chelsey), Caitlin (Alex), Ryan, Ian, Devon (Jonathan), Charlie (Gabby), Melissa (Matt), Andrew (Lexi), Alex (Lindsey), Jessica, Amber; 20 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Emily, Shea, Teagan, Harper, Henry, Jack, Liam, Lennon, Reagan, Reilly, Eleanor, Hank, Waylon, Olis, Josephine, Vera, Vivian, Esther, and Clayton; exchange students and their families, Pepe DeBlasis (Chile), Megan Davies (New Zealand), Klaus Groger (Germany), and Trini Ordonez (Ecuador).

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, with a visitation at 1:00 p.m., all to be held at Calvary Church in Walker, MN. Pastor Mark Widman will officiate. Urn bearers are Jim’s 14 grandchildren.

Jim’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Jack Pine Stables, https://jackpinestables.org/donate-2/, 23940 291st Ave Akeley, MN, 56433, or to Calvary Church P.O. Box 358, Walker, MN, 56484. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Raymond Miller, please visit our floral store.