Leonard Walter Bujak, 86, of Braham, formerly of Fridley, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Leonard was born Nov. 15, 1926 in Minneapolis to parents Stanislaw and Victoria (Stelmaszewski) Bujak.  He attended a Catholic elementary school and went on to Minnesota Vocational High School, graduating in 1943. During his final year of high school, Len took vocational trading at the Barber College in Minneapolis. Shortly after Len graduated, his older brother was killed while serving on the USS Houston in the Sunda Straits. Soon after, Len decided to enlist in the United States Navy to avoid being drafted and was able to enter receiving higher rank due to his licensure in barbering. He served at several naval air training stations across the United States-barbering and was honorably discharged in 1946. Len continued this military service with the reserves but returned home to Minnesota where he worked as a barber in Minneapolis and Columbia Heights until 1951. Len then went on to work as a delivery driver for Griswold Corporation where he first met the love of his life, Josephine Hanych. After a lengthy courtship, the couple was united in marriage Oct. 2, 1954 at the All Saints Catholic Church in northeast Minneapolis. Together they made their home in a duplex in northeast Minneapolis.  Len and Jo were blessed with two children, Dale and Lana and in 1969 the family moved to Fridley.  Len continued to work for Griswold Corp–renamed Northwestern Automatic Products, as a scheduling foreman, retiring in 1988 after 37 years. Unable to sit still, Len continued to work with Jo part-time, cleaning a number of office buildings.  In 2002, Len and Jo moved to their current home in Braham.

Len took great pride in his home and loved to spend time tending to the yard or helping Jo in the garden. He took great enjoyment watching the birds and animals that would visit his backyard. Len loved his family dearly and was always present for all his kids and grandkids sporting events or programs, as an avid sports fan himself playing baseball and bowling on several leagues, and even coaching some of the teams. Len was a truly wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will always be remembered for being a devout practicing catholic, leading his family guided by those principles and by absolute example. Len was proud of his Polish heritage, being the son of a Polish immigrant. There was never a time where he came first, constant and persistent service to others was his will. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Len is preceded in death by his parents; bother, Stanley Bujak; sister, Helen (Joe) Galka; and niece, Madeline Galka.

He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine; son, Dale (Kelley) of Braham; daughter, Lana (Lonnie) Mayo of Princeton; grandchildren, Alexander (Chaisty) Bujak, Joshua Austin, Douglas Bujak, Jessica Bujak, Justin Parenteau, and Samantha Mayo; great granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Madalyn Bujak; sister-in-law, Adeline (Calvin) Crosby of Cushing; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 4, at 11 a.m. at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Braham with Fr. Nicholas Zimmer and Deacon Tom Pinataro officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 3, at the Rock Ingebrand Funeral Home of Braham and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Music will be provided by Joni Nelson. Casket Bearers are Lonnie Mayo, Alexander Bujak, Joshua Austin, Douglas Bujak, Jessica Bujak, Justin Parenteau and Samantha Mayo. Interment will be in the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Braham. Military Honors are provided by the Cambridge American Legion. Arrangements were by the Rock Ingebrand Funeral Home of Braham.

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Marguerite Germaine Goodman, 85, of Stanchfield, Minn. passed away May 26, 2013 at The Villages in North Branch Minnesota.

Marguerite was born March 17, 1928 in Grenoble, France to Joseph and Ermaline Giannone. She grew up in France the fifth of six siblings during World War II. Her father passed away when she was nine years old and her mother moved to different countries to evade the war and protect her children. At one point they lived in Casablanca, Morocco where her mother ran a boarding house. Marguerite met William Cooper Westbrook, an Air Force Tech Sargent, when he came to rent a room. They married Nov. 22, 1952 and had three children.

Marguerite and William lived in many countries while he was in the military before settling down in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 1966.  Marguerite was a homemaker who loved her family very much. Being a mother and taking care of her children was her strongest desire. She was very much loved by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four brothers, one sister and twin grandsons.

Marguerite is survived by her daughter, Marguerite (William) Long, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; son, Joseph (Sophie) Westbrook, of Phoenix; daughter, Cora (Gary) Engstrom, of Stanchfield, Minn.; grandchildren: Sheila (Gary) of S.C., Cara ( Michael) of Nev., Cameron of S.C., Melissa (Eric) of Minn., Russell (Kellie) of Minn., Jessica (Jarod) of Minn.; brother, Jeannot Giannone, of France; niece, Irene Simeone, of France; and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial visitation will be held Friday, June 7, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Elmhurst Commons in Braham. A prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. with Deacon Tom Pinataro officiating. Her ashes will be interred in Naples, Italy. Arrangements by Rock-Ingebrand Funeral Home in Braham.

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Virgil Adolf Olson, 96, of Cambridge died Tuesday, June 4, 2013 in hospice care at GracePointe Crossing Gables East. He gave his life in humble and loving service to God’s Kingdom, his family, and many, many, others.

Virgil was born June 17, 1916 in St. Paul, Minn. to Adolf and Esther (Larson) Olson. That evening his father wrote this brief note in his diary: Välskapad gosse född 10:20 e.m. Tack Gud (Well-shaped boy born 10:20 p.m. Thank God). Although an only child, he enjoyed close relationships with numerous cousins on his mother’s side. Pastors, missionaries, and Bethel students and faculty members were frequent guests in the home. In this way Virgil’s life became intimately connected early on with what would eventually become the Baptist General Conference (now Converge International).

In the summer of 1935 Virgil served as a student assistant pastor in Karlstad, Minn. He went unsure of his pastoral calling; he returned sure of it. This led to a lifetime of service in the church, in theological education, and in missions. He visited over 60 nations in the course of his career and was inducted as an honorary member into the Adi tribe in Assam, India.

Virgil served as a minister (1937-1951), a professor at Bethel Seminary (1951-1968), Dean, Bethel College (1968-1975), Executive Secretary, World Mission Board Baptist General Conference (1975-1981), and in many church-related roles during his 31 years of “retirement.” He enjoyed unusually good health throughout his long life and had many interests, among them woodworking and music. He drove a car for 84 years. A special retreat for Virgil and Carol was their place “up at Kost,” overlooking the Sunrise River. It was here that Virgil could take on the role of a country farmer, tilling the garden, working with his tools in the shed, and going into North Branch to get a paper in the morning.

Virgil was preceded in death by parents Adolf and Esther Olson and wife Carol.  He is survived by wife Alma Bjork Olson, daughters Linda (George) Gianoulis and Ann (Dennis) Monikowski, son Daniel (Shirley) Olson, grandchildren Anastasia Cash, Christina Johnson, John Gianoulis, Kathryn Monikowski, Jonathan Olson, Jennifer Olson, and great-grandchild Elaina Johnson.

Funeral Services were June 8, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Cambridge with Rev. Bob Jonsson, and Rev. Jonathan Larson officiating.  Special music was provided by Christina Johnson and Rev. Bill McKinney. Pianist was Carlotta Lund. Pallbearers were Travis Cash, George and John Gianoulis, Scott Johnson, Dennis Monikowski and Jonathan Olson. Interment was in Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis with Rev. Bruce Petersen officiating. Memorials are preferred to Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999 designated to the Carolyn Nelson Olson International Ministry Scholarship. Arrangements were with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

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Myrtle Rose (Schlemmer) Haubenschild, 89, passed away Thursday June 6, 2013 in her home with family by her bedside.

Myrtle was born Oct. 31, 1923 in St Paul, Minn., the daughter of Joseph and Agnes (Hubl) Schlemmer, both German immigrants. She was their second child, born a year after her brother George (deceased), and then became a sister to two more brothers, Leo in 1926 (deceased), and in 1932, Harold. She graduated as class Valedictorian in 1941.  Myrtle lived in St. Paul for her first 22 years.

Myrtle met Donald Haubenschild when she attended a family picnic in Don’s honor, as a guest of his sister, Elaine. June 1, 1946 was a special day when Myrtle accepted Don’s proposal after a romantic courtship. Myrtle selected Sept. 28 as their wedding date. Myrtle and Don started their life together in South Saint Paul.

They moved to Princeton Feb. 2, 1952. What a cold, bold move. They loaded their possessions onto their 1927 International Cannonball truck with its wooden cab. Along with their two sons came PeeWee, the Jersey calf that Myrtle nursed back to health, and three pigs named Priscilla, Gertrude, and Isabel. Since then, their farm has grown and prospered.

Myrtle was an important element in the farm operations. This included housework, making seven meals a day,  gardening, canning, being a master seamstress, doing field work, cattle management, accountant, and so much more. She was very active in the neighborhood.  She always had an extra plate of food for anyone who stopped by.

Myrtle and Don brought five children into the world: Dennis, James, Gordon, Diane, and Joan. They provided a farm home environment with an abundance of love, plus home-grown garden and dairy food. From 1952 until 1982, 40 foster children of all ages joined their family.

In 1993, Myrtle and Don moved off the farm to a house three miles away on Green Lake. Her love of flowers and gardening continued with flower gardens both at the lake house plus several gardens back at the farm homestead.

The love of her life, her husband Donald, passed away July 26, 2012. Myrtle is survived by her brother Harold, brother-in-law Leo Haubenschild, sister-in-law Harriet Fread, her five children, 18 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The world is a better place because Myrtle Rose (Schlemmer) Haubenschild lived. She will be remembered by all.

The family would like memorials to go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org.

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Violet J. Stamm, 86, of Cambridge died June 8, 2013 at Ecumen Assisted Living in North Branch.

Violet June Stamm was born Nov. 16, 1926 in New Auburn, Minn. to Charles and Elsie (Sickman) Wiechmann. She was raised and attended school in St. Paul, graduating from Central High School. On Dec. 29, 1950 Violet married Emil Stamm at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul.  They resided in St. Paul until 1955 when they moved to a farm in rural Cambridge.  For the past five years Violet has lived at Ecumen Assisted Living in North Branch. Violet was an active member at St. John Lutheran Church in Weber for many years and she had a very strong faith.  She loved flower gardening and the farm. Violet was an excellent baker and enjoyed decorating cakes. She also enjoyed going to town and to the cities to shop. Violet especially loved spending time with her family and especially with the grandchildren.

Violet will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Judy (John) Pohl of North Branch, Karen (John) Bartz of Isanti, Keith (Sandy) Stamm of North Branch, and Valerie (Lyle) Bostrom of Isanti; sister-in-law, Lorine Peterson of Roseville; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Jeremy) Inness, Jolene (Cory) Thorsen, Rachel (Josh) Heppner, Jacob Pohl,  Nathan (Ryanne) Bostrom, Cullen Bartz and Kelsey Bartz; three step-grandchildren, Peter (Jolene) Hasselfeldt, Kip (Shannon) Hasselfeldt, and Lisa (Sean)  McLaughlin; seven grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Emil; and sister, Velma Marks.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Weber with Rev. Kevin Zellers officiating. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 10 at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel and also one hour prior to the funeral Tuesday at the church. Gwen Anderson will serve as soloist and Mary Kay O’Neill as organist. Pallbearers are her seven grandchildren. Interment is in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in rural North Branch. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel.

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Mabel V. Nielsen, 77, of Cambridge died June 10, 2013 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West after a long battle with COPD.

Mabel Virginia Nielsen was born June 13, 1936 in Stevens, Minn. to Francis and Lavina (Pichford) Leigh. She attended school in Grygla and Thief River Falls. On Dec. 4, 1954 Mabel married Donald Lee Nielsen in South St. Paul. They made their home in the St. Paul area before moving to the Coon Rapids/Fridley area where they raised their three children.  Mabel and Donald later moved to Mora and also lived in Brunswick before moving to Cambridge in 2000.

Mabel is survived by her loving husband, Donald; two sons, Jeff Nielsen of Austin, Minn., Ron Nielsen of Ramsey; one daughter, Shelia Desantell of Coon Rapids; one brother, Billy Leigh of Michigan; two sisters, Marie Grovum of Gilbert, Marlys DeVries of Rochester; one grandson, Joshua; and by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight adult siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service.

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Eleanore From, 93, a long time resident of Grand Marais, passed away June 11, 2013 peacefully in her sleep at her home in Bloomington, Minn.

Eleanore Dobbe was born in Cambridge, Minn. on May 14, 1920. She married Raymond From Aug. 21, 1941; they were married for 56 years. After Ray’s return from World War II overseas service they lived in Minneapolis, St. Peter, Detroit Lakes, Baudette, Bemidji and Gaylord, before spending the best years of their lives in Grand Marais from 1958 till 1995.

Eleanore and Ray were members of Bethleham Lutheran Church. Eleanore was active in church service and was a dedicated member of the Lioness Club. She was employed by Grand Portage National Monument until she retired in 1985.

She enjoyed reading, delighted in her flower gardens, and beautifying her home. Eleanore was always there for her family and friends. She loved wild raspberries, chocolate and making people smile.

After retirement, they pursued their love of travel and spending time with family and friends. In 1995 they moved to the Twin Cities.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray and her sister Audrey and Ray’s siblings and their spouses.

Eleanore is survived by her two children, Linda and David and his wife Pam; her two grandsons Alex and Tate; her two sisters-in-law, Joyce and Marilyn; her nieces and nephews; and the rest of her family and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at Founder’s Ridge, 6600 Auto Club Road, Bloomington, Minn. on June 25, 2013 at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held at noon. Memorials preferred to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

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Ardis (Engstrom) Herman, 83, of rural Princeton, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the Elim Home in Princeton.

Full obituary in next edition. For service information contact the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge at 763-689-2244 or visit www.carlsonlillemoen.com.

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Yvonne W. Olson, 79, died Monday, June 24, 2013 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.

Olson was born June 23, 1934 in Minneapolis. She lived in Minneapolis with her family during her childhood, and then moved to Springvale Township to the Family Farm. Yvonne graduated from McGrath High School in 1955. Yvonne worked outside of the home for many years, and then returned to the Family Farm to help her parents during their later years.

In Yvonne’s later years she lived in Cambridge, and then moved to Braham approximately six years ago. Yvonne enjoyed living at Elmhurst Assistant Living until she recently became ill.

Yvonne was quite independent and enjoyed many hobbies. She enjoyed her yearly camping trip to the Boundary Waters with the United Methodist Church group. She had numerous pen pals throughout the world, and went through rolls of stamps each month. Yvonne stayed fit with daily walks around town as long as she was able. She dearly loved her cat, and even took her cat with her on her walks.  She attended the Common Ground A United Methodist Community Church in Cambridge and the Braham Covenant Church as long as she was able.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Archie Sr. and Edith Olson, three brothers, Everett, Albert, and Frederick, and two sisters, Betty Hord and Arala Linder. She is survived by brother Archie Olson Jr. (Deanna) of Deerwood, and sister Karen Bocklund (Kenneth) of Cambridge, along with many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Funeral services were held June 29, 2013 at Common Ground United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jean Rollin officiating. Special music was provided by Nancy Peabody. Pallbearers were Craig Olson, Shawn Olson, Gabe Linder, Kyle Bocklund, George Hord, and Don Fix. Interment was in the Cambridge Union Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

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Ardis Angela Herman, 83, of Spencer Brook passed away peacefully the morning of July 2, 2013 at the Elim Home in Princeton, Minn.

Ardis was born March 14, 1930 to George and Elsie (Abrahamson) Magnuson in Milaca, Minn. Ardis lived at the German Settlement over by the Zion Lutheran Church just north of Princeton for a year with her parents. They also lived in Ogilvie from 1934 till 1935. From 1935 till 1937 they went and lived on the Abrahamson farm and then moved to Stanchfield Minnesota. On Nov. 11, 1940 her parents bought a farm in Dalbo. This was the day of the Armistice Day Blizzard and they were unable to move to Dalbo until March 15, 1941 because of this storm.

On Aug. 19, 1950 she married Harold V. Engstrom also of Dalbo at The Salem Lutheran church in Dalbo. They lived with Harold’s parents John and Mabel Engstrom from August to November 1950. Ardis’ parents moved to Minneapolis in November 1950 and Ardis and Harold lived on this farm in Dalbo till 1983 when Harold passed away. They lived with her parents for a while and then her parents moved to Minneapolis and Ardis and Harold lived on this farm until 1983 when Harold passed away. She sold the two homes to her children and moved to Cambridge, Minn. and lived there for one year. She then married Charles Herman on March 15, 1985 at the Salem Lutheran Church in Dalbo and they have made their home in Spencer Brook since then.

She worked on the farm, the Red Owl store in Princeton, and also at Fingerhut in Princeton. She started working at Federal Cartridge in Anoka in 1968 and retired from there in September of 1990. After Ardis retired, she and Chuck did some traveling around the United States and enjoyed entertaining in their home.

Ardis was preceded in death by her husband Harold Engstrom in 1983; daughter Denise Engstrom in 2011; father George Magnuson in 1980; mother Elsie Magnuson in 1992; brother Gordon Magnuson in 1974; and an infant brother.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years Charles Herman of Spencer Brook; sons Keith Engstrom of Dalbo and his sons Shane and Dustin, Craig (Sharon) Engstrom of Dalbo and their daughters Tina Engstrom and Lynn (Engstrom) Hoppe, Scott Engstrom of Cambridge and his son Austin MacDonald and daughter Gabrielle Engstrom; grandchildren Daniel Soderberg and Desirae Frank; great grandsons Jaxson Hoppe and Phoenix Frank; brother Alden (Janet) Magnuson of Rogers; son Les (Mona) Herman of Maple Grove and daughter Charlene Williams of Isanti; grandchildren Kyle Herman of Blaine, Sara McKeon (Andrew) of Maple Grove, Jim Williams (Samantha) of Mora, Joey Williams (Melissa) of Apple Valley; as well as nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Salem Lutheran Church of Dalbo with Rev. William Pearson officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, July 5, from 5-7 p.m. at the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Wendell and Laurel Johnson, accompanied by Roberta Erickson, will sing “In The Garden” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Pallbearers are Shane Engstrom, Dustin Engstrom, Austin MacDonald, Daniel Soderberg, Brad Maughan and Corey Frank. Honorary pallbearer is Marian Eklund and Gabrielle Engstrom. Interment is in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

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Timothy “Tim” Walstrom, 52, of Aitkin, died Monday, July 1, 2013 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn., surrounded by his loving family, as the result of ALS.

Tim was born June 13, 1961 in St. Paul, Minn., the son of Severt and Lois (Leland) Walstrom. He grew up and attended schools in Isanti and Cambridge. He married Jana Marie Kramer in April of 1980 at Isanti, Minn. He worked as a carpenter for 20 years building homes in central Minnesota. He moved to the Aitkin area in 1995. He worked for a time at Trus Jois and then did some independent carpentry work and for the past six years drove truck for Garrison Disposal Co. He re-married Jana Feb. 4, 2013. They had been together since high school. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Jana Walstrom of Aitkin; 2 children: Clint and Sarah Walstrom of Brainerd, Minn.; and Tina Walstrom and Scott Allie of Circle Pines, Minn.; Grandchildren: Constance Phillips, Madison Walstrom and Caydence Miller; his mother: Lois Walstrom of Cambridge; Brother: Greg (Marge) Walstrom of Prospect, Oregon; Three sisters: Lori (Bill) Peterson of Apple Valley, Minn.;  DeeDee Kahring of Savage, Minn.; Dawn (Kent) Keeler of Kabatogema, Minn. and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin with Rev. Cynthia Gray officiating.

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Bonnie A. O’Brien, 77, of Princeton, passed away Monday, July 1, 2013 at the Fairview Northland Regional Hospital in Princeton, Minn.  Bonnie Ann O’Brien was born Aug. 12, 1935 in Isanti County, the daughter of Ole and Augusta (Dehn) Backlund.

Bonnie’s life was centered around her family and friends. She adored her daughter and grandchildren. Bonnie was especially proud to share the same birthdate as her grandson, Jesse. She was also very steadfast in staying in touch with her friends. She truly enjoyed visiting either in person or on the phone with them. Bonnie loved watching or listening to the Twins play baseball. She proudly wore her Twins jacket. Bonnie also had a love for playing cards and dice. She was a gracious winner and would happily claim her winnings. She taught all of her family to play 6-5-4, her favorite dice game. Bonnie enjoyed bird watching and feeding the birds. She was very fond of hummingbirds and found great joy in seeing them. Bonnie liked to sing and loved to hear the “Oldies” and classic Country music.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Joyce James; grandchildren, Lisa (Jay) Anderson and Jesse (Amber) James; great granddaughters, Madison, Jayden, and Brooke; many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Jesse James Sr.; her parents, Ole and Augusta Backlund and her 14 siblings.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2013 at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Princeton, Minn. Visitation is 1 hour prior to the service on Monday.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home.

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Alice Ruth Van Hooser, 90, formerly of Ashland, Wis., passed away Thursday, July 4, 2013 at the Cambridge Medical Center in Cambridge, Minn. She was born Oct. 12, 1922 in Ashland, the daughter of Gust and Ruth (Asplund) Larson.

Alice graduated from Ashland High School and attended Bethel College in St. Paul for a year before transferring to Mounds Midway Hospital, where she received her nursing degree. She worked in San Diego, Calif. as an RN during WWII and met her husband Harry C. Van Hooser there. They moved to Ashland and were married in Ashland on June 18, 1949. After they were married, they moved to the twin cities, where Alice worked as a school nurse in Osseo, Minn. for 15 years.  She raised 3 children and was active in the Brooklyn Center Baptist Church.  She enjoyed sewing, quilting and spending time with family and friends.  She dearly loved her Lord, her church and her family.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Harry, a son, Jeffrey Van Hooser – Ashland, 2 daughters, Kathy (Mark) Robertson – Forest Lake, Minn. and Janet (Don) Ekstrand – Tokyo, Japan, 10 grandchildren, Eric, Aaron, Grant and Nathan Robertson, Joshua and  Jared Van Hooser and Gretchen, Mereta, Collin and Brennan Ekstrand, 5 great-grandchildren, Annika, Bjorn, Melia, Miriam and Aubrey Robertson, a brother, Roger (Nancy) Larson – Mason, a sister-in-law, Elaine Larson – Ashland and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, Robert, Gerald and Raymond Larson and 2 sisters-in-law, Jeanette Larson and Elna Larson.

A funeral service was held July 7, 2013 at the Salem Baptist Church in Ashland, Wis. with Rod Larson and Aaron Robertson officiating.   Burial took place at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Children’s Shelter of Cebu or to Bethel University.

Arrangements with Frost Home For Funerals, Ashland, Wis.

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Billie Jean Borchardt, 46, of Braham and formerly Willow River, passed away in a car accident on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

Billie Jean was born in Minneapolis on Dec. 6, 1966. She graduated from Moose Lake High School in 1985 and from St Catherine’s. She taught school for a few years after graduation. She also was a substitute teacher at Braham Elementary School and a cheerleading coach at the high school. She was an author and worked at Rush City Prison for the last 5 years.

She was a volunteer Girl Scout leader in Willow River for many years. She enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends. She enjoyed doing craft projects and gardening with her family and friends. She was a proud mother of Brandon, Sam and Jessica and a proud adopted mother of Justin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Alyce Ellis, and brother in law Watt Douglas.

She is survived by her children Brandon, Sam (Marie), Jessica Borchardt and Justin Ellis, and her fiance Ralph Hubbell. She is also survived by her sisters Lenora, Kim, and Treonne, and by many nieces and nephews.

Her body was donated to the Anatomy Bequest Program at the U of Minnesota.

The service will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at noon at the Braham Evangelical Lutheran Church, 905 West Central Drive. A reception will follow at the church.

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Arthur Hanson, 81, of Simi Valley, Calif., formerly of Stanchfield and Grandy, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2013. Full notice to follow in next week’s paper. Arrangements by Rock-Ingebrand Funeral Home.

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Mickey Pederson, 70, of Isanti passed away July 3, 2013 at home.

Mickey Ray Pederson was born Nov. 28, 1942 in Milbank, S.D. to Lloyd and May (Hanson) Pederson. He was raised and attended school in South Dakota. Mickey then served his country in the US Marine Corp. He then attended the University of Minnesota. On June 6, 1964 Mickey married Sara Jensen at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Mickey taught at St. Francis schools for 31 years and they lived in Isanti since 1978.  He loved his adventures on the Rum River, fishing and playing with his grandchildren.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sara; children, Jonathan (Diana), Christopher, and Melody (Christos Polyzois); informally adopted son, Michael (Andrea) McCormick; grandchildren, Ethan and Carissa Pederson, and Alkis Polyzois; brother, William (Meg), sister, Betty (John); and other relatives and friends.  Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Robert, and one sister and one brother.

Memorial services were held Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Oxlip Evangelical Free Church in rural Isanti with Pastor Lee Scheumann officiating. Nadette Waligora served as organist. Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements were with Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel.

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Thomas H. Austin Sr. of Mora, Minn., formerly of Spring Lake Park Minn., passed away suddenly on July 4, 2013. 

Tom was loved by many and hated by none. Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grand- father, brother, father-in-law and friend. A man who won the hearts of many. A kind hearted man willing to go the extra mile to help anyone in need, putting his needs last. He was a loving and caring man who accepted you for who you were and did not judge. A man of many talents who could fix anything. If you knew him you knew him for his talents. He will be missed by many.

Preceded in death by mother, Gladys (Tootie) Sommers; father, George Austin; granddaughter, Ivannah Moriah Finn-Austin.

Survived by sons, Thomas Jr. (Jaemi), Cory (Stacey), Matthew (Jackie); daughter, Pamela (Andy); grandchildren, Caila, Faith, Jason, Breanna, Brandon, Brylee, Dehlia, Carter; significant other, Jorgi Hansen, son Kyle; mother to his children, Diane (Whaley) Austin; sisters, Judy, Joy, Jeorgette, Jill; brothers, John, Jim, lots of friends and family.

Memorial service to be held at 2 p.m. on July 14, 2013, The Harvest Grill at Bunker Hills, 12800 Bunker Prairie Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55448. Lunch will follow service. 763-755-1234. www.bunkerhillsgolf.com. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers; please direct to 2912 6th Ave. Anoka, MN 55303

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Clara Rose (Bouska) Bicking, 80, of Mora, Minn. passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 3, 2013.

Clara was born May 22, 1933 in Wagner, S.D. to Adolph and Clara Stella (Fuchs) Bouska. Clara moved with her parents to a farm southwest of Henriette, Minn. She attended school at Wagner, S.D., Henriette, Minn., and graduated from Pine City, Minn. in 1951. She also attended classes at Cambridge Community College.

Clara is the first born of three children. At the age of 18, her mother passed away which left Clara to raise two siblings, Charles (age 8) and Helen (age 4). God was very important to Clara as God gave her guidance, patience, knowledge, and talent as she worked in the home with duties of: milking cows, gardening, canning vegetables, baking, and laundry. She was in 4-H when she learned a lot of her sewing skills. She worked extremely hard to keep the family together and life was very difficult for her.

She met Kenneth J. Bicking of the Brunswick community and they married Dec. 29, 1959 at the Grasston Baptist Church. Clara made her wedding dress for this special day. Clara and Kenneth moved to the Henriette area and Brook Park area to raise their family of five sons.

Clara’s extended working career began assisting Kenneth as they went to farms and tested the butterfat for numerous dairy herds. Clara was also employed at the Mora Hospital, Mora Plastics Corporation, Mora Co-op and performed numerous church opportunities. She shared her talent in playing the organ at the Grasston Baptist Church and also GracePointe Crossing at Cambridge.

Clara took great pride in her flowers and vegetable garden and was always willing to share her produce. Family was very important to Clara and she enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends.

Clara Bicking is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth in May, 1996, her son Kevin in January, 2010, her mother in 1951 and father 1991.

Clara is survived by sons: Gary (Debbie), Loren of St. Michael, Rick (Christina) of Hinckley, and David of Burnsville; 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, brother, Charles (Mary) Bouska of Grasston, sister, Helen (Dale) Swenson of Braham, other relatives, Phyllis (Don) Danielson of Mora, and Uyrel Bicking of Terre Haute, Idaho. Clara is also survived by numerous family from South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana and friends.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at the Grasston Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Reed officiating. Music was provided by Michele Reed. Inurnment was in the Grass Lake Mission Cemetery.  Arrangements were by the Rock Ingebrand Funeral Home of Braham.

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Mark Mix was born in South St. Paul, Minn. on Sept. 9, 1934 to Michael and Alice Mix of Braham, Minn.

Mark served 3 years in Korea as a sergeant in the Marine Corp. and was discharged with a letter of exemplary service from his commanding officer. One of his neighbors said, “He was always happy, always working, always clean shaven and I never saw him grubby.” He was a very private person, but had many friends, acquaintances and business associates who made his life so rich.

Thanks to the people at the St. Cloud Veterans Hospital for taking such good care of and making him comfortable in his last few days. A very especial thank you is in order to his good friend, Louis Surret, who was not only a friend to him when he was alive, but even after his departure. You are a blessing Louis for all you continue to do behind the scenes. Thank you.

He “got out of here” on July 10, 2013.

Mark is survived by six siblings: Milan Mix, Carol Johnson, Michael Mix Jr., Connie Mix, Marvin Mix and Carla Herwig and many nieces, nephews and kitties.

At a future date, the family is planning to have a “Reminisce Party” in his honor, even though he thought ‘they’d have nothing to talk about.’ They will let you know.

A private burial is being held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  Casketbearers are Milan Mix, Mike Mix Jr., Marvin Mix, Dennis Johnson and Rodney Herwig.

Arrangements by Dresser-Methven Funeral Home.

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Kenneth Phillip Hooker, Sr. was born to Bryan and Etta Hooker on March 30, 1926 in Denver and went home to be with the Lord on July 10, 2013.

Ken was raised in his younger years in eastern Colorado. During his junior year of high school he left school because of the war effort and moved to Washington State with an uncle to work for Boeing Aircraft.  Going back to school, he graduated from South High School in Denver in 1947.

He served in the Army in Washington, D.C. in the Signal Corp. After his discharge, he married Shirley Martin Sept. 10, 1950 at the Christensen Ranch in Dillon, Colo. He worked for the Bureau of Reclamation until 1951. They moved to Denver and lived there until 1955, when they moved to Grand Junction, Colo. He worked for Public Service Co. of Colorado (now Excel Energy) for 30 years. He also owned and worked a small peach orchard. In 1979 he was transferred to Pawnee Power Plant in Brush, Colo. where he was a maintenance supervisor and was lovingly known as “Gramps.”

Ken loved fishing, hunting, skiing and camping with his family.  After retiring in 1986, Ken and Shirley made several moves helping family and friends whenever they could. Their last move in 2004 was to Isanti, Minn. to the “Gramma” house on the farm of their son-in-law and daughter, Lyle and Nancy Peterson.

Ken was a quiet man who loved the Lord. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley; his children, Ken, Jr. (Sue) of Grand Junction, Colo., Nancy (Lyle) Peterson of Isanti, Richard (Jan) of Endicott, Wash.; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Wanda of Palisade, Colo.; by many nieces and nephews as well as many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20 at First Baptist Church in St. Francis. Ken will be buried in Brekenridge, Colo. with many of his family. Memorials preferred to St. Francis Christian School, St. Francis. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the care of Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel.

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