12/24/29-5/12/15

Laverne Ries (Bergman) passed peacefully and quietly at her home.
She was the first of three sisters raised through high school in Cambridge, Minn. after her mother was widowed when Laverne was just five. Moving to Minneapolis, Laverne began her lifetime career in accounting for several companies, keeping "everything to the penny."
At age 25 Laverne met her husband, John, at a dance. He called on her and "seemed pretty nice" so they were married and started their life together. This included their involvement with family, dogs, cats, bridge, raising chinchillas and, later, moving to a hobby farm with cattle and hogs when John retired. Laverne's life revolved around family, home, gardening, sewing and was an outstanding baker and cook. Laverne was strong in her faith and volunteered in the altar guild. She traveled extensively with her sisters to many foreign, exotic places and was impressed with the unlimited food options when on a cruise.
Her lavish attention and generosity for family was evident during birthday and holiday celebrations. It gave her great pleasure to shop ahead for that special thoughtful gift or card.
She is survived by her sister, brother-in-law, a niece and two nephews, nine great nieces and nephews and a great-great nephew.
A celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thursday, May 28 at 3 p.m., 507 W. Powell Gresham, OR.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Michael T. Ranger, age 70, of Aitkin, passed away May 18, 2015. Arrangements by Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge, (763)689-2244. www.carlsonlillemoen.com

Laura Eaves of North Branch, MN died Monday, May 18, 2015 at Provident Home Healthcare, Falcon Heights, MN at age 57.
Laura was born September 27, 1957 in Omaha, NE to Donald and Lois Eaves. She attended grammar school in Bellevue, NE, Cambridge, MN and Phoenix, AZ. She graduated from Arcadia High School in Phoenix with high honors and received a scholarship to Brigham Young University where she graduated magna cum laude in mathematics in 1981 in spite of having missed a tri-semester because of a serious injury. In 1984, she finished a master's degree in computer-science at University of Arizona, Tucson.
That same year she accepted employment at AT&T-Bell Labs at Murray Hill, NJ, where she was employed for 12 years, until her health deteriorated to where she could no longer work. She worked in research and development and was awarded for being one of the developers of the well-known C++ computer language, which was one of the projects she was assigned during her tenure there.
Since the time of her disability, she has lived in Charlotte, NC and North Branch, MN, doing volunteer work to help instruct other blind programmers.
Though blind, profoundly deaf without aids and unable to walk because of the numerous bone breakages and spontaneous hematomas, Laura has enjoyed many varied interests. Her knowledge extended far beyond her academic training as she was an avid reader – from talking books for the blind. She also enjoyed many kinds of needlework – with intricate patterns that she couldn't see but designed by counting stitches.
Laura was born with a very rare form of osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle-bone disease) which gradually took her vision from spontaneous ruptures of her eyes. She was legally blind at age 8. And that deteriorated as an adult to a slight recognition of light and darkness. However, with every set-back in health, she would acquire new horizons to compensate for what was lost.
Laura would always admonish her family if they ever mentioned her handicaps. As far as she was concerned, there was no such thing. We are so thankful that she has been a part of our family during her 57 years, since the prognosis was only to live just past infancy.
She was preceded in death by her father, Don Eaves.
Surviving are her mother, Lois Eaves; brothers Donald Jr. (Shelley) Eaves of Mint Hill, NC and Eric Eaves of Manassas, VA. Also, niece and nephews, Sandra (Daniel) Siepert, David (Ida) Eaves and Donald III (Courtney) Eaves; grand nephew, Benjamin Siepert; grand nieces, Miriam Siepert and Tapanga Eaves.
Funeral service 1 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, North Branch. Interment will be in the Dalstorp Cemetery in Fish Lake Township. Online condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements are with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

David Swanson, age 80 from Backus, MN, formerly of Dalbo and Anoka, MN passed away on March 4, 2015 in the care of his loving wife.
Survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Hartfiel); children, Vicky (Michael), Kathy (Ronald), Michael, Robyn (Dan), Rebecca (Robert); 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by son John; three siblings; parents Leslie and Katharine (Conway) Swanson.
David was born in 1934 in Anoka, MN where he grew up on the family farm using horses to work the land. He left Anoka school to join the U.S. Air Force where he served 10 years. He met and married Patricia where six children were born to the union. He worked their family farm in Dalbo while he was employed for 32 years at Federal Cartridge. He enjoyed volunteering in the Anoka saddle club; playing softball; and was a member of the Anoka and Backus American Legions. He was able to enjoy his retirement on a lake home in Backus where he spent his time gardening, feeding wildlife, dancing at the Legion Clubs, fishing, and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
There will be a private family service held at Minnesota Veteran's Cemetery in June 2015.

Willard Dean "Bill" Ramberg, 81, of Cambridge passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born on May 17, 1934 in Harris, Minnesota, one of nine children to Frank and Anna (Wredberg) Ramberg. Bill grew up on the family farm in the Harris area where he attended the Willow Grove country school. It was in that school that he learned the English language. After his schooling, he worked for a time at the Arsenal before enlisting in the U.S. Army in July 1955. Bill was a cook and was stationed in Germany for two years. He was Honorably Discharged in June 1958.
While Bill was in the Army, he married Bonnie Johnson on May 25, 1957 in Minneapolis. Upon returning from the military, they would live in many places, but would eventually settle in the Cambridge and North Branch area, raising their five children. Bill and Bonnie, along with his brother Carl, would own and operate the Kaffe Stuga in Harris from 1959 to 1961. He and Bonnie also owned and operated the Lighthouse Restaurant in Cambridge. He worked as a machinist for several years, working at Motek Engineering, as well as in Wisconsin, Arizona and would later own Edgewood Machine with his sons. Bill also was an instructor at Pine Technical College for a time.
Bill loved his grandchildren and enjoyed playing the guitar and piano. He learned piano from his aunt Elbie. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa and was a mentor to many young people over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jill Brockopp, brother Elven Ramberg and sister Dorothy Britz.
Bill is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughter Kim (Brent) Harcey; sons Gary (Hilda), Bob (Samantha) all of Cambridge, Chris (Noriko) of Woodbury; 13 grandchildren Erick (Sondra) Harcey, Bryce (Gina) Harcey, Mallory (Jared) Heaton, Amy (Aaron) Sundberg, Robert (Stacy) Ramberg, Nicholas, Anna and Grace Ramberg, Acacia and Shawn Ramberg, Johnathan, Jordan and Hailey Brockopp; 12 great-grandchildren Jameson, Quinton, Graham, Ashton, Stanley, Timothy, Beckett, Ruthie, Miles, Kayden, Jaxson and Bennett; brothers Carl (Pat), Roland (Mavis), Clifford (Marcia), Dean (Marlys), Darrell (Janet); sister Gloria Hansen; brother-in-law Curtis Britz; as well as many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the New Hope Community Church. Interment will be in the North Isanti Baptist Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Cambridge American Legion. Online condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements were with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

Rosie Blomker, age 88 died Saturday, May 16, 2015 (born August 21, 1926).
Survived by children, Margaret (Walter) Taylor, Keith (Karen) Blomker, Barbara Aikin-Lang, Kim (Sheldon) Gallmeirer, Kevin Blomker, Jannay (Steve) Hamlin and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, son-in-law Bruce Willis and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by parents Julius and Ann Speldrick, daughters Linda Stromberg and Kelly Willis, special friend of 40+ years James Rhone and first husband Lawrence Blomker.
Celebration of life will be June 1, 2015, 11 am at Henriette Hall and cemetery to follow.

Dean "Jerry" Jerome Peterson, of Isanti, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis. He was 80 years old.
Jerry was born March 28, 1935 to Edwin and Anna Peterson of Stanchfield, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and was the youngest of six siblings. After the death of his parents, Jerry lived in group and foster homes throughout Isanti County and spent many years in the loving care of Cora and Don VanderMey, as well as their son and daughter-in-law Brandon and Aimee VanderMey.
He was employed for many years at Industries, Inc. and Pack-It Bindery. As an artist, Jerry won awards for his drawings and paintings, and sold some of his artwork. He enjoyed the daily newspaper, activities at the adult care center, watching cartoons, parades, and attending church. Known by his friends and caregivers as "Jer-Bear," he will long be remembered as a sweet and happy person who brought out the best in others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Grace Williams, Robert "Eddie" Peterson, Paul Peterson, and Amy Shubert.
He is survived by his brother Curtiss (Nancy) Peterson of Apple Valley, brother-in-law Jim Shubert of Pequot Lakes, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service in celebration of Jerry's life held at 10 am on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Bible Baptist Church, 1300 229th Avenue NE, in East Bethel with Rev. Doug Vick officiating. Inurnment will be in the Stanchfield Baptist Cemetery.
Arrangements are with the Rock-Ingebrand Funeral Home in Braham. www.aifuneralhome.com

Clifford Harry Nelson, age 88, of Braham, passed away May 23, 2015 at the St Cloud VA Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Clifford was born on November 17, 1926 to John and Ellen Nelson of Rock Creek, MN. He married Lavina Elaine Stenberg on April 26, 1953. They resided in Rock Creek and later moved to West Rock and back to Rock Creek where they raised beef cattle. In 1966 they bought a farm in Braham where they milked cows and raised crops. They raised seven children while on the farm. Cliff enjoyed camping with family and friends and he loved watching the Twins and the Vikings play. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cliff was a wonderful husband and a giving father. We will all miss his singing and good sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lavina, sons Kurt and Greg "Buddy", brothers Johnny, Sonny, Roy and sisters Lillian and Sadie.
Cliff is survived by his children Karen Monster of Rush City, Kevin (Ami) Nelson of Braham, Pam (Tom) Weeks of Cambridge, Bruce (Lorrie) Nelson of Ogilvie, Scott Nelson of Stanchfield; 21 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on May 27th at the Hope Lutheran Church in Grasston. Rev. James Sodergren officiated. Music was provided by Sarah Howes. Casket Bearers were Tim Monster, Rick Monster, Shane Weeks, Sadie Farr, Donny Nelson and Amanda Nelson. Interment was at Grasston Union Cemetery in Grasston. Arrangements by Rock – Ingebrand funeral Home in Braham. Condolences may be posted at www.aifuneralhome.com

Roger Eugene Corbin, of Braham, MN, died on Monday, May 25, 2015 at GracePointe Crossings in Cambridge, MN. He was 70 years old.
Roger was born on June 13, 1944 to Lavere and Edna (Klawitter) Corbin of Spooner, WI. Roger graduated from Spooner High School and the University of WI at River Falls. He began his career as the Director of the Foster Grandparent Program at Cambridge State Hospital in 1966. It was there that he met Nancy Olin. They were married in 1968. They made their home and raised two daughters and several pets in Braham, MN. Roger began working for Lakes and Pines Community Action Council as Headstart Director. He became Executive Director in 1978 and continued in this role until his retirement in July of 2005.
Roger's favorite things in life were gardening, hunting, fishing, rodeo and especially his grandchildren and friends. Roger was an active member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. His life and death were a testimony of his faith in Christ as his risen savior.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Corbin.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Heidi Corbin and Debra (Jason) Johnson; grandchildren, Isaac Chitty, Reid, Erin and Gabriel Johnson; special nephew and niece, Scott and Jenny Corbin; grandnephew and grandniece, Liam and Julia Corbin. Many other friends and family also survive.
Memorial Service on Friday, May 29, 2015 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Braham with Rev. Tim Renstrom and Rev. Glen Kleppe. Music provided by Sharon Jaques. Honorary Urn Bearers Gary Livingston, Duane Olson, Vern Schusted, Roger Peterson, Roger Anderson, Warren Swanson and Dennis Olson. Arrangements were by the Rock – Ingebrand Funeral Home of Braham. Condolences may be posted to www.aifuneralhome.com.

Andrew "Clem" Osburn, passed away on May 15, 2015.
He was born May 12, 1940 to Charlie and Rosella (Tyo) Osburn in Caro, MI. After graduating from high school in Caro, he moved to Minneapolis, MN where he graduated from the Humboldt Institute with a degree in Traffic Management. In 1964 he moved to Milwaukee, WI and worked at Goodman-Reichwald-Dodge. In 1966 he married his first wife, Carri Scott and they had two children, Charles and Cheryl. In 1970 they moved to Coon Rapids, MN where Clem was the manager of Goodman-Reichwald-Dodge in Minneapolis. In 1984 Clem purchased the Minneapolis branch. Clem served as the hockey director for many years with the Coon Rapids Hockey Association. He bowled for Metcalf Mayflower and enjoyed fishing and hunting. In 1981 Clem married Carol Beckley Breyen. After retiring in 1991 and selling their home in Coon Rapids, they divided their time between Alamo, TX (where he was president of the Homeowners Assoc. for three years) and Nevis, MN. In 2004, they sold their home in Nevis and made their new summer home in Isanti, MN. In 2014 Clem moved to Beaverton, OR to be closer to his son and his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his half-sister Rena, half-brother Max, his wife Carol in Jan. 2009 and most recently his sister Nanette in Dec. 2014.
He is survived by son Charlie (Bonny) Osburn, Beaverton, OR; daughter Cheryl Banker, Ocala, FL; step children Mark (Melissa) Breyen, Champlin, MN, Michelle (Stan) Carter, Burnsville, MN and nine grandchildren.
Visitation will be on June 14 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The American Heart Association and The American Diabetes Association. Please visit our online guestbook at www.gearhartfuneralhome.com.

Louise Winnerfred (Reeverts) Quaintance, age 94, of Braham/Hinckley, MN died on May 26, 2015 at Grace Pointe Nursing Home in Cambridge, MN.
Louise was born on February 21, 1921 in Dickens, Iowa to Fred and Irene E. (Hill) Reeverts. On December 1, 1939 Louise married Gerald Quaintance in Spencer, Iowa. Louise and Gerald lived in Iowa, Minnesota and Nevada.
Louise is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; daughter, Janice Volkman; son, Robert; great grandson, Tate Murray; great-great grandson, Drake Walls; her parents, Fred and Irene; brother, Lloyd; and three sisters, Florence Ashley, Maxine Logsdon, Helen Hopkins.
Louise is survived by two sons, Donald Quaintance of Centerville, MN, Garry (Delores M. Gasner) Quaintance of Siloam Springs, AR; four daughters, Margaret (Bob) Johnson of Chanute, KS, Bertha (Larry) Johnson of Keyon, MN, Romona Klar of Hinckley, MN, Rebecca (Scott) Kvam of Hinckley, MN; 20 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held for Louise on May 30, 2015 at the Methven Funeral Home in Sandstone, MN. www.methvenfuneralhome.com

Ann Marie Klemz of Braham, passed away after a two year battle with Leiomyosarcoma Cancer on Friday, May 29, 2015 with her family by her side. She was 55 years old.
Ann was born on September 8, 1959 in St. Paul, Minnesota to parents LuVerne and Lucille (Goedert) Klemz, the second of four children. She began school in Coon Rapids, before the family moved to a farm northwest of Grasston in 1969. She attended Braham High School, graduating in 1978. Ann continued her education at Pine City Vocational School where she acquired a degree in accounting. Ann began working at the Hinckley Clinic before transferring to the Cambridge Clinic where she remained for 35 years. Ann embraced the advancement of technology. Ann was instrumental in initiating the Excelion project at the Allina Clinics and she worked tirelessly to make the system the best it could be. She installed this system in many clinics for Allina. As IT Senior Analyst, she was called upon to create reports and handle many projects.
Ann's greatest love was her family, especially her nieces and nephews and their families. She originated and planned yearly Klemz family vacations. Ann loved photography and captured thousands of images of family, friends, and nature over the years. She loved nature's beauty and supported many eco-friendly causes and enjoyed biking and kayaking. Ann loved technology and was always excited about a new gadget. She will be dearly missed by her vast family and friends.
Ann is preceded in death by her father and an infant brother.
She is survived by her mother Lucille, siblings, Cathy (Gary) Lidke, Richard (Barb), and Daniel (Jonelle); nieces and nephews, Julia (Eric) Jarnot, Levi (Jennifer) Lidke, Brett (Stephanie) Klemz, Stephanie Klemz (Randy Silbaugh), Cody Klemz, and Drew Klemz (Sarah Gieseke); great nieces and nephews, Elena, Cole, Garett, Gage, Grady, Hayden, Jessa, Porter, Brady, and Peyton; many other relatives, coworkers, and friends.
Memorial Service on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Braham. Music provided by Joni Nelson and Gail Kling. Arrangements by the Rock Ingebrand Funeral Home of Braham. Condolences may be posted at mwww.aifuneralhome.com.

Joshua Reid Pearson was born on April 2, 1976 in Milaca, Minnesota. He passed from this life, as the result of a motorcycle accident, on May 14, 2015 near his home in Cambridge, Minnesota. He was 39 years old. Josh was a "very hard worker", starting in construction at a young age. He was "so creative", "such a nice kid" and "could make something out of nothing".
He loved motorcycles (especially Honda's, against Jake's belief that Yamaha's are better!) He loved deer hunting, and was a skilled bow hunter.
Josh also loved to fish (he "lit up when he talked about hunting and fishing") and he was fortunate to have a Grandfather that did taxidermy and preserved so many of those special memories. He was truly an outdoor person. He could always be found riding dirt bikes, snowmobiles, building bird houses, planting a garden, target practice… anything outside, but most of all, he was happiest when he was doing those things with his boys.
He loved playing his guitar and listening to music, especially Pantera, Primus, Heavy metal and "Old" Country music.
"He made the best pork chops, venison jerky, eggs and ramen noodles".
Josh was an individual, with an adventurous spirit, who always said "I am what I am". As an organ donor, he gave the gift of life to help others.
Preceded in death by his nephew, Tony Clinton, Cambridge, MN. His grandparents, James and June Pearson, Foreston, MN, Louis Palmquist, Foreston, MN and his aunt, Joan Larsen of Colorado.
Survived by his boys, Jake Victor Pearson and Tucker Reid Pearson, along with their mother, Angela Pearson. His mother, Janelle Pearson, sister, Erika Palmquist, brother-in-law Jaimon Smith; nieces, Ashley, Autumn & great-nephew, Braxton;father, David (Luann) Palmquist, grandmother, Nellie Palmquist. brother, Nick (Jenny) Palmquist, niece Keara; aunts and uncles: Kathy & Roxie, Julie, Jim, Nancy, Lindy, Shirley and Richard. His cousins Randy and Joel (Colorado), Scott (Kentucky), his good friend Adam Williams, along with many other cousins, relatives and friends in Minnesota. He is also survived by his dog "Chance"(the funniest dog ever!)
Josh cherished his boys and adored his nieces & nephews.
His last words were "tell the boys I love them so much".

A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

"Not till we are lost, do we begin to find ourselves…
Peace out"

Marilyn "Mitzi" Olson of West Rush Lake passed away Thursday May 28, 2015at her home at the age of 82 years.
Mitzi was born on July 9, 1932 in Anoka, MN to Fred and Isabelle Swan. She attended school in St. Francis, MN and on September 15 of 1950 Mitzi married Jack Olson. Mitzi worked at the Arsenal in New Brighton until they closed and then worked at Federal Cartridge until her retirement.
Mitzi had the gift of gab and loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She especially loved sitting on her deck watching and listening to the birds and wild animals. Mitzi enjoyed all the local meat raffles and visiting with everyone. She was a world traveler and she loved to bake. Her family's favorites were her chocolate chip cookies and divinity. We'll miss her potato salad, it was the BEST!
Mitzi Olson is survived by her husband Jack Olson, children Steve and Candace Olson of McGregor, Keven and Gail Olson of Ramsey, Cary and Julie Olson of Cambridge; eight grandchildren ,nine great-grandchildren; sister Maxine Almquist of Moose Lake, sister-in-law Delores Swan and many friends.
Mitzi is preceded in death by her parents, brother Fred Swan Jr., sister Beverly Larson, her aunt Helen Cochran and a niece LaDon Bebe.
Rev. Dan Almquist will officiate at Mitzi's funeral service 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City.
Internment for Mitzi Olson will take place at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis on Thursday.
Funeral arrangements for Mitzi Olson (Mrs. Jack Olson) of West Rush Lake are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com

Annette Lucille Lilleboe passed suddenly from a heart attack in the comfort of her home in Milaca with her loving husband, Roger, by her side, on May 29, 2015. She was 67 years old.
Annette was born in Mora, MN to Raymond and Lucille (Schoumaker) Richardson. She had lived in Mora and Ogilvie before moving to her current residence by Milaca. She attended Riverside Country School in Ogilvie and graduated from Ogilvie High School in 1965. While she was in school she worked at Bruggemans Tractor Sales in Milaca as a secretary and after finishing school she worked at Fingerhut in Mora. On September 30, 1966 she was united in marriage to Roger Lilleboe in Clear Lake, South Dakota. Annette became a homemaker and mother to three girls: Cheri, Cheryl and Angie. She was a member of the Antique Tractor and Car Club, a youth group leader and a member of Bock Emmanuel in the 1980s. She enjoyed fishing, flowers, knitting, sewing, reading and spending time with loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Lucille Richardson; her brother Larry Richardson; her sister Carol Herman; nephew Todd Herman, her grandparents and many aunts and uncles.
Annette is survived by her husband Roger Lilleboe of Milaca; her daughters Cheri Klassen of St. Cloud, Cheryl (Gregg) Propson of Onamia and Angie (Ron) Tvedt of Milaca; her grandchildren Tyler Klassen and Harris Tvedt and two Propson step-families.
Funeral service at 2 P.M. on Friday, June 5, 2015 at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home with Pastor Marlyn Harris officiating. Visitation from 12-2 P.M. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Mora. Meal to follow at True Vine Lutheran Church in Mora.
Arrangements by Dresser-Methven Funeral Home.

Debra "Debbie" A. Douglas, age 40, of Cambridge, passed away June 1, 2015. Arrangements by Strike Funeral Homes, (763)689-2070. www.strikefuneral.com

Sharon Elaine (Farr) Collison, 71, of Andover passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.
She was born on March 24, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN to Leonard and Arlene (Gustafson) Farr. Sharon was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls. All of her growing up years she was very active in Trinity Lutheran Church; sharing her gift of music, both vocally and as a wonderful pianist at church as well as on Gospel Mission Teams. She attended Minnehaha Grade School, Nokomis Jr. High and graduated from Minnehaha Academy in 1962. After high school she spent a year at California Lutheran Bible School. Sharon would return to Minnesota and begin work at the University of Minnesota.
On July 21, 1973 she was united in marriage to David Collison at Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood and they celebrated their reception at her parent's cabin on Farm Island Lake. The couple would later make their home in the house that David's father built in Andover. After a spending two years in New Jersey, they returned to Andover and would make it their main residence while both of them worked. Once they retired, Sharon and David spent winters in Harlingen, TX, and spent much of their summer weekends at their cabin on Prairie Lake and also at her family cabin on Farm Island Lake.
Sharon enjoyed gardening, sewing and crafting; she organized the crafting group at their park in Texas. She loved music and played organ, piano, and guitar. She and David loved spending time with the family at the cabin, going on pontoon rides, fireworks on the 4th of July, and especially sitting around the campfire. They were always the last two to leave the campfire, talking and watching the stars.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister-in-law Linda Collison.
Sharon is survived by her husband David; sister Patty and husband Jerry Anderson of Cambridge; mother-in-law Rhoda Collison of Payson, AZ; brothers-in-law Jerry Collison of Payson, AZ, Dale Collison of Wright, MN; eight nieces and nephews, Mark Anderson, Deborah Fredrickson, Carrie Knutson, Matt Anderson, Amy Maxfield, Mary Schoeneck, Mark Collison, and Dan Collison; 31 great nieces and nephews and six great-great nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Cambridge. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Bennettville Cemetery in Aitkin County. Online condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements by the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

Well done my good and faithful servant…
Pop has been on a "going home" journey for the past few months; no… years. When Mom passed in November of 2012, my brother Peter and I (Kim) thought Pop was soon to follow. Diagnosed with Parkinson's about 15 years ago, he wasn't about to give up hope that he could maintain his strength. He actually took on the role of care provider when Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about six years ago. Toward the end of her life he became tired and weary, but held on for another 2 1/2 years.
Just before his passing, my daughter and I were in Ohio to celebrate the marriage of Pete's daughter Rachel. When I left I told Pop about his granddaughter's upcoming special day; that Nola and I were excited to represent him knowing he wasn't well enough to go himself. Within an hour of returning to Minneapolis, I received a call that Pop's breathing was shallow, and his heart rate fast. My children came to say their good-byes. The four of us sang two of Pop's favorite hymns, harmonizing to please only him. I was sure his heart sang along with us too. Within a few moments after my kids left, I knelt down by his bed and put my hand on his chest, reminiscing about finally being free from this broken down body. He looked into my eyes and breathed one last breath. His eyes then turned to follow someone I couldn't see, clearly beckoning him home. He exhaled his last. It was a beautiful "leaving." What a treasure to be present within it.
Pete, I, and our families wanted you to know a little bit of his story. It hasn't been an easy one for us. While we truly miss him, we see Pop's leaving as a celebration and rejoice with him as he is finally with his precious Savior!
Virgel can certainly look back on a life well lived. Born on the farm November 1931 in Osakis, MN to Leslie and Lena Collins, Virgel was the youngest boy of three sons and four daughters, Merlyn, Gene, Virgel, Madelyn, Vonnie, Annabelle and Donna Mae. Life wasn't easy through the depression years, but Virgel and his family persevered. The importance of faith and family was a continual theme in Virgel's life, which he was always ready to share. This included to his eldest brother Merlyn, who he led to the Lord just two weeks before Merlyn passed away.
After high school in 1950, Virgel joined the Air Force to serve as an aircraft mechanic at Rhein-Mein AFB, Germany. Though he had many adventures overseas including taxiing a C-47 to safety during a storm, the most important event was his introduction to Jesus through the Navigators. Virgel grew in faith touching many lives, notably being interviewed by Billy Graham and asked by George Beverly Shea to sing in the crusade choir. Upon return to the states, Virgel took advantage of the GI bill to pursue a degree in education. He also pursued a lovely young lady he met through the Navigators, marrying Elaine in 1958. Virgel and Elaine celebrated 54 years together, living most of their married lives in Cambridge, MN.
Both Virgel and Elaine were teachers in the public school, serving for over 30 years. Virgel taught industrial arts and while he was rightly proud of the many projects he built, including the Mechanics Illustrated Golden Hammer award winning tractor, his greatest pride was in the countless students he mentored as a teacher. In fact, that most aptly summarizes Virgel's life; he discipled men and shared the gospel with everyone he met. Virgel will be missed, but celebrated by his children and eight grandchildren for the quiet servant he truly was.
A Memorial Service was held Sat. June 6, 2015 At First Baptist Church in Cambridge. Interment was in the Cambridge Union Cemetery.
Arrangements by Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge. Online condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com.

John Golly of Braham, passed away on June 1, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was 56 years old.
John was born to Darell and Donna Golly on April 8, 1959 at Kanabec County Hospital in Mora, MN. He grew up on the family farm and was the third of six children.
John attended Braham Schools and graduated early in 1977. That same year, on April 15th, he was united in marriage to Linda Doffing. To this union three children were born.
John spent most of his working career expanding and perfecting his mechanical gift. He also spent time driving truck or lending a helping hand on his son's farm, watching him expand it year by year. He also enjoyed helping out on his friend Mike's farm.
John truly enjoyed working around the homestead; planting crops, milking cows and repairing his farm machinery. He also loved to take "spur of the moment" trips to Duluth to watch the ships come in and out of port. He liked fishing and hunting but his greatest love was visiting with his grandkids and giving them rides on his tractors and skid steer. He will be truly missed and remembered in our hearts and memories forever.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Helen Golly and grandma, Aggie.
He is survived by his wife Linda of Braham; children, Heather (Jason) Olson, Keith (Sarah) Golly and Ann Golly (Andrew Campbell); grandchildren, Logan and Taryn Olson; Wyatt, Makenzie and Bridget Golly; Darren Brekkestran and Joey Campbell; parents Darell and Donna Golly; parents-in-law Cliff and Helen Doffing; siblings Randy (Joann) Golly, Deb (James) Shockman, Lois (Ken) O'Brien, Darell (Christy) Golly and Kathy (Dave) Tomlinson; plus many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A visitation and gathering of griends was held on Friday, June 5th at Rock-Ingebrand Funeral Home in Braham. Arrangements were handled by Rock-Ingebrand Funeral Home of Braham. Condolences may be posted at www.aifuneralhome.com