Author: Rodney Holm

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Noel P. Rahn, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on February 14, 1939, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, to Peter and Helen Rahn, Noel lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, and love.

Noel was a devoted and loving husband to Angelina Rahn for 57 years. Together, they built a beautiful family, which Noel cherished deeply. He is survived by their four children: Angelina (Brian), with children Jack, Nick, and Gabby Lawton; Noel (Sara), with children Noel II, Sophia, and Eva Rahn; Mark (Rachel), with children Alijandra and Mark Rahn; and Adriana (Jamiel), with children Isabella, Valentina, Andrew, and Daniella Akhtar. Noel also leaves behind his sister JoAnn (Tom) Becker and brother Scott (Robin) Rahn. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Angelina Rahn, his parents, Peter and Helen Rahn, his brother, Dr. Dennis Rahn, and his sister, Jannath Dwight.

Noel was a visionary businessman, serving as CEO of The Rahn Group and Founder & Chairman of the Board of Geronimo Energy. Prior to this, Noel served as Chairman and CEO of Investment Advisers, Inc. (IAI). Noel Rahn attended the University of Minnesota, before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC), where he proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Noel’s roots were firmly planted in his Christian faith and the rural life he loved. His  generosity, loyalty, and belief in the power of perseverance left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family and friends will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 26th at 11am at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Noel’s honor to the Mountain Lake Future Farmers of America.  Memorials can be made out to: Mt. Lake FFA Alumni & Supporters  Memo: Noel Rahn Memorial                 Sent to: United Prairie Bank  PO Box 430 Mountain Lake, MN 56159

Ernest Dale Ysker, 64, of Mountain Lake, died on March 4, 2025, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11:00 am., with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. The clergy will be the Rev. Richard Bremseth.  Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Ernie was born April 25, 1960, to Henry and Velda (Grunewald) Ysker in Westbrook, Minnesota. He attended school in Windom. On April 26, 1986, he married Sharon Stiebler at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake.

Ernie worked for Butterfield Foods and then JBS in Worthington for 36 years. In his free time, Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, cutting down trees and stumps, grilling and smoking meats, and spending time with family.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Sharon; step-daughters, Dawn (John Boyd) Goring and Kari Baquedano; step-grandchildren, Elias, Lorenzo (Megan), Emilio, Maggie, Jackie, and Jasmin; sisters, Shirley Scott, JoAnn (Patrick) Flaherty, and Connie VanDuker; sister-in-law, Loretta Ysker; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Henry Ysker; sister-in-law, Connie Ysker; and brothers-in-law, Don Scott and Jim VanDuker.

May 3, 1938 - March 6, 2025

WILLMAR, Minn. - Beverly Winther, 86, Willmar, formerly Mountain Lake, Minn., died Thursday, March 6, in Bethesda Grand Nursing Home.

A memorial service will be 11:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life from noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Burial will be at a later date in Trefoldighed Lutheran Cemetery near Battle Lake, Minn.

Arrangements by Harvey Anderson Funeral Home.

Janice E. Evers age 81, of Comfrey, MN died on February 26, 2025, at her home.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at New Hope Lutheran Church, Comfrey and will continue on Monday from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at the church. Funeral service will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church, Comfrey, on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 10:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Jason Bonnicksen. Interment will be at the Christian Reformed Cemetery in rural Mountain Lake, Minnesota.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield, MN. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Janice Elaine Green was born on April 11, 1943 at the Mountain Lake Hospital, the daughter of Kinney and Jesse (Klinger) Green. She attended and graduated from Mountain Lake high school in 1961. Janice married Jerry Evers on July 14, 1962 at the Christian Reformed Church in rural Mountain Lake. After their marriage, they moved various places until settling on the farm near Comfrey in 1971. Throughout that time she worked several different jobs including managing the Dairy Queen in Redwood Falls. She was a devoted mother and grandmother that treasured spending time with her family - especially the week spent together at Lake Okoboji every year. Janice loved cooking and baking as she always had something sweet to offer any visitors that stopped by the house. She was a longtime member of Mountain Lake Christian Reformed Church. There she was active throughout the years teaching Sunday school, being the church janitor, and serving on multiple boards. When the church closed, she attended New Hope Lutheran Church of Comfrey.

Janice is survived by her children - Tim (Rachel) Evers of Comfrey, Susan (Mike) Stoesz of Mountain Lake, and Jill (Jeff) Veerkamp of Comfrey; grandchildren - Andy (Dakotah) Evers, Jessica (Cody) Madsen, Tyler (Lacey) Evers, Tate Krcil (finace Hannah VanPelt), Keirstyn Krcil, Erin Veerkamp, Adam Veerkamp, and Owen Veerkamp; great grandchildren - Lane, Addilyn, Rayna, Kasen, Payden, McKenzie, Michaela and Maverick; brother Richard (Shirley) Green and brother-in-law Bob Mellema. She was preceded in death by her husband, son Paul, parents and siblings - Warren (Helen) Green, Owen (Clarlyn) Green, Donald (Roseann) Green, Lawrence (Eunice) Green and Lois Mellema.

June 29, 1928 - Feb. 26, 2025

WINDOM, Minn. - Edna Kliewer, 96, Mountain Lake, Minn., died Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Windom Area Health.

Services were held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake on Tuesday, March 4th at 11:00 AM, with a time of visitation and gathering from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Burial was held at Mountain Lake Cemetery in Mountain Lake.

Arrangements by LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center.

Michael Elvin Johnson passed away peacefully at his home in Mountain Lake, MN, surrounded by his loving family on February 21, 2025. He was 74 years old.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 am., with visitation one hour prior to the service. The clergy will be Rev. Rick Bremseth. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Mike was born on October 14, 1950, in Mankato, MN, to Elvin “Pete” Johnson and Christina (Coners) Johnson. He grew up in the Mountain Lake area and graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1970. Mike dedicated 35 years of his life to working as a plumber. After retiring, he continued to serve his community as a custodian at Trinity Lutheran Church. Mike was an active member of the school board for ten years and led the alumni baseball team for several years. He was admired for his strong work ethic, his love for hunting and fishing, and, above all, his devotion to family and friends. Mike was a man who stood up for what was good and right in the world.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Diana (Bottin) Johnson; his sons, Ryan Johnson (Tracy Tamlyn) and Jeremy Johnson (Shana Johnson); his daughter, Grace Johnson (Matt Schweigert); and his daughter-in-law, Ehrin (Holland) Johnson. He was a proud grandfather to Janessa, Khulyn, Khendal, Khyan, Khael, Joseph, Julia, Claire, and Evan. He is also survived by his sister, Christine Amsden; and his brother, Dave Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Marvin Johnson, his sisters, Mary Duerksen and Vicky Anderson; and his brother, Joseph Johnson.

Mike’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Arlyn Dean Baerg, 55, of Delft, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at his home, with his wife by his side.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Windom and will continue on Thursday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church. Funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Windom, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11:00 am. Private family burial will be at the Delft Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Arlyn was born August 27, 1969, to Allen and Tina (Guenther) Baerg in Mountain Lake. He graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1988 and continued his education at the Vocational Technical College in Waseca. On August 5, 2017, he married his one true love, Shelly Soleta in Delft.

Arlyn was known for his compassionate spirit, extraordinary dependability, and an infectious passion for life. He loved nothing more than spending time with Shelly, Dodge and Faith, creating memories with friends and family, engaging warmly with strangers, effortlessly forming connections wherever he went.

Arlyn’s warmth and kindness were matched only by his infectious smile and laughter. He loved making people laugh and putting a smile on your face.

He was a lifelong farmer who loved nothing more than working in the field. He took great pride in teaching his son how to be a farmer. Dodge learned quickly, even teaching Arlyn a few things along the way proving that Baerg Farms will continue for generations to come. This brought great comfort to Arlyn.

A lover of John Deere tractors, Arlyn turned his passion into a beloved hobby, collecting 2-cylinder models and sharing treasured trips with his father to purchase new additions to his collection. In fact, as of today, his collection has grown to over 40 tractors!

Above all, Arlyn loved his family. He married later in life and said his only regret was not finding Shelly and Dodge sooner. He spoke often and very proudly of his son, Dodge. He was a faithful man who knew exactly where he was going.

He was an avid lover of auctions. He often traveled near and far looking for a good deal. He was always searching online for the next tractor to add to his collection or one that he could turn around and sell to make a little money. In fact, he bought 3 tractors in the 2 weeks prior to his passing. He was able to make the 6 hour round trip drive with a great friend to bring one of the tractors home.

For the last 26 years, Arlyn hosted the Delft Furrow Makers Plowing Day event on the family farm. What started out as a way for 2 people with an old tractor and plow to relive the past, grew to over 50 tractors and plows in the later years. People came from near and far to enjoy a meal with friends, great conversation, their love of tractors and plowing, participate in plowing or simply to watch it all happen.

Arlyn is survived by his wife, Shelly; son, Dodge (Faith Freking) Byam; parents, Allen and Tina Baerg of Delft; sisters, Becky (Eric) Lundberg and Angela (Nick) Kelly; nephews, Zachery (Karlee Simmons) Lundberg, Devin Lundberg, Jack Kelly, and Connor Kelly; aunts and uncles, Bill Baerg, Coreen Baerg, Aaron (Linda) Guenther, Barb Wiebe, Frank (Liz) Guenther, Mary (Dennis) Letkeman, Ann (Randy) Fehr, John (Marilyn) Guenther, Marge (Curtis) Daniels, Henry (Carol) Guenther, John Klassen, and John Wiebe; parents-in-law, Lynn and Jan Soleta; brothers-in-law, Shane Soleta, Brett (Maria) Soleta, Jeff (Cari) Soleta; nieces, Ashley (Tays) Seyler, Olivia Grefe; nephew, Noah Soleta; great-nephew, Grady Seyler; and many cousins.

Arlyn was preceded in death by his grandparents, Abram and Susan Baerg and Jake and Tina Guenther; uncle, Bob Baerg; and aunt, Gertie Klassen.

Butterfield, MN

Services for Agnes Sandberg, 97, of rural Butterfield, MN, will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Odin, MN. Burial will be following the service in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Odin. Visitation will be two hours prior to the time of service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church. Agnes passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Truman Senior Living in Truman, MN. The Kramer Family Funeral Home of Trimont, Sherburn, and Welcome, MN, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Agnes E. (Derksen) Sandberg was born June 9, 1927, in Butterfield Township, rural Watonwan County, MN, the daughter of Ben and Katharina (Enns) Derksen. Agnes was baptized and confirmed at First Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, MN. As a young girl, Agnes attended country school District 53 and later attended Mountain Lake High School where she graduated with the class of 1945. Following her graduation, Agnes worked as a dental assistant in Fairmont, MN, until her marriage.

On September 3, 1948, Agnes was united in marriage to Melvin A. Sandberg at the First Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, MN. The couple made their home on a farm in Long Lake Township before moving to Odin. After living in town, the family made a move back to the country, where Agnes and Melvin farmed until their retirement in 2002.

Agnes loved life on the farm and took great pride in her responsibilities as a “farm wife”. When not busy with farm work, Agnes and Melvin could be found enjoying time spent together bowling, golfing, playing Bingo, and attending card club. Agnes looked forward to warm summer months spent tending to her garden and flowers, especially her roses. She was adventurous and treasured memories made while snowmobiling and laughing with friends while riding bikes. Agnes was an accomplished seamstress, which came in handy while raising her children and patching the many holes that appeared in their clothing. She knew her way around the kitchen and could often be found whipping up something delicious for the guys working on the farm. Faith was an important part of Agnes’ life. She was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Odin and served by being active in Ladies Aid, Rebekah’s Circle, and helped by making quilts for mission work. Agnes cherished spending time with her family and loved cheering on and supporting her grandchildren at musicals, plays, sporting events, and dance recitals. In her later years, Agnes looked forward to trips all throughout the United States with her cousin, Margaret Adrian traveling to Michigan, Washington D.C., Florida, the Ozarks, Alaska, and all of the Mountain States. Her infectious smile and zest for life will be greatly missed by those that loved her and called her a friend.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Ronald (Marlyce) Sandberg LuAnn Lepp, Mark Sandberg, Tom (Michelle) Sandberg, and Dan (Nancy) Sandberg; eleven grandchildren, Bradley (Allison) Sandberg, Justin Schuder, Travis (Amanda) Sandberg, Melanie (Matthew) Schmid, Lisa (Kevin LaRochelle) Lepp, Derek Lepp, Danielle (Justin Borchardt) Sandberg, Nick Sandberg, Brooke (Clay) Linscheid, Hailey Sandberg, and Mallory Sandberg; nine great-grandchildren, Levi Sandberg, Elaina Schuder, Austin Schmid, Elsie Schmid, Lily Schmid, Julia Borchardt, Gavin Linscheid, Brynn Linscheid, Ella LaRochelle, and Gibson LaRochelle; three sisters, Janet Hoehn, Joann Johnson, and Irene Simeroth; brother-in-law, LeRoy Sandberg; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Katharina Derksen; husband, Melvin Sandberg, daughter, Bonnie Schuder; two sons-in-law, Mike Lepp and Jerome Schuder; brother, Harry Derksen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Lilly Sandberg; and four brothers-in-law, Don Hoehne, Joe Simeroth, Truman Johnson, and Olgar Baarson and two sisters-in-law, Florence Baarson and Bernice Sandberg.

www.kramerfuneralhome.com