Author: tammyh

Theodore "Ted" H. Janzen, 96, of Mountain Lake, died May 14, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Mountain Lake. 

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Mountain Lake City Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Memorials in Ted’s memory are preferred to Voss Park Tree Fund.

Ted was born on December 5, 1929, to Henry and Susie (Penner) Janzen in Mountain Lake. He attended school in Mountain Lake. He served for two years in the Army and was stationed at Camp Rucker in Alabama from 1951-1952. On June 30, 1956, he married Marjee Kuyper in Iowa. Together, they raised three children, Scott, Marilyn, and Chris.

Ted began driving truck for his father in 1964 which led to a lifelong trucking career and finished his career with Land O’ Lakes as a mechanic before retiring in 1991. After retirement, he and Marjee bought a motorhome so they could travel more extensively. They enjoyed many winters in Apache Junction, Arizona and spent three summers as work-campers. Ted continued to spend winters in Texas with Scott and Tennessee with Chris for several years after Marjee passed. He spent summers working as a volunteer at Voss Park in Butterfield, Minnesota. His favorite job was on the riding lawn mower, helping to maintain the many acres of grass. During the Butterfield Threshing Bee, he would proudly exhibit his large pen collection.

Ted moved into The Lodge in December 2022. He purchased an electric scooter and spent hours on the trails on the lake, enjoying the outdoors.

Ted is survived by his children, Scott (Ramrada) Janzen, Marilyn (Paul) Schultz, and Chris (Susan) Janzen; grandchildren, Scott Janzen, Jr., Teddy Janzen, Levi (Ashley) Schmid, Jake (Heather) Janzen, Duke Janzen, Lea (Greg) Zich, and Cassandra (Simon) Frazer; great grandchildren, Hunter and Haleigh Janzen, Amery and Isabelle Zich, and Allison, Josephine, and Veronica Schmid; and brother, Dan (Margaret) Janzen.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marjee in 2012; brothers, Ben, Dave, and Carl Janzen; and grandson, Joshua Schmid.

Velma Stoesz, age 96, was surrounded by family when she passed away on May 15, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be at the Mountain Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake.  Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. 

Velma Maxine Gaeddert was born in Buhler, Kansas on March 5, 1930, to Lena and Peter Gaeddert.  She grew up on a farm in the Inman/Buhler area.  Velma was the youngest of six children (3 boys and 3 girls).  She attended country school and graduated from Buhler High School in 1948.  After high school she attended Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas where she met her future husband, Wilbur “Charlie” Stoesz.  

Velma and Charlie were married in Buhler Mennonite Church on September 14, 1952.  Soon after getting married Charlie was drafted into the Army and Velma moved to Mountain Lake to live with her parents-in-law, John F. and Minnie Stoesz.  Velma joined Charlie, where he was stationed in El Paso, Texas after he completed his basic training.  When Charlie completed his service in the Army, they moved back to Mountain Lake where Velma was a homemaker and Charlie joined the family business, Mountain Lake Oil Company (Texaco).  Over the years Velma and Charlie had five children (John, Kathy, Tom, Carol, and Tim).  After the children were in school, she worked outside of the home, first at Mountain Lake High School where she served as Resource Room Coordinator and then later at the Mt. Lake Observer as a Proofreader.

Velma’s service in the church was deeply rooted and spanned decades.  Her initial connection was with the Bethel Mennonite Church Worship and Sew Society that provided her fellowship and life-long friendships. She was very active in church: singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, serving as a deacon, and on various committees.  Other church and community service included volunteering at the Care and Share and at Good Samaritan Village.

Some of Velma’s favorite activities were attending Mt. Lake high school sporting and musical events, playing golf, following her beloved Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and family vacations in Northern Minnesota. Velma enjoyed cooking, especially Mennonite ethnic foods. She enjoyed doing cross stitch projects and reading. What really brought Velma joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Velma is survived by her children John (Marcia), Kathy (Gary) Bochman, Tom (Heather), Carol (Kenny) Frank, and Tim (Jenny), ten grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, her parents, Peter and Lena, brothers Melvin, Elmer and John, sisters Lorene and Erma, and two great grandchildren, Hannah and Calvin.   

Memorials preferred to Bethel Mennonite Church.

Shirley Ann Hansen, age 94, of Mountain Lake, MN, died on May 3, 2026, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center. 

Funeral Service was at Mountain Lake Alliance Church in Mountain Lake, MN on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:00AM. Visitation was at church one hour prior.

Interment at a later date. 

Sturm Funeral Home, Mtn Lake. www.sturmfh.com. 

Shirley Ann (Banks) Hansen was born on December 15, 1931 on a farm near Jasper, MN to David and Edith Banks. At age 5, Shirley's mother passed away and her father decided to put all of the children in to foster care because he was overwhelmed with four children. Shirley's foster parents were Charlie and Esther Hartman from Sherman, SD and she spent her childhood on this farm going to school at a country school; later going to Jasper High School and graduating in 1949.

After high school, she moved to the Mountain Lake area and met her future husband, George Hansen. They farmed together for several years and then decided to move into Darfur. They spent 38 years together in Darfur, raising three children. Besides being a mother, she was employed at various places, including the Darfur Bank, Darfur restaurant, and Comfrey Hospital. At age 50, she decided to become a nurse and went to nursing school in New Ulm, MN. She became an LPN and worked at the Mountain Lake Hospital for ten years.

After retirement, Shirley and George purchased a home in Apache Junction, AR and spent their winters there.

George passed away in 2004 and later, Shirley courted and married Clifford Netsch. The marriage lasted ten years before Clifford passed away in 2018. 

Shirley moved to Divine Providence Nursing Home in Sleepy Eye in September of 2024. After several bouts of pneumonia over the last few winters, she passed away on May 3, 2026.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Jane Hansen of Mountain Lake; son, Jon Hansen of New Ulm; sister, Patty Eyster; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, George Hansen; second husband, Clifford Netsch; parents, David and Edith Banks; foster parents, Charlie and Esther Hartman; brother, Elwood Banks; sister, Ivera and daughter, Katherine Hansen.

Mary Esther Wiese, 80, of Comfrey, died April 18, 2026, at her home.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the Sturm Funeral Home in Comfrey. Visitation will continue on Thursday from 10:00am until 11:00am at New Hope Lutheran Church in Comfrey. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00am at New Hope Lutheran Church in Comfrey. Interment will take place at the Springfield City Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Comfrey. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Mary was born on December 25, 1945, to George and Esther (Siegmann) Ebnet in Springfield. She graduated from Wabasso Public High School. After graduation, she attended higher education in Mankato, earning an associate's degree in payroll. She worked for a year in Marshall, Minnesota. On April 25, 1965, she married Ken Wiese at Faith Lutheran Church in Comfrey. They were married one week short of 61 years.

Mary farmed alongside Kenny and raised four children. She was involved with the church choir, loved to bake, cook and read as well as cake decorating and candy making. In her early years, she and Kenny enjoyed square dancing and old-time music.

Mary is survived by her husband, Ken; children, Susan Wiese of Willmar, Donna (Mark) Gosson of Benson, and Paula (Mike Pidde) Wiese of Comfrey; grandchildren, Brianna (Kelsi O'Leary) Treml of Saint Paul, Mitchell (Meghan) Treml of Renville, Brandon Gosson of Dawson, and Anna Gosson of Wheaton; and brothers, Gene (Terese) Ebnet of New Ulm, Kenny (Deb) Ebnet of Wabasso, and Mike Ebnet of New Ulm.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert Wiese; brother, Jerry Ebnet; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald and Joyce Wiese, Orvis and Rita Sell, and Betty Jane Wiese; nephew, Doug Wiese; and niece, Denise Motisi.

Tim Fast, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and precious light to all who knew him, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at the age 61.

Timothy James Fast was born on September 13, 1964, at the hospital in Windom, Minnesota, to Alvin "Bud" J. Fast and Velma (Harms) Fast. Velma, an elementary school teacher, noticed early that Tim was not developing as expected. After local doctors couldn't provide answers, they traveled to the University of Minnesota, where Tim was diagnosed with Down syndrome nearly a year later.

Tim was a trailblazer. Born at a time when many children with Down syndrome were institutionalized, told they won't live long, and given limited expectations for their lives. Tim's story reflects the power of community coming together and compassion. In that era, Minnesota's rate of institutionalizing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was nearly double the national average, largely due to a lack of community-based supports.

But God blessed Tim with a strong Mennonite family, who became strong advocates for community-based services. Bud and Velma started attending the Cottonwood County ARC meetings and joined other families to push for change (ARC - Association serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities).

Their hard work paid off when the Swan Lake Children's Center opened in Delft on September 19, 1966, to help children with disabilities. They were so excited when Tim started attending the Center shortly after it opened at the age of two on October 3, 1966. As the youngest child admitted to the new early childhood education program, Tim was initially accepted on a trial basis. Within a year, he made remarkable progress-gaining skills like walking, eating, and toileting-demonstrating the impact of early intervention for children with special needs.

At the Center's first open house, state officials called it a unique, one-of-a-kind model, praising the community's initiative and emphasizing that meaningful change begins with people willing to act. One state director pointed out that this Center is a great example of what happens when "people who care and are willing to take action." They doubted if anyone in Washington, D.C., would be interested in "little Timmy" if residents hadn't taken steps to support his and other children's learning (as reported in the paper).

Thanks to the strong foundation he received at Swan Lake, Tim was able to transition to Windom public schools and confidently ride the bus to attend special education classes. He loved his teachers and especially enjoyed participating in Special Olympics and proudly displayed his gold medal and bronze medal that he won at St. Cloud and when Windom hosted its first Special Olympics tournament. From the day he was born, Tim's family encouraged him to reach his full potential. They were incredibly proud when, at age 21, he graduated with the Windom Area High School Class of 1986.

After graduation, Tim was ready to move into a supportive group residential home that would further his independence. Tim moved on November 18th, 1987, to a Windom Community Residential Facility (CRF) sponsored home on 945-947 Prospect in Windom that was later run by Residential Advantages Incorporated (RAI). He lived there for 31 years until November 2018. He then moved into a residential home with Client Community Services, Inc. Tim cherished his friendships from his housemates, and the staff always treated him like family. Tim was blessed to live his entire life within such a caring and affirming community.

Tim used his gifts and talents working more than 40 years at the Cottonwood County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) Inc. in Windom, MN. DAC, born from community action with residents uniting to make a difference, opened in March 1968, two years after the Swan Lake Children's Center. Tim had a range of jobs over the years. He rarely missed a day of work due to DAC creating a happy work environment filled with lifelong friendships. Tim experienced unwavering dedication and kindness from countless staff and volunteers through the decades.

Tim found joy in various activities, including spending time with dogs, watching musicals, Vikings football, Timberwolves basketball, Twins baseball, eating pizza and pop, attending church with his parents, and having lunch afterward at Hardees. He also loved attending gospel music concerts with his dad and insisted on shaking the pastor's hand even if it meant leaving last. After his parents passed, he attended the American Lutheran Church in Windom.

Tim wasn't one to talk much, but when he did, people really listened. His warm smile, handshake, and playful grin brought happiness to everyone around him. In his own special way, Tim helped soften hearts, taught compassion, and changed how people saw and treated those with special needs. His parents' work and Tim's influence were the first steps before the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed, but there's still a lot of work to do to ensure that all Tim's can live full and happy lives.

Tim is survived by his older brother and sister-in-law, Jerry Fast/Kimberly Fast of Truman, MN; his older sister, Becky Fast of Roeland Park, KS; his nephews and nieces, Jordan Fast/Saige Wudtke of Volga, SD, Taylor/Haley Fast of North Mankato, MN, and Kiah/Curtis Graber of Rochester, MN; and great nephews, Griffin Fast and Mason Fast of North Mankato, MN. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Blessed be the memory of Timothy James Fast.

Please join the family on April 10th for a celebration of life at 11 am at the American Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall on 906 Prospect Ave, Windom, MN 56101. A lunch reception will follow the service. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the nonprofit Client Community Services that provides community-based supports at www.clientcommunityservices.org.

Carla Ann Artner (Bohm), age 83, was called to her heavenly home on March 6, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Mountain Lake, Minnesota.

Carla was born October 28, 1942, to Arthur and Hazel (Voigtlander) Bohm in Waseca, Minnesota. In 1951, her family moved to Butterfield, Minnesota, the place she proudly called home. Carla cared for others at a young age – helping her parents with twin siblings, Mark and Marsha, who were born just prior to her 12th birthday.

Carla graduated from Butterfield High School in 1960. During high school she discovered a natural gift for sewing in home economics class and taught herself to sew on a pedal machine. That skill became a lifelong passion as she lovingly sewed clothing and quilts for her children and many others. While working at the local café, Carla met Gene Artner, who often stopped in for pie and coffee. Those visits soon became about something sweeter—the chance to talk with Carla. They were united in marriage on July 15, 1961. Their friendship became the foundation of a marriage built on deep love, quiet devotion, and steadfast partnership. They shared 62 wonderful years of marriage until Gene’s passing in 2024.

Carla and Gene built a life together in Butterfield and were blessed with two children, Alan and Amy, and two beloved grandchildren, Jessica and Isaac. Carla treasured every moment with her grandchildren, especially the summer visits filled with bike rides, trips to the library, baking in the kitchen, bullhead fishing, backyard games, and endless card games around the table.

Carla was a gifted cook and was famous among family for her BBQ meatballs, homemade cinnamon rolls, fresh buns, “impossible” pumpkin pie, and red Jell-O with bananas. There was almost always a plate of cookies or bars waiting for anyone who stopped by for the traditional 3 o’clock lunch break.

She enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, reading, knitting, crocheting, sewing, puzzling and golfing with Gene and their family. Carla had the gift of gab. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a special way of making people feel welcomed and valued. Her warmth, wit, and genuine interest in others often turned strangers into friends. Carla touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and spirited conversation. She will be fondly remembered for her warm and loving heart and the Christian love she shared with her family.

Carla is survived by her children, Alan Artner and Amy Denn; grandchildren, Jessica Denn (Abhigyan Datta) and Isaac Denn-Diaz (Gabriela); siblings, Janice Clark, Mark Bohm, and Marsha Rettig; and sisters-in-law, Lola Johnson and Patricia Belles.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Gene Artner; daughter-in-law Lori Stanton-Artner; and her parents, Arthur and Hazel Bohm.

A memorial service celebrating Carla’s life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Darfur, MN, on March 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation at the church begins at 10:00 am. Burial will be in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Cemetery, Butterfield, MN. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Arnold Dick, age 84, passed away on the morning of March 6, 2026 at Fairway Pines Senior Living Center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, surrounded by his family. A funeral service for Arnold will be 11:00 AM, Thursday March 12, 2026 at the Williams Dingmann Stein Chapel in Long Prairie. Visitation will take place at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, at 10AM. A luncheon will follow the service. Following the luncheon, Burial Services will be at the Gordon Pleasant Hill Cemetery     Arnold was born on November 14, 1941 to Henry and Sara (Olfert) Dick in Salem, OR. When Arnold was in 7th Grade, his family moved to a farm west of Long Prairie. Arnold graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1960. He married the love of his life, Shirley Friesen, on September 2, 1966 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. Arnold farmed with his dad until he eventually took over the operation.

Arnold enjoyed farming, woodworking, gardening (especially the flower garden) and spending time with his family. When he would find time, he also enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, and also enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors over the years. Arnold also enjoyed teasing and joking with everyone, and as a dedicated farmer, it seemed Arnold could also fix or build nearly anything. His family was very important to him as he was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by: his wife, Shirley; his daughters Chery Dick of St Cloud and Connie (Bryan) Berg of Preston; son Kenneth (Milissa) Dick of Verndale; grandchildren Kelsey (fiancé Dan Gatzke) Berg, Mason Berg, Logan Dick and Hailey Dick.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Henry and Sara Dick; brother Marvin Dick; sister Norma Templin and nephew Jonathan Dick.

Jerilyn Wieler, a devoted nurse, passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 79.

Born on January 22, 1947, in Butterfield, Minnesota, Jerilyn was the daughter of the late Paul and Lenora Wieler. Though she was raised in Butterfield, she spent the majority of her life in Cottage Grove, where she built a life centered on service, faith, and family.

Jerilyn’s calling was nursing. After graduating from nursing school at Miller Hospital, she dedicated her career to guiding others through their most difficult moments. She served as an oncology nurse at United Hospital, worked for a time as an infectious disease nurse, and eventually retired from Accredo, where she specialized in helping patients manage complex medications. Her patients and colleagues knew her as a steady, compassionate presence.

Her spirit of service extended beyond the hospital walls. A longtime member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Jerilyn’s voice was a staple of the adult choir for decades. She was also a familiar face outside of Sunday services where she spent years assisting with funeral services, providing comfort to grieving families in her own congregation.

When she wasn’t serving others, Jerilyn could be found in her living room, serving as the "unofficial coach" for her favorite Minnesota sports teams. She was a passionate fan who never hesitated to offer loud, spirited encouragement to the TV  during games.

Jerilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Lenora Wieler, her sister, Dorothy, and her brother-in-law, Jim Trussell. She is survived by her sister, Jill Affias and her husband Wolf; her two nephews, Brian Trussell and Ben Trussell; her three grandnieces, Anika, Natalie, and Ellie, and a large, loving extended family of countless cousins and friends.

Jerilyn will be remembered for her sharp mind, her servant’s heart, and her unwavering loyalty to those she loved. She will be deeply missed.

Memorial Service Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at AUGUSTANA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1400 South Robert Street, West St. Paul, MN with visitation one hour before service.  Interment has taken place in Jerri’s hometown of Mountain Lake, MN. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.

D. David Dodge (Dave), 79, passed peacefully into his heavenly home on February 26, 2026. Born on August 29, 1946, in Fort Collins, CO, Dave was the youngest of seven children and grew up surrounded by family and faith, which shaped the course of his life.

After graduating from Johnson High School in Saint Paul, MN, Dave proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1964 until his honorable discharge. In 1968, he married the joy of his life, Wendy Lynn Jespersen, in Watertown, SD. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, adventure, and deep love for one another and their family.

Dave’s working life was as varied as it was colorful—from cooking on the railroad to importing art from Mexico—but he was especially proud of his years of service with the San Diego County and Weld County Sheriff’s Offices. His dedication to public service reflected his strong sense of duty and integrity.

In 1994, Dave and Wendy settled on a rural property in Mountain Lake, where they raised their three children, Holly, Bryan, and Joel. Their home on County Road 1, affectionately known as “Holiday Acres,” was a place of hard work and lasting memories. For several years, Dave and Wendy also owned and operated Joy Shoppe Antiques, a Mountain Lake business that featured their love of antiques and collectibles.

Dave accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and lived his life anchored in faith. His steadfast beliefs and dedication to his faith were constants throughout his life.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Holly Dodge of Mankato, and her children, Eleanor and Sullivan; and his son, Bryan Dodge of Delft. He was preceded in death by many loved ones, including his beloved wife, Wendy Dodge; his son, Joel Dodge; his parents, Bryan and Evelyn Dodge; and his siblings, Floyd, Larry, Evelyn, Vera, Patty, and Mary.

Funeral arrangements will be held at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of memorials, Dave has requested that the word of God be shared by making a donation to distribute Gideon Bibles at www.sendtheword.org

Cody Michael Cowell, 35, of Mountain Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with olfactory neuroblastoma.

Although Cody endured many obstacles throughout his journey, he was never defined by his diagnosis. He chose to live each day with gratitude, strength, and an unwavering positive spirit. Cody found joy in life’s simplest pleasures — a cup of black coffee, peaceful walks by the lake, jamming to his favorite music, and proudly kicking his mom’s butt in dice games.

Cody’s infectious smile and bright personality were true gifts to everyone who knew him. He had a way of blessing every room he entered. His laughter, his genuine heart, and the light he carried left a lasting imprint on people near and far. Even in the most difficult moments, his positive attitude never wavered. He continued to uplift those around him until his very last breath.

Cody will be remembered for his strength, his joy for life, the happiness he so effortlessly spread to others. His legacy is one of resilience, courage, and choosing joy despite adversity.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. Date to be determined.

Cody is survived by his parents, Rebecca Kunkel and Kent Cowell; his big sister, Briana Cowell (Tracy Skagerberg); his twin sister, Kendra (Jose) Sanchez; his brothers, Aiden (Sydney) Cross, Devon, Zach, Trevor, and Brandon Abelson; his beloved nieces and nephews, Ariany, Elias, Abel, and Ensley Sanchez; his lifelong best friend, Scott Mathiowetz; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, August and Darlene Kunkel; Leo and Alice Cowell; William and Susan Brown; his Aunt Renee Joy; Uncles Randy and Bob Kunkel; and Uncles Kevin, Bryon, and Todd Cowell.