Category: Obituaries

MOUNTAIN LAKE - Lucille A. “Tootie” (Evers-Karschnik) Bennett, age 91, of Mountain Lake, MN, and formerly of Windom, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society - Mountain Lake.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Lucille at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake (1418 2nd Avenue, Mountain Lake, MN 56159) with Rev. Rick Bremseth officiating. The service will be recorded and available at Lucille’s obituary page on www.sinnfuneralhome.com. Visitation will take one hour prior to the service at the church. Lucille will be buried next to her husband, Alvin, at Mountain Lake City Cemetery.
Lucille was born on March 10, 1935, to Bert and Aleide (Junker) Evers, at their home in Brown County near Sanborn, Minnesota. She graduated from Comfrey High School in 1952. Lucille was united in marriage to Alvin Karschnik in 1956, and together they were blessed with three children, Jeff, Steven, and Kurt. Alvin passed away on November 12, 2000. Lucille later married Wayne Bennett in 2003, and Wayne passed away on January 25, 2020.
Lucille's favorite memories were the births of her boys, the joy of raising them, and later the time she got to spend with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sheworked at the Manor Inn for over 30 years, starting when her boys were in high school. She became known there as "the pie lady," and her pies were famous enough that people would decide whether to eat there based on whether or not she was working.
Lucille was neat, stubborn, and a hard worker. She was loving, steady, strong, and well liked, and never said a disparaging word about anybody. She saw the good in everyone. Lucille was always tidying up, whether it was emptying Alvin's ashtray the moment a cigarette ash fell, straightening the dishes at a restaurant table, or fixing the doilies in her room in her final days at Good Samaritan. She collected knick knacks, especially doilies and figurines, and cooking for others was one of her love languages.
Lucille stayed young at heart to the end, often referring to fellow residents at the nursing home as "that old man," even ones 15 years younger than her. She faced Parkinson's in her final years and remained strong through all of it.

Lucille will forever be remembered by her three sons, Jeff Karschnik, Steven (Ingrid Peyrefitte) Karschnik, and Kurt (Jude) Karschnik; grandchildren, Joly, Stephanie, Crystal, Dillon, Matt, Jed, and Noah; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Ella, Mina, Maven, Walker, Waylon, and August; sister-in-law, Helen Evers; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Lucille was preceded in death by her first husband, Alvin Karschnik; second husband, Wayne Bennett; daughter-in-law, Marti Karschnik; parents, Bert and Aleide (Junker) Evers; siblings, Arlene (Earl) Karschnik, Ruth (Denny) Bernloehr, Lester Evers, and Larry (Terry) Evers; and other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Janice Glidden, age 92, of Lester Prairie and formerly of Windom, will be held Wednesday, August 19th, at 11:00 AM at the American Lutheran Church in Windom, with visitation for one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with burial to follow the service in the Memory Garden’s Cemetery in rural Windom. The service will be livestreamed on the American Lutheran Church Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Janice Mae (Crouse) Glidden was born to Ralph E. and Marie (Assing) Crouse on November 21, 1933, at her grandparents’ farm near Pomeroy, Iowa. She was baptized on December 17, 1933, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pomeroy. In 1937, her family moved to a farm near Jeffers, where she grew up. Janice was confirmed on May 18, 1947, at Trinity American Lutheran Church in Jeffers. She was an excellent student who took pride in her schoolwork and always earned good grades.
On February 3, 1951, Janice married Milton Glidden. Together, they raised three children, Deanna, David, and Connie. They built their home on River Road, where they lived for 29 years, before moving to Quevli Avenue, where they made their home for another 32 years. Milton completely remodeled their Quevli Avenue home, making it a special place for their family. They were longtime members of the American Lutheran Church in Windom.
Janice and Milton began spending time in Texas around their 50th wedding anniversary, making their home in Mission. Over the next 15 years, they enjoyed many trips south, sometimes staying for a short visit and other times for as long as six months. Janice especially enjoyed being part of a quilting group, where she was a member for more than 10 years. Through their time in Texas, Janice and Milton made many wonderful friends and created lasting memories.
Janice found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved cooking and baking, and her lemon meringue pies were especially delicious. She was an avid reader and could often be found with her nose in a good book. She also cherished time with her family and especially loved being a grandmother.
Janice worked at Riteway Cleaners for nine and a half years, followed by 12 years at Fingerhut and two years with the City of Windom. In 1983, she began working at the Home for Creative Living, where she spent the next 27 years. The people she worked with became like family to her, and she often spoke fondly of her years there. She retired at the age of 78, grateful for the many friendships and memories she had made during her career.
Milton passed away in December 2016, just six weeks short of their 66th wedding anniversary. After his passing, Janice remained in their home until December 2018, when she sold the house and moved to Hillside Manor. There, she made many close friends and enjoyed the companionship of those around her.
Janice’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who treasured every generation. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren, each one holding a special place in her heart.
On August 12, 2026, Janice passed away, surrounded by family at her granddaughter’s home in Lester Prairie.
She is survived by her children, Deanna (Tom) Malchow of McAllen, TX, David (Kris) Glidden of St. Peter; one son-in-law, Randy Pudenz of North Mankato; fourteen grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Maxine (Allen) Duncan of Windom; as well as other relatives and friends.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Glidden; daughter, Connie Pudenz; grandson, Brent Glidden; great-grandson, Noah Williams; parents; brother, Delmar Crouse; and sister, Linda Gumto.
Janice will be remembered for her kindness, her strong work ethic, her love of family, and the quiet joy she found in everyday life. Her family and friends will cherish the memories she created with them and the love she so freely shared throughout her life.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center. Condolences and memories of Janice may be shared online LaCanneFuneralHome.com.

A come-and-go gathering to celebrate the life of Arlen Soleta, age 70, of Windom, will be hosted by his family, at his home, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2:00-5:00 PM.
Arlen Soleta passed away August 7, 2026 at his home in Windom.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center. Condolences and memories of Arlen may be shared online at LaCanneFuneralHome.com.