All Obituaries

   Bret Christopherson, 49, of Rochester, received his angel wings on Thursday, May 12, 2022.    Bret Dennis Christopherson was born December 8, 1972 in Rochester, to Dennis and Sandra (Johnson) Christopherson.  Bret graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 1991.  He pursued his talent in carpentry, and worked for Knutson Construction, but was always helping out his family and friends with their projects.    Bret was united in...

   Nancy Karen (Papenfuss) Soukup, 79, of Lanesboro, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022.    Nancy Karen Papenfuss was born November 22, 1942 in La Crosse, WI, to Henry and Theodora (Moldenhauer) Papenfuss.  Nancy was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Nodine, MN. She graduated from Winona School District.  On December 22, 1960 she married Paul J. Soukup, in New Hampton. Paul passed away in 1986.    Nancy was a...

   James “Jim” Strand, 77, of Chatfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Campus.    James Martel Strand was born October 23, 1944 in Canton, SD, to Arthur and Muriel (Strand) Strand. In 1946 the family moved to Forest City, IA. He attended school there through 10th grade and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, IA. He completed his Junior and Seniors years at...

Jerry Flaby left his earthly family to join his heavenly family on April 13th, 2022 at the age of 96 years. Jerry Flaby was born March 16th, 1926 to Ida and Halbert Flaby in rural Lanesboro. He attended Clear Grit Country School before going to Lanesboro High School. He talked often of his joy of playing high school football and playing his trumpet in the band. In August of 1944, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Eunice Bennett. They farmed and raised their family of three daughters...

Gary August Hoffman, 76, of Chatfield, MN, was called home to the arms of his Lord, Jesus Christ on Monday, April 11, 2022. He was born in Rochester, MN, on October 23, 1945, to Arthur and Tira (Kamnetz) Hoffman. Gary was united in marriage to Jo Danielson on July 24, 1968. Gary was a member of numerous co-op boards during his life. He got his pilot’s license and enjoyed spending time flying. Gary was a third-generation farmer on the farm that has been in the family for 119 years. He...

Beverly “Bev” Polikowsky, 90, passed away peacefully March 28, 2022 at the Chosen Valley Care Center. Beverly Mae Narveson was born January 22, 1932, to Baldwin and Mildred (Martin) Narveson and grew up in the Chatfield area, graduating from Chatfield High school in 1951.  Bev married Bob Polikowsky at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin, MN on October 3, 1953, residing on the family farm.   They moved to Chatfield in 1962 where they raised their 4 daughters. Bev...

  An avid sports fan, Keith Burmeister was a Harmony Cardinal in his youth and an enthusiastic Lanesboro Burro booster as an adult. Franklin Keith Burmeister was born in Harmony, MN to Frank and Clara (Berg) Burmeister on July 20, 1929.  In his 92 years, Keith was in the US Army, a Barber, a Math Teacher, an Insurance Salesman, a Guidance Counselor, a City Clerk, a Golf Course Groundskeeper and a School Bus driver. He had a wonderful baritone singing voice and was an exceptional...

Lawrence Rienhold Riess, 88, of Chatfield, MN, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 11, 2022. He was born in Marshfield, WI, on May 24, 1933, to Henry and Frieda (Schauer) Riess. Lawrence graduated from Rochester High School in 1952.  Lawrence served in the Army from 1954-1956.  He was married to Betty Moore on September 8, 1956. Lawrence ran multiple successful businesses, including a farm, wholesale and retail plastercraft business also concessions business. He belonged to...

    Oliver Jacob Bates, 18 months old, of Chatfield, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 10, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital with his family by his side.  Oliver was born August 31, 2020, in Rochester to Casey and Justine (Miller) Bates. Oliver was a sweet, special, and loving little boy. He enjoyed being held, watching his siblings, being tickled, being outside, and shower time. He faced many obstacles during his short life and fought them bravely with the support of...

   Bruce A. Wingert,70, of Fountain passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at his home surrounded by his children.    Bruce Anthony Wingert was born August 30, 1951 in Osage, Iowa to F J and Beverly (Eberhardt) Wingert.  He graduated from Preston- Fountain High School in 1970.  On July 31, 1977, he married Tracy Garden, in Charles City, Iowa.  Bruce was a lifelong farmer starting as a little boy on his parent’s farm, raising his...