Obituaries

Jun 4, 2025

Stephen Lee Roe, of Crosslake, MN, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at the age of 84. Born February 15, 1941, in Minneapolis, MN, to Clyde and Katherine (Dvoracek) Roe, Stephen’s life was marked by a love for his family, his community, and his many hobbies.

Stephen graduated from Eden Prairie High School before pursuing higher education at Gustavus Adolphus...

Jul 11, 2025

Goldie Belle Bliss Dunn beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother left with Jesus on July 11, 2025.

Goldie Bliss was the 12th and final child born to Pearley and Goldie Bliss of Pennington, MN on August 17, 1936. Goldie had a happy childhood growing up in Pennington until she met the love of her life, William F. Dunn. They were married...

Jul 9, 2025

Susan “Sue” Diane Edwards (née Mark) August 17th, 1959 – July 9th, 2025

It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved Susan Diane Edwards on July 9th, 2025. A vibrant and extraordinary woman, Sue was taken from us far too soon.

Born on August 17th, 1959, in Brainerd, Minnesota, Sue was the...

Jul 8, 2025

Maryann Petersen, age 81, of Staples, passed away surrounded by her family on July 8, 2025.

Maryann was born on August 1, 1943, to Rodney and Inez (Carr) Steffes in Rochester, Minnesota. She dedicated her life to caring for others working as an LPN for over 40 years. She also enjoyed working at Clarks in Staples for over 10 years, where...

Jun 10, 2025

Darol Duain Dumler passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital due to complications from chemo and radiation treatments for lung cancer. He was 78 years old.

Darol was born on July 29, 1946, in Little Falls, Minnesota, to Fredrick and Eleanora (Snyder) Dumler. He worked for Nordic/Crestliner Boats in Little Falls from June 1968 until his...

Jul 21, 2025

Jul 20, 2025

Roger J. Spreeman, age 93, of Baxter, MN, passed away on July 20, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, and interment with military honors will follow at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little...

Jul 19, 2025

Raymond Justison, age 81, of Merrifield, Minnesota, passed away on July 19, 2025. Born on June 30, 1944, in Litchfield to Milton and Ruby (Johnson) Justison.

After graduating high school, Ray proudly served in the United States Army. He later spent the majority of his working life as a truck driver.

On February 14, 1981, Ray married Rosalie Brunner, and together they...

Jul 16, 2025

Tamara Lynn (Houde) Mack passed quietly and peacefully knowing her LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, July 16, 2025. She was born on August 16, 1968, to Lynda Olander Houde and Gary Houde. She attended Crosby Elementary, Whittier Elementary, and Franklin Jr High before graduating from Brainerd High School. In June 1986. She then attended Central Lakes Collage before enlisting in...

Jul 13, 2025

Robert John Johnston, born November 24, 1934, to Archie and Lora Johnston in Mankato, MN, passed away on July 13, 2025, in Brainerd, MN.

Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hackensack, MN, with a visitation the hour prior. A celebration of life will then be held at the Backus...

Jul 13, 2025

Ralph Patterson Jr, born February 20, 1962, in Ankara, Turkey to Ralph Patterson Sr and Georgia LaFrance, passed away on July 13, 2025, in Little Falls, MN.

Jul 13, 2025

October 21st, 1957- July 13th 2025

Debra Mertens, 67, of Staples, lost her long battle with many chronic illnesses at 945pm Sunday, at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples MN surrounded by her family. (Kacey’s lungs January 17th, 1985 - July 13th 2025)

A traditional service will take place 11am on 7-19-25 at Motley Free Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior.

Deb...

Jul 11, 2025

Nancy Marie Campbell, age 81, of Staples, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at the Harmony House in Motley on July 11, 2025. Born on January 8, 1944, in Staples, Minnesota, to Elmer and Marie (Bostrom) Goble.

Nancy was a long-time resident of Staples from being born there to moving back in 1977 and living there throughout the remainder of her life, she...

Jul 9, 2025

Linda Marie Stoltenberg (Ekdahl) was born on September 4, 1958 to Orville and Donna Ekdahl in Alexandria, Minnesota. She was 1 of 6 siblings. Although most of her childhood was spent in Alexandria, Minn., she graduated in Phoenix, Arizona. Linda lived a life that was dedicated to her friends and family. Linda was diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast...

Jul 7, 2025

Pamela Joyce Resch, 66, of Staples, passed away July 7, 2025, following a long battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, July 24th at the Staples Assembly of God Church at 11:00a.m. A luncheon will be served afterwards.

A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Pam was born June 4, 1959, to William and Peggie...

Jul 7, 2025

David Allen Smith, age 78, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2025.

David was born on February 14, 1947, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Clarence and Ada (Wosnick) Smith. After graduating from high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years.

David had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and especially enjoyed...

Jul 6, 2025

Peggy Rae Thorn, 70, of Verndale, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, while enjoying the great outdoors she loved so much. Peggy was born to Robert and Dorothy Larson in Minneapolis, MN on June 16, 1955. She was a woman of contagious joy and laughter that bubbled up readily as she embraced every moment of life.

Peggy accepted Jesus...

Jul 5, 2025

Richard Boyd Lestina, born December 30, 1955, passed away peacefully through family caregiving at home on July 5, 2025, following a heroic battle with pancreatic and peritoneal cancers.

Rick was passionate about his work as a water resources engineer with the city of Maple Grove, retiring in July of 2018. He transitioned with Lori to a beautiful Longville Lake home for...

Jul 5, 2025

October 9, 1954 – July 5, 2025

Rachel Reabe Nystrom, a trailblazing journalist, devoted public servant, cherished mother and Oma, and beloved friend to many, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 70. After an 11-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the disease took much from her, but it never took her faith in Jesus Christ.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut,...

Jul 4, 2025

Pequot Lakes resident, Maurice Delane Karst, CPO (ret), a 20-year Navy veteran, passed away on July 4th, 2025, at the age of 90. He is survived by his dear wife of 38 years, Elly Karst, and many loved ones. No formal service is planned per Morrie's wishes. He will be honored with a military salute at his burial on August...