Obituaries
Steven Weagel
May 28, 2025
Steven Ross Weagel, 78, of Pequot Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025. An artist, teacher, mentor, and craftsman, Steven was a pioneering figure in the American studio glass movement and a lifelong advocate for creativity, education, and community.
Born in Watertown, SD, to Keith and Frances Weagel, Steven was raised in Lake Crystal, MN, and graduated from Lake...
JoAnn Tollefsrud
May 26, 2025
JoAnn Tollefsrud, born November 15, 1952, to Charles and Geraldine (Thiers) Tollefsrud, passed away on May 26, 2025, in Pine River, MN.
Carolyn Kucera
May 26, 2025
Carolyn Kucera, 85, of Brainerd, passed away on May 26, 2025. Carolyn was born on January 11, 1940, in Hallock, MN to Olaf and Nora (Nordin) Peterson. She married Thomas (Tom) Kucera on February 26, 1965. Carolyn is survived by her children, Lynne (Mike) Blanch, Jean Kucera, Jodi (Jim) Gerlich; grandchildren Justin (Alex) Blanch, Kristin (Cam) Swanson, Matthew Blanch, Ryan...
Dianne Jackson
May 26, 2025
Dianne Jackson, 81, formerly of Brainerd, MN passed away to be with Jesus on Monday, May 26, 2025 at Grand Arbor Assisted Living in Alexandria, MN.
Dianne (Morgan) Jackson was born April 15, 1944 in Brainerd, MN. She grew up on the Wise Road doing lots of hard work and gardening. She graduated from Washington High School in Brainerd in 1962.
She...
Robert Clifford Rogers
May 25, 2025
Robert Clifton Rogers, age 62, of Pillager, Minnesota, has passed peacefully in his sleep on May 25, 2025. Born on January 20, 1963, in Yakima, Washington, Robert embraced life with a warmth and enthusiasm that touched everyone he knew. After moving to Minnesota 20 years ago, he created a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Robert was...
Rodney Simon
May 25, 2025
Rodney Simon, age 59, passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2025. He was born on August 27, 1965, in Princeton, Minnesota, to JoAnne Fay Brindamour and Joseph Gessell.
Rodney worked for many years in the tree service industry, where he became well known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He also ran his own stump grinding business,...
John Zilka
May 24, 2025
John Fredrick Zilka, born January 6, 1949, passed away on May 24, 2025.
John was a man who loved to fish.
No service will be held.
A special thank you to Moments Hospice.
Roger Steele
May 23, 2025
Roger Steele, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully after ongoing health issues on May 23, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born in Minneapolis on July 24, 1937, to Leslie and Margaret Steele, Roger lived a life filled with laughter and witty humor, unwavering work ethic, and a passion for being outdoors. He graduated Columbia Heights...
James Swift
May 22, 2025
James (Jim) Lee Swift was born on July 4, 1953, to Lester and Mardelle (Isle) Swift in Miles City, Montana.
He graduated from Brainerd Senior High School in 1972 and began working at Potlatch Paper Company in 1978. Jim dedicated 24 years to Potlatch before retiring.
A skilled craftsman, Jim loved working with his hands—whether woodworking, spending time outdoors, or tinkering for...
Carol Bertsch
May 21, 2025
Carol Bertsch, 88, of Brainerd, MN, passed away on Wednesday May 21, 2025 in Duluth, MN. Private family services will be held.
Carol is survived by her daughter Becky (Mark) Eckelman and her son Steven Bertsch.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.
Anita Groat
May 19, 2025
Anita Louise Groat (Howes), of Merrifield, MN, passed peacefully on to eternal life on May 19, 2025, at age 82.
She was born in Round Lake, IL, to June and Orville Howes. She met the love of her life, Patrick (deceased), who married and had two sons, Shawn, and Robert (deceased). They vacationed in Minnesota before relocating here. Together they enjoyed...
Blake Hendrickson
May 19, 2025
Blake Hendrickson, 74, of Merrifield, MN passed away on May 19, 2025 in Brainerd.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.
Donald Charpentier
May 18, 2025
Donald “Don” John Charpentier, passed away peacefully at his residence in Longville, Minnesota at the age of 83 after a life filled with dedication to family, community, and the outdoors.
Born on March 4, 1942, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Don was the beloved son of Walter and Catherine Charpentier. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Selby), and together they shared...
Fred Keller
May 18, 2025
Fred William Keller, 95, of Backus, MN, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, with his family by his side.
Born on September 29, 1929, in Mankato, MN, to Walter Keller and Adelaide (Payne) Keller, Fred was the youngest of four siblings, growing up as the baby brother to sisters, Ida, Margaret, and Mary, in Mapleton, MN.
Fred’s early years were spent...
Karen Yundak
May 17, 2025
Karen Marie Yundak, 84, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at her home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Karen is survived by her daughters Stephanie Yundak Castellanos (Cesar) and Stacy Yundak, as well as her grandchildren Xanthea, Jaime and Braden. She is also survived by her sister Judy Anderson (Neil) and her nephew Brian Anderson.
Karen...
David Hallbeck
May 17, 2025
David Rodney Hallbeck, 76, of Pequot Lakes, passed away on May 17, 2025.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes.
Donna Dally
May 15, 2025
Donna Mae Dally (Ruckdaschel) passed away in the early morning of May 15, 2025, at Bethany Good Samaritan at the age of 86.
Donna was born on April 10, 1939, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brainerd, to Harley Earl and Ruby Mae (Wasink) Ruckdaschel. She went to Pillager school from kindergarten to 8th grade. She married Duane Dally – who passed...
Kim Vanvickle
May 15, 2025
Kim VanVickle, 72, of Motley, passed away on May 15, 2025.
Kim was born on July 25, 1952. After graduating from high school, he proudly served as a fuel specialist with the Airforce. Kim enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and was a dirt track race car driver.
Kim is survived by his spouse Diane VanVickle; children, Eric Vanwells, Robert Vanvickle, Joseph Vanvickle, Kristie...
Michael "Corky" Lynch
May 14, 2025
Michael Albert Lynch, better known as “Corky,” by all who loved him, was born to Mary Jane (Knutson) and Michael Dennis Lynch on February 1, 1964, in northern Minnesota.
Corky spent his early years growing up with his family. He contracted an illness at the age of 5 which resulted in an acquired disability. He lost his ability to move his...
