Obituaries
Michael D. Christianson
Jul 5, 2026
Michael D. Christianson, 74, of Pillager, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, in Bemidji, Minnesota.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. A Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00am at the funeral home. A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at 1:00 p.m....
Eugene Johnson
Jul 5, 2026
Pastor Eugene "Gene" E. Johnson, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at Essentia Health–St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Gene was born on November 2, 1932, in Brainerd, Minnesota, the firstborn son of Walter and Margaret (Berg) Johnson.
After graduating from Brainerd High School in 1950, Gene attended Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he earned a...
James Rice
Jul 3, 2026
James M. Rice, age 82, of Pequot Lakes, MN, died at St. Joseph’s Medical Center on July 3, 2026. He was born on December 1, 1943, to Sidney and Tillie (Wiese) Rice in Mullen, NE. He attended Pine River School and served in the Army Reserve.
Jim is survived by his wife, Charlene (Heino) Rice; daughters, Renae (Rice) Anderson (Andrew) of...
Irene Kastanek
Jul 1, 2026
Irene M. (Hosner) Kastanek was called to Heaven on July 1st 2026, to be reunited with her beloved husband Bobbie and rejoice with family and friends.
Her favorite pass times were crocheting, gardening and watching the Indy 500! But most of all she loved spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bobbie, daughter Shirley, son Marvin,...
Carol Waughtal
Jun 30, 2026
Carol Jean was born to Bertha and Oscar Johnson in 1937 in Bemidji MN, the 3rd child of 5. In her senior year she was elected class secretary and was named Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year.
After working as a governess in Minneapolis and attending airline school in Washington DC, in 1956 she moved to Anchorage AK, to marry her...
Sean Bird
Jun 28, 2026
Sean Bird, 56, of Pine River, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 28, 2026.
Sean was born on February 28, 1970, to George and Leedra in Peoria, Illinois.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Leedra, and brother, Bruce.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Timothy (Danielle), Anna (Nick), and Austin; grandchildren, Michael, Paisley, Elijah, Ezekiel,...
Robert Wayne Beauchamp Sr.
Jun 27, 2026
Robert Wayne Beauchamp Sr., age 87, of Gilman, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church, and...
Thomas Swanson
Jun 27, 2026
Thomas "Tom" Swanson
November 13, 1953 — June 27, 2026
Thomas "Tom" Swanson, 72, of Brainerd, MN, passed away at home with his family on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Brainerd.
Tom was born at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from North Branch High School, carrying that hardworking farm boy attitude throughout his entire...
Dwight Heim
Jun 26, 2026
Dwight E. Heim, age 85, of Backus, MN, passed away at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, MN.
Dwight had many jobs throughout his working years but was primarily an independent painting contractor. Dwight proudly served in the Army National Guard. He loved hunting, fishing, and antique cars. Dwight was the Mayor of Jenkins for many years and the Mayor of...
Michael Dehen
Jun 26, 2026
Michael John Dehen, 41, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 26, 2026.
Michael was born on November 16, 1984, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Jim and Shannon (Hunt) Dehen. He was baptized on February 16, 1985, at Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. In 1988, Michael moved with his family to Brainerd, where he was...
Loren Spande
Jun 26, 2026
In Loving Memory of Loren J. Spande
March 28, 1943 – June 26, 2026
On June 26, 2026, Loren J. Spande, age 83, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Loren was a man of unwavering integrity, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family, his country, and his community. He never sought recognition for the countless lives he touched, choosing...
Dorothy Huebner
Jun 26, 2026
Dorothy May Huebner, 84, of Staples, MN went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 26, 2026. She and her twin brother were born on February 22,1942 in Cullman, AL to Curtis and Polly Yeager.
Upon graduating from Cullman High in 1960 she took business courses and worked at Southern Bell Telephone in Birmingham, AL and then...
Nadine Bittner
Jun 25, 2026
Nadine Arlene Bittner, 78, of Verndale, passed away on June 25, 2026, in her home.
Born on October 24, 1947, Nadine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. She graduated from Motley High School in 1965. Shortly after, on November 5, 1969, she married the love of her life, Norman Bittner.
Throughout...
Randy Lind
Jun 24, 2026
Randy Wayne Lind
April 26, 1963 - June 24, 2026
Our Sweet brother Randy entered through Heaven’s Gates, into the arms of Jesus at 63 years “Young!” He now has the new body he said God would give him someday.
Randy was a happy little boy who grew up with two loving parents and three sisters who adored him. He attended special education...
Paulette Banks Knutson
Jun 24, 2026
Paulette Banks Knutson passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at the age of 76.
Born in Crosby, MN on July 20, 1949, to David and Magnolia Banks (nee Collins). Paulette attended Pequot Lakes High School. On November 11, 1968, she married Norton Knutson, settled on the family farm, and raised three children. She worked for many years at Camp Lincoln/Lake...
Judith Maske
Jun 23, 2026
Judith “Judy” Maske, 80, passed away peacefully at her home on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love that had filled her life in recent years.
Judy was born in 1946 to Raymond and June (Glanville) Carner. She grew up in a large and lively family alongside her nine siblings: Virgil, Dale, Ronald, Richard, Thomas, Anita, Lorna, Virginia, and Loren. The...
Gregory M. Knutsen
Jun 20, 2026
Gregory Mark Knutsen
June 1, 1949 – June 20, 2026
Gregory Mark Knutsen, 77, peacefully passed away on June 20, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Greg was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, son and friend. He will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gail...
Richard Nelson
Jun 20, 2026
Richard Leroy Nelson, 75, passed away peacefully at Shiloh Assisted Living in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, on June 20, 2026.
Family was the center of Richard's life. He is lovingly survived by his son, Richard Nelson; his daughters, Tonya Nelson (Brian) and Kristina Hines (Luke); 14 cherished grandchildren; and 4 cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers, 3 sisters, numerous...
Elaine C. Jenniges
Jun 20, 2026
Elaine Clara (Baune) Jenniges passed away peacefully with family at her side on June 20, 2026, in Brainerd, MN at the age of 90.
Elaine lived a full life and was born on May 19, 1936 on the family farm near Wabasso, MN to Clarence and Marie (Pelzel) Baune. Elaine was the fourth of 9 children. She graduated from St. Anne’s...
