Obituaries
Beverly Pietz
Jul 10, 2026
Beverly Eileen Pietz
June 9, 1943 – July 10, 2026
Bev, age 83, of Pillager, passed away July 10th, 2026, at Lakewood Health Systems surrounded by her family.
Bev was born June 9, 1943, in Brainerd MN, the daughter of Milton and Eileen (Adriansen) Hradsky. Bev graduated from Pillager High School, the class of 1961.
She was united in marriage to her high school...
Pauline Gustafson
Jul 10, 2026
Pauline Lorraine Gustafson was born on September 22, 1954, in Noonan, North Dakota. She was called from this life on July 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, MN having attained the age of 71 years, 9 months, and 19 days at the time of her passing.
She was preceded in death by her first husband; Rollyn Gustafson, her parents;...
Kathryn Larson
Jul 10, 2026
Kathryn Mary Larson was born to Clarence A. McAlpine, and Eunice C. McAlpine on October 7th of 1943 in Elk River, Minnesota. Kathryn passed from this life into eternal rest on 7/10/2026 surrounded by her loved ones at home. The visitation and service for Kathryn will be held on 7/19/2026 at the Kingdom's Hall of Jehovah's in Jenkins Minnesota. The...
Larry Oman
Jul 10, 2026
Larry Earl Oman, 81, passed away on July 10th, 2026 while maintaining the land he loved. Larry was born on January 11th, 1945 in Wadena, MN and graduated from South High School in Minneapolis, MN in 1964.
Larry married the love of his life, Linda, on October 22nd, 1966. They began their family and, in 1978, moved to Little Falls, MN...
John Linehan
Jul 9, 2026
John Linehan, 75, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, John was a lifelong Minnesotan who took great pride in his roots. After more than 20 years as a proud Teamster, he retired at the remarkable age of 49. Retirement wasn’t about slowing down—it was...
Charles "Chuck" Hanson
Jul 7, 2026
Charles “Chuck” Hanson, age 86, of Hackensack, MN, passed away on July 7, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center.
Chuck was born September 21, 1939, to Floyd and Ester (Klawitter) Hanson in Hutchinson, MN. He graduated from Hutchinson High School and went on to attend Macalester College. Chuck married Laura Radunz on August 20, 1960, and they went on to raise...
Devin Sawvel
Jul 5, 2026
Devin Calan Richard Sawvel, January 14, 1999 - July 5, 2026.
Our treasured son, brother, uncle, and friend. Devin lived out loud and unapologetically, always. He loved photography, traveling, stirring the pot, and standing up for marginalized communities. While he was never one to shy away from much of anything, he had a tender heart that craved closeness and peace. He...
Thomas "Tommy" Lukanen II
Jul 5, 2026
Thomas “Tommy” Jacob Lukanen ll, 52, of Backus Minnesota passed away peacefully July 5, 2026, at North Ridge Health and Rehab Center.
Born in New Prague, Minnesota on March 29, 1974. Tommy graduated from Pine River-Backus High School in 1992. He made Backus his home with his wife Kristy and their three sons. Tommy was an avid outdoors man. You would...
Byron Huseby
Jul 5, 2026
Byron Glen Huseby, of Nisswa, MN, passed away on Sunday, July 5th, 2026, at home with his family by his side. He was 86.
Byron was born August 15, 1939, in Minneapolis, MN, to Raymond Huseby and Hazel Langkos. He graduated from Rosevelt High School and went on to the University of Minnesota before he was drafted into the army in...
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...
Jeffery K. Williams
Jul 1, 2026
Our family wanted to share that Jeffery K. Williams (Jeff) passed away on July 1, 2026.
Jeff was the steady rock of our family: faithful, wise, dependable, and deeply loved. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and friend, and someone who showed his love through his presence, support, and quiet strength.
We are heartbroken, but grateful for the life...
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...
