Obituaries

Oct 9, 1945

Duane Walter Payne March 4, 1917 – October 9, 1944

Duane was born on March 4, 1917, in Motley, Minnesota, to Walter G. Payne and Laura B. (Williams) Payne. He was raised with strong Midwestern values of hard work, faith, and patriotism.

On October 24, 1940, he married Lorna A. Hagen in Todd County, Minnesota. Together they began building a life centered...

Jul 16, 2026

Janice Mathison, 87, of Baxter, MN passed away on July 16, 2026, in Baxter. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 8, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Baxter at 11:00am with Pastor David Grotzke officiating. There will be a visitation held at 10:00am. Lunch will be served following the service.

Janice was born on October 8, 1938, in...

Jul 15, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Barb, on July 16, 2026, at the age of 78. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew her. She dedicated her life caring for others. Her strength, generosity, and unwavering love will never be forgotten.

On...

Jul 12, 2026

Douglas James Hale, age 54, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Doug was born on February 16, 1972, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Dennis and Charlotte (Utecht) Hale. He graduated from Little Falls Community High School with the Class of 1990 and went on to work in customer service for delivery services, including DoorDash, where he...

Jul 12, 2026

Marilyn Maxine Hall, 93, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and unwavering love for those who knew her.

Marilyn was born on May 19, 1933, in Greely, Iowa, to Ernest and Edna (Lawrence) Gibbs. She grew up with strong family values that remained the foundation...

Jul 11, 2026

Joyce J. Spande

For sixty years, Joyce J. Spande shared a life of unwavering love and devotion with her husband, Loren. On July 11, 2026, at the age of 79, Joyce passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Just fifteen days after Loren's passing, Joyce's earthly journey came...

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...

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;...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

Jul 1, 2026

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,...

Jun 30, 2026