Obituaries: Ahrens, Losey, Karasch, Hamilton, Pages Biskey, Elfering, Leagjeld, Brix, Ahrens

Leroy B. Ahrens, age 70 of Grey Eagle, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 10, 2021 at the CentraCare Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, September 15 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Ron Dockendorf officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Leroy Bernard Ahrens was born December 2, 1950 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Norbert and Caroline (Boeckermann) Ahrens. He was united in marriage to Marque Harms on February 20, 1971 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle. Leroy was a self-employed truck driver who spent over 50 years over-the-road truck driving. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle. Leroy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed ice fishing, hunting deer, bear, and elk, taking trips to Canada, gambling, watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and loved giving everyone a nickname.

Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Marque Ahrens of Grey Eagle; children, Jeff (Catherine) Ahrens of Burtrum, Lori (Jim) Dreger of Grey Eagle, Jamie (Sophia) Ahrens of Long Prairie, and Lisa (Curtis) Rousan of Waconia; 11 grandchildren, Brittany, Cole, Lance, Justin, Karley, Greyson, McKinley, Harrison, Brayden, Reid, and Lincoln; five greatgrandchildren, Makenna, Aleigha, Wyatt, Blake, and Aubree; brothers and sisters, Anna (Paul) Graves of Long Prairie, Jane (Leroy) Schultz of Eagle Bend, John (Sandy) Ahrens of Grey Eagle, and Joe Ahrens (Denise Leagjeld) of Carlos.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Ahrens; and sister, Joyce Revering.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Grey Eagle.

James C. “Jim” Losey

James C. “Jim” Losey, age 70 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls at a later date.

James Charles Losey was born September 20, 1950 in Fort Carson, Colorado to Clarence and Ila (Ayers) Losey. After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 27, 1968. He served during Vietnam and was honorably discharged on October 14, 1978. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Sauk Centre. Jim loved music, had a big heart, and was very proud of his service to his country.

Survivors include his two sons, Chris (Lynn) Losey of Sauk Centre and Jonathan (Katie) Losey of Sauk Centre; five grandchildren, Diminicus, Avi, Zoe, HayLe, and C.J.; and brother, Nick (Joann) Losey of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Penny.

Memorials are preferred.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

BEE CANYON CONSTRUCTION

• 500 lb. Equipment Operated

Jack Hammer • Excavation/Haul Away • Building Demolition • Concrete Break Up • Grading FREE ESTIMATES

Lyle R. Karasch, age 57 of Sauk Centre passed away suddenly on Friday, September 10, 2021, at the CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 20 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Rick Aubol officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre.

Lyle Ray Karasch was born March 10, 1964 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to Raymond and Norma (Gamradt) Karasch. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School and then served in the United States Army from 1984 to 1989. On June 3, 1995, he married Tracy Beilke at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Lyle worked as a guide in Montana, at Schurman Excavating, as a chemical sprayer for Cenex, at Zacher Excavating, Traut Wells, and at various farms including the Gamradt farm. Lyle ended his career being self-employed and helping Stelling Incorporated and Jacob Gamradt.

Lyle was known for his huge sense of humor, wittiness, hard work, intelligence, tall tale storytelling, and sometimes being a bit naughty. “Big” is a word that could describe a lot about him; big heart, big personality, big smile, and big goofball. His charisma being an inspiration to all those around him up until the last day. He lived life to the beat of his own drum. Lyle stood on the fence of life and looked at both sides, good or bad, he made it fun.

He was a man who worked hard, played hard, loved hard, and slept hard. Nothing he did was easy. What came easy was the love he had for his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. He was not a materialistic man, but what he had he cherished which was mostly the people in his life. In many ways, Lyle Karasch was “the richest man in town”.

His great ability to operate machinery and equipment came in handy for those who needed him. Lyle had a nose for the need of others; often showing up at just the right time to help or lend a listening ear. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching tractor pulls, snowmobiling, going to Pioneer Days, camping, and trapping.

Lyle’s free spirit is a trait that has been greatly admired, this and his big heart will live long in our memories of him. Like Lyle would say, “Work it, work it, work it.”

Survivors include his wife, Tracy Karasch; children, Victoria (Brad) Becker, Melissa (Dylan) Carpenter, Katey Karasch, Josie Karasch (Chad Schaefer), and Jessica (Jeffrey) Jordon; grandchildren, Jillian, Isabel, Liam, DJ, Emery, Ivory, Luella, LC, Ashley, Lynch, Evelyn, Ellerie, and Jeffrey III; father, Ray Karasch; siblings, Kimberly Flowers-Wink (Bryan Wink), Daryl (Sheila) Karasch, and Mick (Deb) Karasch; parents-in-law, Robert and Lila Beilke; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Rick (Diane) Beilke, Jay (Rachel) Beilke, Kayle (Jamie) Beilke, and Jim Beilke.

Lyle was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kinsley Schaefer; mother, Norma Karasch on January 21, 2021; brother-in-law, Robert Beilke Jr.; and grandparents, Gerhard and Edith Gamradt.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jacob Gamradt, Josh Wolbeck, Jamie Wolbeck, Dereck Karasch, Daniel Karasch, and Max Flowers. Cross bearer will be Jessie Wolbeck and scripture bearer will be John Hoffman. Honorary bearers will be Roger & Sheila Schultz, Jim Wolbeck, Todd Evans, Pat Meyer, Bert Yarke, Jody & Coleen Wilke, Doug & Kendra Miller, Wayne Carpenter, Dave Rieland, Matt & Wendy Ironi, Daryll Voller, Karl Shoyer, Kenny Herman & Cindy Cadwell, Bob Saurdoff, Bubba Quistorff, and Ryan & Meagan Van-Norman.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

On The Farm Slaughtering

Custom Meat Processing

Thomas ‘Tom’ Ley, age 53 of Fridley, formerly of Melrose passed away Friday, November 13, 2020 after battling an aggressive form of cancer in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 25 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Jim Maderak officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. Friday evening.

Patton-Schad Funeral & Creamation Services

320-352-3089 • www.pattonschad.com

Dallas J. Hamilton

Dallas J. Hamilton, age 66 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 10, 2021 at his home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 17 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. A Celebration of Life

will be held at a later date.

Dallas James Hamilton was born July 27, 1955 in Bertha, Minnesota to Laurel and LaVerne (Winnegge) Hamilton. He grew up in Eagle Bend, Minnesota and graduated from Eagle Bend High School in 1973. Dallas served in the U.S. Air Force the same year and was honorably discharged in 1975.

Dallas met and married Doris Wolbeck in 1975 and had their first child later that year. They had a total of six children of their own but were known to "adopt" many people who needed them. They also have 15 grandchildren over their lives together.

Dallas worked a wide array of jobs until 2006 when he started his own laundry business in Sauk Centre with Doris and their daughters, Cassie (Hamilton) Olmsheid and Kayla (Hamilton) Klejeski. Dallas enjoyed playing with all his grandchildren, having bonfires, and watching old westerns in his spare time.

Dallas is survived by his wife, Doris Hamilton; mother, Darlis (Bue) Hamilton; children, Chad (Karen) Hamilton, Cheyanna (John) Hamilton, Jeremy Hamilton, Lacy (Chad) Johnson, Cassie (Doug) Olmscheid, and Kayla (Trent) Klejeski; grandchildren, Trenton, Taylor, Teagon, and Phoenix Hamilton, Alexis, Brandon, Harley Tulio (Chad), Honesty and Vincent Hamilton-Dow (Cheyanna), Ryan, Erica, and Cody Johnson (Lacy), John and Gabe Olmscheid (Cassie), and Emerlee Klejeski (Kayla); honorary grandkid, Chrissy Olsen (Jeremy); sisters, Sue Stracek, Linda (Gerald) Geisenhoff, Pam (Duane) Biermeirr, Carla (Mark) Hoelscher, Terry (Barb) Bue, Karen (Jeff) Malikowski, Peggy (Tom) Poegel, and Trish (Gary) Schultz; and in-laws, Clarence Trisko, Leo McKigney, LeRoy Wolbeck, Jeanine Wolbeck, Irma (Dave) Bromenshenkel, Donna Wolbeck, Arlis (Dave) Pesta, Marilyn Bromenshenkel, and Joyce (Mike) Primus.

Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, Laurel and LaVerne (Winnegge) Hamilton; brother-in-law, Ken Stracek; in-laws, Irene Wolbeck, Rita Trisko, Arlene McKigney, Donny Wolbeck, Danny Bromenshenkel, Irvin Wolbeck; nephew, Adam Bromenshenkel; niece, Denise McKigney; and all his angel grand-babies who were too beautiful for this world.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Robert "Bob" Willey

Robert "Bob" Willey, age 94 of Burtrum passed away Wednesday, September 15.

Full obituary to follow next week.

Natures View Tree & Yard Care LLC

Tree Trimming • Removals Stump Grinding • Sod Landscaping • Planting Edging • Mulch • Rock

Dale: 320-493-6329

Beverly M. Biskey

Beverly M. Biskey, 84 year old resident of Swanville, MN passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls, MN. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN with Rev. Kevin Zellers officiating. Burial took place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. Caring for Beverly and her family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Swanville, MN.

Beverly Mae Pehrson was born on December 27, 1936 in Sauk Centre, MN to the late Clarence and Ida (Ecklund) Pehrson. She was united in marriage to Harold Biskey on May 10, 1986. After raising her children, Bev started working as a housekeeper at the Douglas County Hospital. She then worked as a Home Health Aide as well as selling Avon products. Bev was a member of the Swanville American Legion Post #313 Auxiliary. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings on TV. Bev was very proud of, and enjoyed spending time with, her family and extended family.

Bev is survived by her children, Vicki Wallin, Glenn Pagel, Jeff (Lynn) Pagel, Barb Robinson, Kathy Halstead, Jim (Erlana) Biskey, Linda (Gary) Gaudreau, and Roxanne (Keith) Oswald; sister, Lois Bense; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ida Pehrson; husband, Harold “Bud” Biskey; sons, Carl and Vernon Biskey; brother, David Pehrson; and sister, Barbara Jean Pehrson.

Gerald "Jerry" Elfering

Gerald "Jerry" Elfering, 81, of Apple Valley, Minnesota died August 23, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donatus and Geraldine, daughter Sandy and Julie, and brother Ken.

Survived by his wife Annette (Goebel), daughter Lynn, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, siblings Don of Holdingford, Joyce Hoppe of Paynesville, Diane Machtmas of Paynesville, Shirley (Joe) Burg of Avon, Dorothy (Ron) Dufner of Albany, Roger (Nancy) of Albany, Deb (Dennis) Koopmeiners of St. Francis and Tim (Joan) of Sartell.

Interment was August 28th at Lebanon Hills cemetery in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Stop In at Neville Hardware for Gadgets & Gizmos!

USB Night Light

w/Dusk till Dawn Sensor

Fidget Poppers

Great toy for stress release & restore focus!

La Crosse Cube Timer

Easiest timer on the market! Available in white or black.

Ivan and Renee (Hoeschen) Blenker will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

An open house will be held from 12:00-4:00 p.m. with a 1:00 p.m. lunch being served at the Otte Barn in Sauk Centre, 41582 393rd Ave.

Ivan and Renee were united in marriage on September 11, 1971 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport.

The Catholic United Financial’s local Holy Family Parish Volunteer Team of Grey Eagle held their annual Pancake and Sausage Supper at St. Joseph’s Church on Sunday, Sept. 12. The funds raised are used for the Religious Education Program. Submitted by Cindy Mensen.

Upsala Fire Department honoring firefighters from 9/11. Submitted by Tammy Frieler.

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

I know this is after the fact but before I write this article, I need to let everyone know that I love America. I could not have picked a better place to grow up and then raise my own family. Last week was the anniversary of 9/11. How could anyone forget. If you are on Facebook or if you watch the news at all, so many people were posting “I/we will not forget”.

My first thought is, no we will not forget. This was a heinous crime against all Americans. And yet, in all my ministry over the last 15 years at least, I have been impressed that God’s Word wants us to forgive. In fact, God’s Word says to love and forgive in the same way that Jesus has forgiven us. 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” Also, Matthew 6:12; 14-15 “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. In other words, As the Lord’s Prayer so powerfully says (Miller paraphrase) “Lord, forgive me in the same fashion that I forgive those who sin against me.” And then verses 14-15 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” I am not saying we ought to just plain forget, that would be ludicrous. What I am saying, and I believe God’s Word is saying, remember because history repeats itself. But at the same time, do not hang on to hatred or resentment. Unforgiveness will bring you into a pit of despair. -Pastor Bruce Miller of Swanville Bible Church

Licensed Bonded Insured

Brad Becker, Owner • 320-760-0424

Mavis M. Leagjeld

Funeral services for Mavis Leagjeld, 74, of Long Prairie was held Friday, September 10, 2021 at the Shepherd of the Valley Church in Clarissa. Mavis Marie (Petrie) Leagjeld was born April, 24, 1947 to Albert and Lydia (Stephan) Petrie in Bertha MN. She grew up in Iona Township and went to Long Prairie High School. She married the love of her life, Thomas Leagjeld on June 11, 1966 in Eagle Bend, MN. Mavis and Tom farmed and raised pigs while Tom also worked at RR Donnelley and she was the homemaker for their five children, Denise, Teresa, Gail, Lisa and Brian.

In the 80’s Tom and Mavis began to create a beautiful refuge of flowers, rock gardens, pathways and ponds for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to enjoy. It was surely a work of love that they both spent many hours tending. After Tom retired in 2000 from RR Donnelley, Mavis began working at Custer Floral. Twelve years later she retired so that she was able to take care of Tom who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2012. Mavis loved gardening, sewing quilts and cloths for their grandchildren, baking birthday cakes and making silk wedding flowers for family and friends.

Mavis is survived by her children, Denise (Joe Ahrens) Leagjeld of Carlos, Teresa (Curt Larson) Hayes of Alexandria, Gail (Mike Kayala) Leagjeld of Little Falls, Lisa (Dan) Warner of Long Prairie and Brian (Jessica Fuchs) Leagjeld of Cold Spring; sisters Betty Pesta; Lucille Mazo; brother Al Petrie; thirteen grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Lydia Petrie, her husband Tom on March 17, 2016; grandson Timothy Leagjeld; five brothers, Virgil, Raymond, Willard, Loren and Merle Petrie and her sister Mary Jane Kennedy.

Kutter Insurance Agency

Melvina M. Brix

Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon for Melvina M. Brix, 99, of Albany and formerly of Avon who died Thursday at Mother of Mercy Care Center in Albany. Rev. Julius Beckermann officiated and burial was in the parish cemetery.

Melvina was born November 28, 1921 in St. Wendel Township to Vincent & Anna (Pogatshnik) Murphy. She married Robert Brix on June 27, 1949 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon. Melvina worked as a nanny, waitress and later for Avon State Bank and Hanaver Gear (Columbia Gear) as a bookkeeper until her retirement in August of 1981. She is a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon and was a life long Christian Mother. She was one of the co-founders of the Avon Food Shelf. She enjoyed spending time gardening, fishing, canning, crocheting, embroidery, taking trips to the casino and pink roses. She was very involved in her catholic faith.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Bob) Kroska of Avon; granddaughter, Laura (Randy) Kluver of Osakis; and great grandsons, Dylan and Dalton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert in 2008, siblings, Tim, Herb, and infant brother, Joseph.

BLENKERS ROOFING, LLC

Gutters • Soffits Fascia • Siding

Melrose • 320-256-5400

OPENINGS AVAILABLE!

Assisted Living at Mother of Mercy

Overlooking Albany’s Golf Course! OFFERING TOURS!

Monica A. Ahrens

Monica A. Ahrens, age 86, of Melrose, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Monica Ann Dickhaus was born September 20, 1934 in Melrose, Minnesota to Fred and Bertha (Herzog) Dickhaus. She was united in marriage to Ralph Ahrens on November 23, 1954 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. The couple owned and operated a farm three miles west of Melrose until their retirement in 1995. Monica enjoyed playing cards, Bingo, and dancing. She shared many dances with her favorite dance partner, George Zilliox. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Monica was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose.

Survivors include her children, Allan (Leah) Ahrens of Sauk Centre, Mary (Roger) Frieler of Yankton, SD, Henry (Jan) Ahrens of Melrose, Philip (Rebecca) Ahrens of Paynesville, Jeff (Wanda) Ahrens of Greenwald, and Michele Winter of Rockville; 21 grandchildren, 38 greatgrandchildren with one on the way; sisters, Corrine Shay of Chesterton, Indiana and Karen (John) Callahan of Coon Rapids; and sistersin-law, Betty Dickhaus of Melrose and Rosie Dickhaus of Melrose.

Monica was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Ahrens on August 4, 2009; son, Karl Ahrens; sisters, Irene Poepping, Alma Frieler, Helen Blommel, and Marie Hinnenkamp; and brothers, Henry Dickhaus, Alcuin Dickhaus, and Vernon Dickhaus.

Serving as casket bearers will be Henry Ahrens, Philip Ahrens, Allan Ahrens, Jeff Ahrens, Roger Frieler, and Dave Loch. Cross bearer will be Michele Winter and scripture bearer will be Mary Frieler. Readers will be Sarah Nicholls and Natalie Burg. Petitions will be read by Jenn Kerfeld. Gift bearers will be Angie Burg, Mindy Winter, and Jason Ahrens. Honorary bearers will be Monica’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

Echo Dealer

Small Engine Repair

Sharpen Chain Saw Blades

Sharpen & Balance Lawn Mower Blades

AUTO REPAIR