Hometown News December 14, 2023

Hometown News

Thursday, December 14, 2023

FREE PUBLICATION

Vol. 23: Issue 32

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On The Tom Kuehne: The Good Old Days Walz, Janssen, Froh, Stalboerger, Inside... Obituaries: Gilyard, Proell, Blonigen, Beilke,

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Page 2 • Hometown News •Thursday, December 14, 2023

Hometown News 29442 120th St. Grey Eagle, MN 56336

320-285-2323

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Website: www.hometownnews.biz www.facebook.com/hometownnews Published By Lori & John Young

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The Hometown News is a free weekly publication, which is published and distributed every Thursday.

Free Distribution In:

Albany Avon Bowlus Burtrum Elmdale Freeport Greenwald Grey Eagle Holdingford

Meire Grove Long Prairie Melrose New Munich St. Anna St. Rosa Sauk Centre Swanville Upsala

Sales: Lori Young

Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998 Email: htnews@icloud.com

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Email: htnews@icloud.com Personal Classifieds: Garage Sales, For Sale Items, Wanted (Personal) FREE up to 20 words; 25¢ for each additional word. Classifieds over the word limit must be prepaid.

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Little things mean everything -By Harvey Mackay One of my favorite sayings is “Little things mean a lot. Not true.

Little things mean everything.”

It is the little things that separate mediocrity and excellence, a little account and a big account.

Years ago, I was calling on the number two envelope user in the Twin Cities. The buyer wouldn’t see me for about a year before I was able to schedule an appointment. He never bought from me, but I got to know him and built my Mackay 66 Customer Profile on him. I stopped in one day, but he wasn’t in the office. His gatekeeper told me that his 11-year-old son was hit by a car while riding his bicycle and was in the hospital.

I knew from the Mackay 66 that the kid played hockey, and his father was the coach. I went to our professional hockey team and had some of the players sign a goalie stick and shipped it to the hospital with a note. This little gesture made the boy mighty happy. Plus, it resulted in $10 million in envelope business over the years, and they are still one of our largest accounts.

All those small actions you take stringed together can, in the end, make an immense contribution to you reaching your goals and your dreams.

I was speaking to a real-estate company and doing my research. I called one realtor who told me that he had a client who was big into Disney collectibles. The realtor was in a store and found a “Pirates of the Caribbean” coffee table book on sale for a mere $5, so he bought it and delivered it. He received 20 transactions from this person, their family and friends.

You can’t put a price on doing the little things. It’s the little things in life that – all summed together – become bigger and more important than the big things and events.

When someone calls you on the telephone you should always greet them with animation, elation and tell them how happy you are to hear from them.

I am convinced that U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton would never have been president if it were not for their short notes. They both were fanatical note senders their entire political lives.

I met President Bush in the airport, and he sent me a thank-you note the next day as a total stranger. Do you think I may have given him a contribution afterward?

Red Buttons was a top comedian in the 1950s and ’60s. He told this story about how all his friends thought he had a phenomenal memory with holiday cards. He explained his strategy: Any time he met someone new, he would fill out a holiday card that night, make notes about their kids or some other salient point, and wait until the holidays to mail it to WOW every new friend.

Motivational author Glenn Van Ekeren told me a story about how one night he was channel surfing and landed on the Discovery Channel show “Dirty Jobs.” In one episode, host Mike Rowe was trying to duplicate the work of an industrial painter whose job was to paint the inside of the Mackinac Bridge towers in Northern Michigan. His unnoticed job is done to ensure the steel of the magnificent, suspended structure won’t rust from the inside

Brian’s Painting

out, compromising the integrity of the bridge.

Most of the 12,000 people who cross the Straits of Mackinac each day aren’t even aware that this “little thing” means everything to their safety.

Legendary college basketball coach John Wooden said, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

You would be amazed at what can happen when you find out what turns every human being on and off. For example, people always ask me how I got to be such good friends with Muhammad Ali. Muhammad was mesmerized with magic, so before I interviewed him for a chapter in my book “We Got Fired! … And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us,” I hired a magician to teach me tricks that I could not only show the Champ but teach him how to master the tricks. This expanded his bag of tricks significantly. Jackpot of jackpots!

Instead of a one-hour interview, he kept me at his home for 10 hours.

The so-called little things are not a small part of a happy life. They mean a lot even if they may not always look important.

Mackay’s Moral: The one who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

Reprinted with permission from nationally syndicated columnist Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller “Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” “We Got Fired!...And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us,” “The Mackay MBA of Selling in the Real World,” and “Use Your Head To Get Your Foot In The Door.”

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Upcoming Events

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 • Christmas Open House from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Grey Eagle Library.

• Melrose American Legion Fish Fry from 4:30-8 p.m. See ad on page 3.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 • 15th Annual Christmas Cookie Care-OSell from 8-11 a.m. at the Community Covenant Church, Upsala.

• Wreaths For The Fallen Bus to Camp Ripley at 9 a.m. at Melrose American Legion.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 • Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Annual Red Cross Blood Drive from 12-6 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grey Eagle.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 4 p.m. at Grey Eagle United Methodist Church.

See ad on page 7.

• A Christmas Carol Sing at 10 a.m. at Faith Community Church, Burtrum.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 • Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra Fare Well Come X at 6:30 p.m. at the LP-GE Secondary School, Long Prairie.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 • Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.

FRI.-SUN., JAN. 12-14 • Upstage Players Presents Bingo Spells Murder/Dinner Theatre at St. Mary's Church, Upsala. Fri. & Sat. at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 • Holy Family School's 9th Annual Snow Ball starting at 4 p.m. at Seven Dolors Church, Albany.

ALBANY SENIORS • Meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center.

ALBANY TOWNSHIP • Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.

• Planning Commission meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.

BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum City Hall.

BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

FEET FIRST CLINIC • Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION • Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution 1st Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre.

FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL • Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING • Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert.

GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 8 p.m.

MELROSE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the town hall.

MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX. • Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms.

MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX. • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.) STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY • Meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany.

SUNSHINE CLUB • Meets every Monday, weigh in starts at 8; meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.

ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.

SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL • 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall.

UPSALA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

If you have an upcoming event or meeting, please let us know by email: htnews@icloud.com or call 320-285-2323.

Temperatures Date

12/6 12/7 12/8 12/9 12/10 12/11 12/12

High 45 50 41 34 23 30 27

Low 19 25 30 21 19 19 14

Friday

Cloudy.

High: 42 Low: 31

Weekend Weather Saturday

Sunday

Snow.

High: 36 Low: 27

Partly cloudy.

High: 36 Low: 19

Hometown News •Thursday, December 14, 2023 • Page 3

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne Christmas?

Even before Halloween the stores were beginning to have displays and in some cases, Christmas music to make the customers aware of the coming of the big holiday.

They wanted you to be buying “stuff” so that everyone in your personal world would have more happiness at Christmas time.

Did it work? If so, how long did their uplifted spirit continue?

The celebration of Christmas was started in Rome about 350 years after Christ's death.

December 25th is a date that seems to have been picked by some person of authority in Rome, with no actual relationship to the time of the year when Christ was born.

As the centuries passed, it became a tradition to bring a tree into homes and buildings as celebration.

In the 17th century, lights began to be placed on the tree giving it a more decorative appearance. The difficulty of lighting the Christmas tree was that electricity was not yet available, so candles were used as the source of light. The candles were either attached to the limbs with warm wax or a small lantern was used to show the candle light. I'm sure that, due to the potential fire hazard of open

flame attached to a tree limb of a somewhat dried tree, many homeowners had an unlit tree.

There was a rather large short-needled tree in the front of our church during the Christmas season. I remember a few lit candles on the tree on Christmas eve. I also remember the sound of the short needles showering down on the paper covered items under the tree. There was never a watering pail at the base of the tree and since it was displayed for close to a month it really dried out. Another contributing factor was that the church was not heated if there was no service being held, which would have caused the water to freeze anyway.

I believe that the celebration of Christmas today is very different from almost a century ago. I recall the old music at Christmas, being more about the real reason for Christmas.

Through the years Christmas has become more commercialized. We are taught to believe that buying more man-made items will give lots of joy and satisfaction, when the original reason for Christmas actually accomplished the joy and comfort we are looking for.

You probably think that I am trying to mess up your Christmas, but I'm only trying to show that we may only be celebrating the celebration.

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at tom@swanvilleinsurance.com.

If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343

Take precautions on the ice The ice season got off to a quick start in parts of Minnesota, with ice forming on some water bodies and numerous reports of ice anglers already testing their luck. But the weather over the last week has not been great for those who want to get out ice fishing. Many lakes that people have been out on likely have seen some degree of ice melting as a result of sun and warm weather.

If you choose to go on the ice, make sure to check ice thickness throughout the day.

Don’t assume the path you walked onto the lake will be safe for your walk home. Ice melts faster near shore so don’t wait too long to return home if you think the ice is becoming unsafe. Now more than ever, it is crucial to wear a life jacket, ice picks, and ice cleats. And a cell phone, whistle or other communications device makes it more likely a person can call for help.

The Minnesota DNR reminds everyone to stay on shore until there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice. While 4 inches of new, clear ice is the minimum recommended thickness for walking, it takes at least 5 to 7 inches to hold a snowmobile or small all-terrain vehicle, 7 to 8 inches for a larger, side-by-side ATV, and 9 to

10 inches for a small car or SUV. Each year, unexpected falls through thin ice lead to serious injury or death. Checking the ice thickness with a spud bar, auger or other device is the best way to prevent falling through. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to avert tragedy, since the initial shock of falling into cold water can incapacitate even strong swimmers. For more information, visit the DNR’s ice safety webpage.

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Monday: (5-9 pm) 3 Build a Burger

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm) Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Thursday: (5-9 pm) Taco Wrap $8.50

• 6 oz. Steak 12 • Add 3 Shrimp 15 • 6 oz. Butter/Garlic Steak $12

• Add 3 Shrimp $15 • 6 Shrimp $9.00 • Served w/Baked Potato Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50 $

Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack) Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice 3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50 6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

HELP WANTED: BARTENDERS! Friday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

$

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

Saturday, Dec. 16 BINGO @ 1:30 PM

$

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

LUNCH SPECIALS: Monday-Friday: 11 AM-1 PM Featuring Monday Bread Bowls & Soup Wednesday CHICKEN IS BACK • Friday Chili

Order Gift Baskets!

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Fresh Frozen Ground Beef Chuck & Other Goodies starting at $40.

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We deliver floral arrangements for Christmas in a 20 mile radius.

Rib Basket 8 Chicken & Ribs $13 1/4 Chicken Basket $850 $ 50

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MEAT RAFFLE

Friday: 4-9 PM Saturday, Dec. 16

FISH All You Can Eat $ 1595

Saturdays & Sundays

Fridays • 8 PM

Sunday Breakfast • 10 AM

Reserve Your Holiday Party Date!

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Thursday: 4-9 PM

STOP IN FOR ALL YOUR OFF SALE NEEDS!

Meat Raffle

your choice of sweet or savory dessert!

For the Sunday show (January 14), doors open at 1:30 with a 2 PM show. Tickets are available at the door with no reservation needed. Although no dinner is included, you still have a choice of that sweet or savory dessert!

Father O’Sullivan (Gary McDonald) is in a pickle with his church and orphanage on the line. He is hosting a Bingo night to raise enough money to save the day, but things take a dark turn when someone ends up dead, and the money goes missing. With almost the entirety of the cast, Bill Davison, Colten Cimenski, Melanie Cimenski, Leonice Prokott, Lisa Hansen, and Christian Newman, as suspects, will Father O’Sullivan solve the mystery in time?

BAR SPECIALS

12 Days of Christmas Raffle @ 5 PM

FISH FRY

HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Wed.: 4:30-6:30 PM $3.00 Thursday: All Day/Night $2.50

If your birthday is this month, your special flowers are Narcissus & Holly meaning that you spread good wishes, respectfulness and hope.

boB Show: 4 PM

Friday, December 15 • 4:30-8:00 PM $ All You Can Eat!

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

HELLO DECEMBER!

Sat., Dec. 16

MELROSE AMERICAN LEGION

Corner Pub & Grill

If you are looking for a thrilling evening filled with mystery, suspense, and laughter, look no further than the upcoming murder mystery dinner theatre, B-I-N-G-O Spells Murder

by Robert Mattson! The performances take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala on January 12th, 13th, and 14th.

The doors will open at 6 PM, dinner will be served at 6:30 PM, and the performance will begin at 7 PM for the Friday and Saturday evening shows (January 12 &13). Reservations, which must be made by December 28th, can be reserved by calling our box office, Lisa Hansen, at 320-250-2676. The meal includes a salad, dinner roll, your choice of baked chicken or roast beef, green beans, mashed potatoes, and

SANTA DAY

Meat Raffle & Horse Races After the Drawing!

“Stop expending energy trying to become like Christ: instead, put your energy into dying to self and following and worshipping Christ, which is what God has been calling us to do all along.”

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Luke 9:23, in the very words of Jesus “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

In closing, John 12:24 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” We need to be like that seed, and die to ourselves, and follow Christ.” To me… it is life changing and freeing, since there is no way, I can be like Jesus!

-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916

Upstage Players Presents Bingo Spells Murder as a Dinner Theatre

St. Rosa • 320-836-2154

265 Co. Rd. 173 SE, Melrose - 320-256-3581 • Cell 320-429-4008

Dog Tag $ 300

I have been reading a book titled “Managing Leadership Anxiety” by Steve Cuss. Here are some thoughts on his book since it has drastically changed the way I think and maybe the way we all ought to think.

First, what are some things that Jesus has done that we cannot do? Well, for starters, He is the only perfect sacrifice so His death can cleanse sin. Jesus can walk on water, raise the dead, feed the five thousand, command the storm to be still. Here’s one… be tempted but never sin! These things and more are the reason why I worship Him! Cuss says that we should not try to be like Jesus. When I read that, I just about threw the book away, but since he was the guest speaker at a conference I just went to, I thought I would hear him out. All my life I have heard that Christian means Christ-like, so as a Christian, I need to be Christ-like, to become like Jesus.

Actually, to be a Christian is simply someone who professes Christ as their Savior, believing in His work on the cross. Cuss says,

KARAOKE

@ 4:30 PM

Dining Room: Mon.-Thurs.: Closed, Fri.-Sat.: 4-8 PM, Sun.: 10 AM-2 PM Bar: Mon.-Wed. Closed, Thurs.-Fri.: 4-Close Sat.: 12 PM-Close Sun.: 12-7 PM

CHRISTMAS EVE • Double “R” Bar & Grill Buck Off Adult BeverageDuring 12:00-6:30 PM Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965

www.doublerbarandgrill.com

Customer Appreciation

Buck Off Adult Beverage Make Your Lots of FREE Food & New Year's Eve During Happy Hour: Mon.-Fri. 3-5 PM Christmas Goodies!

Reservation Bartender/Servers and During Sunday Day Vikings Games Christmas Eve: Closing at 7 PM

NOW HIRING!

TUESDAY: 5-9 PM

Burger Night $ 3.00 1/3 lb. Fresh Ground Hamburger on Brioche Buns!

WEDNESDAY:

THURSDAY:

5-9 PM Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

11 AM-9 PM

• 1-1/2 lb. Wings $6.00 • $6 Baskets

Your Choice: Shrimp Basket,

Dine In w/Beverage Purchase

Angus Slider Basket, 1/4 Chicken Basket, Nachos or Quesadillas w/Beverage Purchase Specials to go $1.00 charge

• Chicken & Ribs $15.95 • 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $ 13.95 • Creamy Sweet Chili Haddock w/Wild Rice $ 15.95

FRIDAY: 5-9 PM

SATURDAY: 5-9 PM

• Ribeye $22.95 • Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Pilaf $12.95 • Deep Fried Cod $14.95 • Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo $13.95 or Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo $15.95

• Prime Rib $22.95 • Ribs $18.95 • Deep Fried Walleye $ 15.95 • Creamy Sweet Chili Chicken, Wild Rice, w/Breadsticks $ 12.95

Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

w/Breadsticks

Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

Christmas Day: Closed

LUNCH SPECIALS Fri., Dec. 15: Hot Beef Sandwich Sat., Dec. 16: Pizza Burger Sun., Dec. 17: Sunny Side Up Burger Tues., Dec. 19: Breaded Chicken

Sandwich Wed., Dec. 20: $6 Baskets Thurs., Dec. 21: BBQ Ribs

SUNDAY: 3-8 PM

Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

• Steak & Shrimp $ 19.95 • Pork Prime Rib 1-Bone $13.95 2-Bones $16.95 • 1/2 Chicken $10.50 • 1/4 Chicken $8.50

BAR HOURS Sun.: 11:30 AM-10 PM Mon.: 2-7 PM Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-11 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-1 AM HOURS New KITCHEN Sun.: 12 PM-8 PM Mon.: CLOSED Tues.-Thurs.: 11 AM-9 PM Fri.-Sat.: 11 AM-9:30 PM OFF SALE Mon.: 2-7 PM Tues.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM Sun.: 11:30 AM-6 PM

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 14, 2023

Marian Janssen

Obituaries

Marian Janssen, 89, of Albany, passed away on Tuesday, Bruce E. December 5, 2023 at Walz, age 56 of Assumption Nursing Melrose, passed Home in Cold away peacefully Spring, Minnesota. surrounded by his A Mass of family on Thursday, Christian Burial December 7, 2023 at was held Tuesday, his home in Melrose, December 12 at Minnesota after Seven Dolors a long battle with Catholic Church cancer. in Albany with A Celebration Rev. Tom Andert of Life will take officiating. Interment place at a later date. was in St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Farming.

Bruce Edward Marian was born on February 27, 1934 to Walz was born Leo and Elizabeth (Reinert) Lintgen in Mayhew December 6, 1967 Lake, MN. She grew up in the St. Cloud area in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Roman and Judy with her five sisters and two brothers. She (Borgerding) Walz. He was united in marriage graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School to Jonel Evens on April 16, 1994 at St. Mary’s in 1952. She married Meinrad “Meinie” Janssen Catholic Church in Melrose. Bruce worked at on September 4, 1952 at Annunciation Catholic Bluestone Builders in Belgrade for over 30 years. Church in Mayhew Lake. Together they ran In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, their family farm south of Albany until his death hanging out on the farm, and spending time with on January 3, 2002. At that time, she moved his grandkids. to Albany where she resided until her move to Bruce was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Assumption Nursing Home.

Church in Melrose.

Marian worked part-time as a salesperson Survivors include his wife, Jonel Walz at Schiff’s Shoes during their busy periods. of Melrose; daughters, Hope (Nick) Klaphake She worked at Farming Elementary School as a of Melrose, Hana (Cory) Schneider of Meire classroom aide. She spent many years working Grove, and Abby (Justin) Smith of South Haven; in the Activities Department at Mother of Mercy son, Ethan Walz of Meire Grove; grandchildren, Nursing Home in Albany. After retiring from Reece, Peyton, and Mason Klaphake, MaKenzie there, she spent many hours volunteering at and Carter Schneider, and Amelia Smith; parents, the nursing home. Marian was a Communion Roman and Judy Walz; brothers and sisters, minister at St. Catherine’s Parish in Farming Roman Walz Jr., Jim Walz, Lisa Dokken, Lori and at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home. She Hubert, Mark Walz, and Frank Walz; sisters-in- taught religion to elementary students for St. law; brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, Catherine’s Parish and Seven Dolors Parish. She cousins, and friends. was a member of Seven Dolors parish, Mother Bruce was preceded in death by his father of Mercy Auxiliary, and a great supporter of and mother-in-law, Mike and LaVonne Ludwig.

Holy Family School where her grandchildren Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad and great-grandchildren attended. Marian Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose. enjoyed fishing, especially spearing, playing cards and dice, going to the casino, old time music, reading, gardening, hummingbirds, traveling and decorating for every holiday of the year. Each year her family was treated to a very fancy birthday cake baked and decorated by her.

Marian delighted in her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will all miss her every day.

Survivors include her children Debbie ACCEPTING VENISON (Pete) Rushmeyer of Albany, Gordy (Lisa) TRIMMINGS FOR SAUSAGE Janssen of St. Cloud, Cindy (Dave) Dirkes of Albany and Jeff (Sandy) Janssen of St. Cloud; grandchildren Adam (Angie) Rushmeyer, Luke (Rachel Kiley) Rushmeyer, Leah (Adam Johnson) Beuning, Kayla (Kyle) Collins, Karen Janssen, Eric (Kristin Mehr) Janssen, Rachel (Christopher) Thormodson; and great-grandchildren Cora, Emmett, Benson, Graham, Riley and Cade Rushmeyer, Autumn and Austin Kiley, Brynn Beuning, Braelyn, Aubrey and Kellen Collins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Meinie on January 3, 2002; parents; sisters, Ann Moeller, Gert Kunkel, Rose LaBuda, Martha Donna Poganski; Helping you live your best life... Wherever it is you call home! Hoffmann, and brothers, Lawrence and Ken Lintgen.

For more information call Arrangements were made by 320-352-3350 Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation www.alternativeseniorcare.net Services of Melrose.

Bruce E. Walz

Merry Christmas

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Elizabeth “Betty” Froh

Elizabeth “Betty” Froh age 89 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Fairway Pines Senior Living in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m.

Saturday, December 16 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Christian Mothers will pray a rosary at 4 p.m.

Friday at the funeral home.

Elizabeth Breitbach was born February 13, 1934 in Elrosa, Minnesota to Mathias and Mathilda (Koll) Breitbach. In 1954, she married Julian Schloegl and together had seven children.

They later divorced and on May 18, 1974, she married Dennis Froh at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. They lived in Long Prairie until 1982 at which time they moved to Sauk Centre.

Betty was a hard worker and worked many jobs throughout her life including Title Atlas and MN Distillers while in Long Prairie and St. Michael’s Hospital and First State Bank, as a custodian, while in Sauk Centre. She was an excellent cook and loved preparing meals and baking for her family and they hosted many gatherings at half-time of the high school football games that took place behind their home. She also enjoyed trips to the casino and playing Bingo.

She loved her Catholic faith and had quite the collection of rosaries which were prayed daily!

Betty was a member of the Christian Mothers and her and Dennis also served as sacristans. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and many times selflessly put their needs before her own! She will be greatly missed!

Survivors include her husband, Dennis Froh of 49 years; seven children, Pat (Mike) Firkus of Sauk Centre, Veronica “Roni” Kasper of Halstad, John (Nancy) Schloegl of Sauk Centre, Jim Schloegl of Melrose, Tom (Lisa) Schloegl of Blaine, Deb (Ronnie) Moritz of Sauk Centre, and Carla (Steve) Brunn of Sauk Centre; 12 grandchildren, Joe, Josh, Tami, Brandi, Cole, Randy, Mark, Jayla, Madison, Matthew, Alex, and Marcus; sisters, MaryAnn Hoeschen of Litchfield and Marlene Bromen of Cincinnati, Ohio; and brother, Matt (Alice) Breitbach of Sauk Centre.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Sylvester, Herb, and Lee Breitbach; and sister, Irene Henry.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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Stanley Joseph Stalboerger

Stanley Joseph Stalboerger, age 83, was called home by our Lord from amidst his family in Elrosa, MN on December 6, 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, December 11, 2023 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Interment

was in the parish cemetery.

Born at home in Lake George Township, MN, he was the second son of Edmund and Selma (née Eibensteiner) Stalboerger. Stan was married to Evelyn (née Borgerding) in August 1966. Their children are Michael (Aly) Stalboerger, Michelle (Blake) Carlson, Mary (John) Rademacher, Brian (Risa) Stalboerger, Aimee (John) Huston, Christine (Steve) Schulz, Eric (Stacy) Stalboerger, Jonathan Stalboerger, Kayla (David) Meier, Allison (Ross) Hollermann.

Stan & Evie enjoyed all 38 of their grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Before taking over the family farm, Stan served in the National Guard and worked for Beuning Fertilizer and Cold Spring Granite. The bulk of Stan’s working years consisted of dairy farming with his wife Evie. He served on the board of DHIA and Northfork Mutual Insurance.

In 1998, they sold the cows and Stan began a new stage in life exchanging being home every night with the new concept of “weekends off” and “vacation." He worked for Mages Farms, drove semi over-the-road, and as a shuttle driver for Bayer Built Trucking.

It was often said of Stan during his farming years that his main hobby was visiting. However, after selling the cows, he devoted more time to traveling with Evie to places like Washington D.C., Arizona, Oregon (via Amtrak), and Hawaii.

In addition, he liked to travel with his Eibensteiner cousins to Las Vegas. He also enjoyed singing with the Maennerchor (men’s chorus), watching Twins games, playing 500 and Solo, and took up fishing with coworkers (with no luck).

Along with Evie, Stan worked to raise their family in the faith by strong example and supported the parish as president of the St. James Society of Catholic Aid, decades as a Lector, and teaching CCD classes.

Stan was best known for his ability to visit with anyone for any length of time. His kindness and willingness to help a neighbor or a stranger will never be forgotten. Stan’s ability to crack a joke in the face of trials gave encouragement and perspective to whoever came to him in their own times of doubt. After talking with Dad, his kids knew everything would be ok.

He is survived by Marilyn Schoenberg, Sharon and Daniel Hemiadan, Ramona Stalboerger, Barbara and John Barten, Roxane and Gene Kampsen and Robert Braun.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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Hometown News • Thursday, December 14, 2023 • Page 5

Mary Ann Gilyard

Mary Ann Gilyard, age 100 of Sauk Centre, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, December 8th, 2023 in Centra Care Hospital, Sauk Centre.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 22nd at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Michael Carlson officiating. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Church.

Mary Ann Hylaman was born December 31st, 1922 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Elmer and Laura (Smith) Hylaman. She was united in marriage to Roman J. Gilyard on May 27, 1950 in Sauk Centre. During World War II, Mary had worked in defense plants in the Twin Cities. The couple were starting a family when building and running Hillcrest Motel. They moved to Anoka in 1963, where they built and co-owned Gilyards Truck stop. In 1971 they moved to Sebeka and ran K’s Motel on Highway 71. Official retirement occurred in May of 1997, when the couple returned to Sauk Centre to live in Lakeshore Estates Senior Apartments. They belonged to the VFW and American Legion. Roman died in 1998. They were members of First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre, which is where Mary celebrated her 100th birthday this past Spring!

Mary's interests include sewing clothing for her children and grandchildren, and also making fashionable outfits for their Barbie dolls. She constructed Halloween costumes and sewed beautiful quilts to gift for special occasions. Her sense of creativity was often expressed through painting, crocheting, crafting, and dabbling in ceramics, and she liked to decorate! She also did enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and wordsearches, until her sight began failing earlier this year.

In fact, she could become quite competitive about puzzles of all types. She had a habit of pulling nearly all of the pieces out of the box when everyone was still working on the borders. “I think we’re missing a piece,” she would earnestly claim when only about a third of the puzzle was complete! She was usually right! She was quite set in her ways, yet very witty and always kind to everyone.

She also had a strong sense of tradition. She loved celebrating with family and was looking forward to Christmas and her 101st birthday on New Years Eve! She almost made it!

Survivors include her children, Carol Jean (Bill) Brown of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Beverly Ann (Mark) Heinen of Sauk Centre, Dale Lee (Rosa) Gilyard of Garland, Texas, and Daniel Roman (Shereen) Gilyard of Coon Rapids; 11 grandchildren, Taria, Nicole, Luke, Montana, Roman, Myles, Lilah, Bethany, Casey, Karen, and Candace; and 10 greatgrandchildren, Annika, Kiera, Nora, Kiefer, Laine, Eloise, Evan, Mason, Corbin, and Isaac.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Roman Gilyard on February 9, 1998; also by brothers Roy Hylaman and William Hylaman; and sister, Laura Hoosline, Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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Edwin H. Proell Jr.

Edwin H. Proell Jr., age 58 of Sauk Rapids and formerly of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at his home in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 21 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mike Carlson and Rev. Becky Thomas officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Edwin Herman Proell Jr. was born April 23, 1965 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Edwin Sr. and Clara (Harmeling) Proell. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1983. Edwin started working at the City of Sauk Centre during high school and continued after graduation. He later worked at the grain elevator and Standard Iron before moving to Sauk Rapids. He was employed at the Fulfillment Distribution Center in St. Cloud and the last two months, began working as a custodian for St. Cloud State University.

Edwin was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre before becoming a member of First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre.

Survivors include his son, Sam Proell of Sauk Centre; brothers, James Proell of Sauk Centre and Mike Proell of Lacy, Washington; sister, Carolyn (Larry) Steffen of Long Prairie; brother-in-law, Jerry Moffitt; and many nieces and nephews.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; infant brothers, John, Robert, and Eugene; sister, Barb Moffitt; sister-in-law, Long Proell; and niece, Anita Steffen.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Christmas Open House at Grey Eagle Library

The Grey Eagle Library Association will have a Christmas Open House on Friday, December 15 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Grey Eagle Library. Cider and Christmas treats will be served. The Grey Eagle Community Choir “Ringers and Singers” will perform at 3:30 p.m. They will perform handbell music and Christmas music. The choir is directed by Robert Kutter.

The Grey Eagle Library is supported by Great River Regional Library by providing media and staff. The other costs of supporting the library comes from donations from The Grey Eagle-Burtrum Lions, the city of Grey Eagle and our own fundraising efforts. We of-

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David Blonigen

D a v i d Blonigen, 66 year old resident of Sebeka formerly of Upsala, passed away on Friday, December 8 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A service will be planned for a later date.

David Wilfred Blonigen was born on December 17, 1956 in Little Falls, MN to the late Leo and Erma (Funk) Blonigen.

He grew up in the Upsala area, where he attended and graduated from Upsala High School. After high school he attended Winona Technical College for Auto Body Repair and then Alexandria Technical College for auto mechanics. He ran his own auto body repair business for many years. He also drove a tour bus for a few years. He was united in marriage to Denise Virnig in May of 1979 and after 21 years they decided to part ways. David was an avid collector of many different items.

He enjoyed working on vehicles, tinkering with machines and attending auctions both in person and on-line.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Mark (Amber) Blonigen of Bowlus, Jenilee Blonigen of Upsala; four grandchildren, Owen, Alex, Layla and Everett Blonigen; siblings, Ralph Blonigen of Upsala, Gerald (Sharon) Blonigen of Bowlus, Tom (Carlene) Blonigen of Grey Eagle, Charlie Blonigen of Bowlus, Bob (Mary Jane) Blonigen of Bowlus, Steve (Kathy) Blonigen of Elmdale, Patrick (Kristine) Blonigen of Bowlus and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Erma (Funk) Blonigen.

fer used donated books for donation, we have our own “History of Grey Eagle" written by local author Robert Kutter for a donation to the association and we offer a “Adopt a shelf” for a set donation to place a permanent plaque in memory of a loved one, living or deceased.

Upcoming events: another local resident, Jay Grammond will be presenting “Fading ADs of the Twin Cities” on Wednesday, February 28 at 5:00 p.m. This program takes you on a virtual walk around the Twin Cities to view the art that surrounds us.

Join us for our holiday open house! Board members will be wrapping any books sold for free!

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Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 14, 2023

Sudoku

Word Search Answers from Dec. 7

Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game.

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey Most families have money problems at some point. And when I was a little kid, our family went through tough financial times just like everyone else.

A job layoff can take your breath away. An illness can leave you completely broke.

Little kids in the house may not know exactly what’s going on, but there’s stress in the air. They’re told, “Times are tough, so we can’t go on vacation this year,” or “We have to move,” or “Christmas is going to be slim.”

My parents were in the real estate business and were building homes. Then, the economy went sideways and left them in a mess. Outside forces brought trouble to our house. We never went without food, shelter, or anything else, but the air changed in our home. I always thought money would solve the problem, so I vowed that one day I would become a millionaire. I doubt I even knew what that meant, but in my head, I thought it meant money would never be a problem.

Believe it or not, I’m a spender by nature.

I’ve always enjoyed spending money. Of course, when I was young and immature, that idea of spending for fun led me into the trap of thinking if I got enough Stuff, I would be

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happy. I would’ve never admitted it out loud, but there was also the stupid idea deep down that if I got enough Stuff, I would be happy and safe, or if I got the right Stuff, people would be impressed.

With that driving force, I went about the business of earning piles of money so I could spend piles of money. But a funny thing happened. The Stuff became . . . unsatisfying.

There was never completion or peace after a purchase, only the need to buy more.

Stuff just doesn’t do it.

By the time I was 26, I was a millionaire making $250,000 a year. Not long after that, due to some really dumb business decisions, I went broke and lost everything. That was 30 years ago.

I also met God during this time, who did bring me peace and completion. I finally realized I was pouring Stuff down a spiritual hole, and Stuff is not designed to fill that hole.

No matter how many cars I bought, or fancy dinners I ate, or cool places I traveled to, there was always something still missing.

During the following decades, we slowly began re-building wealth . . . this time while always giving. In the process, we discovered there’s much more joy in giving than in Stuff.

If you haven’t experienced the joy of giving, there’s no better time to start than during the holiday season. Who knows? It might just be the encouragement you need to become a giver all year long.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

-Dave * Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives.

He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

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Sudoku Answers from Dec. 7

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Ask The Motor Medics® From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.

Dear Motor Medics, We purchased a two-year-old Ford truck that has the flex fuel option.

I’ve never owned a flex fuel vehicle so I read the owner’s manual and at your suggestion went to fueleconomy.gov to get an idea of what kind of mileage it should get. They claim about five mpg more than what we are getting. The truck was a lease vehicle and has about 70,000 miles which seems high for two years, but they say it was taken care of. What can we do to improve the fuel economy? 10 mpg on the highway for most of the time using e85 seems very low. Your answers are always appreciated.

- Darren in Lemmon, SD Dear Darren, Driving the truck primarily on the highway and assuming it’s in perfect tune, you are not carrying extra weight, and you are using e85 ethanol fuel, it should be about right. With 70,000 miles on the truck, even though they claim it has been well taken care of it likely has not had much work done in the way of tuning. It’s two years old, it just doesn’t happen much. Without a fuel system cleaning you can lose a couple mpg and using e85 will take much more. Being flex fuel you can use a blend. If available, try 30% and check the mileage. That percentage has resulted in an increase for many of our customers with flex fuel vehicles over e85 or nothing.

-Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I’m thinking of buying a Saturn Vue. It’s got some miles but is a very nice vehicle.

There’s only one thing that’s keeping me from it and that’s because they’re no longer in business. This holds true for other companies as well, but they were bigger. If I buy this thing and I need to have it worked on, will they be able to find parts for it? It’s a great deal but not if I must park it because I can’t fix it.

What do you guys think?

-Todd in Yankton, SD Dear Todd, Yes, Saturn is gone but this vehicle shares many of the common drivetrain parts with other vehicles and the aftermarket makes many commonly used parts for popular

vehicles, so you don’t have to rely solely on the manufacturer. For most unique parts like body and interior that are still available you would purchase them through a GM store.

Many companies that are still in business today have discontinued less popular parts to save money and they can be tricky to find.

Popularity commonly drives what is available.

We have found ourselves looking for parts on a three-year-old vehicle that is out of warranty and at times just could not come up with a new part. In most cases we were able to find a good used part as an option and get the customer going and save them some money as well.

-Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow.com.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., Dec. 18: Liver & onions or hamburger patty, whipped potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables.

Tues., Dec. 19: BBQ pork on bun, tater tots, 3 bean salad, apple slices.

Wed., Dec. 20: Pizza casserole, green beans, garden salad w/Italian dressing.

Thurs., Dec. 21: Hamburger stroganoff, noodles, cucumber salad.

Fri., Dec. 22: Egg & hashbrown bake, sausage patty, applesauce.

Pre-registration requested to dine daily.

For more info. call 320-845-4070.

Upsala - All Ages

BREAKFAST: Mon.-Fri. 7-10 a.m.: Walk in & dine. Take out available, call ahead.

Mon., Dec. 18: Cheeseburger, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Dec. 19: Salisbury steak, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Wed., Dec. 20: Cook's choice.

Thurs., Dec. 21: 5:30 PM: Chicken enchiladas, rice, corn, dessert.

Fri., Dec. 22: Tater tot hotdish, garlic bread, dessert.

Pick up or eat in by 11:30 a.m.

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Hometown News • Thursday, December 14, 2023 • Page 7

Local Municipality Minutes Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com

Grey Eagle Township • December 4, 2023 Call to Order: Mike Rohe called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Members Present: Mary Ann Primus, Mike Rohe, Alan Roering and John Young. Erv Herdering and Bob Lanners were also present.

Agenda Approval: A preliminary agenda was presented. Mike asked if there were additions to the agenda. Mary Ann asked to include the election resolution included. John made the motion to accept the agenda with that addition.

Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: John made the motion to accept the November 6, 2023 Township minutes. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion passed.

Town Clerk’s Report: Clerk presented the claims list for November. Claims list included claims 3879,3894-3900 for a total of $31,903.23.

Alan made the motion to pay the claims. John made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Bob Lanners was present and requested the Township do something about the beavers on his property along 130th W. and also to remove trees hanging over Breezy Drive. John will check into these two items.

Mail included P&Z, an email from Gentilly Township and broadband mtg date.

The financial report was presented, John

made the motion to approve the financial report, Alan made the second. Motion carried. Alan made the motion to check on higher rate for CD that is up for renewal. Second was made by John, all in favor, motion carried. John made a motion to start a CD for $40,000 for a short term, either 6 or 9 months from the R&B account, Alan made the second, all in favor. Motion carried.

Road and Bridge Report: John shared information on how the Township could come up with a new policy for tree trimming and brush removal. Mary Ann will send a copy of the present policy for John to review. It was suggested to place a notice in the paper regarding snow removal.

Additional agenda item: Fire board meeting was held November, Nov. 21, Mike attended. No news other than a possible rate increase. Broadband mtg- no interest to attend.

Equalization training- done by John.

John made the motion to approve the Voting Operation, Technology and Election Resources Account Agreement. After some discussion, Alan made the second. Motion carried. Mary Ann will call the Election officials to question how this will play out in future years, as far as renewal.

Public Comments: None Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by John second

by Alan. All in favor. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Minutes not approved.

Mary Ann Primus, Clerk/Treasurer

Joan I. “Joanie” Beilke

Mary L. Heitzman

Joan I. “Joanie” Beilke, age 65 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at her home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 16 at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

Saturday at the church.

Joan Irene Boecker was born December 16, 1957 in Millwood Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Lawrence and Valeria (Pohlmann) Boecker. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1976. She was united in marriage to Ronald “Ron” Beilke on May 7, 1977 at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Joanie worked at Stearns Manufacturing in Grey Eagle and at Pride of Mainstreet Dairy in Sauk Centre where she was the office manager and bookkeeper.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Joanie enjoyed gardening, doing word search, and the Sudoku puzzle. She was an excellent cook and baker and loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Ron Beilke of Sauk Centre; children, Darren Beilke of Sauk Centre and Celeste Beilke of Sauk Centre; brothers and sisters, Caroline Erickson of Grey Eagle, David (Ellie) Boecker of St. Rosa, Rosie (Dave) Ehlert of Freeport, Gerald (Verena “Tweetie”) Boecker of Melrose, Marilyn (Charles) Berger of Albany, Kenneth Boecker of St. Rosa, and Steven (Geri) Boecker of Melrose; mother-in-law, Lorraine Beilke of Sauk Centre; sister-in-law, Carol Boecker of Delano; and brothers-in-law, Randy Beilke of Sauk Centre and Russell (Vicki) Beilke of Sauk Centre.

Joanie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joseph, Virgil, Alvin, and Jerome Boecker; father-in-law, Arthur Beilke; and sisterin-law, Bernie Boecker.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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Mass of Christian burial for Mary L. Heitzman, age 67, was held at All Saint’s–St. Mary’s, Holdingford on Monday, December 11, 2023. Burial was at the parish cemetery.

Mary peacefully passed away at her home on Thursday, December 7 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born on January 6, 1956, to Alfred and Eleanor (Solarz) Molus. She graduated from Holdingford High School.

She married Gerald Heitzman on August 2, 1980, at Immaculate Conception Church, St. Anna. The couple had four loving children.

Mary worked many years at Vision-Ease.

After the St. Cloud plant closed, she worked at Holdingford High School as a kitchen assistant. She helped on the farm milking cows, hauling hay, and driving tractors until her sons got older.

Mary enjoyed the Friday night football games and boys’ and girls’ basketball games for the Holdingford Huskers. She would buy her favorite students, in her lunch line, cookies some days, and her own children were jealous of them. She enjoyed joking with the students and staff while she worked. Mary loved playing cards and Trouble with her granddaughters.

She liked to watch game shows. Mary loved making her family recipe coffee cake each holiday. Every spring, Mary would buy a few flowers and vegetables to plant. Most of the time, the first set would die so a second set needed to be purchased.

Mary is survived by her husband, Gerald, Avon; children Janelle (Matt) Loehlein, St. Joseph; Jeff (Emily), St. Joseph; and Eric, Avon; two grandchildren Julia and Isabella Loehlein; sisters Patti (Charlie) Berscheid, Avon; Brenda (Herb) Blonigen, Avon; and Sharon (Brian) Sand, (Albany).

She is preceded in death by her son Russell (August 27, 2020), parents Alfred and Eleanor (Solarz) Molus, and sister Shirley Molus.

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A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at American Lutheran Church in Long Prairie for Virginia “Ginny” Bruder who died on December 9, 2023 at CentraCare Hospital in Long Prairie surrounded by her family. There will be visitation at the church one hour prior to the memorial service.

Virginia Ruth Leraas was born November 17, 1955 in Hoffman, MN to Howard and Norma Leraas. She was raised and completed high school in Columbia Heights where she met Michael Bruder. An opportunity to farm and raise cattle brought the couple to Long Prairie. They were married on February 12, 1977 at the American Lutheran Church. Ginny also worked at Stardust Video and Coborn’s in Long Prairie. In 1984 she and Mike started a garbage collection service and eventually went on to be owners and operators of Prairie Sanitation. After 33 years of serving the community, they sold the company in 2017.

Ginny frequently attended the City Council meetings in communities they served.

She was affectionately called the “garbage lady." She was a very welcoming person who expanded her table to include her kid’s friends who also called her “Ma." She had a way of making every gathering of friends and family feel special. Many wonderfully prepared meals were shared in her home. Her craft work was displayed in her festively decorated home, especially on holidays. Ginny went all out on Halloween. She also created beautiful flower gardens. She was an avid supporter of her husband and brother’s car racing team whether that be cheering from the pit or running for parts. More than anything though Virginia was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.

Being called “Nina” by her four grandchildren meant the world to her.

She is survived by her daughters, Jackie Bruder (Bryan Peterson) and Holly (Cole) Johnson both of Long Prairie; Nancy Rush of Champlin and Kathy (Jeff) Norberg of Minnetonka; brother John (Tracy) Leraas of Browerville; grandchildren McKinnzie and Tyler Johnson, Connor Bruder, Natalie VanHavermaat; brothers-in-law John (Louise) Bruder, of Port Charlotte, FL and Tony (Carol) Bruder of Long Prairie; sister-in-law Dona (Craig) Gebbert, of Franklin, WI. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Mike and brother-in-law Michael Rush.

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Margaret Johanna Ostendorf

Mass of Christian burial celebrating the life of Margaret Johanna (Gerads) Ostendorf, age 91, of Albany, will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Margaret was surrounded by her family when she passed away at the Melrose Hospital on December 8, 2023.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, December 14th at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Albany and again at 10 AM on Friday, December 15th at Seven Dolors.

The interment will take place in the parish cemetery.

Margaret was born in Elmdale Township to John and Theresa (Muellner) Gerads. She lived in St. Francis until marrying then moved to Albany. She married Anthony Ostendorf on August 19, 1952, in St. Francis. She worked at Sully’s Café, then Enga’s, before taking ownership and operating Dawn’s Café for an additional 26 years before retiring in 2001. Margie volunteered for many years at Mother Seton store in Albany and was also a longtime member of TOPS. She is a member of the Christian Mothers, of the Seven Dolars Catholic Church in Albany.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Donald) Luethmers, Delano; John (Ann) Ostendorf, St. Joseph; Janice (Jayme) Hennek, Avon; Richard (Cindy) Ostendorf, Avon; David (Sherry) Ostendorf, Melrose; and James (Michele) Ostendorf, Little Falls. Her siblings Lawrence (Dorothy) Gerads, Tony (Maryann) Gerads, Erma (John) Anderson, Monica (Konrad) Gores. She is also survived by her son-in-law Clarence Borgerding, Freeport, 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Anthony Ostendorf and her parents John and Theresa (Muellner) Gerads. Children, Joseph Ostendorf and Marilyn Borgerding. She is also preceded by her sister Mary Zimmerman Brooks and grandson David G. Ostendorf.

A Wagon Funny

It was the day after Christmas at a church.

The pastor was looking at the nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures.

Immediately, the pastor turned toward the church to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus.

The pastor walked up to Jimmy and said, "Well, Jimmy, where did you get the little infant?"

Jimmy replied, "I got him from the church."

"And why did you take him?"

With a sheepish smile, Jimmy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it."

Melrose Township: Notice of Election Filing

Affidavits of Candidacy for Melrose Township may be filed with the clerk starting January 2, 2024, and will close on January 16, 2024, for the March 12, 2024 election. Offices open are: -One Supervisor for a 3-year term Hours for filing for office on the final day are 1 p.m to 5 p.m. Please contact the clerk with any questions and/or for additional information at 320-256-7173. There is a filing fee of $2.00.

Cecilia Tylutki, Melrose Township Clerk

Grey Eagle United Methodist Church

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

• Snow Shovels • Ice No Mor - Ice Melt

Upsala Farm Store Inc.

Virginia “Ginny” Bruder

LP Gas Refill

Sunday, Dec. 24 • 4:00 PM

Grey Eagle United Methodist Church is located at Todd County Roads 2 & 47 A Candle Light Service with Communion.

Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 14, 2023

Todd County HHS

Employment Opportunities Todd County HHS is looking for reliable, service oriented individuals to serve the citizens of Todd County in the following positions:

** Social Worker - Care Coordinator (full-time)

** Registered Nurse - Care Coordinator (full-time)

** Social Worker – Child Services (full-time)

** Paraprofessional Case Aide (full-time) ** Support Enforcement Aide (full-time)

STOLEN: Yamaha Wolverine 350 ATV – older model, green, carpet on rack, winch, tool rack. Information please call Sheriff at 320-732-2158.

FOUND: Fobster. Stop in at Neville Hardware to claim.

FOR SALE: 3 heated snowmobile helmets, worn less than 20 hours. Call 612-7101620.

12/14 FOR SALE: Sewing machine stand. Call 320-224-4576.

WANTED TO BUY: Dairy Heifers and Cows. 320-894-7175.

SC-evB

FOR SALE: Cover for a Camaro, sold car no longer need, black. Please call 320-8457801.

WANTED: Good used small Winnebago, good gas mileage, reasonable. Call 320267-5632, RB-tfn

FOR SALE: M Farmall, runs good, rubber fair with loader, needs battery, $1,100 b/o.

Call 612-283-2718.

WANTED TO BUY: Louden hay carrier, must be complete. Call 651-739-2715.

FOR SALE: Igloo ice maker, Model #ICE102, $50. Don Salzmann, 765-2295275.

FOR SALE: 2017 Polaris Ranger 1000XP, VG cond., new tires, windows, lights, fluids changed, ready to go. Details & pics. 320815-8922. tfn GIVEAWAY: Kids boots! Black Outbrook size 2; black Kamik size 5 like new; blue/ black Ranger size 5; pink/black Ranger size 6. Call 612-597-2998.

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To learn more about these openings and how to apply, visit the official Todd County website at https://www.co.todd.mn.us Questions may be directed to Todd County Administration: (320) 732-6155.

EOE

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SHOP LOCAL! Support Our Local Businesses for • Gift Items • Gift Certificates • Special Services • Take Out Meals • Off Sale • & More!

CANCER SALE

• John Deere Snowblower, 8 HP Walk Behind • Honda Garden Tiller • Makita 10" Miter Saw • Electric Trolling Motor for Small Boat • Jiffy 8" Gas Ice Auger • Lots of Tools • Cadillac Escalade, Nice • Boat: Fish & Ski with all the Extras!

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1 can of any vegetables or combination of your favorite 1 can cream of celery soup 1 soup can of milk 1/4 tsp. of salt Precook vegetables drain add cream of celery soup and milk heat to serving temperature Add some cheese if you like. Enjoy!

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