Obituaries

James A. “Jim” Jungers

James A. “Jim” Jungers, age 80 of Sauk Centre, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, May 31 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating. Interment was in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre.

James Allen Jungers was born January 9, 1943 in Hospers, Iowa to Richard and Laura (Johannes) Jungers. He spent his working career at the Sauk Centre Bakery, Grain Belt Distributing, Beuning Agriculture, and prior to his retirement at Centre Jobbing. Jim was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim earned his pilot’s license and was a member of the Sauk Centre Flying Club. He loved flying with a friend to the Minnesota Gopher football games held in other states. Jim was also known to be a Mr. Fix-it and a wonderful storyteller. He loved to ride around town on his white scooter wearing his Newsboy hat and was also an avid reader.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Pat (Tom) Trutna, Joyce Jungers, Connie (Ken) Blank-Meier, Mary Jungers, and Dick Jungers all of Sauk Centre, and Dave (Donna) Jungers of Sherwood, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Rich in 1973 and Laura in 1996; brothers, Lee in 1956, Phil in 1998, and Keith in 2017; brotherin-law, Jim Blank in 1996; and nephew, Ricky Jungers in 2017.

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

Raymond A. Meldaus

Raymond A. “Ray” Meldaus, age 99 of Big Birch Lake in Grey Eagle, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10th at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle with military honors following the service by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. A private inurnment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Grey Eagle.

Ray was born October 25, 1923 to Michael and Naimi (Kopman) Meldaus at the family homestead on Big Birch Lake. The Meldaus family members were active within the local Finnish community. After graduating from Grey Eagle High School, Ray enlisted in the Navy in June of 1941 and proudly served throughout WWII until his discharge in November of 1945.

Ray met the love of his life shortly after the war, and in 1947, he and Elizabeth “Tootie” Buchholz were married in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ray got his start as a sharp-dressed man working at Brown’s Clothing in Minneapolis before his long-term career at Minneapolis/ Minnesota Blueprint. Ray and Tootie lived in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, and after retirement, the couple moved to Big Birch Lake in Grey Eagle and wintered in Florida for many years.

Ray was an avid reader, history buff and music lover. He excelled in keeping things in immaculate order and finding ingenious solutions to problems. Ray loved sharing stories and a laugh with family & friends and relished his lifelong time on the shores of Big Birch Lake.

Survivors include his son, Jeffrey (Carol) Meldaus of Anoka; daughter, Susette (Pat) Smith of Maple Grove; grandchildren, Joelle (Andy) Pidhayny of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Justin (Jenny) Meldaus of Minneapolis, Ry (Joelle) Meldaus of Little Falls, and Matthew (Liz) Meldaus of Burtrum; great grandchildren James, Ian, Ava, Gwen, Brynn and Ross; and daughterin-law, Deb McCloskey of New Brighton.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth “Tootie” Meldaus; son, Brian Meldaus; sister and brothers, Esther Anderson, Clarence Meldaus, and Roy Meldaus.

Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Grey Eagle.

Neville

Rick’s Painting

Rita Marie Hiltner Rita Marie Hiltner, age 99 of Freeport, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at home in Freeport, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Inurnment followed in the parish cemetery.

Rita Marie Rose was born in Melrose, Minnesota, the daughter and youngest child of Herman Rose and Theresia Henrietta Benolken. Rita was a long-time resident of Freeport, Minnesota.

Rita was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish, the Christian Mothers, and the secretary of the local court of the Woman’s Catholic Order of Foresters for more than 60 years. She was also a member of the Young at Heart Club, the Senior Citizens Club, the Melrose VFW Auxiliary, and the Albany Legion Auxiliary.

Before and in the early years of her marriage to Edwin, Rita worked at the Freeport State Bank, and she helped there in the summers after her children were born. After her children left home, she worked as a cook at Charlie’s Cafe in Freeport. Rita enjoyed camping, walking, bowling, ice skating, and swimming. She enjoyed getting together with family and friends, playing cards, going for drives in the country, and going to the casino. She loved watching the birds and squirrels at the feeders in her yard. Everyone looked forward to getting a pair of the slippers she knitted. Rita and Ed traveled together to Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edwin Hiltner; her brothers, Frank (Eleanor Spaeth), John (Christine Rau), and Sylvester (Monica Hiltner); her sisters, Hilda, Elizabeth (Schmidt), Amanda (Zirbes), and Helen (Budde, Eichers); and her son-in-law, Leon Koopmeiners.

Rita is survived by her four children: Mary Ayers (Doug Porteous) of Toronto, Ontario, Peter (Hyon So) of Saint Roberts, Missouri, Susan (Richard Shawley) of Avon, Leon (Tammy Stewart) of Alexandria; and her sister-in-law, Genevieve (Overman) Hiltner. Rita loved and was very proud of her seven grandchildren and her 13 great grandchildren: Karolyn and Curtis Marshall and family, Peter Andrew Hiltner and Kim Stueve, Benjamin and Leeann Spartz Hiltner and family, Robin and Jeff Kremer and family, April and Jodi Huls and family, Nikki and Matt Klohr and family, and Josh and Ashley Hiltner and family.

Rita was lovingly cared for the last years of her life by her granddaughter, Nikki with help from the rest of the family.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Freeport.

Local Library Events

Grey Eagle Library • 320-285-2505

Ventriloquist James Wedgewood: Come join us in celebrating our Summer Reading Program “Find Your Voice” with a talented ventriloquist. This show is “The Most Fun You Can Have Without Moving Your Lips!” James uses amazing comic ventriloquism, outrageous characters, and hilarious audience participation to bring truly memorable entertainment. For all ages. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Wednesday, June 7 from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

Long Prairie Library • 320-732-2332

Ventriloquist James Wedgewood: Come join us in celebrating our Summer Reading Program “Find Your Voice” with a talented ventriloquist. This show is “The Most Fun You Can Have Without Moving Your Lips!” James uses amazing comic ventriloquism, outrageous characters, and hilarious audience participation to bring truly memorable entertainment. For all ages. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Wednesday, June 7 from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m.

Author Frank Weber: Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the Long Prairie Public library speaking on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman (H2 OH) is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. For adults. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Wednesday, June 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Melrose Library • 320-256-3885

The Dollipops!: Get ready to sing, dance, and laugh with the engaging, high-energy, highly interactive kids’ show! Dolli and Pop are sisters who have traveled all the way from Sweet Tart City to bring you on a magical and musical road trip that is sure to get kids (and their parents!) moving, grooving, and making memories. From classic beach tunes to current Hollywood and pop hits, Dolli and Pop use music to allow kids the chance to use their imaginations, to sing and dance along, and even to enjoy their very own four and a half minutes of fame! For children and families. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Tuesday, June 6 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Natures View Tree & Yard Care

Every year on Memorial weekend the Jim Koetter family has gotten together for freshening and cleaning up the grotto at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Freeport. The grotto is a tribune to their aunt Sister Adelaide Koetter who was killed and murdered in World War II. She and other missionaries were captured by the Japanese during the war and they were murdered at sea. This year, many more of sister Adelaide nieces and nephews came and helped getting that Grotto really spruced up. Submitted by Bob Koetter.

Swanville Junior High Student of the Month

Swanville Public School is pleased to announce the May grades seven through nine Student of the Month, ninth grade student Corinne Notermann. Corrine is the daughter of Michelle and Tony Notermann. She enjoys playing with her puppy, running, shopping and hanging with family and friends.

Corrine began participating in volleyball as a sixth grader and this year added track. She is also a student council member. Corrine is consistently on the honor roll. Her favorite thing about school is being around her friends. Her advice to other students is “Study and focus on being

Todays Thought

I don't understand why people have to "get ready for bed." I'm always ready for bed.

your best self.”

Fine Arts Instructor Kerry Osberg says, “I really enjoy having Corinne as one of my students! She is very conscientious, hardworking and strives to do her best. She has been a wonderful addition to the Student Council. She can always be counted on to volunteer her time and effort to the projects that we sponsor. Corinne is very kind hearted and quick to help out her fellow students! She truly is a team player and both on and off the field!” Corinne’s future plans are to attend college.

A Question Funny

A little boy just couldn't learn. One day his teacher asked him who signed the Declaration of Independence. He didn't know. For almost a week she asked him the same question every day, but still he couldn't come up with the right answer.

Finally, in desperation, she called the boy's father to her office. "Your boy won't tell me who signed the Declaration of Independence," she complained.

"Come here, son, and sit down," the dad said to the boy. "Now if you signed that crazy thing, just admit it so we can get out of here!"

Thomas A. Guenther Thomas

Andrew “Tom”

Guenther, age 87 of Grey Eagle, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the Belgrade Care Center in Belgrade, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 6 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Ronald Dockendorf officiating. Inurnment will be in Saint Ann’s Cemetery in Brandon at a later date.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The Knights of Columbus will pray at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Tom was the youngest of five children born to Rudolph and Isabella (Joos) Guenther and was baptized and confirmed at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Brandon. He graduated from Brandon High School in 1953 and began farming with his father. He farmed until 1989 and semi-retired in 1998, relocating to Mercy Manor Apartments in Albany. He worked for Green Thumb at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home and Mercy Manor. In 2005 he moved to Village View Apartments in Grey Eagle.

Music was important in Tom’s life playing the accordion, piano, organ, and clarinet, entertaining many people at different celebrations with his old time music. He was a member of the American Tree Farm System and planted many trees and gardens. Many people benefited from his garden produce and his volunteer work. Tom was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for 70 years.

Thomas is survived by his brothers, Gustavus (Bernice) Guenther of Milbank, South Dakota and Charles Guenther of St. Peter, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, LaVern Ledermann; brother, Walter Guenther; and sister-in-law, Lillian Guenther.

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

Dale L. Wegleitner

Dale L. Wegleitner, age 72 of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at his home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. Thursday, June 8 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle. Entombment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Dale Lawrence Wegleitner was born September 15, 1950 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Anton and Verena (Heinen) Wegleitner. He served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1971. On February 3, 1984, he was united in marriage to Joan Welle at St. Anthony Catholic Church near Albany, Minnesota.

Dale was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle and a lifelong member of the Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050 in Melrose. He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Wegleitner; brothers, Tony (Kerry) Wegleitner and Darrell (Anette) Wegleitner; sisters, Debbie (LeRoy) Sand and Denise Wegleitner; sisters-in-law, Pat Wegleitner, Peggy Wegleitner, Linda Wegleitner, and Carol Wegleitner; and many nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lee Wegleitner, Ken Wegleitner, Joe Wegleitner, and Dave Wegleitner. Memorials are preferred.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Grey Eagle.