“The Good Old Days” -By Tom

New World

The world we find ourselves in today is at best, confusing. We lived our lives being content with some of the basics that created our understanding of how life should be. Pay your bills, be kind, obey the law, teach your children well and try to make your small part of the world a better place when you leave it. These principals were part of our lives for as long as we can remember.

Not everyone was the same. Different religions, nationalities, occupations and towns in which we resided, made us different, but we learned that not everyone was the same. Some drove Fords, some Chevrolet or Plymouth. Some used alcoholic beverages and danced, while others didn't. There were choices between John Deere, Farmall or Allis Chalmers, creating discussions about the superiority of each brand. Many of these choices were created by our parents and grandparents and we were taught to believe that what is, is and can't be changed. These ideas became part of our being and we were comfortable not changing it, even if we could.

Over the last few years, most of us have been informed by the media that there are groups of individuals trying to belittle us by using very derogatory words to describe individuals that do not follow their new ideas of how everyone should think. Their ideas are usually totally different from what we consider to be how life really is.

We can either try to understand their thinking or ignore them and go forward with the comfortable life we have spent so many years perfecting.

We, according to them, are living in

Kuehne

a time that is long past. To make it easier for them to belittle us, they create titles to describe us. Some of the titles include “militant” for those of us that believe our country needs an army or police force. You could be considered a “radical” if you stand to salute our flag. If you were brought up in a home that had both a mother and a dad, you are a believer in slavery. If you question the statements made by mainstream media, you are a “right wing conspiracy nut." You can be referred to as a “fascist” if you think as a moral or a fiscal conservative. If you don't believe in transferring our government's wealth to those that have added nothing to it, you are an “anti-socialist." It is evidently easier to simply create a catch-all title to those that don't think as you do.

If you are listening to the national news sources, you are able to see how divided our leadership has become. It's like, if you don't think as I do, you are insane and should be put away.

We still have the ability to hit the remote and avoid some of the insanity in the world, but sometimes the craziness sneaks in. Sometimes a friend stops in and wants to share a news story that was considered to be really important. Maybe while picking up groceries, someone we know joins you in the aisle and after complaining about the weather the conversation goes to “did you hear about."

The easiest relaxation method is to pick up a book and remember that no matter how much you worry about things, they can't be changed by your personal worry. It's good that you don't have that much power, because that would burden you with a whole bunch of additional duties, which would require much additional productive worry.

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

MELROSE

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

There are certain chapters in the Bible that when mentioned, my mind goes to what it says. Genesis 1 talks about God creating the universe and everything in it. Then it says that we were created in His image, making us image bearers of God (before all of Creation. Exodus 20 gives us the ten commandments. Isaiah 53 talks about how Jesus was going to be despised by man and pierced for our transgressions. Matthew 1 tells us of Jesus genealogy and how God used sinful people to fulfill His prophesy. John 3 talks about being born again, incredible truth. Acts 1 gives us the history of the church, right after Jesus dies, is resurrected and goes to heaven. The Holy Spirit then comes to help believers. 1 Corinthians 13 says that we could be the best person ever but if we lack love, we are nothing. Philippians 4 says not to be anxious about anything but to pray with thanksgiving and we will be given peace in Jesus. Revelation 3 of course has to do with Jesus standing at the door knocking, waiting for us to answer and invite Him in.)

Those are the ones that come to mind, but I think I just found one more that will be in my list. I started preaching from Ephesians a couple of weeks ago. Ephesians chapter 1 talks of our spiritual blessings. We know that Jesus died for our sins and if we confess our sins and ask Him into our heart and life, He forgives us of our sins. But, did you know that God called us to be His, even before He created the universe?

Ephesians 1:3-6 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” This is so incredible! God chose us, before He created the world, making us His own because He loves us. He loves us and has adopted us into His family. That ought to brighten your day.

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

TOM’S AUTO BODY

34741 Cty Rd 2 • Grey Eagle 320-266-4935

Friday Night Lent Specials

• Shrimp Tacos $13.95

• Garlic and Chili Grilled Prawns $14.95

• Honey Dijon Arctic Char $19.95

• ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH (BAR) $14.95

• Lobster Roll $16.95

Saturdays & Sundays

Bloody Mary w/Burger Special $13

Loaded Bloody Mary's $10

320-285-3576

BAR SPECIALS: 4-9 PM

Wednesdays: Build Your Own Burger Basket starting at $6.50

Thursdays: Rib Basket $8.50 Chicken & Ribs $13 1/4 Broasted Chicken Basket $8.50

HAPPY HOUR:

Post 101

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

Friday Night Lent Special

Dine In Only • Serving 5-9 PM 4 Pc. Fish Dinner with JoJo's... $9.50

Extra Fish $2.00 Ea.

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., Mar. 17: Reuben Sandwich or Cheeseburger or w/Chili or JoJo's

Mon., Mar. 20: Beef Rice Soup w/Beef Sandwich

Tues., Mar. 21: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Mar. 22: Pork Chow Mein

Thurs., Mar. 23: Beef Stew

Fri., Mar. 24: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

KARAOKE Friday Nights 8-10 PM

St. Patrick's Day Friday, March 17

Corned Beef & Cabbage, Rueben Bites $2 Green Beer $4 Irish Beer & Liquors

Karaoke starts at 8 pm Dress in your St. Patty’s Day Outfits, Prizes will be given out!

Mon.-Wed.: 4:30-6:30 PM...$3.00

Thursday: All Day/Night...$2.50

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack)

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50

6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm)

Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Thursday Wraps: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

Grilled Chicken $9.00; Crispy Chicken $8.50; Buffalo Chicken $8.50; Taco $8.50; Philly Steak $8.50

Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50 Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Annella Mary Ringwelski

Annella Mary Ringwelski, age 92, of Bowlus, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Serenity Village in Avon.

Annella was born on July 16, 1930, in Elmdale, to Joseph and Edith (Schneider) Kopka. She graduated from Upsala High School in 1949. She then attended St. Mary’s Nursing College in Rochester where she received her LPN. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital until moving to Minneapolis where she worked at the University of Minnesota Heart Hospital. There she worked with the doctor who invented the pacemaker. She remained there for 10 years before marrying Leo Kroll in 1960. After Annella was married, she continued working as a nurse in Little Falls until they started a family. In 1967 Leo and Annella moved to the Bowlus farm. After Leo’s passing in 1970, Annellla remained on the farm. In 1973 Annella married Joseph Ringwelski and they farmed for 44 years until Joe’s passing in 2017.

Annella enjoyed gardening, farming, baking, canning, crocheting afghans, dancing, traveling, being outdoors and spending time with family. She was a woman of strong faith who was an active member of the Rosary Society, Christian Mothers and St. Stanislaus church choir for many years.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Duane (Rose) Kroll and Joyce (Dave) Matsuoka; stepchildren: Pat (Ivan) Baggenstoss, Kathleen Ohotto, and Tom (Mary) Ringwelski; sister: Hilaria Rader; grandchildren: Christopher, Nicholas, Amy (John), Jane (Brian), Casey (Tim), Joe, Dana (Tanner), Sara (Jon), DesiRae (Tim), TJ (Danielle), Matthew, Carlee; stepgrandchildren: Erin (Aaron), Ben (Rachael), Meghan, Matt, Molly (Isaac) and many great grandchildren.

Annella is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Leo Kroll, second husband Joseph Ringwelski,; brothers William and Anthony Kopka.

Mass of Christian Burial for Annella will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 11 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bowlus. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, from 4-7 pm, and one hour prior to the mass, Tuesday at the church.

Truma M. Rasmusen

Truma M. Rasmusen, age 93 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Galeon Community Memorial Home in Osakis, Minnesota. A Funeral Service was held Tuesday, March 14 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Rev. Rebecca Thomas officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre.

Truma Minick was born May 11, 1929 in Welcome, Minnesota to Ralph and Laura (Fisher) Minick. Truma grew up in Welcome and Fairmont, Minnesota where she went to school. After completing through the ninth grade, she stayed home to care for her mother. Truma met Merlin Rasmusen roller skating at Diamond Point when she was 17. The couple married on June 5, 1948 at Osakis Lutheran Church in Osakis. The couple have called Sauk Centre their home for over 72 years where they raised their family. Truma worked at Swift and Company for ten years and later at Vocational Biographies for 23 years.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre, Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853 Auxiliary, and the Sauk Centre Senior Citizens. Truma enjoyed camping, working crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, embroidering, knitting, reading, and watching Wheel of Fortune. She also enjoyed traveling, taking many motorcycle trips for years, hunting out west in Montana, and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include her children, Larry (Diane) Rasmusen of Sauk Centre, Carol Kleinschmidt of Sauk Centre, and Julie (Tim) Schoeck of Osakis; grandchildren, Ryan Kleinschmidt, Jamie Kleinschmidt, Shawn Rasmusen, Sam Rasmusen, Angela Joos, Adam Saulsbury, and Kali Schoeck; 19 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; and sister, Florene Larson of Fairmont.

Truma was preceded in death her husband, Merlin Rasmusen on April 13, 2022; parents; brother, Donald (Peggy) Minick; son-in-law, Rick Kleinschmidt; sister-in-law, Ilene Nett; and brothers-in-law, Richard Larson and Harvey Hempeck.

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

Wanda S. Gorr

A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie for Wanda Gorr, 73, of Long Prairie. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 PM, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Stein Chapel in Long Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Wanda was born February 20, 1950 to Clarence and Selma (Ruschmeyer) Tabbert in New Ulm, MN. She graduated from High School in Gibbon, MN. On June 1, 1968 she married Randolph “Randy” Gorr. The couple lived in several different places and traveled extensively before moving to Long Prairie in 1976. Wanda and Randy owned and operated Randy’s Market, a grocery store in Long Prairie. After selling the business, Wanda continued to work as a cashier at Coborn’s where she greeted each customer with a friendly smile.

Refusing to be limited by her Multiple Sclerosis, Wanda put many miles on her scooter. She always looked forward to yearly trips to Laughlin, NV. Traveling with Wanda was always interesting due to the many “potty” stops you would have to make along the way. She enjoyed getting together with her friends for coffee. She loved playing cards and enjoyed a game of marbles when she could find three other people to play with her. More than anything though, she loved spending time with family and going to each of her grandchildren’s activities.

She is survived by her husband Randy of Long Prairie; son Christopher (Jennie) of Mequon, WI; daughter Jessica (Allen) Quinn of Osakis; sister Shirley (Les) Cabot of Missoula, MT; brother Gary (Elaine) Tabbert of Glencoe; brother-in-law Kurt (Cindy) Gorr of Underwood and sister-inlaw Suzanne (Ron) Totman of New Ulm and eight grandchildren.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Selma Tabbert; mother and fatherin-law Rudy and Ruthie Gorr; two nieces, Shelly Tabbert and Naomi Peterson.

Dennis A. Meyer

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Dennis A. Meyer (82) of Avon. Dennis passed away Wednesday, March 8, after complications from his long battle with Parkinson’s.

For an Everlasting Memorial

He was born in 1940 to Alex and Gladys (Litzinger) Meyer in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1958. He volunteered for the draft and entered the Army in 1962 where he was eventually transferred to Ascom City, Korea. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army in June of 1965. From there he attended St. Cloud State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in July of 1968. Dennis worked for Stearns County Social Services as a social worker for over 30 years, where he made many lifetime friends. He married Cynthia “Cindy” Laffen in 1968 and together they raised six children. He was a charismatic man with a mischievous nature. He loved his family and grandchildren and enjoyed being around them.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his grandchild, Zander Southwell.

He leaves behind his wife, Cindy Meyer; and his six children, Wendy Young, Brad Meyer (Leah), Tammy Meyer, Carrie Meyer, Darrin Meyer (Nicki) and Todd Meyer (Staci); and nine grandchildren, Max Young, Josie and Arlo Meyer, Raiden Southwell, Alanna, Alex and Claire Meyer and Roland and Ulysses Meyer.

A celebration of life was held Wednesday, March 15th at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Arlene W. Arnzen

Arlene W. Arnzen, age 81 of St. Rosa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at her home near St. Rosa, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, March 15 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Arlene was born June 3, 1941 to Henry and Loretta Middendorf. She was united in marriage to Gerald Arnzen on September 2, 1959 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Together they raised their family and farmed until they retired in 1996. Arlene lost the love of her life on October 22, 2016.

Arlene was an active member of the St. Rose of Lima catholic church where she taught religion for many years, was a member of the Christian Mothers and St. Loretta’s Mission Circle, she also sang on the church choir. Arlene enjoyed sewing quilts, playing cards, casino trips, cooking and baking. Her cookies will be missed by all of her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Arlene had the heart of gold, there was nothing better for her than spending time with her family and friends. She was always the first to help anyone in need, bring over a meal or just be there to listen. Her faith in God gave her amazing strength through her many medical issues over the years.

Arlene is survived by her children, John (Lillian) Arnzen, Bonnie (Mark) Stangler, Henry Arnzen, Mike (Beth) Arnzen, Fred (Linda) Arnzen, all of St. Rosa, and Julie (Jerry) Engelmeyer of Merrifield; sisters Mary Ann Butkowski, Viola Meyer, Kathy (Kenny) Thomas and Harriet Froelich; brothers Lornie and David (Jan) Middendorf; 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents, Henry and Loretta Middendorf; brothers, Walter, Willie, Connie and Eddie Middendorf.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

Stearns Co. Sheriff’s Office

Fatal Crash: March 16, 2023: At approximately 2:20 PM, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Officer Emergency Communications Center received a report of a two-vehicle crash located at the intersection of County Road 52 and 160th Avenue in Holding Township. Deputies arrived on scene and located two vehicles crashed in the south ditch of County Road 52 at this intersection. A 2010 Ford Explorer Sport truck was being operated by Isaac Schwinghammer, 19, of Avon. The second vehicle involved was a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by Kevin Boundy, 67, from Avon. Boundy had been traveling southbound on 160th Avenue at County Road 52 and Schwinghammer was traveling westbound on County Road 52 approaching the intersection. This intersection is controlled by stop signs for vehicles traveling north and southbound on 160th Avenue. Schwinghammer’s vehicle struck the driver’s side of Boundy’s vehicle causing both vehicles to crash into the southwest ditch. Deputies and other rescue personnel arrived on scene. Boundy was pronounced deceased a short time later. Schwinghammer was not injured and refused medical attention. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol, Mayo Ambulance, and Holdingford Fire and Rescue. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.