Obituaries

Donald Vernon Voller

Mass of Christian Burial for Donald Vernon Voller, age 64, of Holdingford, will be Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 11 am at Church of All Saints St. Hedwig Catholic Church, Holdingford with visitation from 9-11 AM on Thursday, March 9, also at the church. Interment at the parish cemetery.

Don was born on April 9, 1958, in Melrose to Robert and Evelyn (Stroeing) Voller. He graduated from Albany High School in 1976. Don worked at various jobs, and at Polar Tank, Opole. Don was very proud of being able to live and work around Holdingford.

Don is survived by his brothers and sisters, Gerald (Karen) Voller, Albany, James (Mary) Voller, St. Joseph, Thomas (Sandy) Voller, Long Prairie, David (JoAnn) Voller, Bertrum, Janet (Tom) Nierenhausen, St. Stephen, Bonnie Sitte, Crystal, Brian (Paula) Voller, Royalton, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Evelyn Voller.

Robert H. Reith

Robert H. Reith, 51 year old resident of Randall, MN, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Little Falls, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN, with Fr. Ron Dockendorf officiating. Burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Caring for Robert and his family is the Shelley-Gibson Funeral Chapel in Swanville.

Alvin "Pretzel" Sobania

Marlene Scepaniak

Marlene

James G. Herding

James G. Herding, 91, of Long Prairie passed away at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. The Rev. Noah Wehrspann officiated and burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery.

Robert was born on March 27, 1971 in Slayton, Minnesota. He lived with his parents on a dairy farm west of Fulda, Minnesota. Robert enjoyed helping mom and dad, especially in the dairy barn. He also loved all the tractor rides and animals. He moved with his family to a dairy farm near Long Prairie in 1978. Robert entered the Mid State Education program for special needs students and he graduated from Little Falls High School in 1992. He was always in all the Special Olympic athletic games and won a lot of metals. His favorites were bowling and swimming. He also spent a lot of time riding his Polaris four-wheeler all around the farm. Robert really loved music, singing and dancing. He especially liked the song International Harvester and wearing his International Harvester hat. After high school, he got a job at Employment Enterprise in Little Falls and worked there for 31 years. There he was able to work out in the communities. He loved his job and all his friends. On December 5, 2022, he moved into Jo-Jo's Adult Foster Home in Little Falls and loved the staff and all the residents. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville and also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. On March 2, 2023, he passed away at Jo-Jo Adult Foster Home with his parents, special friends and wonderful staff by his side.

Alvin "Pretzel" Sobania, 79 year old resident of Flensburg, MN, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, MN with Father Jimmy Joseph officiating. Burial will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. A visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Friday and from 10-11 A.M. on Saturday all at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, MN. Military rites will be performed by the Flensburg American Legion Post 136. Caring for Pretzel and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Little Falls.

Scepaniak, 88-yearold resident of Upsala, MN died March 5, after a brief battle with glioblastoma, at Upsala Senior Living. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 13, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala with Father David Grundman officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala and from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of the service on Monday at the church. Burial will be at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery in Holdingford.

Arrangements by Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, Holdingford, MN. SNOW

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Harold and Patricia Reith of Randall; brother, Steven and his daughter, Isabella; brother, Joshua and his wife, Jessica and their two sons, Mitchell and Avery.

Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Mildred Greiner and Norbert and Dorothy Reith.

Alvin was born on August 31, 1943 to the late Roman and Marion (Super) Sobania in St. Cloud, MN and grew up in Opole, MN. He moved to Flensburg, MN with his family when he was two years old. Alvin grew up on the family farm with one brother and three sisters. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1963. Shortly after that, he joined the U.S. Army where he spent time in Missouri and then on to Hawaii for six months. Alvin served a year as a Reconnaissance Scout in Vietnam until he was honorably discharged in January of 1971. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volunteer Fire Department, Flensburg American Legion Post #136, Randall VFW Post 9073 and Morrison County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12. A short time later, Alvin met his bride-to-be Patricia Poser and the couple was united in marriage on May 30, 1969 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN. After their marriage, the couple lived in Minneapolis, MN for eight years before moving back to his family farm in Flensburg. Alvin loved his chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and his beef cattle. He enjoyed fishing, gardening (especially his Holly Hocks), picking mushrooms and watching Minnesota Sports on TV.

James Gregory Herding was born on February 1, 1932 in Hankinson, North Dakota to Hubert and Rose (Faust) Herding. He married Arlene Muehler on November 27, 1955 in Hankinson. Jim farmed in Hankinson and Fergus Falls, MN before moving to Long Prairie. He was employed by Long Prairie Packing Company until retiring. In retirement

Jim enjoyed spending time with Arlene and his family at their cabin on Ottertail Lake near Fergus Falls, fishing and searching for a good deal at local garage sales. He enjoyed hunting for deer and pheasants in both North and South Dakota. Jim especially appreciated Arlene’s baking and cooking skills.

Jim is survived by his sons; Michael, Jamie (Pamela), and Rick (Donna) all of Long Prairie his sister Bernadine Muehler of Wahpeton, ND, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arlene on June 3, 2022 and three brothers and four sisters.

Dale: 320-493-6329

Alvin will be greatly missed by his wife Patricia Sobania of Flensburg, MN; daughters, Pamela (Thomas) Voigt of Clear Lake, MN and Debra (Samuel) Seifert of Becker, MN; grandchildren, Nathan, Heidi, Claire and Travis Voigt and Roman, Evelyn and Elijah Seifert; brother, David (Valerie) Sobania of Swanville, MN sisters, Elizabeth (Marcel) Frank of Becker, MN and Louise (Michael) Frank of Flensburg, MN.

He was preceded in death by parents, Roman and Marion Sobania and sister and brother-inlaw, Joan and Lawrence O’Hotto.

Marlene Frances Scepaniak was born on July 2, 1934, in St. Cloud, MN; she was adopted by George and Clara (Hadrich) Rapp. She attended school in Holdingford and graduated from Holdingford High School. Marlene graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1954 with a degree in Elementary Education; she went on to earn a degree in Special Education. She married James Scepaniak on November 25, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Holdingford. Marlene and James first lived in St. Cloud, moved to Holdingford in the late 1950’s, and bought a farm near Upsala in 1963. Marlene lived at the farm until December of 2022, when she moved to Upsala Senior Living.

Marlene taught elementary school in Circle Pines, MN, for one year. Beginning in 1955, she taught for many years in rural country schools. Marlene taught Special Education for 21 years, and first grade for 5 years in Holdingford. Marlene retired in 1993 after 39 years of teaching. Marlene crocheted many intricate doilies and enjoyed quilting with her quilting group. She liked to read, play cards, do puzzles, and was a Jeopardy whiz. She was faithful in praying the Rosary. Most of all, she loved her family. Marlene was a longtime member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Holdingford and was a current member of St. Mary’s Parish in Upsala.

Marlene is survived by her children: Tom (Eda) Scepaniak of Bowlus, Jane (Rich) Stiller of Swanville, Mary Jo (Mike) Peterson of Upsala; grandchildren: Jared, Shannon, Rachel, Rebecca, Nick, Laura, Danielle, Kelsey, Jack, Aaron; great-grandchildren: Madison, Cassidy, Cienna, Emma, Lucy, Addie, Levi, Hailey, Cohen, Leah, Noah, Myra, Hudson; and brother John (Joann) Zumwalde of Arlington, VA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son Timothy.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Celebrating the Life and Cherishing the Memory of Marlene.

Hands of Hope Resource Center Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week

By Kimberly Cook, General Crime & Violence Prevention Coordinator, Hands of Hope Resource Center

Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Wondering about the best way to improve your credit, shop for a used car, or how to maximize your security online?

Hands of Hope Resource Center has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW): March 5-11, 2023 - and anytime of the year. NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and organizations like ours work together to share information about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams.

For the year 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports having received 49,419 consumer reports for total fraud, identity theft, and other reports. The total number of fraud reports were 27,508, with a total consumer loss of $80.4 million dollars. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to get free consumer education materials and read the latest from consumer protection experts. Hands of Hope Resource Center provides free community education resources and/or presentations to organizations, on a variety of topics, through our Violence Prevention Program. If you would like more information, please call the Long Prairie Office at (320) 732-2319 or 800-682-4547.

Rick’s Painting

320-248-0731

Local fourth graders learn about energy efficiency, electrical safety

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

At the end of this month, I will be having my left knee replaced. Why? Because it’s wore out! Sorry, there is no better or more profound way of saying it. Now some might say, “Pastor

Bruce you’re just getting older," haha. The fact that I am getting older, may have something to do with it, but more than that I was not kind to my body. I landscaped for 10 years, starting at age seventeen. Then, most of my jobs had to do with carpentry or building. I have been a pastor for about 18 years and every church I have been in, there was building that needed to be done. I didn’t wear knee pads, I just did whatever it took to get the job done, and as soon as possible. I didn’t think that one day, I would be nearly deaf and have bad joints because I did not think about the future, only the present.

So, I need to warn everyone reading! We need to think about the future. I am not talking about 5, 10, or even 50 years down the road, I’m talking about eternity. Where are you going to spend eternity? Someone asked the other day, “Have you considered the fate of the thief on the cross, next to Jesus? Luke 23:3943 “Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when I come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” There were two thieves, but one had turned his life around at the last minute. Jesus told him that he was going to be with

Horticulture Day 2023

Stearns Electric Association presented Energy Education and Safety Demonstrations to fourth graders at Long Prairie Grey Eagle Elementary and Swanville Elementary on February 9 to provide interactive presentations on energy efficiency and electrical safety.

Throughout the one-hour sessions, students learned about the different types of electricity, conductors and insulators, and sources of energy. Students also participated in an allclass knowledge check and provided ideas on how they can conserve more energy at home.

Stearns Electric’s live, energized home and farm model was the highlight of the presentation. Used as a tool to show students what can happen when they get too close to electrical equipment, students were fascinated with the electrical sparks and arc flashes demonstrated on the model.

The most important piece of knowledge students walked away with was information on how to react in a vehicle accident involving any electrical equipment. As the fourth grade students can tell you, you should always stay in your vehicle if it hits a power pole, unless your vehicle is on fire. If your vehicle is on fire near a power pole, you should jump out of your vehicle, keeping your feet together, and shuffle as far away from the accident as you can.

Following the live demonstration, one lucky student from each presentation was selected to dress up as a lineworker. Donning a hard hat, rubber gloves, pole climbers, safety glasses and a utility belt, these students got to experience the real-life equipment line workers use on a daily basis.

The Morrison County Master Gardeners present a day of learning for all gardeners. This event will take place at the Little Falls Community High School on Saturday, March 25th from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Up-to-date information on a variety of gardening topics will be discussed.

Topics Include: Building Soil Health, New Perennials and Annuals for 2023, Pruning Trees & Shrubs, Native Plants - What’s all the

Him in paradise, that very day!

Now, not every one is going to get a last minute chance like that to receive Jesus as Lord. In fact there are no guarantees in life. One minute we can be happy, making lots of money, and the next we could be on our death bed.

I would like to leave with you a scripture that says it all. If you have any questions about eternity, please call me at the church. 2 Peter 3:9-13 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” Now, that is something to look forward to!

-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916 formation, contact the U of M Extension office in Morrison County at 320-632-0161.

Community Meeting

Todd County Broadband Coalition

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 @ 7:00 PM

Browerville School Commons Area (Use Door 11)

We will be presenting the results of our county wide survey. Survey analytics will be presented by Ben Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension.

Coalition members will speak on who we are, what we are doing, what our goals are, and what our next steps will be.

Other speakers may be presenting.

Time will be allotted for community input.

If you have an interest in broadband access for all Todd County residents, please attend this meeting.

Questions please call Ken Hovet, Coalition Chairman 320-491-8928

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

Dear Dave,

How do you handle a situation where someone needs financial help, but has misspent money you’ve given them in the past? My wife and I have been trying to help a young man we recently met. He told us he was trying to get his life together after a divorce and job loss, and he just needed a little money for groceries and household items. He has asked us a couple of times since for more money, but we discovered he was buying alcohol with most of the cash we gave him. We learned from friends what he said about losing his job and being divorced was true, but we are unsure what to do next.

-Andrew

Dear Andrew,

This young man’s problem sounds as much like a mismanagement of money as it is a lack of money. He seems to have an issue with lying, and possibly an addiction problem, too.

I’ve never been against helping people who have good hearts and just need a break. But if someone is bold enough to ask for your money, you have every right to attach requirements to the help you give—especially when it’s for their own good. If he really needs food or household things, you can just buy them for him. At least that way, you’d know you were providing necessities.

But in many cases, truly helping someone is a lot more work than just giving them money. Sometimes, you have to get down in their mess, get real with them and walk with them. If you haven’t been put off by what has already happened, and you still really want to help, I’d suggest getting to know this young man and his situation a little better. Be straight with him, and let him know you’ve learned he hasn’t been honest with you in the past. Hopefully, as a result he’ll apologize and start making better choices. If he does, you might even offer to arrange for him to talk to a good pastor or counselor.

This whole situation is much bigger than helping someone with a little cash. This guy needs someone who cares enough to help him get his life back together.

-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.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., Mar. 13: Tater tot hot dish, garden salad w/bleu cheese dressing, pears, roll.

Tues., Mar. 14: Soup, 1/2 sandwich, tomato slices, coleslaw, grapes.

Wed., Mar. 15: Chicken alfredo, California vegetables, mandarin oranges, breadstick.

Thurs., Mar. 16: Pork chop, scalloped potatoes, peas/carrots, fruit cocktail.

Fri., Mar. 17: Crab cake, baby red potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower, peaches. 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., Mar. 13: Breaded chicken sandwich, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Mar. 14: Swedish meatballs over noodles, vegetable, dessert.

Ask The Motor Medics®

From

Dear Motor Medics, My car is giving me problems but they don't always occur. I have a starting problem that sometimes won't let the car crank and also an ABS lamp that comes and goes. My shop can't seem to find the cause and even though they have not charged me for looking at the car I'm very frustrated by the situation and my shop seems to be as well. I have been going there for a number of years and they have always taken care of me but I wonder if I should try somewhere else to get this fixed.

-Mark in Oklahoma City Dear Mark,

You have what many folks have and it's called an intermittent problem. These are the ones that give the customer frustrations and also the mechanics. It is nearly impossible to find a problem if it is not occurring while it is trying to be found. They do what they can to scan for codes and observe data to see if anything is out of specs but in the end, if it's not broke... you know the saying. The shop can get frustrated because their time is worth money. Every minute they spend looking at your vehicle they lose money if they can't fix your car but they are looking at it and not charging you because they value your past and continued business. It may be time to wait until it is worse so they can find it.

-Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I have a problem with my tires. They leak air on a regular basis and I have taken the car in several times to have them repaired but they can't seem to get them fixed. The tires and valve stems have been replaced with new ones and they just can't seem to get them to stop leaking. they lose about 2 pounds a week. The

Brian’s Painting

Sudoku Answers from March 2 car is a 2011 Chrysler 300.

Wed., Mar. 15: Cook's choice.

Thurs., Mar. 16: 5:30 PM: Pulled pork & gravy, mashed potatoes, dessert.

Fri., Mar. 17: Shrimp alfredo, corn, dessert.

Pick up or eat in by 11:30 a.m. For meals, call a day before: 320-573-4435.

-Peter in Rice Lake, Wisconsin Dear Peter,

We experience many vehicles that leak air in this fashion. It's no fun having to add air every week to keep your tires from going flat. You have done the things that you should to try and fix the issue but there may be more to it than the tires or valve stems. The actual metal of the wheels themselves can leak air right through them like a screen door. The metal becomes so porous over the years from the element breaking them down that the air escapes right through the wheels. Once this occurs the only fix that we have found is to replace the wheels. There are a couple of options for repair. You could look for a good set of used wheels at your local auto recycler or you could look into a set of aftermarket wheels available at wheel and tire shops. Going the aftermarket route will let you choose an option that will give your vehicle a unique look.

-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.