Gary A. Schlenz

Gary A. Schlenz, 67 year old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at his residence. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, May 22, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN with Father Patrick Hoeft officiating.

Private burial will take place at St. John’s Parish Cemetery in Swanville, MN. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Caring for Gary and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN.

Gary was born in Joliet, Illinois to the late Ervin and Augusta (Bollino) Schlenz on July 26, 1955. He grew up in Swanville, graduating from Swanville High School in 1973. Gary went on to finish 1 year at Brainerd Vo-tech. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Welters on August 20, 1977 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN. The couple made their home in Little Falls, Minnesota. Gary worked in the restaurant business in many capacities. He started his career working at the Country Kitchen Restaurant in Little Falls. In the early 80’s, he purchased and ran The Falls Cafe. After a few years he sold the cafe and began working at the Golden Eagle Supper Club in Grey Eagle. He worked at the Eagle for 24 years. When he left the Eagle, he went on to work at The Main Gate and the Little Falls American Legion. Gary had a natural gift for interior design. He took pride in his house, yard and gardens. He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his dogs.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy and his dog, Isabella; mother-in-law, Rosina Welters; brothers-in-law, Richard Welters, Al and (Kim) Welters, Roger and (Connie) Welters, and John & (Glenda) Welters; sister-in-law, Margaret and (Randy) Mettler and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Augusta Schlenz; father-in-law, Lawrence Welters and sister-in-law, Doris Welters.

Donald E. “Donnie” Walz

Donald E. “Donnie” Walz, age 82 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Getty Street Assisted Living in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Available at:

Donald Edward Walz was born September 14, 1940 in Greenwald, Minnesota to Leo and Margaret (Bosl) Walz. He completed school through the eighth grade and worked at Jennie-O Turkey Store in Melrose for 38 years. He was united in marriage to Joann Krebsbach on November 18, 1978 at St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union. Donnie was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. He enjoyed working with wood, spending time outdoors, fishing, and walking.

Survivors include his wife, Joann Walz of Sauk Centre; and many nieces and nephews.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Evelyn Schmidt, Millie Poepping, Marie Vornbrock, and Carol Prodinsky; and brothersin-law, Robert Schmidt, Ralph Poepping, Wilfred Vornbrock, and Jim Prodinsky.

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

The Upsala American Legion Auxiliary Unit 350 partnered with Upsala Area Schools for a Poppy Poster Contest. National Poppy Day is Friday, May 26, 2023. Poppy poster winners were awarded with a certificate and $10.00 from Auxiliary Unit 350. Pictured are (front from left) poster contest winners Natasha Crowe, William Barthel, Ruby Klug and Genevieve Mrozek; (back) Auxiliary members Kristi Wacker, MJ Blonigen, and Beth Gunderson.

Swanville Senior High Student of the Month

Swanville Public School is pleased to announce the April Senior High Student of the Month, junior Kennedee Chuba. She is the daughter of Michael and Tracy Chuba. Kennedee has a wide variety of interests, which include playing sports, singing, playing piano and watching movies. She has participated in volleyball, basketball and softball since sixth grade and added acting in school theatre performances as a sophomore and junior. She is repeatedly on the A Honor roll, is a previous Student of the Month and has lettered in all of her sports.

Outside of school, Kennedee helps with a variety of Swanville Athletic Booster events. She is a leader and teacher for Vacation Bible School at her church. She has also participated in the Green Fair Folk Festival. Kennedee also very often sings the National Anthem for sporting events.

Science instructor Jason Lee says, “Kennedee is a fantastic student to have in class. She excels in physics, and works hard to succeed in all aspects of what a great student accomplishes. Kennedee does all this while being enrolled in several college classes and very active in school activities. I look forward to seeing Kennedee’s many future successes.” Kennedee is undecided yet about her plans post high school. Her favorite thing about school is being able to achieve her academic goals. She also loves being with her friends throughout the day. She advises other students “Be kind to everyone, you never know what someone is going through.”

Math instructor Liza Hasse says, “Kennedee is an enjoyable student to have in class. She works very hard to do her best and to understand the concept to her best ability. She is willing to put forth whatever time and effort is necessary to submit high quality work. Kennedee is well organized and takes pride in submitting neat and organized work. She has a fun personality, a contagious laugh and seems to get along well with others. Kennedee fully deserves the honor of being chosen Student of the Month.”

Grey Eagle Blood Drive June 2

Grey Eagle-Burtrum Lions invite you to join us and the American Red Cross for our annual summer blood drive on Friday, June 2, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Church in Grey Eagle from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM. For appointment times, you may go online Red CrossBlood.org or call Linda/Jim at 320-285-2670. Hope to see you there!

MEMORIAL DAY - 2023

GREY EAGLE & BURTRUM

8:30 am St. Joseph’s Cemetery Program

9:15 am Parade - Downtown Grey Eagle

10:15 am Lakeview Cemetery Program

11:00 am Burtrum Parade Program follows at Moses Dane Cemetery

In the event of inclement weather, the St. Joseph’s Cemetery program will be held at St. Joseph’s Church Hall and the Lakeview Cemetery program will be held at the Grey Eagle Methodist Church. Sponsored by: Grey Eagle Cemetery Association, Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions & Grey Eagle American Legion

Pictured presenting National Commander Vincent “Jim” Troiola with donations for his project, American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation are Legion Post

By Kristi Wacker

Members of the Upsala American Legion Post 350 and Auxiliary Unit 350 attended American Legion National Commander Vincent “Jim” Troiola’s visit to Long Prairie Legion Post 12 on April 20, 2023.

National Commander Troiola addressed legislative issues faced by The American Legion including but not limited to VA Healthcare Modernization, Implementation and Oversight of the PACT Act, the Guard and Reserve GI Parity Bill and of veteran suicide.

Commander Troiola spoke about The American Legion’s “Be The One” campaign.

It is estimated that 6000 veterans take their lives annually, which is 50% higher than that of non-veteran adults.

The “Be the One” campaign encourages Congress to allow veterans access to alternative therapies, fund the VA’s suicide-prevention budget and invest in mental health research.

The American Legion encourages veterans to talk about how they are feeling, ask for help, and know others care. “Be the One” also encourages family and friends of veterans to ask veterans how they are, listen and reach out when a veteran is struggling.

“Be the One.”

Swanville Junior High Student of the Month

Swanville Public School is pleased to announce the April Junior High Student of the Month, eighth grade student Isaac Gapinski. Isaac is the son of Aaron and Angie Gapinski. When he has time for himself, he enjoys fishing hunting, sports of any kind, playing guitar and taking walks in the woods. In the future he plans to go to college but is unsure of his career path just yet. Since seventh grade he has participated in football, basketball, baseball, theater, band and trap shooting. He is active in his church youth group, and gives back by donating time with the Swanville Athletic Boosters. Isaac was the September Athlete of the Month and is very proud of the fact that he has pitched a one hitter game in baseball. His favorite thing about school is participating in athletics. His advice to other students is to “work hard and don’t get behind.”

Social Studies teacher Tom Bzdok says, “Isaac is very deserving of this recognition. He is a pleasure to have in class as well as to be around. He always seems to be in a cheerful mood and never fails to greet you in a friendly manner. Isaac is easy to talk to and enjoys conversations on many topics, especially sports. His positive, energetic personality is passed on to those around him putting everyone in a better mood. He is a mature and respectful individual who will certainly be successful in life. Congratulations Isaac!”

Don’t let a wildfire become a life-changing event

Due to a recent rise in wildfire activity, with 207 wildfires reported since May 1, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds the public that safety matters. Report wildfires immediately by calling 911 from a safe location.

A quick clean-up of yard waste or a simple campfire might seem harmless, but on warm, sunny, or windy days, even a small fire near dry grass or brush can quickly become a rapidly moving wildfire. Not only do wildfires threaten property, but too often, they lead to injuries and even fatalities.

“We learn of people every year who have suffered serious injuries that require hospitalizations, or worse, fatalities, from attempting to control a wildfire on their own,” said Paul

Lundgren, wildfire section manager with the DNR. “Just like a house fire, a wildfire is extremely dangerous and unpredictable.”

According to Lundgren, trained firefighters are equipped to put the fire out safely and are the best option. If your fire escapes or you spot a wildfire, please get to a safe location and call 911 immediately.

As summer approaches, be careful when burning vegetation or enjoying an evening around the campfire. And remember, any fire larger than 3 feet diameter and 3 feet high needs a burning permit. By allowing burning permit activation only on days that are safe to burn, DNR is keeping your safety a priority. Learn more on the DNR’s burn permit webpage (mndnr.gov/burnpermit).

Everett Isidore Wiechman

Jeron and Kelly Wiechman of Freeport are proud to announce the birth of their son, Everett Isidore Wiechman, born on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 12:58 a.m. at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital.

Everett weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Grandparents are Isidore and Beverly Schmitz of Freeport, and Mark and Beverly Wiechman of Freeport.

Parker Michael Schwieters

Tanner and Kayla Schwieters of Greenwald are proud to announce the birth of their son, Parker Michael Schwieters, born on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital.

Parker weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

He has a big brother Weston at home.

Grandparents are Mike and Laura Meyer of Melrose, and Joe and Sharon Schwieters of Greenwald.

Quinn Everly Lubarski

Chris and Jennifer Lubarski of New Munich are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Quinn Everly Lubarski, born on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:27 p.m. at the CentraCare— Melrose Hospital.

Quinn weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

Her big sisters are Peyton and Emersyn, both at home.

Grandparents are Don and Marcene Austing of Melrose, and Greg and Sheryl Lubarski of Strandquist.

Kylian Jofiel Escobar

Vanessa Diaz and Cristian Escobar of Waite Park are proud to announce the birth of their son, Kylian Jofiel Escobar, born on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 8:50 a.m. at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital.

Kylian weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

He has a big sister Blissani at home.