“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

The War Years WWII had a great effect on all Minnesota families.

Many of us were concerned with what was happening in Europe long before December 1941. Many of our relatives had their lives interrupted beginning with the middle 1930’s.

Something was very wrong over there, but there was a feeling of relief, that we were here and not living over there.

The war created a need for farm products that was greater than we had ever experienced previously. The prices were really good. The weather was really good. Those farmers who were needed here, on the home front, to produce farm products worked many long hours and were paid well for doing it.

The rural labor force was reduced by the number of those serving in the military and the ones who were employed by the defense plants. Many of the local people moved to the Cities to work in the factories there. But there were also some who went to the West Coast to work in the ship-building plants. They were primarily employed as welders and worked 10 or 12 hour days, 6 days a week, welding together large sheets of metal for the ship structure. The pay was good and since they had been accustomed to living a spartan

Stearns Co. Sheriff’s Office

Crash: May 20, 2023: At approximately 11:26 p.m., the Stearns County Sheriff's Office Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a single-vehicle crash with injuries near the 18100 block of Upper Spunk Lake Road in Avon Township.

Upon arrival at the scene deputies located the driver and sole occupant, Nathaniel Wayne Morehouse, 16, of St. Joseph, in one of the nearby yards. Deputies learned that Morehouse was driving a 1993 Ford F150 east on Upper Spunk Lake Road when he entered the south ditch and drove into a grove of trees. The F150 rolled several times and landed on the roof. Morehouse was able to crawl out of the truck and into the nearby yard. Morehouse was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance to the St. Cloud Hospital for his injuries.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Avon Police Department, Avon Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance.

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

existence out west too. It was not uncommon for 6 or 8 people to share rent on a small one bedroom home.

A farm deferment was available if a man could prove that he was producing a satisfactory amount of farm products. A hired farm laborer could also get a deferment if he worked a satisfactory number of hours for a well producing farm. These considerations emphasize the Government’s concern for food supplies for the troops.

The opportunities for non-farm income were also available for the younger farm boy. The price of fur was good, since it was needed for warmth for the troops. Raccoon, beaver, muskrat, fox and mink prices were good. Raccoon was $5.00-$10.00, beaver was $25.00, muskrat was $2.00, Fox was $10.00 and mink was $20.00 to $30.00. The price of weasel was only 50¢. These prices offered a school student the opportunity check traps before and after school and make some spending money.

The war effort placed some restrictions on what we were able to purchase. Ration books were issued and when your ration stamps for a product were used, you could not purchase any more of that item until the new ration book arrived. The primary rationed items were rubber and gas along with shoes, clothes, sugar, meat, coffee, fuel oil and automobiles. To offset the rations, some individuals roasted rye or acorns to make coffee. Gardens supplied many needed vegetables.

The War caused us to continue to walk to school and work. Maybe that wasn’t all bad.

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Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343

I saw a picture once of a sheep dog with its shaggy hair down over its eyes. The caption said something like “I live by faith, not by sight.” Now, even though that is funny and it really states the obvious, I believe our lives ought to exemplify that same thing. Someone is going to read that and say, “Pastor Bruce is off his rocker, he can’t solely walk around with his eyes closed.” Haha, I get that, but let me explain what I am thinking.

The definition of faith in the Bible comes from Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” When God called me to be a pastor, I really did not want to be one. I basically ran from Him. It wasn’t until I accepted His call on my life that I understood that He would take care of me. I asked God for a verse, so that I had something to hold on to, in tough times, like an anchor. You know what, He gave me Isaiah 41:9-10 “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I had faith that God would do all that He told me, not because I could see it, but because I believed in the One who said it.

How do we get faith? That is a really good question. The easy answer is found in Romans 10:16 “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” We need to come to a place in our lives where we realize there is more to life than ourselves. Start reading His Word, and He will speak to you. If you believe Him, then you can act on what He told you. Now that’s faith.

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Thursday: All Day/Night $2.50

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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

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., May 26: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Mon., May 29: Memorial Day: Off Menu

Tues., May 30: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., May 31: Chicken Tender Melt w/Fries

Thurs., June 1: Beef Stew

Fri., June 2: Cheeseburger w/Fries

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

Friday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

• Hamburger Steak $10 • Add 3 Shrimp $12

• 6 Shrimp $9.00 • Served with Baked Potato

Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Weekend Specials

THURSDAY: 5-9 PM Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

• Chicken & Ribs $15.95

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Obituaries

Nancy Holcombe

Nancy Randall Williams Holcombe, born to Charles and Kittie (Knight) Randall on March 5, 1937, in Mapleton, MN, died peacefully at the age of 86 on May 12, 2023, in Alexandria, MN surrounded by her loving family. Nancy married Loren A. Williams on May 5, 1956; she later married Donald E. Holcombe on December 26, 1998.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Donald Holcombe; son Kevin Williams; her parents; sister Evelyn Pentico; and brothers Waldo Randall, Roscoe Randall, Howard Randall, and Harold Randall.

She is survived by her partner of many years, Fred Wohlman, her four children: Scott Williams (Cynthia Hendricks), Minneapolis; Lori (Steve) Bona, Delano; Michaela (Tim) Quello, Maple Grove; Matthew (Martha) Williams, Sauk Centre; 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy attended high school in Garden City and received her LPN degree from Alexandria Vocational Technical Institute. She later earned an associate degree in nursing from North Hennepin School of Nursing in Brooklyn Park. She worked as a staff nurse and nursing supervisor at St. Michael’s Hospital in Sauk Centre until January 1992 when she moved to Florida. She then worked as an administrative supervisor at Destin Hospital, Destin, FL until May 1994, and as administrative coordinator at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville, FL until her retirement in June 1998.

Nancy and Don were married for 10 years, and during that time they lived in both Ft. Walton Beach and Winsted, MN. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, FL, where she sang in the choir for many years and was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the UCC Church in Lester Prairie, MN.

Following Don’s death in 2008, Nancy continued to live between MN and Florida and in 2010 she met Fred Wohlman, who has been her loyal and loving friend. In these 13 years together, they continued wintering in Florida and summering in Winsted, keeping busy with activities such as golfing, fishing, and lots of home improvement projects. Since 2019, Nancy and Fred have enjoyed living exclusively in Sauk Centre close to family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at the PattonSchad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Rev. Dave Hormann officiating. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home in Sauk Centre.

Memorials are preferred to Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation to be directed towards a scholarship in Nancy’s memory for students going into Nursing. Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation, 318 17th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN 56308.

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

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Mary Ann Amundson

Mary Ann Amundson, age 75 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the CentraCare Care Center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27 at Minnewaska Lutheran Church in Starbuck with Rev. Joel Rolf officiating. Inurnment will be held in Minnewaska Lutheran Cemetery in Starbuck. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Mary Ann was born to Walter and Alva Amundson on May 5, 1948. She was the eldest of 5 children.

Mary worked on the family hobby farm. She cared for many animals and later drove her Dad’s stock trucks. Mary loved her horses and rode them every day. She had two horses which she rode in competitions and won many awards with.

On May 4, 1968 she married Charles E. Hedglin and they moved into a house on Shady Lane. Together they had one son Patrick C. Hedglin on March 17, 1969. Mary and Chuck did lots of fishing during their life together. Mary was well known for the crafts she made and sold. During their marriage Mary mowed 10 lawns a week for many summers.

Charles passed away on December 8, 1993. Mary moved to her house on Pine Street and worked at St. Michael’s Hospital in Sauk Centre in the dietary department for 18 years, retiring in 2014.

Mary loved owning her own home and built many gardens, bird houses, and feeders.

In her words “Life was awesome with many friends.”

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; and brother, Robert.

She is survived by her sisters, Eloise, Linda, and Wanda.

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

Katelyn Nolting

Katelyn T. Nolting, age 31 of Holdingford, passed away in her sleep from unknown causes on Friday, May 19, 2023 at her home in Holdingford, Minnesota. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Katelyn Toni

Nathe was born December 1, 1991 in Albany, Minnesota to Jeffrey and Michelle (Cady) Nathe. She graduated from Albany High School in 2010. She was currently furthering her education in forensic psychology through Southern New Hampshire University. She enjoyed coloring, doing jigsaw puzzles, and painting bears for her mom.

Survivors include her fiancé, Cody Hoffenkamp of Holdingford; parents, Jeff and Michelle Nathe of Albany; brother, Zachary Nathe (fiancée, Kendra Hoffarth) of Farming; grandparents, Ken and Lucy Nathe of Avon and Richard Cady of Donnelly; Godparents, Toni Cady of Aberdeen, South Dakota and Neil Nathe of Albany; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Katelyn was preceded in death by grandmother, Patricia Cady; and uncle, Sean Cady.

David Ivan Johnson

Funeral Services were held

Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Round Prairie Community Church in Round Prairie for David Johnson, 33, who passed away Monday, May 15 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

David was born December 15, 1989 to Randy and Lois (Shultz) Johnson in Long Prairie. Diagnosed with Coffin Lowry Syndrome at birth, he began his life showing determination to beat the odds. Most with this illness are not expected to be able to walk or talk. David attended and graduated from the Browerville High School in 2009. He earned several medals when participating in Special Olympics. He belonged to Sons of American Legion and to American Legion Riders. He proudly wore the several hats he was given by veterans and others. David loved riding motorcycle. Semis, or anything else with wheels, fascinated him. Listening to music and dancing gave him great joy. He touched the lives of so many people with his cheerful personality. Nobody could resist joining him in laughter after hearing David’s deep chuckle, He will be sorely missed by his parents Randy and Lois of Long Prairie; his sisters, Lacy Johnson of Long Prairie and Kacey (Troy) Benning of Sauk Centre; grandparents Ivan and Dorothy Johnson of Long Prairie and a nephew, Keenum Benning of Sauk Centre and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who loved him. He is preceded in death by his grandparent Dennis and Pat Shultz; and his uncles, Dale and David Johnson: cousin Mike Mousseau.

RoseAnn H. Finken

A celebration of life for RoseAnn

H. Finken, age 80, of Albany, will be on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, MN, at 11 AM. Visitation will be 9-11 AM prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date. Rosie passed away on May 21, 2023 at Mother of Mercy, surrounded by her family.

RoseAnn “Rosie” Hilda (Neubauer) Finken was born July 23, 1942, in Belgrade, Minnesota to Norbert and Magdeline (Schoenberg) Neubauer. She married James Finken on April 11, 1964, in Spring Hill, MN. Rosie grew up in Spring Hill, and after marriage lived on a farm near Freeport. Rosie was a homemaker and farmer. Jim and Rosie owned and operated the Ranger Bar from 1990 until 2004. Rosie was an active volunteer for many years of her life. Rosie was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, MN and Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, MN.

Rosie is survived by her children, Deb (Glen) Klaphake, Melrose; Diane (Bob) Spicer, Gilbert, AZ; Donna (Steve Shay) Klaphake, Albany; Dennis (Sara) Finken, Albany and Darlene (Al) Kociemba, St. Anna; 22 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and one on the way; brothers, Roman (Judy) Neubauer, Blaine and Harvey (Phyllis) Neubauer, Osakis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Magdeline Neubauer, husband James Finken in 2006, son, David Finken in 1999 and brothers Tony and Donald Neubauer.

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Janet “Jan” Susan (Pulchinski) Schiffler, age 69 of Albany courageously battled ALS until she passed away on Mother’s Day. Family and friends gathered Sunday, May 21st at Shady’s Hometown Tavern in Albany.

Janet was born October 11, 1953, in Chicago, IL, to Eugene and Georgiana Pulchinski. She was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Schiffler on June 17, 1977. Jan owned and operated the Albany DMV for 43 years. She loved fishing, tanning, exercising, golfing, and playing softball and pickleball. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Jan is survived by her children, Amy Schiffler, Albany; Kris (Amanda) Schiffler. Albany; Cory (Lisa) Schiffler, Albany, and Jill (Jordan) Parrott, Maple Grove. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Haley, Hannah, Braxton, Beckham, and Brayden Schiffler; and her brothers and sisters, Karen Candusso, IL; Dennis (Lori) Pulchinski; IL, Kathy Doran, FL; Tony (Kathy) Pulchinski, MN; Linda (Steve) Kloeckner, MN, and brother-in-law Kevin Huhne.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Nancy Huhne, and husband, Bob Schiffler.

Rita I. Solarz

The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Rita I. (Kroll) Solarz, age 88 of Holdingford, was held Wednesday, May 17th at All Saints-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Holdingford. Rita passed away Sunday, Mother’s Day at Mother of Mercy in Albany.

Rita was born June 25, 1934, in the St. Wendel Township to Paul and Helen (Masog) Kroll. She married Ted “Teddy” Solarz March 1st, 1954 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel. She spent most of her time in Holdingford. She was a lifelong member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church where she prepared the altar clothes, decorated the church, and was a cemetery administrator. She was a homemaker, daycare provider, worked as a school custodial sub, worked at the Holdingford Hearld as a type setter, and helped Mrs. Kroll cater weddings. Rita was a very active member of the Christian Mothers and Rosary Sodality. She was a member of the Holdingford Legion Auxillary (0211) since 1965.

Rita is survived by her children Gerald (Jan) Solarz, Rice; Diane (Michael Reget) Solarz, Plymouth; Doris (Roger) Preusser, St. Joseph; Glen (Karen) Solarz, St. Wendel; Donna Mae (Mitchell) Wickstrom, Motley; Greg Solarz, St. Wendel; her grandchildren James, Jill, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Jessica, Jenna, Nicole, Ryan, Adam, Sara, Jacob, Joshua, Elizabeth, Rachael; her greatgrandchildren Noah, Zachary, Abigail, Haley, Jaylee, Jackson, Jonah, Lyla, Wade, Hunter, Hazel, Harlie, Brayden, Emory; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her Husband Ted “Teddy” Solarz, her parents Paul and Helen (Masog) Kroll; her grandson Anthony Wickstrom, her brothers; Theodore, Leo, Aloys, Valentine, and Raymond.