Obituaries
Wesley Jay Shaffer
Feb 5, 2025
Wesley Jay Shaffer, age 86, lost his battle with cancer, passing away at his home in Battle Lake, Minnesota.
Wes was born May 1, 1938, in Wheeler, Texas, to William Jewell and Mary Elizabeth (Hensley) Shaffer.
The Shaffer family later moved to California where this Texas boy met and married a Minnesota girl. Wes and Helaine (Lainy) were married on February 20,...
Anna Marie Butkus
Feb 3, 2025
Anna Marie Hovland Butkus, 86, of Fergus Falls, Mn passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Mill Street Residence. Ann was born on January 5, 1939, in Fergus Falls, MN, to John and Alma Hovland. She was the youngest of 11 children.
She graduated from Roosevelt high school in 1957. After high school she began working at Fergus Falls National...
Barbara Diane Nelson
Feb 1, 2025
Barbara Diane Nelson, 77, of Underwood, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at her residence surrounded by loved ones under the care of Vivie Hospice. Her visitation is set for 2 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. There will be a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. immediately following the visitation.
Barbara...
Steven Clow
Jan 29, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steven Carrol Clow, a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Born on January 8, 1948, Steve was the son of Carrol and Idella (Ostenson) Clow. He spent his early years in Elbow Lake, attending and graduating from Elbow Lake High School in 1966. Steve furthered his education at Wadena Technical...
Michael Burley
Jan 24, 2025
Michael Robert Burley “Burls,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at his happy place—the cabin—on January 24, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on April 14, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, Mike lived a life full of compassion, friendship, and joy.
Mike is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his children: Bryan Burley (Tanya) with grandchildren Harper and Sydney; Brittany...
William "Bill" Anderson
Jan 24, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of William Lawrence Anderson who lost his courageous battle with cancer on Friday, January 24, 2025. Bill’s memorial service will be 2p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby. There will be a visitation one hour prior.
Bill was born June 5, 1972, in Alexandria, MN, to...
LeWayne Herness
Jan 24, 2025
LeWayne Gerald Herness was born on July 30, 1939. The son of Lester and Gladys (Salvevold) Herness. LeWayne attended Ashby schools and graduated in 1957. LeWayne passed away on January 24, 2025, at Astera Health in Wadena at the age of 85.
Lewayne and Betty (Palm) were married on January 9, 1960, they were married until her passing in 1990. They...
Marcus Koefod
Jan 21, 2025
Marcus Koefod. 85 passed away on Jan.21, 2025, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Marcus M. Koefod was born on September 19, 1939 in Ashby, Minnesota the son of Ferdinand and Alice (Slotsve) Koefod. He was baptized and confirmed in the Pelican Lake Lutheran Church and graduated from the Ashby High School in 1957. He entered the U.S. Navy on September 12, 1957 stationed...
Sherman Johnson
Jan 20, 2025
With heavy hearts, the family of Sherman Theodore Johnson are mourning his death on Jan 20, 2025. Sherman was born on Oct 16, 1931 to Sigvart and Mable Johnson. They lived in Valley City where Sherman grew up as an only child. His father owned a shoe store in Valley City, ND before they moved to Breckenridge, MN. Sherman graduated...
Benjamin Salazar Jr.
Jan 18, 2025
Bejamin Salazar Jr., 84, passed away on January 18, 2025.
Services are pending.
Tara Marie Force
Jan 17, 2025
Tara Force, age 47, of Fergus Falls, passed away way too young on Friday, January 17th, 2025. She was born on July 11th, 1977 to Steven and Donna (Krog) Hauge in Fergus Falls, MN.
Tara Tot spent her childhood enjoying time with her cousins, family, and friends. Her first job was parking cars with them at the Wee Town race track!...
Christopher Johnson
Jan 16, 2025
Chris Johnson, 54, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Christopher Lynn Johnson was born on July 25, 1970, in Austin, MN, the son of Lynn and Holly (Tamke) Johnson. Chris and his family lived in Blooming Prairie, MN, until they purchased Vacationland resort on Ottertail Lake.
Chris was a fun-loving guy who enjoyed life, and...
Yvonne Maxine Rogness
Jan 16, 2025
Yvonne Maxine Rogness, 91, of Fergus Falls passed away peacefully, with family by her side, Thursday Jan 16, 2025.
Vonnie was born Aug 12, 1933, in Fergus Falls, MN to Elmer and Selma Hoff. Vonnie attended school in Rural Battle Lake at District 285 until moving to rural Underwood where she attended Barnard School, followed by graduating from Underwood High School...
Viviann Christenson
Jan 14, 2025
Viviann Ann (Knutson) Christenson was born in Grand Forks, ND to Reverend Alfred and Hazel (Klonglan) Knuston on October 24, 1944. She was welcomed by her older brother, Robert Knutson, and older sister, Esther Knutson (Barnum). She moved from rural Fargo, ND and attended elementary school in Argusville, ND at Sheyenne #14. She continued her education at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy...
Leonard Allen Kiser
Jan 11, 2025
Leonard Allen Kiser, 87, of Fergus Falls, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Barrett Care Center in Barrett, Minnesota. His memorial service is set for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Maine, Minnesota. There will be a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at St. James Catholic Cemetery...
Darlene Olson
Jan 9, 2025
Darlene Ann Olson (Melby) passed away peacefully at the Evansville Care Center in Minnesota on Thursday, January 9, 2025. She was surrounded by her devoted husband, Bruce John Olson, and close family members.
Darlene was born on October 29, 1938, in Alexandria, Minnesota and spent most of her childhood years in the Alexandria and Evansville areas. As a teenager, she also...
Roberta Dorothy Erickson
Jan 8, 2025
Roberta Dorothy Erickson was born on March 26, 1943, and raised on the family farm near Cormorant, MN. She was the younger daughter of Evelyn D. and Robert W. Erickson, and sister to Linda Hildegaard Erickson. She died in Fergus Falls, MN, from complications related to a fractured hip.
Roberta led an interesting life. In her youth, she lived in Hawaii,...
Marian Mary Gorman
Jan 7, 2025
Marian Gorman passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on January 7, 2025 at the age of 92.
Marian was born on September 10, 1932 in Little Sauk Township, Todd County, to Edwin and Martha (Perlinger) Kuefler.
Marian married Donald Gorman on December 2, 1961.
She is survived by her daughter Lynn (Greg) Permann, stepson Terry (Denise) Gorman, sisters: Carole...
Diana June Marra
Jan 5, 2025
Diana June Marra (Van’t Hul) was born June 30, 1940, in Hull, Iowa to William and Nellie (Vos) Van’t Hul. Diana grew up in Hull, graduating in 1958. After high school, she attended cosmetology school.
In 1959, Diana married the love of her life, Eugene Marra. Together they had one daughter, Leslie. In 1964, Diana and Eugene moved to Northern St....
Darlene Lorraine Hanson
Jan 4, 2025
Darlene Hanson, 91, of Evansville, formerly of Hoffman, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Evansville Care Center in Evansville, Minnesota.
Darlene Lorraine Hanson, a dedicated nurse, beloved wife and mother, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully at the Evansville Care Center on January 4, 2025. Her remarkable 91-year journey began on a farm near Belvidere, Nebraska, where she...