Obituaries

Marilyn J. Mickelson Barry, age 88, passed away on June 11, 2026. Born in Slayton, Minnesota, to Don and Laura (Schaffer) Busch. Marilyn grew up in the Hadley and Slayton communities, where she attended school and graduated surrounded by lifelong friends and familiar faces. In 1958, Marilyn married Charles Mickelson, and together they raised six children while building a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. Their journey took them through Avoca, Lake Wilson, Redwood Falls, and Wilmont, each community adding new friendships and memories. Charles passed away unexpectedly in 1982. With her faith, Marilyn met the loss with quiet courage and unwavering devotion to her children. During those years, she worked at the Wilmont Café, where her warmth and work ethic were well known. Determined to create a new path for herself and her family, Marilyn returned to college and earned her degree. She went on to complete her career at the Nobles County Courthouse, where she was respected for her dedication and steady presence. In 1989, Marilyn found love again and married Hilary Barry, and with their marriage came a beautifully blended family of sixteen children—a lively, loving group that grew into a legacy all its own. Marilyn held a special relationship with each member of her large family. She had a remarkable gift for making every child, grandchild, great‑grandchild, and their partners feel uniquely loved, welcomed, and valued. Her steady presence and personal connections will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Together, Marilyn and Hilary made their home in Lake Wilson, and most recently at Mapleview Estates in Fulda. Together they owned and operated Sunrise Resort and Head Lake Camp in Otter Tail County. Their time at the resort became a treasured chapter, filled with community, laughter, and the traditions that still bind the family today. It was at Sunrise Resort that the family began their beloved “Family Week” tradition, a time of gathering, storytelling, and togetherness that continues to be a highlight each year. Equally cherished is the annual “Soup and Pie Weekend,” a fall celebration that Marilyn helped shape with her signature warmth—and her unforgettable baking. Marilyn loved cooking and baking, but she was especially known for her homemade bread, a gift she shared generously with family and friends. She had a remarkable talent for making people feel remembered and valued, faithfully sending birthday and anniversary cards to her loved ones near and far. Her kindness was steady, her presence comforting, and her love for her family unwavering.

William “Bill” Henry Roemer II, age 77 of Tracy, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at his home, while surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Tracy United Methodist Church with a visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. A private burial will be in Slayton Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Alvin Boock 79 of Slayton, MN passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, MN. Memorial services will be on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Iona Presbyterian Church in Iona, MN at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens, Slayton, MN. Military honor accorded by the Wilmont VFW Post. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com

LaDonne Christians 90 of Worthington, MN passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Sanford Worthington Hospital in Worthington. Funeral services will be on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Skandia Free Church rural Balaton, MN at 1:00 P.M. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Interment is at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Rushmore, MN. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

Margaret Mary (Ebbers) Baumgartner (Marge) was born on February 9, 1933 near Iona, MN to Frank and Rose (Kappes) Ebbers. She passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026 with family by her side and her rosary laying on her blanket over her heart.

Fr. Anthony Pick, 84, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Holy Spirit Nursing Home in Sioux City. Fr. Pick was born on November 20, 1941, in Alton, Iowa to Lawrence and Cecilia Pletschette Pick and was the oldest of six children. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1967, and faithfully served the Catholic Church throughout his life in both the Sioux City Diocese and Winona-Rochester Diocese. Anthony knew he wanted to be a priest since the second grade and dedicated his life to serving God and others with compassion, faith, and humility. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and a master’s in education degree from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. A lover of travel, he spent time all over Europe and South America, and shared his faith across the globe through mission work including in China. He served parishes across Iowa, with assignments in Fort Dodge, Emmetsburg, Boone, Gilmore City, Lidderdale, Glidden Sutherland, Primghar, Royal and Everly, Coon Rapids, and Dedham. He also served as Diocesan Secretary for the National Catholic Rural Life Office and Chaplain for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Fr. Pick retired and moved to Slayton, MN in 2011 where he assisted at parishes in the western end of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. He performed the sacrament of marriage for his two brothers, as well as his eldest niece, two nephews, and even baptized their children. His ministry touched countless lives, and he was deeply respected by parishioners, fellow clergy, friends, and family.

Passed away on May 26th, 2026 at the young age of 64 years. Born on Jan 7th 1962 to Doris (Paul) and Robert (Bob) Skillings at St.

Alvin Robert Heintz, the son of Herbert and Lillian (Dierks) Heintz, was born on November 28, 1929, in Graham Lakes Twp, Nobles Co., MN. He grew up in the Kinbrae area and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School. During his freshman year he dropped out to run the family farm. Alvin served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 and served in Korea and Guam and attained the rank of Corporal. Alvin was united in marriage to the love of his life, Arlene Englert on February 2, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rich Valley, MN. After their marriage they made their home on a farm near Dundee, MN until they moved to their own family farm west of Fulda in January of 1968. Together they built a wonderful life, blessed with 5 children and blessed to celebrate 68 years of marriage. In February 1994 they moved into Fulda and in November 2024 they moved to Maple View Estates in Fulda. Alvin entered the Maple Lawn Nursing Home in November of 2025 and passed away there on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the age of 96. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served as an Elder and on the school board. Alvin also served on the Bondin Township Board and as an election judge for the City of Fulda. He enjoyed collecting toy and antique tractors and creating items for use around the house and farm. Alvin’s faith and devotion to church were evident in his life as he brought his family to worship, led devotions at home and taught his children to know and love Jesus.

Joyce Lutmer Kanten died at Worthington Regional Hospital on May 24, 2026 at the age of 69. She was born the 4th of 13 children of Melvin and Darleen (Knips) Lutmer on June 2, 1956. After graduating from Adrian High School in 1974, she worked at Campbell’s Soup Company in Worthington for an extended time. She later worked for the Fulda School District, the Veterinary Medical Center Lab, and Casey’s in Worthington. Joyce married Dave Kanten on December 21, 1979 and together they raised their son, Brian. They made their early home in Worthington and for the last 28 years on an acreage south of Fulda. Joyce and Dave are heavily involved with the IH Collectors Club Chapter #15 of Minnesota. Joyce was often seen setting up and working the booth for shows and even had their house painted with IH colors.

Marvin Duane Werner was born on June 16, 1949, to Ralph and Orpha Werner in Granite Falls, MN. Marv’s journey came to a close on May 19, 2026, in Foley, AL.