Obituaries

Jack Sweely was born on June 29, 1949, in Slayton, Minnesota to James and Margaret Ahrens Sweely. He grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1967. Jack then attended Pipestone Vo-Tech for Produce Merchandising. Over the years Jack made his home in Benson, MN, Mitchell, SD, Pierre, SD, Sioux City, IA, and Jackson, MN. Jack worked as a produce manager in various grocery stores. Following his retirement Jack returned to Slayton. In 2019 Jack moved to Lindenwood Assisted Living in Slayton, MN. In December 2022 Jack moved to Prairie View Health Care Center in Tracy, MN. He passed away there on November 4, 2024, at the age of 75. He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. Jack was a big sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and University of Minnesota Gopher Football. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling and watching pro wrestling.

David Paul Larson was born on November 29, 1961, in St. Paul, MN. He was welcomed with love into the home of Paul and Elna Larson along with their three daughters in October 1962. David grew up on the family farm west of Avoca. He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Avoca. He attended Slayton Public Schools, graduating in 1980. After high school David lived in Minneapolis, and for a short time in Texas. He held a wide variety of jobs in his work life. David enjoyed collecting science fiction books and other memorabilia, drafting building plans, caring for his pet cats, and sharing meals and games with family and friends. David died on November 6, 2024, at the J A Wedum hospice house where he was cared for in the last days of his life.

David “Mac” McDonald, age 87, of Canby, MN passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, MN. Memorial service will be held at 2:00p.m. on Monday, November 11th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5pm on Sunday, November 10th at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby with a prayer service at 5pm. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the Canby City Cemetery. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Jean Carlson was born on October 14th, 1931 in Slayton, MN to Martin and Gladys (Thompson) Carlson. She was baptized, and confirmed her faith at Good Shephard Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson, MN. She attended a small country school near her home in Cameron Twp. and graduated with the Lake Wilson Class of 1949. She felt privileged to attend Waldorf College in Forest City, IA.

Duane Barry, 89, of Underwood, died Friday, November 1, 2024, at LB Broen Home in Fergus Falls. Duane G. Barry was born March 17, 1935 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He attended Country School in Underwood. On July 19, 1956 Duane married Helen Wicklund. After marriage, Duane and Helen moved to Lake Wilson where they raised their five children.

Norbert Schmitz was born on April 10, 1926, in Howard, South Dakota to Michael and Mary (Wagner) Schmitz. In 1933 the family moved to a farm near Avoca, MN where Norbert attended a country school. In 1948 the family moved to a farm south of Currie, MN where Norbert attended IHM Catholic School in Currie. On February 10, 1953, he and Leona “Pretty Onie” Rolfes were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in LeMars, IA. On April 14, 1954, Norbert was drafted into the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge on March 28, 1956, he returned to Onie and they farmed south of Currie for the next 38 years. In 1970 they purchased the grain elevator in Currie and operated it as Schmitz Grain Company until 1991 when they retired. Shortly after their retirement, they moved into Currie. Onie passed away on April 24, 2000. On January 12, 2002, he and Mary Jean “Jeanie” Ludwig were married in Norwalk, IA. Following their marriage, they made their home on Lake Shetek and then in Worthington, MN. Jeanie passed away on December 19, 2022. After Jeanie’s death Norbert built a home in Slayton. Due to failing health Norbert moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on October 22, 2024. He passed away there on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 98. He was a member of IHM Catholic Church in Currie. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Norbert enjoyed farming, traveling, rolling dice, playing cards with his buddies, and checkers with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending their winters in Florida with his family.

Dale Swan was born on May 24, 1932, on the family farm near Balaton, Minnesota to Jubel and Elsie Rickgarn Swan. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Balaton High School in 1944. Dale then attended Dunwitty College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN graduating in 1948. On February 19, 1953, Dale enlisted in the United Sates Army. Following his honorable discharge on February 17, 1955, he returned to the family farm and farmed one year with his father. Dale then made his home in Arkansas and California. Dale spent his career working for Northrup and the United States Government in the defense department. He eventually moved to Sioux Falls, SD to be closer to family. It was in Sioux Falls that he met Lois Vanwyhelj and the two developed a great fondness for each other enjoying their many adventures over the last 14 years together. Dale passed away with his family by his side on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of. 92. He was a past member of the United Methodist Church in Slayton, MN. Dale enjoyed dancing, crossword puzzles, traveling, going out with friends, movies, hunting, 4-wheeling in the desert, and spending time with his family and Lois’s family.

Jean (Hanson) Rice was born on November 6, 1954, in Slayton, Minnesota to Gordy and Judy (Hendrickson) Hanson. She grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1973, a proud Wildcat. After high school, Jean attended Alexandria Area Vocational Technical School graduating in 1974 from the Legal Secretary Program. Following graduation Jean moved to Minneapolis, MN and worked as a secretary in the Loan Guaranty Division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, MN. On June 18, 1976, she and John Rice were married in Minneapolis and made their home in St. Paul. In 1978, they returned to Slayton where Jean operated an in-home daycare until Amy, Melissa, and Andy were of school age, at which point Jean took a job as a secretary at People’s State Bank of Slayton. She continued working in the banking industry for 20 years, lastly at United Prairie Bank as an executive assistant to the bank president. John passed away on March 14, 2004. Jean later went to work at VIP Floral in Slayton until her retirement due to health reasons. Jean passed away at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, with her family by her side, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the age of 69 after a 10-year battle with lung disease. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton. Jean enjoyed reading, gardening, crafting, painting, and spending time with family and friends. Jean was very proud of all seven of her grandkids and took every opportunity to make them feel special.

Catherine “Cathy” Bailey, age 80, of Apply Valley, Minnesota, passed away on October 16, 2024, at her home. Cathy was born on July 26, 1944, in Tracy, Minnesota to James and Rita (Ackerman) Malone.

Lloyd Leo Fuerstenberg, the son of Bernard and Theresa (Diekmann) Fuerstenberg, was born on November 27, 1929 in St. Killian, MN. He grew up near St. Killian and attended St. Kilian School. He was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1951 and served until his discharge in 1953. Lloyd was united in marriage to Clara Bertrand on August 25, 1953 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Wilmont, MN. After their marriage they lived in St. Kilian until 1956 when they moved to a farm outside of Wilmont. He was a self-made engineer without a degree in making something out of nothing. In 2010 they built their retirement home in Wilmont. They enjoyed wintering in southern Texas for 28 years. Lloyd passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the Sanford Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 94. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Wilmont. Lloyd loved his faith. Lloyd loved farming, farm tools, antiques and antique tractors, especially Oliver equipment. He also enjoyed gardening on wheels, making game boards, ice fishing and spending time with his family.