Obituaries

Jane Weis was born on February 7, 1947, in Tracy, Minnesota to Raymond “Ray” and Esther Forsberg Bassett. She grew up on the family farm near Currie, MN and graduated from IHM High School. Following high school Jane attended school in Sioux Falls, SD to be a flight attendant while in Sioux Falls, Jane worked as a CNA at Sioux Valley Hospital. She returned to Currie and started working at Slayton Manor. On April 12, 1969, she and John Weis were married at IHM Church in Currie. Following their marriage, they made their home on farms in the Dovray area and raised four children. Jane started working for Home Health for Murray County and at Murray County Hospice. Jane retired from Our Hospice Home. Jane enjoyed spending winters in Arizona with family. Jane passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 77. Jane was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Westbrook, MN although she attended IHM Church in Currie, MN. Jane was active in St Anthony Church teaching religion classes and with the CCW and was a member of IHM Catholic Daughters of America. Jane served on the DAC Board, was a member of the Dovray Area Boosters and the Dovray Birthday Club. Jane enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, family Sunday meals, attended her grandchildren’s activities, gardening, canning and cleaning chickens.

Pat Gervais was born on March 31, 1946, in Tracy, Minnesota the second oldest of ten children born to Vincent Joseph and Jeanne Lorraine (Meier) Gervais. She graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in 1964 and furthered her education at Rochester State Junior College- currently known as Rochester Technical Community College. Pat worked for the Rochester public school system for over 27 years starting out as the switchboard operator. She held various other positions in the accounting office, library, and mailroom. During her retirement, Pat spent many hours volunteering. She served as a hospice volunteer for five years and a Mayo Clinic volunteer for fifteen years. She especially enjoyed sharing the history of Mayo Clinic with visitors. Pat volunteered for eight years as an AARP client-facilitator during tax season. She also served as a lector and communion minister both at her Catholic Church as well as the local nursing home communities. Pat loved to travel and had the pleasure of visiting several countries in Europe and South America. She was especially looking forward to a six-month upcoming cruise around the world. Pat was passionate about her vegetable and flower gardens, often generously sharing produce and perennials with friends and those in need. She was also well-known for her delicious Christmas cookies, breads, and homemade pies of any type. She took special pride in blessing the residents at the Ronald McDonald house with her baked goods on many occasions. Pat passed away on December 17, 2023, in Rochester, MN at the age of 77.

Sodona Nelson Pearson 88 of Shakopee, MN passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at St. Gertrudes Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, in Slayton. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements

James John Bierma, Jr., passed away surrounded by family at his home in Plattsmouth, NE, on June 7, 2024, at the age of 76. James was born on August 25, 1947, in Slayton, MN, to James John Bierma, Sr., and Hadie Bents.

Julie Bambrick was born on January 5, 1957, in Slayton, Minnesota to Kenneth and Lorayne Dysthe Quaintance. She grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School. On October 11, 1980, she and Michael Bambrick were married in Slayton. Following their marriage, they made their home in Slayton and raised their four children. Mike passed away on October 11, 2009. Julie passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 10, 2024, at the age of 67. Survivors include her four children Christopher Bambrick and Jessica Andert, Jennifer Bambrick and Joshua Muecke, Anthony “Tony” Bambrick and Jeremy Bambrick all of Slayton, MN, four grandchildren, Zoey and Emmy Bambrick and Michaela and Spencer Muecke, two siblings, Judy Hermann and Randy Quaintance and his wife, Anne. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and five siblings, Janice Wolf, Joanie Stephenson, Jaclyn Eich, Carol Van Eck, and Ronnie Quaintance. A private family service will be held. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.

Iva Goergen was born on December 31, 1932, on the family farm northeast of Granville, Iowa the youngest of 12 children born to John Peter “Pete” and Catherine “Kate” Niichel Schwebach. She was Baptized, received her First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed all at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Granville. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1949. On February 16, 1953, she and Raymond Goergen were married at St. Joseph Church. Following their marriage, they farmed northeast of Granville where their five children were born. In November 1959 they moved to a farm south of Garvin, MN on Lake Sarah. They joined IHM Church in Currie where Iva served on the parish council for several years. She also was active with the Currie American Legion Auxiliary, and the Lake Sarah Extension Club. In 1984 Ray retired and they moved to a home on Lake Sarah. Iva worked as a PARA in the Special Education Department of the Tracy School. She also worked part time for Public Health in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, and Pipestone Counties doing in home health care. She retired in 1995 but not for long. In 1996 she became the Murray County Coordinator for R.S.V.P. and held that position until retiring in 1999. In 2003 they moved to Slayton and became members of St. Ann’s Church where she was active in the Catholic Daughters of America and St. Ann’s Card Club. She also was a member of the Slayton VFW Auxiliary. In July 2014 they moved to Marshall, MN. Ray passed away on April 11, 2018. In April 2022 Iva moved to the Boulder Creek Assisted Living in Marshall. She passed away there on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 91. Iva loved to crochet and knit. She made a baby blanket for each of her 16 grandchildren and later their children. Iva enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and doing word games.

Janice Rolfes 79 of Iona, MN passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at her home. A service will be at a later time..

Jeanette Avanell Rolfes was born on August 18, 1926, on the family farm in Lincoln County, Minnesota near Lake Benton to Alvin and Alma Wiese Scheiber. She grew up near Lake Benton and attended Lake Benton High School. In 1943 the family moved to Slayton, MN. On January 29, 1945, she and William “Willie” Rolfes were married at St. Columba Church in Iona, MN.

LaVONNE M. J.

BRUCE A. LARSON of himself by being a tissue donation.