Obituaries

Jeffrey Hansen was born August 14, 1976, in Pipestone, Minnesota to Thomas and Pamela (Peterson) Hansen. He attended school in Chandler and Edgerton, Minnesota. After deciding high school wasn’t for him, he worked various mechanical jobs. He drove truck for a manure hauling company in Iowa, then worked at Chandler Machine Shop in Chandler, Minnesota while crop farming.

Tamara “Tami” Kaye Joldersma, age 66, of Slayton, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 18, 2026 Tami was born to Esther and Mike Joldersma and spent her life rooted in southwest Minnesota. She was a proud and devoted mother to Mitchell (Kari) Joldersma and Jennifer (Andi) Hochrein, and an even prouder grandmother to Jack and Haddie Joldersma, who brought her endless joy.

Grace (Smith) Welgraven was born to George and Johanna (Lolkus) Smith on September 23, 1938, in Fenton Township. She passed away March 10, 2026, at the age of 87 years. She attended Chandler Christian Elementary and graduated from Chandler High School in 1956. Grace was a lifelong professing member of the Chandler Reformed Church, serving as a Catechism teacher for several years, participating in ladies Bible studies, and a member of the Reformed Church Women.

Grace Welgraven of Chandler, MN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, MN. A visitation was held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Chandler Reformed Church in Chandler, MN from 5-7pm.

Edward John Lewis Jr., the son of Edward and Clara (Roemen) Lewis Sr., was born on July 31, 1938, in Rock Valley, IA. He grew up in Rock Valley until moving to Rushmore, MN. He attended country school then went to school in Worthington. Ed was united in marriage to Shirley Thompson on November 19, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington. After their marriage they lived in Adrian before moving to a farm south of Fulda. Ed worked at Fulda Coop Elevators in Fulda and Wirock. He also farmed until 1973. He later worked at the elevators in Iona and Dovray before retiring. He served on the Fulda volunteer Fire Department for 33 years. Ed passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, MN at the age of 87. He was a member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church and was an usher, greeter. Ed enjoyed dancing, camping, playing cards and cutting the grass or just being outdoors.

Harvey D. Bjerke, age 89 of Lake Crystal (formerly of Hadley, MN), passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Mayo Health System, Mankato. Harvey Dennis was born October 16, 1936 in Iona, MN to Everett and Josie (VanKlei) Bjerke. He attended country school through the 8th grade, and later enlisted in the US Army. After his discharge, he returned home and spent his life farming, as well as doing some trucking on the side. Harvey was united in marriage to Mary Jean Scholten in 1959. Together they had five children, and later divorced. He enjoyed fishing, camping, tinkering on the farm, wintering in Arizona with his family and always made time for a drink with family and friends. Most importantly, he enjoyed time with his family. Left to remember Harvey are his children: Connie (Ed) Betz, Wanda Bjerke, Charlene Bjerke, and Dennis (Jode) Bjerke; grandchildren: Kristi (Mike) Hawker, Angie (Mike Volk) Betz, Amy Bjerke (Matt) Lanford, Kyle Bjerke, Amber Woitaszewski, Jessica (Carlos) Serratos, Daniel (Analisa) Woitaszewski, and Samantha Bjerke; 22 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret (Marlin) Emery, and son Daniel (in 1983).

Larry Joe Schindler, the son of Joe and Margaret (Deuschle) Schindler, was born on February 26, 1946, in Fulda MN. He grew up in Fulda and attended school graduating from the Fulda High School. Larry worked as a carpenter and built numerous houses over the years. Larry was united in marriage to Cleone Meyer-Hein on January 17, 1981, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulda. They made their home in Fulda. Larry remained in Fulda after Cleone died in January of 1995. In 2023 he moved to the Maple View Estates in Fulda. Larry passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Maple Lawn Senior Center in Fulda at the age of 79. He had served on the Murray County Parks board and the Fulda Zoning Committee and the Murray County Pheasants Forever and Fulda Game and Fish Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening and collecting guns.

Ricky Byers, age 68 of Dovray, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Our House Hospice of Murray County with family at his side. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at church on Friday. Interment will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery in Dovray at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry Rund, age 78, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Hospice of Murray County in Slayton, Minnesota. Memorial Services were 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following interment in the Marshall Cemetery, a luncheon was held back at the church. Visitation was held two hours prior to his celebration, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, also at the church.

Jason “Jay” Baures of Grasston passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 50. Jason Jon Baures was born on July 4, 1975, to Ruth (Versaevel) DeSaer in Marshall, MN.