Obituaries

Cornelius “Casey” John Lolkus, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the age of 86, following complications from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Janice Carol Schei, age 86, of Luverne, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Luverne Hospice Cottage. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home - Luverne Chapel. Please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com to view Janice’s life history and to sign an online registry.

Julie Severson was born on July 23, 1967, in Slayton, Minnesota to James “Jim” and Marilou Clauson Christensen. She grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1985. Following high school Julie attended Stewarts School of hair in Sioux Falls, SD graduating in 1986. Julie worked as a server at several area restaurants over the years. She was last employed at the Grain Exchange in Slayton. Due to health reasons, Julie retired in the fall of 2025. Julie passed away at her home with her family by her side on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the age of 58. She was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. Julie enjoyed spending time with her family, children, and grandchildren, watching her grandchildren’s events, watching the Minnesota Vikings, woodworking crafts, painting rocks, and her cats, Rio and Razz.

Kathryn Rachel Crews was born on October 31, 1936, to Fred and Mabel Schumm in Graham Lakes Township near Kinbrae, MN. Kathryn grew up on the family farm, attended local country school, and graduated from Fulda High School. After graduation, Kathryn married Joseph Meyers, and they later divorced. Kathryn married Mel Morrison in 1978, then moved to Sylvan Shores, Browerville, MN in 1980. After Mel passed away Kathryn moved to Staples. Because of her declining health, Kathryn’s family moved her to Havenwood of Buffalo in 2024. Havenwood provided her with the care she needed, and she was closer to her family.

Janet Hart was born on June 2, 1933, in Gruver, Iowa to William and Alice Ramsey Higinbotham. In 1937 the family moved to Arnolds Park, IA for a short time before moving to Estherville, IA where Janet graduated from Estherville High School. Following high school Janet worked for Dr. Kitchen and later at Holy Family Hospital. On June 19, 1958, she and Harold Hart were married at the United Presbyterian Church in Estherville. Following their marriage, they made their home on the Hart family farm in Fenton Township near Chandler, MN. They remained on the farm until 2001 when they moved to Slayton, MN. Harold passed away on November 18, 2016. In June 2018 Janet moved to Maple Lawn Senior Care in Fulda. She passed away there on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 92. Janet was a member of the Iona Presbyterian Church in Iona, MN where she served as President of the Ladies Aid, and taught Sunday School and Bible School. She also was a member of the Friendly Birthday Club. Janet enjoyed visiting with family and Friends, and crafts.

Carol Irene (Miller) Moritz, the daughter of Orval and Myrle (Reed) Miller, was born October 19, 1937, in Beatrice, NE. Carol passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love on January 6, 2026, at the age of 88.

Hans Theodore Remmers, age 92, was born on December 6, 1933, in Ireton, IA. His father, Ted came to the United States to work for a farmer to pay for his passage and room and board for two years. The farmer also taught him the English language. Hans has a lot of admiration for his heritage and still kept in touch with the German relation by meeting them in different Caribbean Island resorts. He traveled to Germany two times. Hans graduated from Heron Lake High School in 1951 and later entered the United States Army and was discharged in January of 1956 with a rank of E-5. His hobbies were farming, which he did for 60 years. Every day, Hans walked with God and his wife of 68 years, Janice Johnson. His other hobbies included roller skating, ballroom dancing, sailing, kayaking, snow skiing, and a little golf.

Judy Herrmann, 79, of Fulda, MN, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, MN. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Mark Leslie Charles Day, son of Dale and Carol (Mooney) Day, was born on October 10, 1962. He spent part of his childhood in Idaho before his family settled in Granite Falls, Minnesota, where he grew up surrounded by deep family roots.

Our Beloved Mother, Marlys (Peters) Wenzel, 91, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Rapid City, SD. Marlys was born August 15, 1934, to Earl and Dolores (Priebe) Peters in Slayton, Minnesota and graduated valedictorian, from Slayton High School. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Leland Wenzel, on March 29, 1953, and celebrated 62 years of marriage.