Obituaries

Mary Diekmann was born on September 15, 1941, in Fulda, Minnesota to Charles and Regina Zins Sauer. She grew up in Fulda and graduated from Fulda High School in 1959. On December 26, 1960, she and Loren Diekmann were married at St. Gabriel’s Church in Fulda. Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm northwest of Wilmont, MN. First and foremost, Mary was a devoted wife and mother, as well as working at Sterling Drug in Worthington, Huisken’s Meats in Chandler, MN, and later cooked at the Worthington Regional Hospital. In 2000 they moved to Worthington, MN. In 2009 Mary retired and they moved to Wells, MN to be near family. In 2021 they moved to Oak Terrace Senior Living in North Mankato, MN. Mary passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Mayo Health System in Mankato, MN at the age of 80. She was a lifelong member of St. Kilian Church where she was the organist, and pianist for over 35 years. She also was a member of the CCW and served as past President. Following their move to Wells they joined St. Casimar Church in Wells where Mary sang in the choir and was a member of the Bible study group. Mary also served on the Wells Library Board. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies and the Pink Hat Society. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, attended her grandchildren’s activities, music of all kinds, sewing, baking, making greeting cards, reading, playing cards.

Shirley Ann Scarset, age 64 of Westbrook, passed away Monday, August 1, 2022 surrounded by her family at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Shirley Ann (Hanson) Scarset, daughter of Floyd and Marian (Herrmann) Hanson, was born December 11, 1957 in Worthington, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray. Shirley attended country school through 5th grade and graduated from Westbrook High School. Following graduation, she moved to California for a couple of years before returning to Westbrook. Shirley worked at the nursing homes in Tracy, Slayton, and lastly in Westbrook. She was very dedicated to her job, never missing a day, and she thoroughly enjoyed the work she did. Shirley loved God, her kids and her grandkids. Her grandchildren were a huge part of her life, as were her dogs. Most weekends, Shirley gathered with her children at her parents’ house simply to spend time. She was very upbeat and always kept a positive outlook. Shirley cared deeply about everyone, was fun-loving, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed cooking and baking, drinking coffee and visiting, watching movies and reading. Shirley’s smile and laugh will never be forgotten. Shirley is survived by her chil

Grace Peterson, 93, of Clear Lake, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home in Rockwell, IA. The daughter of Frank D.

Brian Peterson 49 of Slayton, MN passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022, at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD as the result of a motorcycle accident. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Lake Sarah Baptist Church in rural Slayton, MN at 10:30 a.m.

Howard “Jake” Konkol was born in Ashland, Wisconsin, on July 26, 1926, to John and Elsie (Westphal) Konkol. He passed away on July 29, 2022, at the Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, MN. Jake attended Ashland High School. He was drafted into the service during his senior year and was unable to graduate with his class. He was honorably discharged and returned to the States in 1946. He attended Northland College and eventually transferred to Winona State Teacher’s College graduating in 1950 with a BS in Physical Education, Math, and Science. Jake taught physical education, junior high mathematics and coached football in Freeborn and Kimball, Minnesota. He met the love of his life, Katherine “Margaret” Vander Heyden and they were united in marriage on June 18, 1955. In 2014, Jake was inducted into Kimball’s Athletic Hall of Fame honoring the 1956 Kimball football team that went 8-0 and outscored its opponents 292-0 in a 35-game unbeaten streak that was a state record. In 1957, Jake and Margaret moved to Slayton, where they raised their six children. Jake taught seventh and eighth grade math as well as science, along with assistant coach duties for football and basketball. He retired in 1991 after 41 years of teaching. That same year, Jake was selected Teacher of the Year. Jake was a true outdoorsman. He loved fishing and hunting and had many great outings with his sons and friends. He and Margaret loved to travel and covered all fifty states and Canadian Provinces. Jake was a devout catholic and his faith was very important to him. Jake was a lifetime member of the Minnesota Coaches Association, National Education Association and American Legion. He was a member of Knights of Columbus. Jake enjoyed cheering on his favorite sports teams and his children and grandchildren at their activities. He showed his love in so many ways through his willingness to help, good-natured teasing, grins and singing his hellos and good-byes.

Peter Cornelius Hoekman was born on August 6th, 1932, in Martin, SD to Dirk and Lena Wynia Hoekman. In 1934 the family moved to a farm near Slayton, MN. Pete grew up on the farm that had been in his family since 1934 and he attended Country School and Chandler School. Pete made his profession of faith on April 2nd, 1950, at the First Reformed Church in Slayton. On June 15th, 1953, Pete was drafted into the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge on May 16th, 1955, he returned to the family farm. On February 3rd, 1956, he and Viola Mae Eernisse were married at the First Reformed Church in Slayton. Following their marriage, they farmed the family farm. God blessed Pete and his wife Viola Hoekman with three children. Gregory (fiancé Diane Holter) Hoekman of Volin, SD, Lori Carlson, Slayton, MN, James (wife Heather) Hoekman, Hadley, MN, five grandchildren, Leslie Michael Hoekman, Heather (Tony) Mayer, Shanon Carlson, Bryn Hoekman and Bryce Hoekman, one great grandchild, Viola Jean Hoekman.

Ronald E. Evans, age 69, of Pipestone, Minnesota passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Bruce Allen Prahm, 74, passed away on April 4, 2022 with family by his side. Bruce was born on June 14, 1947 in Slayton, Minnesota to Edward and Ruby Prahm. He graduated from Slayton High School in 1965 and attended the University of Wyoming for one semester. He enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1970, serving in Vietnam from November 1967 to November 1968. He worked for Dakota Contracting from 1974-1979 while attending the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He worked for Park and Fly in Minneapolis for more than 25 years.

Lenore R. Duffy, 80, of Pontiac, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022, at OSF St.

Jean Runia, age 93, of Tyler, Minnesota, died on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at the Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler, Minnesota. Jean Myrna Magnuson was born on August 11, 1928, to parents Richard and Bergitte (Madsen) Magnuson.