Obituaries

Jeff Zea was born on January 4, 1962, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Darrell and Vida Pettis Zea. He grew up in Lakefield, MN and attended Lakefield High School. Jeff served in the Minnesota National Guard. Jeff made his home in Slayton, MN and worked as a Nursery Manager for Green Prairie Pork for 20 years until it closed. He then went to work for Monogram Food in Chandler, MN working in the cheese room. Jeff then found the jobs he was meant to do working as a clerk at Cenex and later Ag Plus both in Slayton. Jeff loved to visit with his regular customers as well as anyone that stopped in. Too many he was affectionately known as Cenex Jeff. Jeff passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 64. Jeff enjoyed coffee at Cenex with the guys, hunting, fishing, visiting with friends, auto racing and spending time with his bonus grandchildren.

Catherine (Post) Kuhl, age 87, passed away peacefully into the hands of the Lord on February 15, 2026. Kathy was born on October 18, 1938, on a farm near Chandler, MN to James and Jennie Post, the ninth child of ten. Cathy often said they never had extra money but they always had plenty of food to eat.

Gary Richard Hudson passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2026, in Stillwater, Minnesota. He was born on July 26, 1946, in Stayton, Minnesota to Richard and Lois (Pommier) Hudson.

Marge Miranowski was born on March 30, 1932, in Marshfield, Wisconsin to Nick and Eldora Michels Henseler. She grew up in Bakersville, WI until 1936 when the family moved to Worthington, MN where Marge graduated from Worthington High School in 1950.

Jane Giese was born on January 19, 1939, in Slayton, Minnesota to Lester and Lois Hopkins Cohrs. She grew up in Westbrook, MN and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1957. On July 27, 1957, she and John Giese were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Currie, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home in Westbrook until 1972 when they moved to Pipestone, MN. In 1974 the family moved to Slayton, MN. John passed away on November 16, 2014. In December 2023 Jane moved to Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, MN. She passed away there on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 87. She was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. Jane enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, golfing, knitting, crocheting, sewing and oil painting.

Larry Lee Betz, the son of Lawrence and Lela (Frohwein) Betz, was born on October 14, 1941, in Sheldon, IA. He grew up in Sheldon and attended school before moving to Avoca, MN and then graduated from the Slayton High School in 1960. Larry was united in marriage to Darlene Dirks on July 3, 1965. They started their adventures in Avoca, MN with their 4 children, making pit stops in Brewster, MN and Paonia, Co. They then returned and settled in Avoca, MN where he could enjoy activities with his kids and grand kids. Larry served in the Army National Guard. He worked as a truck driver and retired in 2013 from Buffalo Ridge Concrete. Larry passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Maple Lawn Senior Care in Fulda at the age of 84, surrounded by many loved ones. He was a member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda. Larry enjoyed dirt track racing with his boys, hunting, camping and reading all the Louis L’Amour books. He was always looking and ready for any new adventure he could come up with.

Raymon Harold Randall, age 84 of Tracy, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at the Tracy Area Funeral Home, Tracy, MN, with visitation one prior to service. Interment is in Tracy City Cemetery in Tracy, MN. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Corstiaan “Corky” Van Eck was born on January 7, 1930 to Bastiaan and Annie (Van’t Hof) Van Eck on a farm near Chandler, MN and passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN. He lived a life dedicated to his family and his work.

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.