Obituaries

Leland Ernest Smith, age 82, of Wilmont, died Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born August 18, 1943, on the family farm in Wilmont Township, to Mirl Earnest and Marinette (Yantzi) Smith. Lee attended Fulda High School until the ninth grade. He graduated from Morris Agriculture College in 1961. He served his country in the National Guard from 1965 to 1971.

Patti Crowley was born on November 28, 1957, in Slayton, Minnesota to Lloyd and Elayne Solter Finke. She grew up in Slayton and attended Slayton High School. On December 26, 1975, she and Clayton Crowley were married at Faith Lutheran Church in Avoca, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home in Slayton and raised their three children. Patti worked at Murray County Central School in the cafeteria until 1998. Patti passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 67. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton. She also was a hospice volunteer for many years. Patti enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, crafting, and gardening. Time with her grandchildren is what Patti looked forward to most.

Gary McCarter was born on June 14, 1957, in Orange, California to Richard and Janice Winbigler McCarter. He grew up in Orange and graduated from Orange High School in 1975. Gary then attended Santa Ana College. In 1979 he began EMT and Fire Department Training at the City of Glendale Fire Academy. Following graduation from the Academy Gary went to work for the City of Glendale Fire Department. In 1986 he moved to Burbank, CA but remained with the Glendale Fire Department. On February 20, 2005, he and Jan Wahl were married at Knollwood Country Club in Granada Hills, CA. Following their marriage, they continued living in Burbank. Gary retired after 35 years of services to the City of Glendale in that time “I have saved lives and property. I’ve driven fire engines and ambulances with lights and sirens blaring. I’ve held the hands of scared people that feared for their lives.” He taught CPR for the public for 2years. In 2015 they purchased a home in Slayton, MN and shared their time between Burbank and Slayton. In 2020 they made their home in Slayton full time but continued sharing their time between Minnesota and California. Gary volunteered at the Murray County Historical Society, Shetek Lutheran Ministries, and the Murray County Food Shelf, and he and Jan were Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Holt House. While in California Gary attended Redhill Lutheran Church in Tustin, CA. In Slayton Gary attended Three Ministries and Christ Lutheran Church. He was Baptized in the Jordan River in Israel and walked in the sea of Galilee. Gary was a giving person always looking for ways to help others and better his community. “I’ve brought the Word of the Lord to people needing direction.” Gary passed away at his home with Jan by his side on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 68. Gary enjoyed snow skiing, visiting the elderly, traveling, moto cross, dirt bike, quad riding, surfing, rock climbing, repelling, scuba diving, camping, flying, golfing and flying video games. In 1989 he adopted his best friend a Moluccan Cockatoo named Sidney.

Joshua Tedrick was born on March 23, 1995, near the Twin Cities. He was a poet, an artist, a stand-up comic, the “sticker guy”, a true friend, a brother, and an amazing son. He loved ska, coffee, street art, Jesus, and his friends and family. He left a legacy of deep friendship and love with all who had the pleasure of connecting. Those who knew him enjoyed his quick wit, creativity, talent, and big heart. He was a champion for the underdog and loyal to a fault. He never gave up on those he loved. And oh, did he love. His big laugh and bigger hugs are missed by those lucky enough to hear or receive them. Josh seemed to know how to make every day, experiences meaningful and joyful.

Betty Joyce Vos was born on November 12, 1937, to Albert and Valborg (Christensen) Olsen at the family home in Aetna Township, Pipestone County. The family farm was located near Ruthton, Minnesota, where Betty graduated from the Ruthton High School in 1955. While growing up, Betty was baptized on December 12, 1937, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Ruthton, where she was later confirmed on April 29, 1951. On February 3, 1956, shortly after graduating, Betty was united in marriage to the love of her life, Melvin Vos, in Tyler, Minnesota. Together the couple lived in the Ruthton and Woodstock, Minnesota, area and welcomed seven children. While the kids were growing up, Betty wore many hats. She was a homemaker, a daycare provider for many years and was a bookkeeper for Vos Trucking in Florence, Minnesota. Betty was employed by Schwan’s Food for over 10 years. She retired from working in 2001.

Laura Ann (Kremer) Mettner (46) of Chanhassen, Minnesota passed away on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 leaving an unfillable void. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, October 17th at The Barn at Corabelle, 1314 16th St. Iona, MN 56141 with Pastor John Stewart officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00-10:00 A.M. at The Barn. Interment will take place after the service at St. Columba Cemetery, rural Iona, Minnesota.

The memorial service commemorating the life of Lawrence Carlson, 78, of Westbrook, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Tracy United Methodist Church in Tracy, MN. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Tracy. Visitation will continue on Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Tracy United Methodist Church. Interment will take place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery in Currie.

Betty Vos, age 87, of Balaton, Minnesota, formerly of Ruthton, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Lakeview Senior Housing in Balaton. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Ruthton Community Center in Ruthton. A private family burial will be held at the Ruthton City Cemetery in Ruthton.

Roy Carter 94 of Slayton, MN passed away at the Good Samaritan Society-Westbrook on September 6, 2025. No services will be held at this time.

Jacob Kathman was born on July 24, 1998, in Marshall, Minnesota to Mark and Angela Morson Kathman. Jacob grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 2020. That same year the family moved to a home on Lake Shetek near Slayton, MN. Jacob loved spending time with his family, best friend, and caregiver Angie Buchert. Jacob was a foodie. He enjoyed food not only out of hunger and necessity but also as a hobby. Music was another thing that brought joy, comfort, and connection to Jacob. Jacob passed away at the Avera McKenna Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the age of 27. Jacob found joy in the simple things in life, spending time with his family and cats, quiet time to himself and all genres of T.V.