Obituaries

Duane Danielson, age 83, currently of Brainerd and formerly of Hanley Falls, Minnesota, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Clarkfield Care Center in Clarkfield, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota.

Chuck Haugen was born on March 10, 1951, in Tracy, Minnesota to Lindy and Betty Harbo Haugen. He grew up in Tracy and graduated from Tracy High School in 1968.

The world lost a force of nature when Robert “Bob” John Swenson left this life on July 1, 2025. He faced his final months with grace and grit and is now pain free (though likely still a little gruff).

Esther “Mickey” Schmidt 95 of Mankato, MN passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Oaklawn Care and Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, MN. A graveside service will be on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Avoca, MN at 11:00 a.m. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com.

The memorial service for Stella Ann Swanson, 90, of Balaton, will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Balaton United Methodist Church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Public visitation will take place at church Tuesday from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Upon conclusion of the Memorial service, Committal service will take place at Lakeside Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Balaton Community Center.

Babe Schoo was born on January 14, 1934, in Round Lake, Minnesota to Ernest and Clara Schoneman Wieck. Shortly after Babe’s birth the family moved to Belle Fourche, SD and later Devils Tower, WY where her father owned a sawmill. Babe attended Sundance High School and worked at her father’s mill. At a young age Babe left Wyoming and moved to Minnesota to live with a cousin. On August 3, 1955, she, and John “Jack” Schoo were married at St. Columba Church in Iona, MN. Following their marriage, they farmed the Schoo family farm west of Iona and raised their four children. In 1985 they retired and moved to Fulda, MN. Jack passed away on October 28, 2000. Babe remained in Fulda until September 2023 when she moved to Prairie View Health Care Center in Tracy, MN. Due to failing health Babe moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on June 26, 2025. She passed away there on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the age of 91. She was a member of St. Gabriel’s Church in Fulda, MN and was active in the CCW. She also was a past member of the Iona VFW Auxiliary. Babe enjoyed visiting with friends over a cup or pot of coffee, playing cards, finding a good deal at rummage sales, caring for her outdoor flowers, house plants and succulents. She was an avid cook with many secret recipes.

Arlene Pauline (Littau) Post, Chandler, MN, was born on February 8, 1934. She passed away June 24, 2025, due to failing health at the age of 91. Arlene was the 8th of 10 children born to Benjamin and Katherina (Burr) Littau on the ranch by Carter, SD.

Ann Westbrook, age 87, of Granite Falls passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Granite Falls, MN with interment at the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery.

Roger Alan Lindmeier was born on December 6, 1951, in St. Cloud, MN, the son of Lorenzo and Evelyn (Primus) Lindmeier. Roger lived life to the fullest, spending time in Springfield, Tracy, Avoca, and Slayton throughout his life. He served Avoca as mayor for a few terms, always dedicated to making his community a better place. He worked as a bar manager, car salesman, and most recently, the manager of BP gas station in Slayton. Known for his easygoing nature and warm smile, Roger was a friend to many. His love for cars and car shows kept him busy, and he could often be found chattering away about the latest models or reminiscing about classic rides. Music was his passion, and whether he was at home or at a casino, he enjoyed sharing good tunes and even better times with his family and friends.

Daniel Lee Short, 77, passed peacefully on June 9, 2025, at Commonwealth Senior Living in South Boston, Virginia. Dan (“Danny” to his family and close friends) was born on May 20,1948, in Slayton, Minnesota, to John and Gretta Short.