Obituaries

Mitchell was born on November 8, 1937, on the family farm near Lake Wilson, MN to Ralph John Runia and Tryntje (Kate) Runia. Mitchell attended school through the 8th grade. He enjoyed working on the farm equipment, cars and trucks but did not enjoy all the farming chores. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served his term. When returned from the navy, he stayed with his sister, Helen while he looked for work in Sioux Falls. He got a mechanic job. On July 10th, 1960, he married Phyllis Jean Tripp of Sioux Falls. (Louis married her sister Carol) Mitchell was then hired by All American Freight Lines which later was called Yellow Freight and worked as a diesel truck mechanic in the shop in Sioux Falls. They had two children Wade and Dawn. Mitchell spent many weekends at his home repairing cars and trucks for his friends and family. He also enjoyed helping his friend, Joe Doly builded race cars which they raced at Huset’s Speedway. In his free time, he was always inventing little gadgets to improve is gas mileage or make an existing item work better. He built a bike with a full-size seat on it and the pedals were out front so he could recline while bike riding. He liked playing ball in the yard, going fishing, riding his motorcycle and pheasant hunting from time to time. He was a Christian man who worked and volunteered many hours at Lynwood Wesleyan Church in Sioux Falls. In October of 1984 Mike, Phyllis and Wade moved to Aurora, CO. Mike took a transfer to the Big Yellow Freight shop there. He continued to work for Yellow Freight until his retirement at age 64. He loved Colorado for the mountains and for all the fishing and biking trails. When you visited Mitchell, tours of the garage and stories of the cars were sure to be part of it. He also collected toy Tonka Trucks, farm tractors, and Corvettes. Many matchbox cars and collector cars which he liked showing off to visitors as well. He Loved going to Grand Lake, CO. His cousin Jerry had an old cabin there on the hillside of the lake. Mitchell and his brothers, Wally, Dick and Bob spent a summer there and rebuilt the basement structure into a nice 2-bedroom cabin. Mitchell and Phyllis were Divorced after 38 years. Mitchell married Carolyn and spent his remaining years together with her. In April of 2023 Mitchell was admitted to a veteran’s senior home as his dementia was worsening. He was of good health but had a sudden unexpected turn that resulted his passing away on June 14, 2023, surrounded by his family at the age of 85.

Jack Sweely was born on June 29, 1949, in Slayton, Minnesota to James and Margaret Ahrens Sweely. He grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1967. Jack then attended Pipestone Vo-Tech for Produce Merchandising. Over the years Jack made his home in Benson, MN, Mitchell, SD, Pierre, SD, Sioux City, IA, and Jackson, MN. Jack worked as a produce manager in various grocery stores. Following his retirement Jack returned to Slayton. In 2019 Jack moved to Lindenwood Assisted Living in Slayton, MN. In December 2022 Jack moved to Prairie View Health Care Center in Tracy, MN. He passed away there on November 4, 2024, at the age of 75. He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. Jack was a big sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and University of Minnesota Gopher Football. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling and watching pro wrestling.

David Paul Larson was born on November 29, 1961, in St. Paul, MN. He was welcomed with love into the home of Paul and Elna Larson along with their three daughters in October 1962. David grew up on the family farm west of Avoca. He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Avoca. He attended Slayton Public Schools, graduating in 1980. After high school David lived in Minneapolis, and for a short time in Texas. He held a wide variety of jobs in his work life. David enjoyed collecting science fiction books and other memorabilia, drafting building plans, caring for his pet cats, and sharing meals and games with family and friends. David died on November 6, 2024, at the J A Wedum hospice house where he was cared for in the last days of his life.

David “Mac” McDonald, age 87, of Canby, MN passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, MN. Memorial service will be held at 2:00p.m. on Monday, November 11th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5pm on Sunday, November 10th at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby with a prayer service at 5pm. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the Canby City Cemetery. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Jean Carlson was born on October 14th, 1931 in Slayton, MN to Martin and Gladys (Thompson) Carlson. She was baptized, and confirmed her faith at Good Shephard Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson, MN. She attended a small country school near her home in Cameron Twp. and graduated with the Lake Wilson Class of 1949. She felt privileged to attend Waldorf College in Forest City, IA.

Duane Barry, 89, of Underwood, died Friday, November 1, 2024, at LB Broen Home in Fergus Falls. Duane G. Barry was born March 17, 1935 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He attended Country School in Underwood. On July 19, 1956 Duane married Helen Wicklund. After marriage, Duane and Helen moved to Lake Wilson where they raised their five children.

Norbert Schmitz was born on April 10, 1926, in Howard, South Dakota to Michael and Mary (Wagner) Schmitz. In 1933 the family moved to a farm near Avoca, MN where Norbert attended a country school. In 1948 the family moved to a farm south of Currie, MN where Norbert attended IHM Catholic School in Currie. On February 10, 1953, he and Leona “Pretty Onie” Rolfes were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in LeMars, IA. On April 14, 1954, Norbert was drafted into the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge on March 28, 1956, he returned to Onie and they farmed south of Currie for the next 38 years. In 1970 they purchased the grain elevator in Currie and operated it as Schmitz Grain Company until 1991 when they retired. Shortly after their retirement, they moved into Currie. Onie passed away on April 24, 2000. On January 12, 2002, he and Mary Jean “Jeanie” Ludwig were married in Norwalk, IA. Following their marriage, they made their home on Lake Shetek and then in Worthington, MN. Jeanie passed away on December 19, 2022. After Jeanie’s death Norbert built a home in Slayton. Due to failing health Norbert moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on October 22, 2024. He passed away there on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 98. He was a member of IHM Catholic Church in Currie. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Norbert enjoyed farming, traveling, rolling dice, playing cards with his buddies, and checkers with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending their winters in Florida with his family.

Dale Swan was born on May 24, 1932, on the family farm near Balaton, Minnesota to Jubel and Elsie Rickgarn Swan. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Balaton High School in 1944. Dale then attended Dunwitty College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN graduating in 1948. On February 19, 1953, Dale enlisted in the United Sates Army. Following his honorable discharge on February 17, 1955, he returned to the family farm and farmed one year with his father. Dale then made his home in Arkansas and California. Dale spent his career working for Northrup and the United States Government in the defense department. He eventually moved to Sioux Falls, SD to be closer to family. It was in Sioux Falls that he met Lois Vanwyhelj and the two developed a great fondness for each other enjoying their many adventures over the last 14 years together. Dale passed away with his family by his side on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of. 92. He was a past member of the United Methodist Church in Slayton, MN. Dale enjoyed dancing, crossword puzzles, traveling, going out with friends, movies, hunting, 4-wheeling in the desert, and spending time with his family and Lois’s family.

Jean (Hanson) Rice was born on November 6, 1954, in Slayton, Minnesota to Gordy and Judy (Hendrickson) Hanson. She grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1973, a proud Wildcat. After high school, Jean attended Alexandria Area Vocational Technical School graduating in 1974 from the Legal Secretary Program. Following graduation Jean moved to Minneapolis, MN and worked as a secretary in the Loan Guaranty Division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, MN. On June 18, 1976, she and John Rice were married in Minneapolis and made their home in St. Paul. In 1978, they returned to Slayton where Jean operated an in-home daycare until Amy, Melissa, and Andy were of school age, at which point Jean took a job as a secretary at People’s State Bank of Slayton. She continued working in the banking industry for 20 years, lastly at United Prairie Bank as an executive assistant to the bank president. John passed away on March 14, 2004. Jean later went to work at VIP Floral in Slayton until her retirement due to health reasons. Jean passed away at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, with her family by her side, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the age of 69 after a 10-year battle with lung disease. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton. Jean enjoyed reading, gardening, crafting, painting, and spending time with family and friends. Jean was very proud of all seven of her grandkids and took every opportunity to make them feel special.

Catherine “Cathy” Bailey, age 80, of Apply Valley, Minnesota, passed away on October 16, 2024, at her home. Cathy was born on July 26, 1944, in Tracy, Minnesota to James and Rita (Ackerman) Malone.