Obituaries

Bernadine Hennings, 103, of Lake Wilson, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in Pipestone, Minnesota. Bernadine was born on February 22, 1923, to Michael and Antonia Zahorsky.

Walter Van Dyk was born on September 3, 1939, in Sibley, Iowa, to Cornelius Van Dyk and Gertrude (Vos) Van Dyk. At the age of 11, Walter moved with his family to a farm northwest of Lake Wilson, Minnesota, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of agriculture. He graduated from Lake Wilson High School in 1957.

Mindi Mathern, 75, of Slayton, MN passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2026, at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton. Memorial services will be on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the church from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday. A private family interment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Edgeley, ND. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Hospice of Murray County or the Slayton Public Library.

Duane “Stretch” Mulder, age 92, of Luverne, Minnesota, died on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Sanford Luverne Medical Center. Duane “Stretch” John Mulder was born on June 15, 1934 to Henry and Hermina (Meester) Mulder in Ellsworth, Minnesota.

Bernadine (Zahorsky) Hennings, of Lake Wilson, MN passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan Home in Pipestone on Friday, June 26, 2026. A visitation will be held prior to the service at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton, MN from 9:00-10:00AM on Monday, July 6, 2026, with the funeral service to follow at 10:30AM. A burial service will take place at the Hillside Cemetery in Lake Wilson, MN following the service.

Betty Gardner, age 86, of Denton, TX, formerly of Albertville, MN, Spring Valley, MN, Plymouth, MN, New Hope, MN, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026. Affectionately known as “Betty the Bookie”, for her enthusiasm to win a $2 bet (and her extreme displeasure of losing) was born on January 17, 1940, to Wendell and Francianna Keeler.

Joanne Conrad was born on July 23, 1941, in Hebron, North Dakota to John and Edna Iszler Moos. She grew up in Hebron and graduated from Hebron High School. On August 27, 1961, she and Marvin Ben were married in Hebron. Following their marriage, they traveled for Marvin’s work building elevators. Eventually calling Lakefield, MN home once they started their family. Marvin passed away on January 15, 1977. In March 1979 Joanne and Noel Conrad were married. They made their home in Lamberton, MN where Joanne worked as a Dietary Aide at the Valley View Manor in Lamberton. Following their retirement, they moved to Slayton, MN to be near family. Noel passed away on August 28, 2018. Joanne remained in their home. Joanne passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 84. She was a member of Highwater Lutheran Church in Lamberton where she was active on several committees. She was a member of the Lamberton American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary in Lakefield. Joanne enjoyed going for coffee, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, her dogs, and great grand-dogs, attending her grandkids sporting events, and loved shopping at Costco. In her younger days she enjoyed camping, the Spencer Fair and square dancing.

It seems appropriate to write on Father’s Day 2026, to remember my father and his life with us. Jesus prayed “ our Father who is in heaven,” ; well, now I have two fathers there.

Ralph Yotter, 89, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Prairie Senior Cottages Care Center in New Richland, MN. A Celebration on Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 10am-2pm at the Purple Goose in Janesville, MN. Pastor Christina Mitchell Kadelbach will be officiating.

Joseph Gerrit Olsem passed away on June 20, 2026 at the age of 78 at Good Samaritan Society- Windom, MN. A private graveside service will be held at the Springfield Township Cemetery. An open house/memorial for the public was held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Heron Lake Community Center in Heron Lake, MN. Joe was born in Windom, MN on June 15, 1948 to Martin and Katherine (Cuperus) Olsem. He was the 2nd oldest of 11 children. He attended the District 48 country school until 8th grade and graduated from Storden High School in 1966. After graduation he joined the National Guard and farmed with his father and brothers. He married Carolyn Haken on November 26, 1977 and together they raised 5 children and farmed for 50 years in Cottonwood and Jackson Counties. He was a member of the Springfield Township board and a member of the Storden American Legion for over 50 years. Joe was an exceptionally hard worker that loved farming and he did not stop until his health forced him to retire in 2025. He could fix anything on the farm or in the house and spent countless hours in the “shop” repairing or building things for the farm. He did take time to enjoy farm shows, parades, county fairs and several trips with Carolyn over the years. Joe loved to talk about the weather, care for his vehicles, and had an excellent memory. For many years, he and Nick hosted the “Power Hour” at the shop and all were welcome for a cup of coffee and to share the latest news. More recently he took a large interest in the tile business his two youngest sons had started. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Diana (Shawn) Stoermann, Melissa (James) Vande Weerd, Scott (Amanda) Olsem, Michael (Catherine) Olsem, and Jason (Taylor) Olsem. 15 Grandchildren: Kaden Stoermann, Adriana, Braiden, Kenzie Olsem, Jacob, Kenzie, Andrew Albrecht, Ashlyn, Jaxson, Everlee Vande Weerd, Matthew, Caleb, Madison Olsem, Kolten Sieben and Elijah Olsem. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Nick and John, and aunt Annie. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements. Send condolences online at www.totzkefuneralhome. com.