Obituaries

Gerald Holmes, age 55, of Russell, Minnesota, died peacefully and surrounded by family at his home on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Gerald Jay Holmes was born on June 6, 1968, in Slayton, Minnesota.

Paul Henry Beech was born on December 21, 1931, on his grandparent’s farm near Iona, Minnesota to George and Minnie Oldewurtel Beech. He grew up on a farm northeast of Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1949. On April 24, 1951, He enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Estes. On July 28, 1951, he and Norma Jean Bloom were married at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. Following their marriage, Norma Jean made her home in Vallejo, CA while Paul served in the Navy. Following his honorable discharge, on March 23, 1955, they returned to the family farm near Slayton. Paul and his brother, Jerry farmed together until the untimely death of Jerry. Paul then farmed with his son, Mark until his retirement in 2011. In his younger days Paul was active with the Slayton Golden Gloves teaching many of the Slayton and surrounding area youth boxing. Norma Jean passed away on May 31, 2006. Paul passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the age of 92. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton and in the past served on the finance council. He also was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and the Broken Arrow Archery Club being named State Barebow Champion in 1975 and 1976. Paul took great pride in being a member of the St. Labre Indian School Society helping to educate and transform lives. Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, side-by-side riding with his dogs around the farm, archery, boxing, visiting with family and friends and his dogs. Paul taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to have a strong faith and to honor God and this was taught by example. He greatest joy came from his family and his love of God.

Dwight Koster was born on January 11, 1937, in Onawa, Iowa to August and Bertha Lang Koster. He grew up in Onawa and graduated from high school in 1955. Dwight served in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1962. On September 29, 1956, he and Mary Blackman were married in Onawa. Following their marriage, they made their home in Sioux City, IA for a short time before moving to Salix, IA for 8 years and then to Sergeant Bluffs for 4 years. While in Iowa Dwight worked construction. In 1975 they moved to Currie, MN where they owned and operated the Grocery Store until selling the business in 1978. Dwight then went to work for Schmitz Grain in Currie, working in the elevator office. He retired in 1999. Mary passed away on April 20, 2005. Dwight remained in Currie until 2013 when he returned to Onawa. In 2022 due to failing health and to be near family Dwight moved to Good Samaritan Society in Westbrook, MN. He passed away there on Monday, December 25, 2023, at the age of 86. Dwight was a member of the Currie American Legion Post. He enjoyed working, fishing, and riding his mower around Currie.

Kenneth Miller was born on February 25, 1947, in Tyler, Minnesota to LeRoy and Doris Henkel Miller. He grew up on the family farm south of Balaton, MN and graduated from Balaton High School in 1965. Kenneth served in the Army National Guard from 1965 to 1988. On October 23, 1971, he and Audrey Vogt were married at Sillerud Lutheran Church in rural Balaton, MN. Following their marriage, they farmed the Miller family farm and raised their two children. Kenneth semi-retired in 2022 but in the words of Kenneth “Farmers never retire”. In November 2023 they moved to Marshall. Kenneth passed away at his home in Marshall on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the age of 76. He was a lifelong member of Sillerud Lutheran Church where he was active in Bible Study, usher, council member, cemetery board, sang in the choir and Our hands God’s work. He also was a member of the Balaton American Legion Post, Cub Scout Leader and active in many farm organizations. Kenneth and Audrey hosted MAST students through the University of Minnesota helping many future agriculture students. Kenneth loved farming and was a loyal John Deere man, although he was most passionate about being a husband, father, and grandfather. Kenneth enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and other school activities. Kenneth was very proud to receive his 9-gallon pin from the American Red Cross for blood donation. Kenneth never met a stranger; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and loved visiting. He will be remembered for his kind and caring soul always willing to generously give of his time, talent, and resources.

Jerome “Jerry” Allen Pederson, age 78, of Moose Lake, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Solvay Hospice House with his family and care team by his side. Jerry was born June 21,1945 in Slayton, MN to Martin and Hilda Pederson.

Lorraine Mae (Hutt) Hoffman, of Wilmont, died Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Murray County Hospice in Slayton. She was born July 20, 1929, in Ellsworth, to John Jr. and Nadine (Carr) Hutt. She graduated from Worthington High School in 1948.

John D. Meyer was born on September 26, 1945, in Tracy, MN, to Wayne and Lorraine (Furan) Meyer. He was a fifth generation farmer and was living and farming on the land that was homesteaded by his greatgrandparents. He was a farmer all his life and loved driving only John Deere Tractors. His favorite one was a ’70 John Deere that was his dad’s first new tractor.

Carol DeKam, age 85, of Leota, Minnesota, died peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota. Carol Jean Vogelaar was born on June 20, 1938, In Sheldon, Iowa, to parents Teunis and Cora (Van Duyn) Vogelaar.

Floyd Knakmuhs, age 89 of Westbrook, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Good Samaritan Nursing home in Westbrook. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dennis Jay Sankey was born on October 23, 1959, in Pipestone, Minnesota to Willard and Eileen (Prins) Sankey. He grew up in Leota, MN and graduated from Southwest Christian High School in 1978. Following high school Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He later attended Granite Falls Technical Institute. In 1985 he met the love of his life Carol Van Meveren and after 15 years together they married on August 5, 2000, in Wilmont, MN. They made their home in Wilmont and Dennis worked for Schwartz Farms tended to livestock. In 2023 Dennis retired due to health reasons. Dennis passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his home in Wilmont at the age of 64. Dennis enjoyed spending time with family especially his grandchildren, motorcycles, camping, cars, and tinkering on anything with an engine and suffering watching the Minnesota Vikings.