Obituaries

Mike Kuehl was born on January 31, 1934, on the family farm southwest of Westbrook, Minnesota to L. Arthur and Erma Christensen Kuehl. He grew up on the family farm and attended Country School District #108. On February 10, 1955, Mike enlisted in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge on February 8, 1957, he returned to the Westbrook area.

LaDonne Faye (Mulder) Christians was born September 10, 1935, to parents John and Fanny Mulder in Rushmore, MN. She lived on the farm which housed a large loving family. Her father, John, was instrumental in starting the First Baptist Church in Adrain, MN and she accepted Jesus there and began to nourish souls. She attended Worthington High School where her best friend introduced her to her brother, a light-hearted man with a wicked sense of humor named Merle. After graduating from Worthington High School, LaDonne went on to Northwestern College in Minneapolis, MN for a year. And returned to Rushmore and the love of her life, Merle, and the rest is history! LaDonne and Merle were united in marriage on June 1, 1956. To this union three children were born: Kevin, Kimberly and Kendall. LaDonne and Merle first lived in Sioux City IA, where she worked in insurance until they began a family. In 1971, they took a grand leap of faith and purchased a farm north of Lake Wilson, MN. Together they spent their years farming until 2005 when Merle passed. LaDonne remained on the farm several more years until moving to a beautiful home in Lake Wilson, MN and then to the Medows Assisted Living in Worthington. It takes an industrious woman to be married to a farmer, and that she was. Always cooking, gardening, canning, cleaning, decorating and entertaining…which was her delight, she loved having family and friends over. There was always a cup of coffee and lunch for anyone who dropped in. Along with all these things and more, her heart was ever toward Jesus and her children, a mother’s love felt so strongly. Outside the farm life, LaDonne was very involved in Christian Women, which she was President of for many years and involved in her church where she taught Sunday School and was a deaconess. She was committed to helping others. In 1976, LaDonne began to work at Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Worthington, doing outreach in the surrounding counties. She retired after 25 years, Retirement did not slow LaDonne down as she continued living on the farm for a few years after Merle passed, then moving to Lake Wilson. She loved her flowers, hosting many neighborhood and Red Hatters parties, taking bus trips, and volunteering! She volunteered at the hospice house, Atlas foundation, and the hospital in Luverne, to name a few. She was instrumental in her church serving where needed and furnishing many meals and treats, and she loved helping with the children during Awana on Wednesday nights.

Alvin Boock was born on April 24, 1947, in Pipestone, Minnesota to William “Bill” and Alice Knee Boock. He grew up in Pipestone until 1951 when the family moved to the Bemidji area. In 1961 the family moved to Lake Wilson, MN where Alvin graduated from Lake Wilson High School in 1965. On October 26, 1965, Alvin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge on October 25, 1968, returned to the Lake Wilson area. On February 27, 1968, he and Mary Ann “Snooks” Gehlsen were married at the Iona Presbyterian Church in Iona, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home in 29 Palms, CA for a short time before moving to Slayton. In 1974 they moved to Ocheyedan, IA where they remained until 1977 when they returned to Slayton. Alvin drove truck for Sathers for over 30 years, worked for Rupp Construction Company, and drove bus for Ludolph Bus Services. He retired in 2009. Alvin always looked forward to time at the lake, pontoon rides and fall hunting season with his grandkids. Due to a stroke in May 2026 Alvin moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on June 5, 2026. He passed away there on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the age of 79 with family by his side. He was a member of the Iona Presbyterian Church and served as groundskeeper for many years. Alvin served on the Badger Lake Cemetery Board and was a member of the Wilmont VFW Post. Alvin enjoyed time with his family, playing cards, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and the Minnesota Twins, old Westerns and WWE Monday Night RAW, mowing lawns and just being outside.

Marilyn J. Mickelson Barry, age 88, passed away on June 11, 2026. Born in Slayton, Minnesota, to Don and Laura (Schaffer) Busch. Marilyn grew up in the Hadley and Slayton communities, where she attended school and graduated surrounded by lifelong friends and familiar faces. In 1958, Marilyn married Charles Mickelson, and together they raised six children while building a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. Their journey took them through Avoca, Lake Wilson, Redwood Falls, and Wilmont, each community adding new friendships and memories. Charles passed away unexpectedly in 1982. With her faith, Marilyn met the loss with quiet courage and unwavering devotion to her children. During those years, she worked at the Wilmont Café, where her warmth and work ethic were well known. Determined to create a new path for herself and her family, Marilyn returned to college and earned her degree. She went on to complete her career at the Nobles County Courthouse, where she was respected for her dedication and steady presence. In 1989, Marilyn found love again and married Hilary Barry, and with their marriage came a beautifully blended family of sixteen children—a lively, loving group that grew into a legacy all its own. Marilyn held a special relationship with each member of her large family. She had a remarkable gift for making every child, grandchild, great‑grandchild, and their partners feel uniquely loved, welcomed, and valued. Her steady presence and personal connections will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Together, Marilyn and Hilary made their home in Lake Wilson, and most recently at Mapleview Estates in Fulda. Together they owned and operated Sunrise Resort and Head Lake Camp in Otter Tail County. Their time at the resort became a treasured chapter, filled with community, laughter, and the traditions that still bind the family today. It was at Sunrise Resort that the family began their beloved “Family Week” tradition, a time of gathering, storytelling, and togetherness that continues to be a highlight each year. Equally cherished is the annual “Soup and Pie Weekend,” a fall celebration that Marilyn helped shape with her signature warmth—and her unforgettable baking. Marilyn loved cooking and baking, but she was especially known for her homemade bread, a gift she shared generously with family and friends. She had a remarkable talent for making people feel remembered and valued, faithfully sending birthday and anniversary cards to her loved ones near and far. Her kindness was steady, her presence comforting, and her love for her family unwavering.

William “Bill” Henry Roemer II, age 77 of Tracy, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at his home, while surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Tracy United Methodist Church with a visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. A private burial will be in Slayton Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Alvin Boock 79 of Slayton, MN passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, MN. Memorial services will be on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Iona Presbyterian Church in Iona, MN at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens, Slayton, MN. Military honor accorded by the Wilmont VFW Post. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com

LaDonne Christians 90 of Worthington, MN passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Sanford Worthington Hospital in Worthington. Funeral services will be on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Skandia Free Church rural Balaton, MN at 1:00 P.M. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Interment is at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Rushmore, MN. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

Margaret Mary (Ebbers) Baumgartner (Marge) was born on February 9, 1933 near Iona, MN to Frank and Rose (Kappes) Ebbers. She passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026 with family by her side and her rosary laying on her blanket over her heart.

Fr. Anthony Pick, 84, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Holy Spirit Nursing Home in Sioux City. Fr. Pick was born on November 20, 1941, in Alton, Iowa to Lawrence and Cecilia Pletschette Pick and was the oldest of six children. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1967, and faithfully served the Catholic Church throughout his life in both the Sioux City Diocese and Winona-Rochester Diocese. Anthony knew he wanted to be a priest since the second grade and dedicated his life to serving God and others with compassion, faith, and humility. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and a master’s in education degree from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. A lover of travel, he spent time all over Europe and South America, and shared his faith across the globe through mission work including in China. He served parishes across Iowa, with assignments in Fort Dodge, Emmetsburg, Boone, Gilmore City, Lidderdale, Glidden Sutherland, Primghar, Royal and Everly, Coon Rapids, and Dedham. He also served as Diocesan Secretary for the National Catholic Rural Life Office and Chaplain for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Fr. Pick retired and moved to Slayton, MN in 2011 where he assisted at parishes in the western end of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. He performed the sacrament of marriage for his two brothers, as well as his eldest niece, two nephews, and even baptized their children. His ministry touched countless lives, and he was deeply respected by parishioners, fellow clergy, friends, and family.

Passed away on May 26th, 2026 at the young age of 64 years. Born on Jan 7th 1962 to Doris (Paul) and Robert (Bob) Skillings at St.