Obituaries

Norma (Quill) Fisher, 96, passed away peacefully with family at her side on December 10, 2022 in West Des Moines, IA. Norma was born February 1, 1926 to Reverend Martin Quill and Nora (Rossing) Quill in Waco, TX.

Mary Alice (Myers) Platt was born on October 16th, 1934, in Marshalltown, Iowa; She was the daughter of Ray E and Elva Alice (Allen)Myers. She attended Marshalltown area schools. It was at the Marshalltown roller skating rink, where she worked for Fran Platt, that she met her husband to be. On December 28,1953 she and Charles Platt were married in Marshalltown, IA. Following their marriage they farmed with Chuck’s brother, Mark and made their home on the family farm near Iona, MN. Farming continued and in 1965 they relocated to Slayton, MN where they built the first car wash in SWMN; the Family Car Wash. Mary managed the car wash and was known to be proficient in pulling off pumps and motors when repairs were needed. Enjoying the life of business and sales, Mary later worked at McCormick’s Appliance in Slayton, MN for several years. In later years she joined the activity dept staff in providing meaningful activities for those residing at Slayton Manor LTC facility. She enjoyed her position but due to Chuck’s failing health moved on to being #1 caregiver for her husband and excelled in this task as well. She relentlessly cared for him until he passed in 2016. Mary had a zest for life and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Over the years she maintained her friendship with her Iowa “besties” Joann Erwin and Merlene Halboom. Her favorite pastimes over the years included dancing, travel, sewing, crafts, roller skating, canning, reading, oil painting, and walking. She was often seen in the community walking her dog, “Charlie,” her favorite companion after Chuck’s passing. They were a perfect match. Mary passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family December 8th ,2022 at the age of 88. She was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, and a member of the St. Ann’s CCW. She volunteered as a catechist. Mary’s faith was especially important to her. One of her most treasured items was the bible she received from her husband to be, always making sure it was close by.

Jim Gleason, age 77 of Savage, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, 11/30/22. Jim was born on August 20, 1945 and raised in Currie, MN, and enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Morton, Jim was a very proud Veteran. Growing up Jim was very involved with stock car racing and won many awards and also active in bowling tournaments. Jim’s career was in the scrapping business and enjoyed working with everyone. Jim was a generous man and a friend to many.

Our superhero, Joseph Lee Horner was born on October 9, 2009, to Rick and Tammy (Heiderscheidt) Horner. Joseph spent his first 100 days fighting for his life in the NICU at Avera McKennen Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Joseph received the sacrament of baptism on the day he was born and was later blessed into the Catholic faith on May 2, 2010, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy, Minnesota. Joseph was a sixth grader at Tracy Elementary School, which he enjoyed and loved so dearly thanks to his para, classmates, teachers, and other school staff.

James P. Jensen, age 92, of Winona, MN, and formerly of Slayton, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the Winona Health Hospital in Winona.

Gordy Hanson was born on August 12, 1927, in Hay Creek, Lake of the Woods, Minnesota to Peder and Olga Olson Hanson. He grew up on the family farm and attended Baudette High School. He went on to attended Ag School in Crookston, MN graduating in 1944. He then returned to the family farm and worked with neighboring farmers until he enlisted in the United States Navy serving as a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class.

James Ralph Hintermeister was born on October 10, 1932 to Ralph and Dorothy (Jones) Hintermeister in Huron, SD. He was born during the Great Depression, the eldest of nine children. He often testified of growing up on the farm with hunger and without modern conveniences and with a difficult young work life. This arduous work ethic shaped his entire life. He received his education in Slayton, MN, graduating from Slayton High School in 1950. While in high school, Jim washed cars for Guy Gratten Car Dealership. He then attended Emmaus Bible School in Chicago. During this time, he worked at the Chicago stockyards and as a proof machine operator at the First National Bank. On November 15, 1952, he was united in marriage to Mavis Vanderlee in Lake Wilson, MN. Following their marriage, they resided in Worthington, MN for six months. He was employed by Larsen’s Men’s Clothing and Freestone Retreading in Worthington. Later they moved to Slayton, MN where Jan was born in 1953. While in Slayton, he worked for the Murray County survey crew and also Snyder’s Gas Station at night. In 1954, they moved to the Pollack Farm where he farmed from 1954-1961 and then began fulltime with Murray County. In October, 1964, they moved to Pipestone, MN where they raised their children. Jim became employed by Pipestone County and worked there for 26 years as the Assistant County Highway Engineer and retired in 1990. Jim became a resident at Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone in January, 2021. Mavis preceded him in death on January 24, 2022. In October, 2022, 19 days before his death, he transitioned to hospice care. He died there on November 9, 2022 at the age of 90 years and 30 days.

Malcolm Nord, Son of Claris Nord (Slayon), and the Late Jerry Nord, passed away suddenly on November, 5, 2022 in Marietta, GA. Malcolm is survived by his mother, Claris and two sons.

Deb Fuerstenberg was born on April 21, 1954, in Worthington, Minnesota to Raymond and Anna Mae Probst Fuerstenberg. The family made their home in St. Kilian, and Osakis, MN before settling back in St. Kilian. Deb graduated from Adrian High School in 1972 and attended Alexandria Vo-Tech for accounting, graduating in 1974. Following graduation Deb moved to Wilmont, MN and began her banking career with First National Bank which in 1987 became Farmers State Bank of Wilmont then in 1992 the bank became United Prairie Bank. Deb also worked at the St. Kilian Store for many years helping out whenever needed. Deb retired in 2021. Deb passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 68. She was a member of St. Kilian Church where she served as bookkeeper and was active in the CCW. When the church closed Deb joined Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Wilmont. Deb enjoyed spending time with her family, spoiling her nieces and nephews and their families, cooking, collecting, shopping, word search puzzles, and reading.

Larry Mechtenberg, the son of Leo and Louise (Nuebel) Mechtenberg, was born on April 11, 1943 in Parkston, SD. He grew up in Parkston and attended Sacred Heart Parochial School and graduated from Parkston High School in 1961. While in high school he lettered in both football and baseball 4 times and was an All-State basketball player. Larry played Jr. League baseball for the city of Parkston. He then attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD and graduated with a BS Degree in Physical Education, Health, History and Biology. In college he played 4 years in football and basketball. Larry played centerfield for the state of South Dakota and in 1968 he played amateur baseball for the city of Parkston, which won the state title.