Obituaries

Tom Byrne was born on April 30, 1951, in Slayton, Minnesota to Perry and Jeanne Gleason Byrne. He grew up on a farm east of Currie, MN and graduated from Tracy High School in 1969. In June 1969 Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. On August 26, 1969, he and Kathy Pattinson were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Currie. Following their marriage, they made their home in Norfolk, VA and later Long Beach, CA while Tom served in the Navy. Following his honorable discharge in December 1970 they moved to Walnut Grove, MN and Tom worked for Revere Milling. They later moved to the Byrne family farm east of Currie where he farmed and in 1987 Tom became a full-time mail carrier for the United States Post Office until he retired at the age of 62. After retirement Tom helped Schmitz Grain in the spring and fall. Tom passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the age of 70. Tom was a member of the Currie American Legion Post. He enjoyed being with his family, fishing, trapping, hunting, gardening and being with his dog, Red.

Betty Swan was born on July 17, 1928, in Pipestone, Minnesota to Walter and Beatrice (Ditmeyer) Lovell. The family later moved to various farms in Murray County, MN. Betty graduated from Slayton High School in 1946. She and Arthur Swan were married on June 19,1946 at the United Methodist Church in Slayton. Following their marriage, they made their home in Chicago, IL until 1948 when they moved to Slayton. She and Art opened Swan Electric, where she helped run the business until they sold it in 1973. Betty joined the Slayton Manor when it opened in 1966, and remained there for 40 years working in housekeeping and laundry. She continued living in the family home after Art’s passing on December 23, 1986. In 2015 Betty moved to the Maple Lawn facility in Fulda. She passed away there on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at the age of 93. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Slayton, where she taught release time and was active in the UMW. She also was a member of the Slayton VFW Auxiliary and the DAV Auxiliary. Betty spent many years volunteering with R.S.V.P. and Meals on Wheels. Betty enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling the world and visiting with people.

Robert A. Norcutt, age 68, passed away October 11, 2021. To anyone who heard Bob say “If a person wanted to” usually meant that Bob’s imagination was in full force. At a young age Bob discovered his passion for new adventures and challenges as long as it had wheels and a motor. Not many 9 year old kids can say they were brought home by the Police for driving under age more than once. Bob had too many skills and interests to list, but most of all love for his family and friends. He earned his Million Mile Award accident free crossing the country in his 18-wheeler ironically with no speeding tickets. With each mile Bob had a story to tell and picture to share. He could recall each exit with a purpose to pull over and take in the view. Bob had a brilliant mind that could fix anything and a compassionate heart. He kept a rolled up bill in the door of his truck in case he met anyone in need. Although Bob’s passport does reflect incredible adventures he and Bev took together, he was genuinely happiest at home watching the lake and wildlife activity with Miss Kitty. Nicknamed Grandpa Cream Puff for good reason. Bob took each challenge as an opportunity to do something innovative. If a person wanted to take a tree branch down it would be more enjoyable to shoot it down than to use the chainsaw.

Robert Dean Knapper, the son of Dean and Gladys (Stanton) Knapper, was born on February 20, 1954 in Slayton, MN. He grew up in Slayton and attended school, graduating from the Slayton High School in 1972. Bobby then attended Vo Tech in Willmar, MN. He worked at the Mobil gas station in Pipestone as an auto mechanic before working construction for Barry Construction in Lake Wilson, MN. Bobby moved to Williston, ND in 1980 to work for the city as their head mechanic. He retired from the city of Williston in 2018 and returned to the family farm east of Slayton. Bobby passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at his home in rural Slayton at the age of 67. He was an avid pool player and enjoyed woodworking. Bobby was known for his ability to fix about anything.

Daniel Marvin Beerman was born to Marvin and Rosemarie Beerman on August 19, 1947, in Worthington, MN. The second oldest of 9 children, he grew up on a dairy farm near Brewster, MN, and began doing chores and milking cows at a young age. The love for the farm, for cattle, and for God’s sovereignty over all things set his sights on one day owing his own farm and herd. Dan graduated from Brewster High School in 1965.

Shirley Ann Knapp, 83, of Alexandria, MN, formerly of Lake Wilson, MN died on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at the Alomere Hospital in Alexandria. A private graveside service will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Lake Wilson, with Pastor Ethanie Schmidt officiating.

Verna Faye (Grimmius) Clark’s five-year battle with a chronic illness ended peacefully on Monday, October 4, 2021, at Our House Hospice in Slayton, MN. Verna’s story began in Slayton on August 18, 1949, born to Ben and Josie (Olivier) Grimmius alongside twin sister and constant companion Verla.

Debora “Deb” Rae Wentzel was born on October 21, 1951, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Lester and Pauline Gottschall Taylor. As a young child she moved with family and lived in several western states before returning to Sioux Falls.

James Gregory Vos, age 93, of Huron and formerly of Granite Falls, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Avantara Huron in Huron, South Dakota. James Gregory Vos was born January 11, 1928 in Slayton, MN to Jake and Lillian (Lindsey) Vos.

Trionne “Terri” Loos was born December 23rd, 1942 to William and Tilda (Knutston) Noethe in Tracy, Minnesota. She attended elementary school in Garvin and graduated from Tracy High School on June 3rd, 1960. Terri and Russell Atwood were married on February 17th, 1961. They made their home in Slayton where they welcomed their three daughters, Kari, Peggy and Jodi. Terri and Russell later separated, but remained close friends until Russell’s passing in 2010. Later in life, Terri attended Worthington Community College to further her education in accounting. Terri was engaged to Michael “Mike” Flathers, but Mike passed away in 2005 prior to exchanging their wedding vows.