Obituaries

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.

Lester Dean DeGrote, age 85 of Lowell, MI, passed away on September 18, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reinder and Lydia DeGrote; brothers, Rhinard, Anthony, Wayne, James, Henry, Merle, LeRoy; sister Pearl (Jacobson); and great-granddaughter, Faith DeGrote. Lester is survived by his children, Dean (Deb) DeGrote of Lowell, Mark (Robin Baker) DeGrote of Smyrna, Beth DeGrote of Grand Rapids, Chris (Selena) DeGrote of Lowell; grandchildren, Anthony (Stacy) DeGrote of Hudsonville, Hailey (Jacob) Seaman of Lowell, Justin De- Grote of Lowell; great-grandchildren, Julia Kelly, Kristin Viss, Skyla and Ryan DeGrote; sister, Lois (Curt) Erickson of Slayton, MN; sisters-in-law, Rosella DeGrote of Fulda, MN, Dolores DeGrote of Pipestone; and many nieces and nephews.

William F. Bacon, age 84, of Avoca, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021, peacefully at home.

Franklin Edward Post, 88, of Chandler, was born on August 16, 1933. He passed away at the Murray County Hospice House in Slayton on September 22, 2021.

Brad Gertner, age 65 of Westbrook, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Sanford Sioux Falls Medical Center. Bradley Vernon Gertner was born August 19, 1956 in Windom, Minnesota to Vernon and Dolores (Ewy) Gertner.

James Ahlers, the son of Ben and Clara (Thorman) Ahlers, was born on June 24, 1935 in Adrian, MN. He grew up on the farm near Rushmore until 1939 when they moved to a farm near Worthington. He attended country school and graduated from the Worthington High School in 1953. Jim entered the U.S. Navy in 1955 serving on the USS Shangrila until his discharge in 1957. Jim was united in marriage to Mary Schnurr on May 23, 1959 at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda.