Obituaries

Duane A. Olson

Duane A. Olson

Feb 16, 2024

Duane Arnold Olson, a beloved member of the Albert Lea community, passed on February 16, 2024, at Mayo Clinic’s St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN. Born on September 27, 1932, in Albert Lea, MN, Duane dedicated his life to service and hard work. 

After graduating from Albert Lea High School, he bravely served in the Navy before pursuing a career as...

Wilma Pestorious

Wilma Pestorious

Feb 15, 2024

Wilma Ann Pestorious passed away peacefully at St. John's Memory care on Thursday February 15, 2024.

Wilma was born on January 23,1930 in Webster City, Iowa to Alice (Lund) and Willie Johnson. She had one brother, Robert and twin sisters Jean and Jane. She was baptized in Badger, Iowa and confirmed in Hartland, Minnesota. Wilma graduated from Freeborn High School in...

Ada Mae Johnson

Ada Mae Johnson

Feb 14, 2024

Ada Mae Johnson, 83, of Albert Lea, MN passed away on February 14, 2024. 

Ada Johnson, born on February 8, 1941, entered this world in Kooching County, Minnesota, as the daughter of Anthony and Ethel (Peavey) Mathison. She spent most of her life in various parts of northern Minnesota, later finding her way to the hustle and bustle of the Minneapolis...

Cheryl J. Romero

Cheryl J. Romero

Feb 13, 2024

Cheryl Joann Romero (Oakland) passed away at her sister’s home in Albert Lea, on February 13, 2024, at the age of 79. 

Affectionately known as Cheri, Cheryl was born on August 11, 1944, to Walter and Helen (Goodrich) Oakland in London Township, Freeborn County, MN. She attended and graduated from Carpenter School, where she enjoyed playing basketball, softball, and singing in...

Demita "Dee" Westrum

Demita "Dee" Westrum

Feb 12, 2024

Demita Irene Westrum, affectionately known as Dee, passed away on February 12, 2024, in Austin, MN. Born on October 1, 1937, in La Crosse, WI, Demita was the daughter of the late Irvin and Esther Tostrud.

From a young age, Dee showed a passion for life and a dedication to her loved ones. After graduating from Albert Lea High School, she...

Richard "Dick" Werner

Richard "Dick" Werner

Feb 11, 2024

Richard was born on August 4, 1940, in Wells, Minnesota weighing only 2.5lbs. He passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at AdventHealth Orlando in Florida with family at his side. His parents were Raymond and Betty (Passer) Werner.

Richard graduated in 1958 from Albert Lea High School in Albert Lea, MN. He joined the United States Air Force in 1958....

Elmer Emil Schmidthuber

Elmer Emil Schmidthuber

Feb 10, 2024

Elmer Emil Schmidthuber, 88, of Le Center, MN, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024 in the evening.

He was born on October 29th, 1935, in New Prague, MN, to Emil and Marie (Schulz) Schmidthuber. He graduated from Le Center High School and later worked at the post office for 26 years until his retirement. Over the past four years, Elmer...

Herbert Cortez Wright Jr.

Herbert Cortez Wright Jr.

Feb 9, 2024

Herbert Cortez Wright, JR, 69, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Nursing Society on February 9, 2024.

Herbert was born November 20, 1954, in Belleville, IL to Herbert and Geneva Wright. Herbert came from a family of seven sisters and four brothers. Family was very important to him, and he will always be remembered and loved by...

Velma Glennis Gail Bonnerup

Velma Glennis Gail Bonnerup

Feb 7, 2024

Velma Glennis Gail Bonnerup was born on July 24, 1933 on Austin, Minnesota and passed away February 7, 2024 at The Cedars Memory Care in Austin, Minnesota.  She was 90 years old.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN; Pastor Mark Boorsma will officiate....

Steven Gregerson

Steven Gregerson

Feb 7, 2024

Steven Bradley Gregerson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Albert Lea on February 7, 2024 at the age of 72. 

 

Born on May 27, 1951, to Charles and Bernie (Foelster) Gregerson, Steve grew up in Albert Lea alongside his brother Mike. After graduating from Albert Lea High School, Steve found his lifelong love, Sue, and...

Marcia Longstreth Hall

Marcia Longstreth Hall

Feb 6, 2024

Pastor Marcia Longstreth Hartzell Hall died on February 6, 2024 at Oak Park Place in Albert Lea, MN.   She was born on August 26, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA, to Percy and Dorothy (Longstreth) Hartzell.

Marcia was raised in Glenside, PA; attending and graduating from Abington High School on 1950.  From January, 1951, to April, 1951, she proudly served in the...

Douglas Rye

Douglas Rye

Feb 4, 2024

Douglas E. Rye, 89, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 4, 2024. 

 

Doug was born on January 25, 1935 to Albert and Ethel (Hattelstad) Rye in Blooming Prairie, MN. Doug graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1953. In 1954, he joined the army. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1957, he began working...

Joseph William Van Reese

Joseph William Van Reese

Feb 3, 2024

Joseph “Joe” William Van Reese, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2024, surrounded by his family at 82 years old.

Born on September 14, 1941, in the city of St. Paul, MN, Joe was raised in the close-knit community of Hollandale, MN. After graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1959, Joe answered the call to...

Regan Hall

Regan Hall

Feb 1, 2024

On February 1st 2024 the fog lifted and revealed a beautiful blue sky just in time for God to call home our 10-year-old son Regan James Ronald Drake Hall. 

 

Regan was born on December 19th 2013. Regan arrived as a foster child in 2019 and it was an instant love and we knew he was home. After two years with us...

Reuben J. Calderon Sr.

Reuben J. Calderon Sr.

Jan 31, 2024

Reuben J.  Calderon, age 98, of Albert Lea, MN passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.



Reuben was born on June 22, 1925, in Bancroft, Iowa to Hilario and Daria (Ramirez) Calderon.  Daria later married Reyes Carrisalez while Rueben was still very young.  Reuben always...

Jim Dean Johnson

Jim Dean Johnson

Jan 28, 2024

On this day, the Valkyries have taken Jim to Valhalla, where he will forever feast at Odin's table.   

Jim Johnson, 94, of Albert Lea (MN) passed away peacefully on January 28, 2023.

Born in Oklahoma, he grew up in Minneapolis (MN)), After graduating from Central High School, Jim served in the (US) Army (Field Artillery, Ft Sill,OK }  and as an...

Robert John Pestorious

Robert John Pestorious

Jan 26, 2024

Robert John Pestorious passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Community. He was born August 31, 1928, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to John and Marie (Ravn) Pestorious and was raised with his brother, Gerald Pestorious. Robert graduated from Alden High School in 1947 where he played football, basketball, and baseball; He continued to play softball after...

LaVonne "Bonnie" Bailey

LaVonne "Bonnie" Bailey

Jan 25, 2024

LaVonne Marleen Bailey, affectionately known as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea, MN. She was 88 years old. Born on September 18, 1935, in Albert Lea, Bonnie was the beloved daughter of Laurence H.  and Margaret C. (Weberg) Bailey.

Bonnie lived a life dedicated to service and faith. She was baptized...

Rob K. Sibilrud

Rob K. Sibilrud

Jan 17, 2024

Rob K. Sibilrud, 65, passed away after his courageous 40-year battle against myotonic dystrophy on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. With Judy’s care and the limitless compassion of St. Croix Hospice, Rob was able to spend his final days at home, surrounded by familiarity and comfort. He is no longer trapped in his weak body, only to reawaken in his new...

Paul Joseph Miller

Paul Joseph Miller

Jan 17, 2024

Paul Joseph Miller passed away at the New Richland Care Center on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from cancer complications. 

 Paul was born October 11, 1941, and grew up on the family farm in New Richland, MN. He was the oldest of eight children born to Francis and Harriet (Erwin) Miller. Paul graduated from New Richland High School in 1959 and after...