Obituaries

Sep 11, 2022

Janice Kay Van Wilgen, 79, of Hollandale, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Mayo Health Systems in Austin.

Born on January 14, 1943, in Albert Lea, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth and Wilda (Nelson) Van Riper. On June 24, 1961, in Albert Lea, Janice was united in marriage to John “Sonny” Van...

Sep 11, 2022

Marjorie Elizabeth (Marge) Boelman passed away peacefully on September 11, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, MN.  Her four daughters were grateful to visit her often in this skilled nursing facility after her fall in April.   A memorial service will take place at Bonnerup Funeral Home on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour before...

Sep 11, 2022

Warren Craig Torgerson, 82 of Geneva, MN, passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side on September 11, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Warren was born on July 22, 1940, to Francis and Frances “Jane” (McCormick) in Albert Lea, MN.  He was raised in Geneva, MN and attended Ellendale-Geneva schools where he played...

Sep 8, 2022

Steven Kip Olson, 54, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away on September 8, 2022, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Steven was born on March 5, 1968, to Larry and Judith (Broskoff) Olson in Albert Lea, MN.  He was raised in Albert Lea in the Olson family home.  Before he even began walking, he began talking...

Sep 8, 2022

Mork, Helen L., age 99, died on September 8, 2022 at Catholic Eldercare in NE Minneapolis. Helen was survived by sisters Lenore Johnson of Shakopee and Lois Wasmoen of Albert Lea; son Doug Mork (Mary Beth Bierwagen) of Minneapolis and son-in-law John Peterson (Deb) of Albert Lea; and many beloved  grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other family and friends. A celebration...

Sep 7, 2022

Lila Mae Haakenson has passed away at the age of 82 years young.

Born on 1 August 1940 in Geneva, Minnesota, to Charley & Genevieve Montanye, she is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Travis, her oldest son Andy Luna, and several beloved dogs – among them, Tiny, Muffin, Kansas, Fletch, Kennedy, Rudy, and...

Sep 6, 2022

Mary E. Willmert, 90, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2022 at Sunrise of Edina Assisted Living, Edina, MN.

Mary was born on December 30, 1931 in Lone Rock, IA to Emil and Erna (Gade) Bierstedt.  She was baptized and confirmed in Christ at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fenton, IA.  Mary graduated...

Sep 5, 2022

Sharon Ann Bowen, age 81, passed away peacefully after a short illness at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by her loving family.

Sharon was born on October 21, 1940 to Arlo and Marion Jakobson at Naeve Hospital. As the oldest of three siblings, Sharon willingly became a devoted caretaker, especially for her younger sister who suffered...

Sep 2, 2022

Faye Trail, 95, went home to her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, September 2, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, MN, with family by her side.

W. Faye Trail was born June 17, 1927, to Albert J and Amy A (Alley) Herrin in Dodge City, Kansas. Faye's father and mother divorced when she and...

Sep 1, 2022

Clarice M. Olson, 90, of Clarks Grove, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, MN.

Born on December 1, 1931, in Scarville, IA, she was the fifth child born to Thom and Hattie (Olson) Trostheim. As a young girl, Clarice was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in...

Sep 1, 2022

Gene Verl Engel, 88, of Glenville, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Born on November 5, 1933, in Waseca County, MN, he was a son of the late George and Adelheid (Pick) Engel. On June 3, 1956, Gene was united in marriage to Darlene Butler. Together the couple raised...

Aug 30, 2022

Terry Duane Clark, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 30th, 2022. at age 79, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Albert Lea, MN.

Terry was born August 26th, 1943, in Minneapolis, MN. He was the son of Albert and Caroline (Matheny) Clark. He attended Washburn High School in Minneapolis before joining the United States Marine...

Aug 27, 2022

Dorothy Mae Stillings, age 89 of Albert Lea, passed away at New Richland Care Center on August 27, 2022. She was born January 21, 1933 to Elmer and Alma Oakland. She and her husband, Robert, lived in their Albert Lea home for over 50 years and raised their four children there.

Her children will remember and cherish...

Aug 24, 2022

Julie Ann (Lowman) Oyer, 69, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022, at her home with family by her side.

Julie was born on December 18, 1952, in Albert Lea, MN, to Cecil and Irene (Jones) Lowman.

She attended and graduated from Albert Lea schools.  Following graduation, she became a homemaker...

Aug 22, 2022

Lola Maxine Johansen (nee Smith) passed away August 22, 2022, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community at the age of 91. She was born January 8th, 1931, in Beresford, SD to Louis and Edna Smith. The family lived in Hollandale, MN where she attended country school until 8th grade. She quit school to help watch over her younger siblings...

Aug 22, 2022

Lynn R Emrud, 65, passed away on Aug 22nd and was surrounded by her children, sister and companion. Lynn was born on Nov. 3, 1956 to Curtis and Beverly Emrud and was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene and Glenn Emrud, a grandson, Graeson Salzmann, and her parents.

Lynn enjoyed many hobbies including painting, antiquing, cooking...

Aug 20, 2022

Michael “Mike” Craig Willaby, 61, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away on August 20, 2022, at St. Mary’s, Rochester, MN.

Mike was born May 21, 1961, in Albert Lea, MN to Clarence and Margie (Waalkens) Willaby.  At a young age his family moved to Tecumseh, OK.  Mike attended grade school and high school and later moved back to the...

Aug 17, 2022

Bernice Marie (Kurth) Ellingson, 92, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2022, at St. John’s Community, The Woodlands in Albert Lea, MN.

Bernice was born June 23, 1930, in Albert Lea, MN to Adolph and Ida (Urban) Kurth.  She attended Abbott Grade School and Albert Lea Junior and Senior high and graduated in...

Aug 16, 2022

Connie passed peacefully after her 2 year battle with Leukemia with family by her side, at Rochester Mayo Clinic on August 16th, 2022.  She was 55 years old.

Connie was born in Dickenson, ND on August 1st, 1967 to Les and Loretta Dingwall.  She moved to Ellendale, ND at a young age where she lived for the...

Aug 16, 2022

Mary S. Keating, 86, of Albert Lea, died on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at her home surrounded by family.

Born on Wednesday, January 8, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Stan and Angela (Bagan) Speltz. Mary was a loving wife, caring mother of nine, proud grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of ten. Most important to...