Memorial services for Lucas Wink, 23, of Warroad will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris. Rev. Ginger Beck will be officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock.

Lucas John Wink, son of Steven and Sherry (Meierding) Wink, was born September 1, 1989 in Cambridge, Minnesota, where he was baptized  January 21, 1990 by Rev. Joe Ellenbaus at the United Methodist Church and was confirmed  May 23, 2004 by Rev. Mark Bengtson at Cascade Methodist Church in Deerwood.  Luke grew up in Crosby  graduating from Crosby-Ironton  May 23, 2008. Following his graduation from high school, Luke worked as a cook at North Country Café in Crosby and the Guest House in Roseau. In 2011, he continued his education at the State Community Technical College in Baudette. He graduated in 2012 with a degree as an Electrical Lineman. Luke had not been placed as a lineman and continued to cook at the Guest House in Roseau.

Luke loved spending time with his chocolate Lab, Tyson. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, kayaking, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling and scuba diving. He also held a black belt in Taw Kwon Do. Lucas always lived life to the fullest.
Lucas died  Tuesday, March 26, 2013 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He lived to reach the age of 23 years.

He is survived by his mother: Sherry Lynn Wink of Aitkin; one brother: Benjamin Wink of Warroad; grandmother: Kathy Meierding of Hancock; great-grandmother: Bernice Barsness of Hancock and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steven Wink; grandparents: Elmer Meierding, Jr. and Norman and Lila Wink and great-grandparents: Aloysius and Genevieve Wink and Charles and Bessie Keuhn.
Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.pedersenfh.com.

Steven Wink, 54, of Aitkin, died Sunday, March 17, 2013 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, with Rev. Ginger Beck officiating.  
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.
Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock.

Steven John Wink, son of Norman and Lila (Keuhn) Wink, was born January 1, 1959 in Morris, Minnesota.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Hancock, Minnesota.  Steve grew up in Hancock and graduated from Hancock High School in 1977.   After graduating, he attended Wadena Technical College in Wadena, Minnesota, where he received a degree as a lineman.  Steve was united in marriage to Sherry Lynn Meierding September 18, 1982 at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Hancock; through this union two sons were born.  The couple moved to Cambridge, Minnesota where Steve began working for Century Link Telephone Company out of Osseo.  He later moved his family to Aitkin, Minnesota, where he continued to work for Century Link in Deerwood.  At the time of his death, Steve was working for Century Link in Roseau.  

Steven was a member of Cuyuna Fire Department.  He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, kayaking, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling and scuba diving.  Steve loved his family very much and was so proud of his sons.
He is survived by his wife: Sherry Lynn Wink of Aitkin; two sons: Benjamin Wink of Warroad, and Lucas Wink (who died Tuesday, March 26 from injuries sustained in the same automobile accident as Steve); three brothers: Tom Wink of Eden Valley; Greg (Stella) Wink of Lakeville, and Bryan (Kim) Wink of Alexandra; sister: Colleen Sulier of Halstead, KS; mother-in-law: Kathy Meierding of Hancock; three brothers-in-law: Bob Solomon  of Lillian, AL, Terry (Angela) Meierding of Hancock, and Jerry Meierding of Hancock; sister-in-law: Melissa (Jamie Boller) Klima of Prior Lake and several nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Lila Wink, one sister, Linda Solomon, one brother, Dean Wink, his grandparents, Aloysius and Genevieve Wink and Charles and Bessie Keuhn, his father-in-law, Elmer Meierding Jr.; and one brother-in-law: Ron Sulier.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.  To send condolences to the family, please visit www.pedersenfh.com

Melvin Arne Cram, age 87, of Brainerd, formerly of Benson, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013, at the Bethany Good Samaritan Society in Brainerd.   The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at the Zniewski Funeral Home Chapel in Benson.  Friends may call on the family for one hour prior to the service.  Please sign the guest book at www.zniewskifuneralhome.com .

Melvin Arne Cram was born on April 17, 1925, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Melvin and Bertha Caroline (Svor) Cram.  He was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Benson.  He grew up in Benson and graduated from Benson High School.  Melvin served in the United States Navy from 1943 – 1945, during WWII.  He then attended Hamlin University in St. Paul.  He worked for Collins Radio Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for a number of years before moving back to the Benson area where he bought the ancestral family farm in Swift Falls.  Among the things Melvin enjoyed were electronics and farming.  He was called from this life on Thursday, February 7, 2013, at the Bethany Good Samaritan Society in Brainerd.  He attained the age of 87 years, 9 months, and 20 days.

Melvin is survived by his two brothers, Willard Cram, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and David (Mary) Cram of Brainerd, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Bertha Cram; his brother, Allan Cram; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Cram.

Esther P. Vergin, age 99, of Benson, died Thursday morning at the Homestead North Care Center in Benson.

Services: Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 14th, 2013 at 11:00 AM, at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, with Pastor Dennis McManus officiating.  Burial will be in Benson City Cemetery.

Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.

Alice S. Tatge, 91, died on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Benson.
 
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 10, at 1:00 p.m., at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10.
 
Arrangements with Zniewski Funeral Home, Benson, MN.

Funeral services for Doris Rasmussen were held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 29 at the First Baptist Church in Benson. Interment followed the service at the Benson City Cemetery.

Doris Ollene Rasmussen, 88, of Benson, Minnesota was born  February 9, 1925, in Grace Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of Ole P. and Susie M Reles Vollan.  She grew up on the farm in various locations in Chippewa County.  She attended country school in Torning Township.  She was baptized and confirmed at her home  March 19, 1940, by the Rev. Melvin P. Kaatrud.

December 14, 1941, Doris was united in marriage with Milo Landmark in Benson by the Rev. Melvin Kaatrud.   They were able to share in over 33 years of marriage.  They farmed until 1949, at which time they moved in to Benson.  Milo died  July 4, 1974.    Doris worked for Ben Franklin and Fingerhut in Benson.  In 1974 she moved to Minneapolis and worked for Thermal Service.  She moved back to Benson in 1976.  

Doris was united in marriage to Marlowe Rasmussen  October 23, 1976 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  This union was blessed with over 23 years of marriage.  Marlowe died  December 31, 1999.  
Doris was called from this life  Saturday, May 25, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Benson.

Doris loved spending time with her friends and family.  The grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to her and she enjoyed sending cards for all the special occasions.  She enjoyed reading, playing cards, needle work, traveling, reading, Gospel music, fishing, and watching the MN Twins and MN Timberwolves games.

Doris is survived by her children: Donna (Ramon) Solt of Albertville, Donald (Judy) Landmark of Golden Valley, Marie (Robert) Young of Benson, Allen (LaVonne) Landmark of Port Richey, Florida, Gary (Julie) Landmark of Benson, Bruce (Julie) Landmark of Benson, Marlene (Virgil) Schuerman, of Windom, Richard (Karen) Rasmussen of Sartell, and David (Patty) Rasmussen of Glenwood, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a sister Evelyn Morrell of Benson, brothers-in-law Arden (Lucille) Rasmussen of Brooklyn Center, Daryl (Jean) Rasmussen of Benson, and  a sister-in-law Mona (Luverne) Bangsund of Benson, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Milo Landmark and Marlowe Rasmussen; her son George Landmark;  her parents Ole and Susie; grandsons Aaron Landmark and Nicholas Rasmussen; a great-grandson Brandon Meyer; and numerous brothers and sisters.

Ernest Paulsrud, of Grace Township, died Monday, May 27, 2013 at the Luther Haven Nursing Home at the age of 88.  

Funeral services were conducted Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church with Rev. Mike Carlson officiating.  

Organist was Jan Bjorngeld and vocalist was Eileen Grosland     who sang “Softly and Tenderly” and “You Are Mine”. Accompanist was Kristin Collignon. Saxophone was played by Tom Grosland   “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Casket Bearers were nieces and nephews: Douglas Paulsrud, Michael Paulsrud, Melissa Paulsrud, Melinda Wrobleski, Dale Bourne, Mark Bourne, Dean Bourne and Eileen Grosland.

Interment was in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was  one hour prior to services at the church.

Ernest Jemmis Paulsrud was born  December 24, 1924 in Mandt Township of Chippewa Co., Minnesota to Edward and Josie (Christenson) Paulsrud.  He was baptized March 6, 1925 in Our Saviors Lutheran in Montevideo by Rev. Mason and confirmed  December 4, 1938 at Buffalo Lake Lutheran by Rev. Opdahl.  

He attended and graduated from District #39 schools.  He was a life-long farmer along with doing construction work for several years.  He was a life-long member of Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church and enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, fishing and watching television.

He is survived by his sisters, Joy Bourne and twin sister Edna Paulsrud, both of Montevideo and a brother, Harlan (and Becky) Paulsrud of Benson; eight nieces and nephews; 10 grand nieces and nephews and 13 great grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Curtis Paulsrud; a sister, Cora Paulsrud and a niece, Denise Paulsrud.

LaVern “Bud” Lloyd Johnson Sr., 84, of Benson, Minnesota, formerly of Lucan passed away  Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the Swift County - Benson Hospital in Benson.  

An outside Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at the old Johnsonville Lutheran Church site in rural Lucan.  Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church site.  Burial was held  Wednesday in the church cemetery.  A luncheon followed the service  Tuesday at the Brauhaus in Lucan.  

LaVern “Bud” Lloyd Johnson Sr. was born  December 23, 1928 to Earl and Elsie (Donner) Johnson on the farm north of Lucan.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Johnsonville Lutheran Church in Johnsonville Township.  He attended and graduated from Wabasso area public schools.  After graduation, he continued to help his parents with farming.

September 5, 1949, LaVern was united in marriage to Vivian Schumacher in Albert Lea, Minnesota.  They made their home in the Lucan area where LaVern continued to farm.  They moved to Arlington, Minnesota for a few years where he worked as a bookkeeper at the Muller Ford Dealership.  After a few years in Arlington, they decided to move back to the Lucan area where LaVern began to work for Bud Hayes Ford in Tracy as a parts man, service manager, bookkeeper, and mechanic, and then at International of Tracy until moving on to his parents farm north of Lucan and going to work for Heartland Foods in Marshall, until he retired in 1994.

LaVern enjoyed riding horses in his younger years, dancing, fishing, hunting, card playing, watching television, woodworking, especially making toy boxes for his grandchildren, spending time with his dog, and especially being with his family and friends.
May 22, 2013, LaVern passed away at the Swift County - Benson Hospital in Benson at the age of 84 years old.

He is survived by his two children, LaVern (Char) Johnson Jr. of Shakopee, and Colleen Johnson (special friend Allan Zinda) of Benson; two siblings, Lois Schmidt of Renville, and LaVon Good of Starbuck; three grandchildren, Nicky Lightfoot, Brandon Butler, and Matthew Butler (significant other Rachael Pieper); four great-grandchildren, Kyrstin, Karlye, Violet, and Nakitda, his special dog, Tyke Too, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His parents, wife Vivian, brother Lyle, sister Karen, and nephew Alan Schmidt preceded him in death.

Online condolences may be placed at www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com.  The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association of Echo and Wabasso handled the arrangements for the family.

A Memorial Service for Bruce Dehne was held  Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel in Appleton with Pastor Wayne D. Kopitzke officiating.  Special music was sung by Pastor Wayne and Donne Jo Kopitzke.  Ricky Van Shelton’s “Talking With God” was also played for the service.

Honorary Bearers were Katie Kasten, Collin Yeo, Rhett Yeo, and Dan Perseke.  Interment was at the Appleton City Cemetery.

Bruce Wayne Dehne was born February 27, 1949, at Seattle, Washington to Norman H. and Jane E. (Melchert) Dehne.  He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith.  Bruce graduated from Appleton High School and attended Alexandria Technical School for ag management.

Bruce grew up on the family farm near Holloway where he became attached to beef cattle through 4-H.  Raising and showing beef cattle earned him many friends along the way.  He took great pride in the awards those cattle earned him.   He fed and raised beef cattle at his feedlot near Holloway from 1982 to 2010.  Bruce also ran the Focus on Efficiency bull test station at this feedlot.  After selling his beef herd he worked springs and falls for Johnson Fertilizer in Clontarf.  He had more time for fishing and became quite the gardener.

 Fishing and hunting were the things he enjoyed doing when he wasn’t working.  He was instrumental in the restoration of Artichoke Lake and a founding member of Save-A Lake Aeration.  Deer hunting provided many memories for anyone that hunted with him.
 Bruce died  Saturday, May 25, at his home in rural Holloway.  He had attained 64 years, two months, and 28 days of age.

He is survived by his mother, Jane Dehne, of Benson; sister, Susan (and Greg) Yeo of Sunburg; niece and nephews: Katie (Chris) Kastan of Lino Lakes, Collin Yeo of Watertown, SD, Rhett Yeo of Sunburg; great-niece, Lucy Kastan; and other relatives and friends.

 He is preceded in death by his father, Norman Dehne.

Bueford W. Peterson, 89, of Glenwood (formerly of Swift Falls) died  Sunday, June 2, 2013, at Glacial Ridge Health Services in Glenwood.  

Funeral services will be held  Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Swift Falls.  

Visitation will be held Thursday, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the church before the service.  

Burial will follow the service at the Swift Falls Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson.

A memorial service for Lou Reither will be held  at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Vine Evangelical Church, 3244 22nd Ave South, Minneapolis, Minnesota  55407 in lieu of the graveside service. 

 
Lunch will be served at the church following the service.

Murien A. Sonsteng, age 85, of Benson, died Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at the Golden Living Center – Meadow Lane in Benson, Minnesota.            Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, June 10, 2013, at the East Zion Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck, with Rev. Jacqueline Harvestine officiating.  Friends may call for one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in the East Zion Cemetery in Langhei Township, Pope County.  Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.  Please sign the guestbook at www.zniewskifuneralhome.com .

Murien A. Sonsteng was born in Glasgow, Montana to Clarice L. (Avok) and Carl J. Sonsteng on October 19, 1927.  He was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran faith and confirmed in the early 1940’s in Opien, Montana.  Murien grew up in north-east Montana at Larslan where he attended county school and graduated from Nashua High School.  Murien was a very good student, but he would never say that anyone.  He was a humble soul.   After graduation in 1945, at the age of 17, his parents moved the family to Minnesota, bought a farm in Pope County, and Murien and his brothers worked on the home place.  He enjoyed cattle, loved farming, was a work-a-holic that loved to mow grass, and had to do at least one project every day.  Murien loved to keep busy.  He loved wildlife and hunting with his brothers.  He was called from this life on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at the Golden Living Center – Meadow Lane in Benson.  He attained the age of 85 years, 7 months and 15 days.
 
Murien is survived by his brothers, Robert “Bob” Sonsteng and Dale Sonsteng, both of Benson; and many cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Clarice Sonsteng; and infant sister.

Stella Kalthoff, age 68, of rural Murdock, died Monday, June 10, 2013, at her home.
 
Arrangements are pending with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.

Bueford W. Peterson, 89, of Glenwood, formerly of Swift Falls, passed away  Sunday, June 2, 2013, at Glacial Ridge  Health Services in Glenwood.  

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Swift Falls.  Visitation was held  Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church before the service.  
Burial followed the service at the Swift Falls Cemetery in Swift Falls.  

Bueford was born  December 28, 1923 in Mound, Minnesota to Walter and Mathilda (Leaf) Peterson.  He graduated from Mound High School and was employed by a plumber, but was anxious to help with chores at his father’s dairy farm and chose to farm instead.  

September 15, 1945, he married Leona Voss.  This union was blessed with more than 67 years of marriage and two children, Doreen and Brent.  Bueford and Leona moved to Slayton and then Benson where he farmed.  They sold the farm north of Swift Falls in 1975 and later began a back-hoe business that he ran for several years after that.  He enjoyed being the Treasurer for the Camp Lake Township Board for many years and was very active in the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.  Family and friends were the most important in his life.

Bueford is survived by his wife, Leona (Onie); daughter, Doreen Thompson; grandsons: Jeff Urbach, Greg (Lori) Urbach, and Kris (Jen) Urbach; granddaughter, Kelly Peterson (Tom Shorock); great-grandchildren: Shawn (Katrina) Urbach and Kali Urbach; sister, Doris (Jerome) Hanson; and many nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brent; and great-grandson, Forrest.

The funeral service for Joan Arnold, of Holloway, was held  Friday, June 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.  Pastor Michelle R. Rowell officiated at the service.  Pati Arnold was the organist and accompanied the congregation in the singing of the hymns.

Honorary Bearers were Joan’s grandchildren and the Western Prairie Farm Collectors Club.  Casketbearers were Donita Ascheman, Alison Harwood, Betty Lovett, Rebecca Martinka, Charles Munsterman, and Scott Munsterman.  Interment was at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Moyer Township.

Joan Mabel Arnold was born November 21, 1937, at the family farm in Fairfield Township, Swift County to parents Walter and Mabel (Schliep) Munsterman.  She was baptized December 19, 1937, and confirmed May 27, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township.  Joan attended elementary country school at Swift County District 48 and graduated with the class of 1955 from Holloway High School.  She graduated in 1956 from Madison Teacher’s Training at Madison, Minnesota.

June 30, 1956, Joan was united in marriage to Vernon Arnold at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Moyer Township.  They shared nearly 57 years, of marriage.  To this union five sons were born.  Joan taught country school for one school year in Swift County.  She also substituted and taught spring session kindergarten at Holloway Public School.

Joan was an active partner on their family farm in Moyer Township and a faithful and active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Joan was proud of her grandchildren and enjoyed attending their church and school events and activities.  She enjoyed gardening, needlework, baking, watching the Minnesota Twins and social times with family and friends.  Joan enjoyed extensive travels and vacations with Vernon through the years.  She especially enjoyed their summers on the lake in Minnesota and winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Joan died  Thursday, May 30, 2013, as the result of an automobile accident in Montevideo.  She had attained 75 years, six months, and nine days of age.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon, of Holloway; three sons: Daniel (Lynette) Arnold, Thomas (Kathy) Arnold, and Mark (Shelly) Arnold all of Holloway; nine grandchildren: Jacob (Laura) Munsterman, Joseph Arnold, Jennifer Arnold, Joshua Arnold, Matthew Arnold, Mallory Arnold, Amber Arnold, Amanda (Brandon) Klein, and Alyssa (Tronn) Tosel; four brothers: Walter (Adele) Munsterman, Jr. of Brooklyn Park, Donald (Joann) Munsterman of Morris, Richard (Karen) Munsterman of Duluth, and Robert (Debra) Munsterman of Lake Norden, SD; three sisters: Diane (David) Schuerman of Benson, Carol (Duane) Dahl of North Pole, AK, and Beverly (Gregory) Higdon of Fairbanks, AK;  several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents and infant twin sons, James and John.

Murien A. Sonsteng, 85, of Benson, died Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at the Golden Living Center - Meadow Lane in Benson, Minnesota.  

          
Funeral services were 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 10, at the East Zion Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck, with Rev. Jacqueline Harvestine officiating.  Friends called for one hour prior to the service.  

Burial was in the East Zion Cemetery in Langhei Township, Pope County.  

Arrangements were with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  

Murien A. Sonsteng was born in Glasgow, Montana to Clarice L. (Avok) and Carl J. Sonsteng  October 19, 1927.  He was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran faith and confirmed in the early 1940’s in Opien, Montana.  Murien grew up in northeast Montana at Larslan where he attended county school and graduated from Nashua High School.  Murien was a very good student, but he would never say that to anyone.  He was a humble soul.   
After graduation in 1945, at the age of 17, his parents moved the family to Minnesota, bought a farm in Pope County, and Murien and his brothers worked on the home place.  

He enjoyed cattle, loved farming, was a work-a-holic that loved to mow grass, and had to do at least one project every day.  Murien loved to keep busy.  He loved wildlife and hunting with his brothers.  

He was called from this life  Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at the Golden Living Center - Meadow Lane in Benson.  He attained the age of 85 years, seven months and 15 days.

Murien is survived by his brothers, Robert “Bob” Sonsteng and Dale Sonsteng, both of Benson; and many cousins.  
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Clarice Sonsteng; and an infant sister.

Florence went to her eternal home Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from “Harbor Care at Regency on Whidbey” on Whidbey Island, WA after complications from a recent fall and fractured shoulder.   

 
Florence Eldora Slaughter was born at home in Jackson County, Minnesota  April 2, 1925, the fifth of 12 children born to Rennie and Emma Slaughter.  

 
In August of 1945, she married LaVern Birch, from Danvers who was in the U.S. Navy.   Florence, LaVern and their four children left Minnesota in 1956 and moved to Seattle, WA.    LaVern and Florence’s fifth child was born in December of 1956.  

 
LaVern passed away in September, 1992, after 47 years of marriage. Florence became active as a volunteer at the Renton Senior Center and  moved to Leisure Estates in Renton.  In  1996 she met and married Larry Yates, who also lived in Leisure Estates complex and who, like her, loved to walk. Florence and Larry had 14 wonderful years together until his death June 19, 2010.   Florence moved shortly thereafter to Regency Newcastle Assisted Living and in 2011 to Regency on Whidbey Harbor Care in Oak Harbor where she lived until her death.

Florence is survived by her five children: Sharlene Rank (Jerry) of Oak Harbor; Lee Birch of Burien;  Judy Flynn of Burien; Chuck Birch (Julie) of Issaquah; and Ron Birch (Debbie) of Shelton; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister, Amie Holm, and two brothers, Willard Slaughter (Blanche)  and Palmer Slaughter (Marcia), all residing in  Minnesota and some 50 plus nieces and nephews, also mostly living in various parts of Minnesota.   

Florence was preceded in death by her husbands: LaVern Birch in 1992, and Lawrence Yates in 2010, and her parents, Rennie and Emma Slaughter, brothers Edward, Harlan, Henry and Leonard Slaughter and sisters Hazel Anderson, Millie Zickuhr, Lorraine Pillatzke, and Leona Brekken.  

The cornerstone of Florence’s life was her love of God and her family.  She was the best Mom and Granny that anyone could wish for, was so loved by her entire family and will be painfully missed by all.  
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m.  Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, in Bellevue, WA with a celebration of Florence’s life following the service.  Private family burial will be at Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA.  

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed by The Alzheimer’s Association or other charity of choice.  

Audrey Wendland passed away May 23, 2013 in Tallahassee, Florida.

A memorial service will be held in July at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Audrey was born Dec. 16, 1928 to Leonard and Florence Kvam in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Audrey’s mother Florence taught school for several years in Six Mile Grove, Swenoda, Sunburg area and Holloway area. Audrey’s father lived in Six Mile Grove area his early years.
Audrey published a book about her mother:  ‘Florence: The True Story of a Country Schoolteacher in Minnesota and North Dakota.’ The book is at the museum in Benson.

Stella J. Kalthoff, age 68, of DeGraff, died Monday, June 10, 2013 at home.
 
Services:  Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 15, 2013, at the St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in DeGraff, with Father William Sprigler officiating.
 
Visitation: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson with a Parish Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue at the St. Bridget’s Catholic Church for one hour prior to the service.
 
Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.

Roger Elmer Avok, 68, a Vietnam veteran, welder, manufacturer and foreman, died June 13, 2013.
Roger Avok was born  August 30, 1945, in Benson. He was the only child of Elmer and Emily (Anderson) Avok of Clontarf.
He was baptized at West Zion Church by the Rev. Palmer, Oct. 21, 1945. He was confirmed by Pastor Severson at West Zion,  June 12, 1960.
Avok graduated from Benson High School in 1963, and was drafted into the Army, serving in Vietnam from 1965-67. He received his Honorable Discharge Oct. 29, 1967.
Avok returned home after his military service and worked in several jobs.
He married Judy Rodahl of Benson in 1968. In 1970, he hired on at Tyler Corporate Industries in Benson, where he spent most of his career, 27 years.
Avok was one of several men from the Benson area who moved their families to help establish a TCI plant in Yankton, S.D., in the mid-1970s.
He returned to the Benson plant for several years before retiring and moving to Kissimmee, Fla.
In Florida, he worked for a time at Walt Disney World in Orlando, where he was involved with food and beverage service and park attractions.
He died at his Kissimmee home.
Roger Elmer Avok is survived by a son, Michael Avok and his wife Carol (Lintner) Avok of Omaha, Neb., and daughter Dr. Angela Avok of Palm Harbor, Fla. He also is survived by former spouse, Judy Lowe, of Kissimmee, and her husband, Kenrick.
Avok will be buried at the Benson Cemetery.
The family will have a private memorial service at a later date, and requests that all cards or correspondence be sent to 1602 Nantucket Court, Palm Harbor, FL 34683.

Dominic J. McMahon was born in Clontarf, Minnesota July 28, 1923 to parents, Frank & Agnes McMahon. He was the seventh of eight siblings.  
Dominic grew up during the Depression and in his teen years turned his energies toward hard work on local farms, loading rail cars with hay, employed by REA, an electrical company in the Northwest, and worked in the shipyards in Portland, Oregon.  Dominic entered the U.S. Army in 1943, serving in the 2nd Infantry during WWII.  
After the war, he married Veronica H. Kouba and moved to White Salmon, Washington in 1948.  He worked in the woods, lumber mills and later specialized as a rock driller and powderman until his retirement in the late 70's.  
Dominic and Veronica moved to Molalla, Oregon in 1989 and enjoyed working around the house, entertaining family and snow birding in California, Arizona and Nevada in the winters.  He very much loved  his daily walks in the neighborhood.   
June 15, 2013 he died at home, surrounded by family from complications related to several recent falls.  
He is survived by four children:  Connie Spellman of Vancouver, Washington, Michael McMahon of Aloha, Oregon, Patricia Timothy of Portland, Oregon and Mary Liston of Canby, Oregon; 11 grandchildren;  five great grandchildren; and Peggy Gookin, his sister-in-law.  
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, June 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 301 Frances, Molalla, Oregon, 97038.  
Remembrances to woundedwarriorproject.org or catholiccharitiesoregon.org