donnelly news

Next edition April 27th –may 3rd

Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news

 Weather news if the forecast is to be believed, by the time you read this spring will have finally arrived, with some mild temperatures, and none too soon for us winter weary Minnesotans. We had several inches of heavy wet snow on Monday afternoon, and Wednesday evening some more snow flurries.

 ST John’s/Kongsvinger News: services will be broadcast on the radio on April 28th at 11 am sponsored by Gary and Pat smith in memory of Erwin and Lena smith

There are two upcoming bridal showers in the parish the first one is for Mindy Janachovsky( Mark and Karen)  the 2nd one is for Dani Kloos (Phil and Kris)  I will have more info in later columns about dates  times and places. If you want to be on the shower committee for Mindy contact Jan Greiner or Peggy Wilke, for Dani- Gail Kloos

Good Shepherd news: Six weekly studies on "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S.Lewis will continue every Wednesday at 10:30 am and 7 p.m. until May 15th.

Other church news: the Peoria apostolic church choir will be in concert at the Morris area elementary school music hall today (Saturday) at 7: pm

Community news: Stevens County Humane Society will meet on April 29th @ 6:30 pm at the Morris senior center

Stevens County genealogical society will have their monthly meeting on May 2nd at 1:30 pm at the library in Morris

The red hatters will meet at the Herman bar and grill in Herman on May 6th at 9 am the rendsville 4-h and city council will meet at 7 pm at the fire hall and city hall

A 90th birthday party for former Donnelly resident Shirley Henrichs will be held at Trinity Lutheran church 735  e 2nd  st  in Milaca MN from 1-5 pm  on April 28th

Death notice: Don Kloos of Starbuck passed away on April 7th survivors include his wife former Donnelly area resident Helen (Kopel) and a sister Vionne (Darrell) Hadler of Donnelly. I attended his visitation on   April 23rd at the funeral home in Morris                            

Celebrations: Christa Bahr and Cody Greeley of Morris are pleased to announce their engagement   Christa is the daughter of Scott and Kathy Bahr of Morris. Cody is the son of Dan Greeley and Nancy Greeley of Alexandria.   Her   grandparents are Don and Sharon bahr of Morris                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Accomplishments: Chandler Erickson ended his tiger basketball career by named the outstanding defense award, leading the tigers in assists this year, and being named to west central conference all-conference team. The team itself was named section 6 AA academic championship award

Jacob Speer was a member of the tiger wrestling team that earned a silver award    in academics

Tyler Henrichs has been awarded a scholarship form the Fergus area college foundation

Mark Koepke and I attended the open house at the Morris co-op seed plant on April. 25th

Gabi Nienhaus was named to the b honor roll at Hancock H.S.

Amber Recker was one of the performers at the Morris area arts booster festival at Morris are hs on April 20th

Jeanne Ennen was one of the family members who helped Arden Frank celebrate his 70th birthday at the Grandview on April 20th, Mark Koepke and I stopped by his apartment in the late aft to wish him a happy birthday and to visit with his sisters Dianne and Carol for a few minutes

George and Elaine Harstad and I attended the 60th wedding anniversary for Wally and Peggy Horning at Bethlehem in Lutheran church in Herman. If offered me an opportunity to visit with my former neighbor Delano Meyer for a while.  I had not seen him since he and Linda returned from a short term missionary trip to Africa earlier this year

Jack Fuchs and I traveled to Elbow Lake on April 22nd for the MN for Marriage rally in the eve afterwards I visited Mark koepke in his apartment it was his first night there.

April 23rd Mark Koepke and I attended the Morris area chamber cookout fundraiser at Willie's super Valu, in the eve Jim and Lou Eystad and I attended the mission event with K.K. Alavia at Good Shepherd

Mark Koepke and I attended the spring rummage sale and dinner at Faith Lutheran in Morris on April 24th earlier in the day I attended the “word at work” course at Good Shepherd

Thanks to Bob Burner for the co-op manager for this: The Donnelly co-op held it 93rd annual meeting at the Donnelly community center on April 5th

The coop had another successful year in 2012 with sale up again over $1.4 million resulting in total sale of $8.5 million + and a net savings of 420,250 (4.9%)

137,000 in cash was distributed to in patronage and $30,000 of equity were returned to patrons who turned 70

Cash returned over the last 6 years is over $800,000 and the total return to the community over the last 30 years exceeds $3.5 million

Dave Whitmore spoke about the purchase of a new 2013 variable rates custom fertilizer spreader which will now be available for variable  rate applications, Dave Johnserud Starbuck MN who is the newest elected Cenex- Harvest States board member reported 2012  earnings of $1.2 billion.  He also gave a very interesting report on the progress of the $1.3 billion investment, in a nitrogen processing facility, at Sprirtwood North Dakota

The two current directors up for reelection were re-elected the Kongsvinger Church Lutheran women served a delicious lunch

donnelly news

Next edition April 20-Apr 26th

 Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news

 Weather news just when we thought it was safe to put the snow removal equipment away they were pressed into service again on the 11th after we got several inches of snow accompanied by blowing and drifting bad enough to close most schools in the area that day.  Sunday afternoon brought more of the same and as I am sitting here writing this they are calling for more snow /stormy weather on Wednesday

 ST John’s/Kongsvinger News: services will be broadcast on the radio on Apr 28th at 11 am sponsored by Gary and Pat smith in memory of Erwin and Lena smith

There are two upcoming bridal showers in the parish the first one is for Mindy Janachovsky( Mark and Karen)  the 2nd one is for Dani Kloos (Phil and Kris)  I will have more info in later columns about dates  times and places. if you want to be on the shower committee for Mindy contact Jan Greiner or Peggy Wilke, for Dani- Gail Kloos

 Good Shepherd news: K.K. Alavia a Lutheran pastor and converted Muslim from India will tell his moving story on Apr 23rd at 7 pm sponsored by new hope mission of Hutchinson MN coffee and welcome for all

 Six weekly studies on "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S.Lewis will continue every Wednesday at 10:30 am and 7 p.m. until May 15th.

 Other church news: A true women conference will be held at the Morris Evangelical Free Church, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month

 Spring rummage sale and supper at Faith Lutheran, Morris on Apr 24th 4-7 pm

The Peoria apostolic church  choir will be in concert at Morris area Elementary school music auditorium on April 27th at 7:30 pm

 Community news: Stevens County Humane Society will meet on April 29th @ 6:30 pm at the Morris senior center

the Stevens county chapter of habit for humanity pork chop supper on Apr. 25th at the Old # 1 Southside from 4:30-7 pm free will offering for more information call pat Mum at 392 5451

Jon and Lori Moser of Morris, along with Tim Kampmeier of Chokio and the late Linda Kampmeier, are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Jenna Moser and Reed Kampmeier. Jenna’s grandparents are Harry and Corrine Kruize and Glen and Nancy Koop

Tiger gymnastic awards include Savannah Aanerud most improved Kourtney Giese most valuable gymnast

 Tristan Raths won 3rd place in his weight class at the  northland youth  wrestling association regional tournament held on March 23 in New London

The following were among those winning awards at the Morris area hs FFA awards night  on Apr. 15th Becca Holland, Jonna Moser Tyler heinrichs, Tom Holland Sara Stallman Rebekah Aanerud

 Mark Koepke and I attended the general women's federation club’s rummage sale at the legion in Morris then traveled to Donnelly for the St John’s spring fling on Apr. 13th.  On the 14th we attended the benefit for Corry Rohloff at the Legion in Morris.

 Jeanne Ennen reports that there was good turnout for the birthday dinner at Kongsvinger despite the bad weather. She was also the lucky winner of the quilt at the St John’s spring fling

I attended the word at work course at good shepherd on Apr. 17th

Mark Koepke’s new address is 151 sunnyslope road 324-114 Morris MN 56267. (Keyrow apartments) He has decided to have an unlisted phone number, so if you need to get in touch with him, call me at 585-6435 ,and I pass the info along to him, his email ad is firebird357@yahoo.com

donnelly news

Next edition April 13th-April 19th

Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news   there is a saying time flies when you are having fun and it has been that for the past 5 years of doing this column.  Too all my loyal readers I say mange TAKK!!!!

Weather news putares and cold winds durring .it still feels like early fall around here with cool temperatures and very cold winds. As I am writing this they are predicating we are going to have another winter storm this week.

ST John’s/Kongsvinger News: St John’s spring fling is today (Saturday) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  In addition to rummage there will also be also be bake and card sale and lunch will be served

Sunday, April 14th Kongsvinger Birthday Dinner, "It's a Cake Walk" and New Member Welcome at the Parish Hall - beginning about noon (following the 11 a.m. worship) There will also be a fundraiser for a church member who is a member of the New Wine group in Morris.   This will help with her expenses related to New Wine.  Meal is potluck please furnish either a hot dish or salad (and they'll have dessert).  Come and join in on the fun and fellowship!  In the newsletter it was incorrectly listed as being on April 28th

Good Shepherd news: Six weekly studies on "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S.Lewis will be held every wed at 10:30 am and & 7 p.m. until May 15th.  You can purchase a copy of the book though      the church. Each lesson is self-contained, so do not worry about missing a session, come as often as you can                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Other church news: A true women conference will be held at the Morris Evangelical Free Church, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month

Glacial ridge welca conference on April 15th at our redeemers church Benson beginning with registration at 4:30 p.m.

Community news: Benefit for Corey Rohloff, son of Lowell and Cindy on April 14th 11 A.M.-1 P.M., at the legion in Morris, his step grandmother is Ardell (Anderson) Rohloff, he had liver transplant

Ducks unlimited ladies banquet at the old # 1 Southside on April 17th beginning at 5 p.m. for tickets contact Muriel Cardwell or Judy Johnston

Place to be in Donnelly is celebrating their third anniversary on April 13th

Minnesotans for marriage will have a rally in Morris at Eastside Park on April 14th @ 3:30 p.m.

Milton Larson of Herman passed away on April 6th survivors include his daughter in law Joan smith (Scott Larson) George and Elaine Harstad and I attended his visitation on April 9th at the Methodist church in Herman. 

On April 9th the Donnelly community club held our first meeting of the year as we start the process of making plans for this year’s threshing bee. Ideas and suggestions are always welcome

4-h news :project bowl :Rebekah Aanerud was a member of the  red duns  team that finished third and advanced to the state  the rose gray team with Samantha Aanerud as a member  finished 6TH the unicorn team with Micah Aanerud and casita Kill and coached Julie kill finished 11th

McKenzie smith finished her tiger girls bb career by winning the defensive mvp award being named to the west central conference all-conference team and being named to the state all-academic team Beth Holland was given hustle = award and was named honorable mention on the all-conference team. The tem itself received the gold academic award

the following were named athletes of the week during the winter sports season gymnastics Kourtney giese, savannah Aanerud ;girls bb MaKenzie smith ,Beth and Becca Holland , boys s bb chandler Erickson

The Morris FFA and little league programs benighted from 2 grants by Monsanto given to Linda wente

Our prayers go out the Darrell Hadler family after they lost their house in a fire on April 6th

The Kopacek family and I were among the many from the area who attended the Donnelly co-op annual meeting on April 5th at the hall.

Chester Larson and I attended the Zimmerman auction by Chokio on April 4th in the aft the st co genealogical society had its monthly meeting

April 6th Mark Koepke and I attended the west central MN cattleman’s association steak fry at the Prairie  Inn in Morris later I attended the pow wow at the pe center in Morris

April 7th Mark koepke and I attended the dad’s Belgian waffle fundraiser for someplace safe at the old# 1 Southside later we traveled to west ridge mall in Fergus for the Lake Region Threshermen's association tractor show

April 8th Mark koepke and I attended the community meal at faith Lutheran.

Mark Koepke’s new address is 151 sunnyslope rd. 324-114 Morris MN 56267. (Keyrow apartments) He has decided to have an unlisted phone number, so if you need to get in touch with him, call me at 585-6435 and I will give it to you, his email ad is firebird357@yahoo.com

donnelly news

Next edition APR 6TH-Apr 12th

Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news

Weather news spring is slow to arrive with cool temperatures making it feel more like early fall. Thankfully most of the ice is gone, but the snow is slow to melt, there is still a lot around here.

ST John’s/Kongsvinger News: St John’s spring fling is April 13th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can bring items to the church, small household appliances, knickknacks etc. (no clothes) anytime in the next week

Good Shepherd news: Six weekly studies on "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S.Lewis will begin Wednesday, April 10.  The 75 minute presentations will include a video followed by discussion. The 10:30 a.m. class will be repeated at 7 p.m.  You can purchase a copy of the book though                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   the church, you can purchase it yourself elsewhere i.e. amazon.com or you check it out from the library.  Each lesson is self-contained, so do not worry about missing a session, come as often as you can

Other church news: A true women conference will be held at the Morris Evangelical Free Church, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month

Community news: Bar bingo at the place to be on April 9th, to benefit the Donnelly fire department 

Benefit for Corey Rohloff, son of Lowell and Cindy on April 14th 11 A.M.-1 P.M., at the legion in Morris, his step grandmother is Ardell (Anderson) Rohloff, he had liver transplant

Ducks unlimited ladies banquet at the old # 1 Southside on April 17th beginning at 5 pm for tickets contact Muriel Cardwell or Judy Johnston

Donnelly community club will meet on April 9th (note change of date) at 7 pm at the town hall

Rendsville 4-H Club received top honors with their skit “4-H Memories”, at the Stevens county 4-h share the fun night on March 23rd

Amanda A. Weitgenant of Ham Lake passed away on March 17th, survivors include a 2nd cousin former Donnelly area resident Marie (Ron) Hagen. Her great grandmother, Irene Gulbrandson, owned and operated the café in Donnelly for many years.

Ruben Reimers, of Mankato passed away on March 30th, survivors include his wife former Donnelly resident Connie Alm and her family; mother in law Marlys Alm, sister in law Barb (Don) Rilley and their family, Connie’s cousin Lou (Jim) Eystad and other family members in the area

 Valdene Gerber of Elbow Lake, passed away on March 30 survivors include a granddaughter, Amy (Blake) Heinrich, his folks are Scott and Beth

Former Donnelly area resident Milo Smith of Libby Montana passed away on Mar 21st survivors include his sister in law Jan (Cal) Bumgardner and brother in law Don Bahr

I have posted copies of all three obits on my blog

Kadem Arthur Erickson was born to Adam and Katie Erickson of Morris on March 26th, grandparents are Mark and Deb Erickson of Donnelly and Barry and Jodie Braaten of Glenwood, and great-grandmother is Evelyn Raasch of Morris

Bill and Evelyn Underwood and I attended services at the West Wing Village on March 28th, Pastor Mike Hanson was the preacher, that evening Joan and john Kopacek and I attended Maundy Thursday services at Kongsvinger

March 29th Andy Brevig and I were among those who attended the Good Friday pancake supper at St John's, later that evening Jim and Lou Eystad and I attended services at Good Shepherd.

March 30th Mark Koepke and I visited my aunt Pearl A. Anderson and Virginia Long at the sunrise apartments to wish them a happy Easter

Mark Koepke and I attended Easter services at Good Shepherd on March 31st and the brunch afterwards

Sam and Dorothy Jordheim traveled to Avon to spend part of the Easter weekend, with Jeff and Gail Gibson and their family, other family members in the area also joined them for Easter dinner

Bonnie Fabian was home Easter Sunday to visit her mother Pearl A. Anderson at her apartment, in the Sunrise Apartments

Verle and Della Dunn were guests of Jim and Julie Busse of Appleton, on Easter Sunday

Mark Koepke enjoyed a phone call from his sister Linda on Easter Sunday

April 2nd I stopped into McCollar Jewelry, for one of my frequent visits with Wally

A sign of spring is that the “snow birds” are slowly starting to trickle back.

Be sure to like the Donnelly news page on Facebook for the latest news

smith obit

Milo Harry Smith, 79, of Libby passed away from natural causes Thursday, March 21, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital. 

Milo was born June 15, 1933, in Eldorado Township in Donnelly, Minn., to Harry and Rachel (Aanerud) Smith.  He grew up in Eldorado Township and attended a country school.  Milo attended Herman High School where he played football and graduated with the class of 1952.  

Right after high school, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1953. 

Milo married Martha Miller on Sept 2, 1955, in Fergus Falls, Minn. They moved to Montana in March  1956. In 1979, the family moved to Libby and bought the Evergreen Motel which they operated until 1991.  

Milo did work around the motel and also worked at W.R. Grace until 1986.  

He was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  

Milo loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, taking walks, visiting with family and friends. Milo adored his grandchildren. Milo never met a stranger. He was always ready to offer a helping hand.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry andRachel; a brother, Audray Smith; a sister, Bergetta Bahr; and an infant brother, Lawrence.

Survivors include his wife, Martha of Libby; children,  Susan Yarger of Libby, Gail (Bruce) Briese of Roseau, Minn., and Lowell (Sherry) Smith of Stevensville; grandchildren, Crystal (A.J.) Cook, Casey (Jenny) Yarger, Kevin (Kendra) Briese, Jerry Briese, Rebecca Briese, Nathan (Amanda) Smith, Courtney (Marty) Julien; great-grandchildren, Annie, Chase, Colby, Gretta, Jackson, Camas, Timber, Carter, Maddox, Aspen; two sisters Dorothy (Leroy) Buss and Marie (Jim) Farmer; brother-in-law Don Bahr; and several nephews and nieces.

Services for Milo will be 1:30 p.m. Friday March 29, 2013, at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Libby.  

Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. 

weitgenant obit

In Memory of Amanda Weitgenant September 13, 1993 - March 17, 2013 Obituary Amanda A.Weitgenant Age 19 Of Ham Lake. Blessed the world with her presence on September 13, 1993 and died unexpectedly during her sleep on March 17, 2013. Preceded in death by her brother, Andrew; grandparents, Lloyd Carlson, Kathleen Weitgenant and William Milberger. Survived by parents, Leon and Patty; brother, Brad; grandparents, Karen (Craig Burlingame) Carlson, George (Sharon) Weitgenant and Bonita Milberger; aunts, uncles and cousins. Amanda's passion for music will always live on. Funeral service 11 AM Friday, March 22, 2013 at Glen Cary Lutheran Church, 15531 Central Ave. NE, Ham Lake. Visitation 5-8 PM Thursday, March 21(with a musical celebration at 7 PM) and 1 hour prior to service, all at church. Interment Saturday, March 23 at Vinger Cemetery, Donnelly, MN. GEARHART 763-755-6300 www.GearhartFuneralHome.com

reimers obit

Pastor Reuben Otto Reimers, age 83, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato on Saturday March 30, 2013. Visitation will be Wednesday April 3, 2013 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Woodland Hills. Funeral will be on Thursday April 4, 2013 10:30 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Mankato, MN.

Reuben was born to Otto and Elisa (Baumgartner) Reimers on August 16, 1929. He was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Morris MN. He married the love of his life Constance Alm on June 7, 1953. He graduated from the Seminary in June of 1954. He served his Lord as Pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Goodwin and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Altamont, SD, Resurrection Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Moline, IL, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, MN and Zion Lutheran Church in Lynn Township, MN, then he served as Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Mankato, MN for 20 years before he retired in 1996. He was a man of enduring faith and boundless patience. To know him was to love him. He understood that his life was a journey and the destination of going to heaven was never a question. His greatest joy in life was his family. He shared with his family his love of fishing, and card games. He enjoyed making stained glass art and giving them to family members. He also enjoyed wintering in Weslaco, Texas with his wife Connie.

Reuben is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years Connie, his son David (Cindy) Reimers, daughter Carol (Lee) Eckert, sisters-in-law Barb (Don) Rilley, June (Rick) Andrew, Pam Peterson, brother-in-law John (Kay) Alm, mother-in-law Marlys Alm, 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Patricia Johnson, son-in-law David Johnson, and father-in-law Parnel Alm.

gerber obit

Valdeen Gerber, 81, a resident of Elbow Lake, died Saturday, March 30, 2013, at the Prairie Ridge Hospital in Elbow Lake. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake with the Rev. Chris Eldredge officiating. Burial will be in the Ness Cemetery, Elbow Lake. Family will greet friends at the church one hour before the service.

Valdeen Marjorie Amundson was born February 4, 1932 in St. Olaf Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the daughter of Alfred and Sophie (Furgeson) Amundson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and graduated from Elbow Lake High School. After graduation, Valdeen worked for Pillsbury in Minneapolis for a short time, before returning to Elbow Lake to work at the Grant County Recorder's Office.

Valdeen was married to Arvin Gerber on October 30, 1954, at the First Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, and the couple lived on the Gerber family farm. A wife and mother, Valdeen continued to work part time at the recorder's office for many years. Valdeen was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Norcross, where she participated in ladies aid and taught Sunday school. Valdeen enjoyed sewing, gardening, playing cards, and participated in bowling league for many years.

In 1989, Arvin and Valdeen retired and moved to Elbow Lake where they became members of United Lutheran Church. They enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. A woman of strong faith, Valdeen was active with Dorcas. She also spent twenty years supporting the soaring unlimited mission in Haiti.

Valdeen is survived by her children Dan (Mary) Gerber of Fergus Falls, Keith (Kelly) Gerber of Elbow Lake, and Kathryn (Paul) Blascyk of Dawson; grandchildren Angela (Kelly) Manley, Amy (Blake) Heinrich, Jacob (Krista) Gerber, Michael Gerber, Joseph (Cindy) Blascyk, Vicky (Adam) Erickson, Andrew (Courtney) Blascyk, and Nicholas Blascyk; and five great-grandchildren, Justin, Terina, Jeremy, Hunter, and Landyn. Other survivors include a brother, Orvin (Eljene) Amundson of Elbow Lake; two sisters-in-law, Betty (Jim) Loomis of Paynesville, MN and Jeanette Huseth of Elbow Lake; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Sophie; husband Arvin; four brothers, Winfred, Milton, Orlin and one in infancy, and three sisters, Hazel Clemenson, Doris Burgess and Shirley Ellingson. Read Valdeen Gerber's Obituary and Guestbook on www.ericksonsmithfh.com.