Paul Osterberg > Father 10.04.2018

   Sonny (Richard G.) Osterberg, the eighth of nine children of Richard and Tena (Hotvedt) Osterberg was born in Kensington, MN on December 5, 1923.  The family moved to Alexandria in 1927 because, according to Sonny’s father, “Eff-ry day in Alexandria is yust like the fort of Yuly in Kensington!”
At age 16 he began running the ice cream counter at Osterberg’s Café in downtown Alexandria. He attended and graduated from Central School in Alexandria in 1941. He then attended the University of MN with dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer.  Unable to enlist during WWII due to a medical deferment he returned home and became a partner in the family business. One of the benefits of returning home was working with Helen Wagner, that cute waitress at Osterberg’s.  Helen spent some time in California and the two discovered that absence truly did make their hearts grow fonder.  They married on May 27, 1947 at the Church of St Mary in Alexandria. They were married for 63 years.
Family, hospitality and service were important aspects of Sonny and Helen’s faith and life together.  Patrick, Paul, Leann, Peter, Richard and Mary were born during the Baby Boom.  Family traditions included annual trips to the MN State Fair, Deer Park and Itasca (including a meal at the Schwartzwald Inn in Park Rapids), hosting holiday meals for the extended family at Fireside Steakhouse and inter-generational Tripoly card games.  Deer hunting was a life long activity he enjoyed first with his brothers then with his sons and grandsons.
The food business came naturally to Sonny.  He began as a third partner with his brothers in Osterberg’s in Alexandria.  He sold his share and owned and operated Osterberg’s Café in Fergus Falls for 4 years.  Returning to Alexandria, he bought Hillside Club, sold insurance for a short time and then purchased Fireside Steakhouse, which he and Helen operated for 28 years.  It was here that Sonny’s culinary skills really shone.  Standing at the charcoal grill, customers loved to watch him prepare his famous steaks, chicken and “Sonny’s Walleye”.  He truly enjoyed greeting his customers while they watched him work.
Retirement came at age 75 after 60 years in the restaurant business. Helen encouraged him to “stay busy” so he sold real estate and made a run for county commissioner.  His grandkids also kept him busy.  He and Helen traveled to wherever the grandkids were to attend their events.
Sonny said in an interview with the Sr. Perspective newspaper, “Music has really been the joy of my life. My voice has meant everything to me.”  A choir director discovered his talent when he was 8 and put him in front of the congregation to sing a solo. Many have commented on his solos at weddings and funerals. He was a life-long member of the St Mary’s Choir.  Parishioners looked forward to his solos at Midnight Mass.  He was thrilled to sing the Star-Spangled Banner with his son and grandsons at the Gopher football games.
In 1950 Sonny joined the Knights of Columbus and became a Fourth Degree Knight in 2004.  He was a long-time member of Rotary.
Sonny passed away peacefully on the Feast of St Francis, October 4, 2018 at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; infant son, Richard; parents; siblings and spouses, Viola (Martin) Rotto, Bennie (Margaret), Lenore (Helen), Tony (Pauline) Osterberg and Donna (William) Huskey; two brothers who died as children: Mervin & Clifton and brother-in-law, Allen Wittchow.
Survivors are his children and their spouses, Patrick (Stephanie), Paul (Bobbie), Leann (Virgil) Lerud, Peter, Mary (LeRoy) Bowder; grandchildren, Justin (Jessica) Osterberg, Catie Osterberg, Richard (Lesley) Osterberg, Kendra (Seth) Hahn, Steve Osterberg, Kirstin (Clint) Wendel, Seth (Shanele Larson) Bowder, Nate Osterberg, Molly (Clay) Larson; 12 Great Grandchildren and another on the way; sister, JoAnn Wittchow; and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 10:30 a.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church.  Burial will be at St Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 10 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Anderson’s Funeral Home with a Parish Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m..  Visitation will continue on Thursday, October 11 at the Church from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

TEACHER > Les Dehlin 09.30.18

Lester C. Dehlin, age 89, of Alexandria, died Sunday, September 30, 2018, at Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Kari van Wakeren officiating.  Inurnment will take place at Kinkead Cemetery, Alexandria.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, October 5, 2018, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Les was born on February 6, 1929, to John and Julia (Hanson) Dehlin in Graceville, Minnesota.  He grew up in Graceville and was confirmed at Siloah Lutheran Church in rural Graceville. He attended Parnell Township Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota. Les graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Concordia College in Moorhead and earned his Master’s Degree in Music at MacPhail College of Music in Minneapolis.  He was united in marriage to Ellen Ann Christopherson on June 19, 1953, at Ringsaker Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids.  He was a life-long music educator.  Les taught at Brooten High School from 1952 – 1955, Staples High School from 1955 – 1965, and completed his career at Jefferson High School in Alexandria from 1965, until his retirement in May of 1987.  Les was a hunter and fisherman, lover of fine music, drinker of Norwegian egg coffee, smeller of flowers, watcher of sunsets, and a Grandfather Extraordinaire.  He was a member of First Lutheran Church, American Choral Directors Association, Minnesota Music Educators Association, Minnesota Education Association, Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Vikingland Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus, Alexandria Golden Kiwanis, and the National Rifle Association.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Ann in 2012; parents, John and Julia; brothers, Raymond, Harold, Melvin, and twin, Holver; and sisters, Eleanor, Clarice, and Mabel.
Les is survived by his children; Camille Dehlin of Minneapolis, Michael Dehlin of Alexandria, Carol (Kevin) Hanson of Alexandria, Maren (Jeff Weyer) Buching of Alexandria, and Bonnie Wensloff of Roseau; seven grandchildren, Carly (Jack Filipiak) Hanson of Minneapolis, Laine (Jordan) Herman of Rochester, Christine Buching of Moorhead, Micaela Buching of St. Paul, Katherine Wensloff of Moorhead, Daniel Wensloff and Rebecca Wensloff both of Roseau; and many nieces and nephews.  Special appreciation extended to his former colleague and faithful friend, Dean Dainsberg.

Philip Martinson > Sister 08.24.2018

Ruth Susan Martinson was born on November 16, 1956, in Alexandria, Minnesota the daughter of Earl and La Vina (Dalager) Martinson. She graduated from Alexandria High School in 1973. After graduation she attended the University of Minnesota Morris and then transferred to the University of Minnesota receiving her Jurist Doctor Degree.

She started her law career at Sonenschein Law Firm in Chicago and then moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked for Stokes Law Firm. Ruth did a lot of great work in helping people who were dying of AIDS. She was a true caregiver and had a love for animals.

Ruth's passion was sculpting granite. She also loved art, golfing, reading and music.

Ruth died on Friday, August 24, 2018. She is survived by her mother, La Vina Larson; siblings: John (Mikki) Martinson of Alexandria, Janet (Bob) Jones of West Linn, OR, Carol (John) Seim of Alexandria, Philip (Jackie) Martinson of Spokane, WA, Mark (Veronica) Martinson of Anchorage, AK, Karl (Nancy) Martinson of Maple Grove, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Earl.

There will be a private family service at a later date. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.

www.andersonfuneral.net

Sue Kalstrom > Mother 08.03.2018

      Margaret Kallstrom, age 96 of Alexandria, formerly of Carlos and Osakis, died under the loving care of the Knute Nelson Hospice on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Knute Nelson Home in Alexandria, MN.
     On October 8, 1921 Jesse and Alma (Hedin) Sibell welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their lives.   They named her Margaret Evelyn and she was born at their home in Belle River Township, Douglas Co., MN.  Margaret attended Osakis Public School and as a young woman worked as a dishwasher at Idlewilde Resort.  On April 28, 1939 in Osakis, Margaret married Woodrow Kallstrom.  Margaret went to serve her country during WWII, living in Portland, Oregon for a time and working as a welder on American battleships. She began her life’s vocation, working as a cook and nutritionist when she returned home to MN.  She cooked at several local eateries over the years, including the Walleye Lodge, the Sportsman’s Café, the Farm Court Restaurant, the Garden Center and the Alexandria Golf Club.  She then began cooking at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Alexandria.  When they needed a certified dietician, Margaret attended Alexandria Technical College and received the required certification.  She worked as a cook/ nutritionist at the hospital until it closed and was soon hired by the MN Extension Service for a program to help families prepare nutritious, healthy meals.  Also during this time, she and Florence Olson operated a food truck, they named OK Lunch Wagon, serving homemade donuts, sandwiches, barbecues, bars, etc., at auction sales. After Florence’s death, Margaret continued this venture with help from her husband and other family members, eventually selling it in 1981.  After retirement in 1982, Margaret finally had more time to pursue her other hobbies and interests, including quilting, dancing, card playing and cheering for the MN Twins.  She liked to travel, garden and was an excellent cook who spoiled her family with delicious home-cooked meals and baked goods.  She was a talented and loving mother, grandmother and sister who will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.
     Margaret is survived by her children, Eugene (Gayle) Kallstrom of Great Falls, MT, Gerald Kallstrom of St. Cloud, Susan (Al) DeBortoli of Great Falls, MT, Raymond (Kim) Kallstrom of Alexandria; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren; her siblings, Marlin (Dorothy) Sibell, Gary (Linda) Sibell, Donna Myers and Janice (Henry) Finch; sisters and brothers-in-law, Harriet Sibell, Marjorie Swor, Carl (Jean) Kallstrom, Roland (Dorothy) Kallstrom;  many nieces, nephews and cousins.
     Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Woodrow (1997); son, James, daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen & Tom Serba; grandchild, Christian Serba and grandson-in-law, Steven Prill; brothers, Arthur, Sheldon and Gerald ‘Larry’ Sibell.
     Memorial services for Margaret will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018 at 11:00 am at Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson, MN with Rev. Jeremy Pedersen officiating.  Musicians are organist, Barb Sather and soloist, Darlene Hendricks.  Inurnment is at the church cemetery next to her husband, Woodrow.  Urn bearer is Valerie Prill and honorary bearers are her grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren. Visitation hours are from 5 - 7 pm on Tuesday evening, Aug. 7 at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church.   Arrangements by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, MN www.royhetland.com

Robert Wilken > Mother

    Loretta Mary Shea was born on July 4, 1923 in Leaf Valley, MN, to William and Minnie (Guenther) Shea.  Loretta graduated from Alexandria High School in 1941 and had worked in Alexandria and Minneapolis.  She married Hugo Wilken on September 15, 1947 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville, MN.  They started out living in Brandon and then moved to Alexandria, where they raised four sons and four daughters.  Loretta managed McCarthy’s Drive-In for many years.  Hugo passed away in July of 2001.
Loretta was a member of Christian Mothers and the VFW Auxiliary.  She moved into an apartment at Bethel Manor in 2013 and then Edgewood in Alexandria in 2017.
Loretta M. Wilken passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Edgewood in Alexandria at the age of 95 years old.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hugo Wilken; brothers, Leo, Hubert, Al, and Phil; sisters, Margarete and Helen; and her son-in-law, Bob Nelson.
Loretta is survived by all eight of her children, Bob (Elaine) Wilken of Alexandria, Terry (Mary) Wilken of Hendersonville, NC, Kathy (Grant) Haugen of Alexandria, Mary (Mike) Aune of Minnetonka, Paul (Vicky) Wilken of Oak Grove, Becky Nelson of Alexandria, Joe (Sue) Wilken of Sartell and Ann (Larry) Ackerman of Montevideo; 20 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sister Betty (Neil) Ostlund; brothers, Jim Shea, John (Nancy) Shea; sisters-in-law, Joyce Shea and Laverne Shea; and special friend Norma Jean Peymann.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 23, 2018 from 4-7 PM with a 4 PM Parish Prayer Service at the Anderson Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 1 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with visitation for one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at the Church.  Interment will be in the Kinkead Cemetery.  Casket Bearers are Andrew Wilken, Jason Haugen, Thomas Wilken, Justin Wilken, Logan Ackerman, Brock Ackerman, Jesse Wilken, Mark Aune, Travis Wilken, and Lee Wilken.  Honorary Casket Bearers are the staff and residents of Edgewood in Alexandria.

Wanda Anderson > Father

   

Leonard Anderson was born January 20, 1926 in Alexandria, MN to Hoder and Mae (nee Erickson) Anderson. He passed away July 2, 2018 at the age of 92 at the Galeon Home in Osakis surrounded by family members.

Leonard was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended Hazel Hill country school through the eighth grade. An altruistic man that was kind and thought of ways to serve others, he was proud of his military service in WWII where he was stationed in Japan for a year and a half before being honorably discharged from the United States Army. On June 4, 1948, Leonard married Ruth Harbig and the couple were blessed with six children. A true farm boy, Leonard loved to farm the fields of North Dakota for farmers in the area around Ruth's home town.  Early in 1950 they returned to Alexandria where they spent the rest of their lives. Ruth and Leonard worked side by side raising their children and taking care of their home. Not one to shy away from hard work, Leonard could be found working as a mechanic for various companies such as Unruh Motors, Joe Johnson’s 76, Ollies Service, and North Star Service. The last 15 years of his working career were spent as a grounds and maintenance worker at Lake Carlos State Park.   Leonard enjoyed camping at many Minnesota state parks with family and spent many hours fishing on Lake Victoria where he had grown up.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife of 64 years, Ruth Anderson and son-in-law Richard Buddy. Leonard and his kindness will be missed by children: Wanda Buddy of Benson, Lenny & wife Jo of Long Prairie, Elwood (Woody) of Alexandria, Marlin of Alexandria, Mark & wife, Karyn of Alexandria, and Larry & wife Marlene of St. Cloud; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Lillian Anderson of Alexandria.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 from 3-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home www.andersonfuneral.net

Jane Trushenski > Mother

     Leona (Ganske) Trushenski passed away May 14, 2018 in Alexandria MN at her home in Nelson Gables a few days after suffering a stroke. Her goal for several years was to live to 100 and she met that goal in January.  She was born January 9, 1918 in Carrington ND to August and Freida (Sonnabend) Ganske. Ten months later her pregnant mother died in the deadly flu epidemic. For the next 7 years Leone lived with her Aunt Ida and Uncle John Kerr in Villard MN. She reunited with her father, brother (Gordon), step-mother (Sophie) and step sister (Vannie) in Montevideo MN where she graduated in 1936. After graduation she worked in a hospital in Chicago for a few years until moving to St Cloud MN.

She met Paul Trushenski while living in St Cloud. Paul’s enjoyment of dancing, hunting and fishing were particular attractions. They married November 12, 1944 while Paul was serving in the Navy. While living in St. Cloud her first two children (Scott and Jane) were born. Shortly after moving to Alexandria, MN in 1950 her third child (Tony) was born.

She liked to sew and made prom dresses and other clothing for her family. Her braided rugs have been used for more than 30 years.  She made choir gowns for Zion Lutheran Church and organized a group to make quilts for those in need. Leone was noted for her cooking and baking but she was especially proud of her lefse making skills. She was active in Zion’s Evening Guild and Altar Guild for 50+ years. She loved card games especially bridge. She and Paul were active in the same 500 Club for over 50 years. She was always proud of the produce from her garden and often canned 100 quarts in the summer. Leone was an administrative assistant for the State of Minnesota, Emergency Services Division from 1961 until retirement in 1982.

She loved her lake home of 32 years on Lake Carlos because it was a natural gathering point for her 3 children and 4 grandchildren. She looked forward to traveling to new locations with friends and family. She even traveled to Egypt in 1991. From 2000-2011 she enjoyed the fellowship of the residents of the Senator Condominiums. Following a broken leg in 2012 she moved to Nelson Gables where she enjoyed the  outstanding staff of that facility.

Leone is preceded in death by her parents, step sister, brother, husband of 64 years, great grandchild Nathaniel Trushenski and nearly all of her 85 cousins. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Scott (Sharon) Trushenski, Jane (John) Floden and Tony (Catherine) Trushenski; her four grandchildren (Todd (Pam) Trushenski, Matt (Tami) Floden, Ryan (Julie) Trushenski and Amy Floden) She also has 7 surviving great grandchildren (Adam Trushenski, Connor Floden, Anna Trushenski, Kaitlyn Trushenski, Emma Trushenski, Dillon Floden and Blake Trushenski).

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2018, 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.  Memorial service will be held on Monday, May 21, 2018, 11:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria.