Teacher > Bev Lohrman 01.27.2020

     Beverly Jean (Lohrman) Grossman, the daughter of George and Anna (Vangstad) Flynn, was born in Osakis, MN on March 19, 1928. Beverly was one of six children. She went to Kindergarten in Sauk Centre, MN before her family moved to South Minneapolis where she attended school from first to eighth grade. Beverly and her family moved back to Osakis where she graduated from high school in 1946. Beverly attended St. Cloud Teachers College, graduating with degrees in English and Physical Education in 1949. She taught English in Princeton, MN for 2 years, Osakis MN for 1 year, and in 1952 she took a teaching position in Alexandria, MN where she raised her two sons, Daniel and Michael.
            During her time in education, Beverly lovingly became known as “B” to her peers and students. B mentored many young students through her classes and coaching. It thrilled her that many of her students stayed in touch with her throughout their lives.
In 1973, B was awarded the Alexandria Teacher of the Year honor and she was nominated for Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year award in 1973.
            She worked hard at developing women’s sports at the high school when Title IX was implemented in 1972. Beverly coached with no pay to get the programs started. B was the first Alexandria head coach of an interscholastic sport for girls. B was named the head coach of the Alexandria girls track and field team in 1973.She was inducted into the School District 206 Hall of Fame in 2010.
            Beverly married the love of her life, Robert Grossman, on February 9, 1980. They spent their retirement years in Hot Spring Village, Arkansas where she continued her love for helping the Arkansas educational programs as Scholastic Chairman for Arkansas Women’s Club, before they moved back to Alexandria to be closer to family.
            She loved to read and do jigsaw puzzles. Beverly enjoyed traveling, making a number of international trips. Bev also collected masks and seashells.
            Beverly J. Grossman died on Monday, January 27, 2020 at Alomere Health in Alexandria at the age of 91 years old. She is survived by her sons, Daniel Lohrman of Townsend, MT and Michael (Julie) Lohrman of Osakis, MN; stepson Robert (MaryJo) Grossman of Cloquet, MN; six grandchildren; Sara Lohrman, Jessica Lohrman, Kari Grossman, Lea Kapral, Patrick Grossman, and Michelle Johnson; Sisters-in-laws, Gwen Flynn of Alexandria, Mn and Mary Flynn of Mankato, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
            She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Grossman; brothers and sister- George Flynn, Darlyne Dunn, Thomas Flynn, Patrick Flynn, and Mike Flynn.
            A visitation will take place on Friday, February 7, 2020, from 4 – 7 PM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria and for one hour prior to the memorial service on Saturday at the church. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at First Lutheran Church, honorary pall bearers: Dan Zinda, Joe Capistrant, Pat McCarty, Dick Greengo, Marilyn Mesna, Wayne Elton, Bill Riggs, my nieces and nephews, my former students, my former athletes, and my former physical educations aides. Interment of Beverly’s urn will be later in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested. All proceeds will be given to Alexandria area education programs or scholarship programs in B (Lohrman) Grossman’s honor.
Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.www.andersonfuneral.net

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Delette Zimmel > Husband 12.29.2019

   Michael Laurie Huffman was born in Superior, Wis., July 3, 1941 to Warren and Estalene (Enes) Huffman. After his father returned from World War II, Mike moved with his parents and baby sister, Patricia, to Bungo Township, Minn., - the Huffman family home. He attended Pine Forest country School, which he loved. His teacher, Mrs. Ware, said he was, "smart as a whip" and she could never keep him busy enough. In sixth grade, he started "town school" in Pine River, Minn. With town school not being much to his liking, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 where he finished his education.
Mike served in the U.S. Army for eight years. His favorite tour of duty was his time at Fort Eustis, Va., where he was assigned to the boats that traveled the intracoastal waterway. His least favorite assignment was at Homestead Army Air Field where the troops lived in tents in the Florida heat and humidity for nine months while new barracks were being built. He served for two years at Pusan, South Korea and his final two years were in Gablingen, Germany.
After his honorable discharge in July 1966, he returned to Alexandria, Minn., where his father lived. He enrolled in the diesel mechanics program at Alexandria Technical School. Although he met his future wife, Delette Zimmel, briefly at a summer party in 1967, it was at school that autumn that their paths crossed again. Delette asked him, "where's the party?" after school one afternoon. Little did they know that would be the beginning of a long and wonderful party! Mike and Delette were married Oct. 5, 1968 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River, Minn. Two beautiful daughters joined their party - Naomi in 1969 and Shawna in 1970. On March 31, 1974, he decided the party would be better without alcohol. Like everything he decided to do, he did that well, too.
Mike worked as a diesel mechanic and truck driver for Tonka Corporation in Mound, Minn., for 12 years. His favorite memory of that job was delivering a semi-load of toys in a snowstorm to the International Toy Fair in Manhattan, N.Y. In 1973, he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard and then transferred to the Oregon National Guard when the family moved to Portland in 1980. He was employed by Multnomah County as a mechanic for 21 years. He retired from the Guards in 1986 and the County in 2001.
As a family, they took weekend trips to visit the grandparents and always a summer getaway to northern Minnesota, a lake, or a road trip. After retirement, their yard at their Mt. Scott home received his undivided attention. With an empty nest, Mike and Delette took innumerable trips back home to Minnesota and visited many other states and Canadian provinces where they would sometimes attend cribbage tournaments. After Delette retired, they made a memorable 10,000-mile road trip from Portland to Nova Scotia. They enjoyed four trips to Europe, the last one being a six-week trek through eight countries to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The highlight of the last trip to Europe was finding Mike's roots in Enes, Hordaland, Norway, where his great-grandfather lived before immigrating to America. There, he met cousins who still lived on the family farm.
Taught the love of reading by his mother, Mike preferred books over television. His daughters recall him reading the Mother West Wind books to them and that he always did the best animal voices. He loved card games - especially cribbage - puzzles, pool and visiting with family and friends. Most of all, he loved his grandkids who called him Papa Mike. He was everything a grandpa should be!
Mike and Delette moved to Hope Village Garden Homes in Canby, Ore., in 2016. He was an active member of the retirement community and enjoyed his daily games of pool. He won the first annual Hope Village pool tournament in October 2019. A friend described him as being a true sportsman. That was Mike. He enjoyed the game whether he won or lost.
Mike lived life to the fullest until a heart attack Dec. 11, 2019. After an unsuccessful surgery, he left this world on his terms 18 days later with family by his side. In the early morning hours of Dec. 29, 2019, he said "I think I will take a little lunch break now." These were some of the final words of an amazing man whose life's philosophy was work hard, have fun and be kind. He is simply on a little lunch break. We will all meet again.
Mike was predeceased by his parents; step-parents; and sister, Pat. He is survived by his wife, Delette; daughters, Naomi (Scott) Sether and Shawna Huffman; and four grandchildren, Demi (Jordan) White, Curtis Sether, Tyler Woodall and Alayna Woodall. Also surviving are his brother, Kelly Huffman; and sister, Nolee Riley; 99-year-young Uncle Bob Huffman; other uncles and aunts, lots of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
A military service will be held in his honor at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at Noon, at Rivershore Hotel Banquet Room, 1900 Clackamette Dr., Oregon City. All are invited to attend either or both events. Mike would prefer that everyone dress for comfort to enjoy his celebration. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Thelma's Place, 352 N.W. 2nd Ave., Canby, OR 97013 or online at https://thelmasplace.org/donate/
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits

Published in The Oregonian from Jan. 16 to Jan. 19, 2020

Teacher > James Reiter

James “Jim” Lloyd Reiter, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2019, in his home at the Ebenezer Care Center, Minneapolis.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2019, at the Thompson-Doughtery Historic Funeral Home in Minneapolis. A reception will follow the service. He was interred at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria beside his son, Noel.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

Jim was born on December 27, 1937 in Mankato, Minnesota to Margret B (Jones) and Adrian Randolph Reiter. He spent his youth in Plainview, Minnesota, graduating from Plainview High School in 1956. Post-graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a BA in Education. He served in the Navel Reserves as an Aviation Electronic Technician and student taught in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Jim married Gayle Avis Harrington on July 16, 1961 and moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where he taught in the Business Department of the High School until his retirement. Jim and Gayle had two children, Noel James and Evan Lloyd. They divorced in 2002. In 2008, Jim moved to Prescott, Wisconsin. In November of 2016, Jim suffered a severe brain injury that eventually landed him at the Ebenezer Care Center, his final home.

Jim was a passionate lover of dogs, grooming dogs as a side job and always devoted to his own canines. He loved music, particularly choir, which he actively sang in for much of his life. He played the clarinet and was involved in community theater. At various times in his life he enjoyed boating, skiing, road tripping, model railroading, snow plowing, skating, wine making, snowmobiling, drawing and painting, dog breeding, and line dancing. Above all, his greatest past time was conversation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian and Margret Reiter; son, Noel Reiter; and former wife, Gayle Harrington.

Jim is survived by his son, Evan Reiter and his wife, Tanya Gajewska; and two cousins, Marcia (Jones) Richards and Kay (Jones) Jacobson.



https://www.lindfamilyfh.com/notices/James-Reiter

Classmate > Leslie D Okerlund 11.19.2019

Leslie David Okerlund

January 15, 1949 ~ November 19, 2019 (age 70)

Leslie David Okerlund was born on January 15, 1949, in Alexandria, MN the son of David and Julia (Zeithamer) Okerlund.
He grew up in Garfield and graduated from Jefferson High School.  Les married Peggy Betterton in 1972 and from this unity they had Lisa, Skip and Jamie. 
Les started working for Ray Strom hauling gravel and driving school bus right after high school Les started Okerlund Gravel in 1969. 
Work was always a priority in Les’ life but he also enjoyed driving stock cars at a young age and did a little hunting and fishing when he could get away.
Leslie was united in marriage to the former Loretta Hanson in 1994.  Les & Loretta enjoyed casino runs and hosting large Christmas gatherings.
Les Okerlund is survived by sister, Joyce Klug, daughter, Lisa (Kevin) Behrens, sons: Skip (Erin) Okerlund, Jamie Okerlund; grandchildren Tasmine, Carrigan, Lauren, Trent, Quynn, Ayden, Nathan, Riley & Skyler. 
Les was preceded in death by his parents, David & Julia, brother in law, Duane Klug.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Time of Sharing at 4:00 PM

Jon Trenne > Brother 11.14.19

ARLYN TRENNE

Vernard Arlyn Trenne was born January 12, 1939, in Fergus Falls, MN, the son of Vernard and Myrtle (Larson) Trenne. He was raised and attended school in Fergus Falls. In 1952, Arlyn’s family moved to Alexandria, MN where he graduated from Central High School.

On March 22, 1957, Arlyn was united in marriage to Kathleen Quast. They made their home in Alexandria and were blessed with four children. Arlyn began an apprenticeship with the Union where he learned the sheetmetal and plumbing trades. Over the years, Arlyn worked for Michaelson Plumbing & Heating, Alex Plumbing & Heating, McDowell Company and Peterson Sheetmetal. Eventually, Arlyn took a job with R & E Nelsen Plumbing, Heating & Sheetmetal. In 1984, Arlyn purchased that company and changed the name to A & E Plumbing, Heating and Sheetmetal. Arlyn was a man who was very skilled at his work and truly loved what he did. He eventually turned the company over to his son, James, but continued to be involved in the day to day operations. Even after his health began to decline, Arlyn assisted with the bid proposals. Arlyn never fully retired from the business.

Arlyn had many varied interests. As a young man, his family raised horses. They participated in parades with their horse and buggy teams. He still has a collection of buggies and wagons including a horse drawn hearse. Arlyn had a passion for hunting all kinds of game. Arlyn hunted in every deer season since he was 8 years old. He was an avid fisherman. He loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish and made an annual trip to enjoy walleye fishing in Canada. Arlyn operated a hobby farm in Moe Township, where he hunted and spent time with his children and grandchildren. Arlyn enjoyed antiques and had depression glass and crock collections. Arlyn cherished the furniture and collectibles passed down through the generations in his family as well as his classic cars. In the later years, Arlyn took pride in baking, cooking and frying fish for family gatherings. They thoroughly enjoyed his fried walleye, ribs, soups and homemade pickles. His garden always provided a beautiful bounty of produce and grew in size to need a tractor to prepare each spring.

On Thursday, November 14, 2019 Arlyn died at the age of eighty years. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Scott Trenne; and an infant brother. Arlyn is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Kathy Trenne of Alexandria; daughter, Jody Stiver and husband, Mark, of Sugar Land, TX; sons, James Trenne and wife, Joanne, of Alexandria and Tim Trenne and wife, Mary, of Chaska, MN; grandchildren, Stacie Stiver, Rebekah Cantrell, Brian Trenne, Nicholas Trenne, Megan Trenne, Michael Trenne, Briant Weber, Phillip Trenne, Andrew Trenne, Matthew Trenne and Molly Helm; great grandchildren, Savannah, Tessa, Braydyn, Lola, Reid, Eva, Skyler, Callie, Ireland, Merida, Lennox, Sylas, Samuel, Elora, Caleb and Mya; two brothers, Jon Trenne and wife, Barb, of Carlos, MN and Paul Trenne and wife, Karen, of Grand Forks, ND; one sister, Verla Engelbrecht and husband, Jerry, of Alexandria; Brother in Law Jerry Quast and wife, Barb, of Silver Lake, MN as well  numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Jerry Lanes will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Bethesda Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN or the Hope Lodge of Rochester, MN. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.

Patty Platto > Mother 10.18.19

                    On August 10, 1921, Elsie Christine Carlson was born to Kersten (Halvorson) and Olof Carlson, immigrants from Sveg, Sweden, on a farm in Holmes City Township near Alexandria, MN. Elsie’s mother died when she was only 10 years old and then she went to live with her uncle and his wife until she started high school. She first attended school in District 29 and was baptized at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church with a combined confirmation class. She then moved to Alexandria to go to high school. She boarded at the home of Superintendent Fred Ellertson and his wife, Clara. Elsie graduated from Central High School in 1939.
Elsie first worked for the law firm of Leach and Swore as a legal secretary. She was married to William Platto after he returned home from service in WWII and converted to the Catholic faith. Together they raised 4 children: Lynda, Sheri, Patty, and Bill Jr. Elsie returned to work after the children were all in school. She worked for about 7 years at the Douglas County Extension office at the Courthouse. In 1964, she went to the law office of Robert Swenson and Morris Grover. Elsie worked with many in the law firm now known as Swenson Lervick Syverson Trosvig Jacobson Schultz Cass. She retired as office manager in 1987. She remained close to many of her co-workers until her death.
Family meant everything to Elsie; she was a devoted wife to Bill and was always there for her kids, putting them first and caring for and supporting them in all their endeavors. She was a regular letter writer to each child as they left home, the best cook and baker, an avid Viking and Twins fan, a crossword puzzle whiz, and a patient card and game player with her grandchildren. Each of her 7 grandchildren were special to her and each felt it in the time and love she showered on them. She was a grandmother extraordinaire.
Elsie and Bill had countless friends and enjoyed many adventures with them throughout their lifetime such as: dinners out, dancing, attending Super Bowls, snowmobiling, motorcycling, going to and running car races and traveling. In their retirement they spent time together in FL, TX, and AZ to escape Minnesota winters. Most memorable was a trip to England, France, and Belgium on the 40th anniversary of WWII with other veterans and their spouses. They also enjoyed special trips with each of their children.
On Friday, October 18th, 2019, at the age of 98, Elsie passed away surrounded by loving family at Edgewood Senior Living in Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her parents, Olof and Kersten; husband of 64 years, Bill; son, Bill Jr; siblings and in-laws, Sophie Leines (AQ Ford), Helmer (LaVonne Solum) Carlson, and Jennie (Harold Halvorson); all of Bill’s siblings: Berniece Smith, Isabelle (Robert) Thompson, Valeraine Carder, and Paul Patrick Platto.
Elsie is survived by children, Lynda (Dave) Wosmek, Sheri Platto (all of Alexandria), Patty (Bryan) Stamp of Arizona; daughter-in-law, Nancy (Bongard) Platto of Chaska; sister-in-law, Louise Platto; grandchildren, Tim, Jamie (Toni), Patrick (Brenda) Hukriede, Katy Wosmek (Jon) Olson, Tina Platto (Jason) Marisam, Betsy Wosmek (Mike) Stromberg, and Andy (Angel) Platto; great-grandchildren,  Jo, Nick, Ellie, Zach, Josh, Hannah, Gavin Hukriede, Selby, Grady, Elsie Olson, Jack, William, and Lucy Stromberg, and Flora, Waldo, and Huck Marisam; one great-great-grandchild, Lilly Grace; step-grandchildren, Tracie (Kevin Paskett) and Mike (Jen) Stamp; step-great-grandchildren, Aidan, Greta, and Ryan Stamp-Paskett and Daria, Freddie, and Lucy Stamp; and several special nieces and nephews.
God Bless the memory of Elsie.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21st, 2019 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Parish Prayers beginning at 5:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Entombment to follow in St. Mary’s Mausoleum. Memorials preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice or the donor’s choice of charity.
Elsie's funeral service will be recorded and available to view online on Wednesday.

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Donations may be made to:

Knute Nelson Hospice
2715 MN-29 #103, Alexandria MN 56308
Tel: 1-320-759-1273
Web: http://www.knutenelson.org