Gerald Hesse > MOther 12-27-2020

Norma Caroline (Swenson) Hesse was born on August 21, 1927, in Butte, Montana to Harold and Gina (Gulsvig) Swenson. She moved to Glenwood at the age of 4 with her foster parents, Emil and Emma Evenson. Norma graduated from Glenwood High School.

On October 14, 1947, Norma was united in marriage to Dale Hesse in Sisseton, SD. The couple farmed near Swift Falls, before moving to Alexandria in 1957. Norma worked as a homemaker, and as an election judge for many years after the kids were older. She also enjoyed handing out food samples at Pete’s County Market. Later in life, Norma enjoyed helping at Calvary Lutheran Church, especially at the Lutefisk dinner. Norma loved crocheting, knitting and going to the casino.

Norma died on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 93. She is survived by her children, Emojean Johnson of St. Louis, MO; Gerald Hesse of Alexandria; and Carol (Lyle) Lanigan of Alexandria; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Dale; son, Randy Hesse; infant twin sons; parents, Harold, Gina; foster parents, Emil and Emma; brothers, Lloyd Crosby and Paul, Glen, James and Donald Swenson; and sisters, Inez Jergenson, Esther Jergenson, and Dorothy; and son-in-law, Sam Johnson III,

A private memorial graveside service was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria with Reverend John Martinson officiating.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.  www.andersonfuneral.net

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Dave Olson > brother, Dan 12.16.2020

Daniel Lee Olson was born on August 27, 1951, in Alexandria, Minnesota, the son of Winston and Ima Jean (Lee) Olson. An outgoing young rascal, Dan grew up on City Park Road with his brother, Dave.  The two boys spent hours listening and singing to records, playing at City Park, going to the beach, and got started in the painting business by helping their dad scrape houses.   Dan graduated from Jefferson High School and furthered his education at Alexandria Technical College receiving an Associate Degree in Sales & Marketing.  After graduation he helped his parents with the decorating store and painting business where many lasting relationships were built.

Dan met Dawn at the local Dairy Queen in the summer of 1970.  The two were married on September 16, 1972 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Their fun-loving personalities fostered numerous friendships that lasted a lifetime.  Dan and Dawn had two daughters: Stephanie and Danielle.  His daughters were his pride and joy; he would go anywhere and do anything for them.  Their biggest fan, Dan enjoyed attending and chaperoning his girls’ numerous events.  He was always there for his daughters no matter how difficult life got, supporting them and loving them unconditionally.  When it came to his grandchildren, never was someone more proud.  Grandpa Dan enjoyed being a major part of their lives, supporting their interests, spoiling them, and also teaching them life lessons.

Dan was also very dedicated to his church and community.  Baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria, he served on several committees, as an usher and greeter, and was well known for his voluminous bass voice.  He sang for weddings and funerals and performed in various ensembles, including the praise group, and as a soloist.  Passionate about taking care of the community he spent his entire life in, Dan served as County Commissioner from 2003-2014. 

Dan had a big heart that so many were fortunate to experience.  His infectious smile, humor, and big bear hugs will never be forgotten.  Heaven gained an amazing man on December 16, 2020 that will be missed by many.  Dan is survived by his wife, Dawn; daughters: Stephanie (Mickey) and Danielle; grandchildren: J.D., Daniel, Isaac, Xavier, Danika, and Levi; brother: David (Caryn). 

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion with a visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.  Dan's funeral will be live streamed for those unable to attend.  All Covid-19 and CDC guidelines will be followed.

Jerome Cihlar (Deceased) > Mother, Dorothy 11-02-2020

Dorothy Anna Cihlar, the daughter of Edmund and Clara (Klimek) Roers, was born in Leaf Mountain, MN on December 2, 1925. Dorothy attended country school through the eighth grade and then helped her uncle at his store in Urbank, MN. She worked at a restaurant in Alexandria before she met Henry Cihlar one evening at a local dance. They were united in marriage on November 13, 1944 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank, MN. Eight children were born to this union: Rodney, Larry, Mary Louise, Jerry, Irene, Rosalie, Annette, and Veronica. They lived on a farm near Lake Mary before moving to Alexandria. Dorothy stayed home to raise her children and tend to all their needs. When her youngest children reached their teens, Dorothy returned to the workplace working at Holiday grocery store where people loved to come in and get her delicious Dorothy’s donuts.

Dorothy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria and she was active with the Daughters of Isabella. She liked to play the guitar in her younger years and enjoyed listening to country music. She liked to play cards, embroider, and visit with her brothers and sisters. Dorothy loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her kind and gentle nature endeared her to all that met her. Many of her caregivers and regular visitors viewed her as one of their favorites.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Dorothy A. Cihlar died on Monday, November 2, 2020 at her home at Edgewood Vista in Alexandria at the age of 94 years old. She is survived  by  her son, Larry (Kathy) Cihlar of Carlos; daughters, Mary Louise Cihlar of Alexandria, Rosalie Kessler of Bergland, MI, Annette (Greg) Retzlaff of Miltona, and Veronica (Roger) Baas of Long Prairie; grandchildren, Michael (Janet) Cihlar, Jill (Cory) Cihlar, Robert Keife, Stephen (Christy) Keife, Richard (Justin) Keife, Christine Cihlar, Pamela Cihlar, Misty (Dylan) Folkestad, and Nicholas (Billie) Retzlaff; great grandchildren, Ethan, Everett, William, Seren, Tiegan, Caleb, Conner, Lilyanna, Nathan, Claire, Otto, Oliver, Augustus, and Anndelle; son-in-law, Bob Keife of Houma, LA, brothers, Conrad Roers and Rollie (Jenny) Roers; sister, Adeline (Ronnie) Gust; sisters -in-law, Viann Roers, Gertrude Roers, and Elreen Roers.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry Cihlar; daughter, Irene Keife; sons, Rodney Cihlar and Jerry Cihlar; grandson, Scott Retzlaff; brother; sisters; and son-in-law, Joe Kessler.

A visitation will take place on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Anderson Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

https://www.andersonfuneral.net/obituary/Dorothy-Cihlar

Linda Beach > Brother, Scott 10.16.2020

Scott H. Beach, age 68 of Apple Valley passed away peacefully on October 16, 2020. Scott spent his early years growing up in Alexandria where he met Barb in the fall of 1970, they were married on July 29, 1972. The couple moved to Barbers Point, Hawaii where he served in the Navy for three years. Upon returning to Minnesota he attended colleges in Crookston and Moorhead where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in finance. His retail management career took him to many states around the Midwest from Minnesota to Texas. He enjoyed meeting and working with new people. Scott retired in 2016; during this time, he enjoyed spending time with family, watching sports, reading novels and traveling up north to the cabin country.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Arlene Beach. Survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara; children, Nancy (Steve) Nichols, Gregory (Rebekah) Beach, and Timothy (Kristin) Beach; grandchildren, Amanda and  Amber Nichols, Henry, Lydia, Kairi, Lukas, Zachary, and Jameson Beach; siblings, Dale Beach (Jeanne Tvrdik), Linda Beach, Dean (Ginny) Beach, and Eleanor Beach; also by other loving family and friends.

Memorial service, Thursday, October 22, 2020, 12 Noon, at White Funeral Home (14560 Pennock Ave.) Apple Valley.  Memorial visitation one hour prior to the service.

https://www.whitefuneralhomes.com/obituary/scott-beach

Bill Leuthner > Mother 10-09-2020

Alma Mary Louise Leuthner, the daughter of F. William and Freda (Schmackel) Dreher, was born in Long Prairie, MN on May 19, 1910.  Alma graduated from Long Prairie High School and then attended the St. Cloud College of Business during the late 1920’s.  In 1930, Alma moved to Alexandria and met John Leuthner.  Together they were united in marriage on May 1, 1933.  They made their home in Alexandria and Alma stayed home to raise their two children Bill and Sally. 

Alma enjoyed entertaining family and friends; she was an excellent cook.  She had a strong faith and was a member at Zion Lutheran Church since 1932.  She was involved with church circles and lady’s aide for many years.  Alma’s hobbies included her beautiful flower gardens, collecting antiques, playing bridge, and designing and sewing clothing.  Alma was a kind, loving, and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Alma Leuthner died on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Knute Nelson at the age of 110 years old.  She is survived by her son, Bill (Mari) Leuthner of Alexandria; daughter, Sally Harberts of Alexandria; grandchildren, Michael (Tanya) Harberts of Austin, TX, Sara (Todd) Wagner of Austin, TX, Alexander (Kendra) Leuthner of Minnetonka, and Ari Leuthner of Alexandria; great grandchildren, Tanner Wagner, Parker Wagner, Carter Wagner, Spencer Wagner, and Kinsley Harberts. 

Alma was preceded in death by her husband, John Leuthner; infant son, John Frederick Leuthner; parents; and sisters, Amelia Arendt, Selma Johnson, and Edna Schaun.

A Private family funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria, MN.  Interment will be in Kinkead Cemetery.

Memorials to Zion Lutheran School Tuition assistance fund.

 https://www.andersonfuneral.net/obituary/Alma-Leuthner

Also of interest, an article about Alma, posted in the Echo this past May:  https://www.echopress.com/community/people/6508969-Strong-heart-beats-past-110

CLASSMATE > Roger Severson 10.05.2020

 

     Roger A. Severson, 71, of Eau Claire, WI,                        passed away on October 5th, 2020 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI. Roger will be buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the Spring of 2021 with family and friends.

Roger was born in St Cloud, MN to Merle and Isabelle (Lind) Severson on January 4th, 1949. In 1967 he graduated from Alexandria Area High School in Alexandria, MN. After high school Roger joined the United States Navy in 1968 and served through 1972, working as a T-28 and F-4 airplane mechanic on the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. Roger had a lot of great memories during his time in the Navy and had lots of stores to share. After his time in the service he attended Alexandria Technical College and graduated in 1974 with a degree in sales and marketing. Roger started working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis and worked within the VA system in Shreveport, LA, Des Moines, IA, and Tomah, WI, where he retired in 1996 as Chief of Building Management. After retiring from the VA, he worked for Mid State Consultants as a Right of Way agent from 1999 until 2017.

Roger’s true passion was sports, more specifically, Minnesota sports. He would be the first to tell you that living in Wisconsin for 35 years as a die-hard Minnesota fan can be very challenging. He had a 6-foot satellite dish installed in the back yard to make sure he never missed a sporting event, whether it was the Twins, Vikings or anything at the collegiate level. If there was a Minnesota sport to watch, he was there. Roger was a great storyteller and loved to share his many experiences over the years, whether it was when he worked on the aircraft carrier and seeing the world, his time as a stock car driver, television crew cameraman, shoe salesman, and even a vending machine toy supplier. He loved remodeling projects, and even found time to make decorative stained-glass windows. Over the years Roger actively volunteered in his church, proudly served the Lions Club, and happily volunteered to paint the static display aircraft outside the Tomah VA hospital. He had many different talents and was always available to help when needed.

Roger will be most remembered for his sense of humor and his ability to make everyone around him feel special. He was an incredibly caring person and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. The last few years of his life was spent at Grace Willowbrook assisted living facility in Eau Claire, WI. Our family is grateful for how welcoming everyone was and the great care he received while there.

Roger is preceded in death by his father Merle, mother Isabelle, and brothers Wayne, Richard, Bruce, Dale, and Ron.

Survivors include his son Ryan (Mollie) Severson of De Pere, WI, daughter Jennifer Severson of Wausau, WI, brothers Gary (Shirley) Severson of Alexandria, MN, Dennis (Jackie) Severson of Gig Harbor, WA, Greg (Jean) Severson of Hibbing, MN, Keith (Diane) Severson of Bloomington, MN, and Janice (Eric) Roller. Roger was an incredibly proud “Bumpa” to his four grandchildren, Abigail, Tyler, Noah, and Kayla.

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/wi/eau-claire/roger-alan-severson-11557234

Ron Trandahl > daughter 09.26.2020

   Rachel Rae Trandahl passed away on September 26, 2020, at her home in Alexandria. She was generous and loving and was always the first to offer help to others. With a contagious laugh, goofy sense of humor, and a great listening ear, she touched many people.

Born May 15, 1983, in Willmar, Minnesota to Ronald and Camille (Hanson) Trandahl, she was baptized in Paynesville, and grew up in Alexandria. Rachel was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church and graduated from Jefferson High School in 2001. She played the piano and French horn and had an eclectic taste in music. Rachel was involved in basketball and softball and continued playing softball and darts on various teams throughout the years.

She attended St. Cloud Technical College for Accounting and Alexandria Technical College for Hotel Restaurant Management. Rachel worked in various restaurants in Alexandria.  Most recently at Doolittle’s where she was BOH Employee of the Month in February before the restaurant recently closed.  She was an avid reader, loved watching movies, Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS. Everyone knew her favorite color was purple, and she had a huge soft spot in her heart for her cat, Nola. Rachel loved taking photos of beautiful sunrises and sunsets and was so delighted when butterflies, dragonflies and lady bugs landed on her.

Most of all, Rachel will be remembered for her amazing memory of the little details and for always caring and helping others. She is survived by her parents, Ron and Camille Trandahl of Alexandria; sister, Sarah (Eric) Rosenquist of Center, ND; brother, Steve Trandahl of Fargo, ND; nieces, Elise and Alexis; maternal grandmother, Arleene Hanson of Alexandria; three uncles, Bradley (Sandy) Hanson of Big Stone, SD; Randy Hanson of Alexandria; and Richard (Linda) Trandahl of St. Paul; and 7 cousins. Rachel is preceded in death by her grandparents Harold and Elaine Trandahl and John Hanson.

  Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Calvary Lutheran Church.  Please enter the church from Douglas Street.  Social Distancing and masks will be required.  A Private Memorial Service will be on Friday, October 2, 2020.  The service will also be live-streamed on the funeral home website.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery

Memorials are preferred to Lakes Area Humane Society in Alexandria.

https://www.andersonfuneral.net/obituary/Rachel-Trandahl