Jeffrey Thomsen
May 1, 1959 – May 29, 2020
Jeffrey L. “Bodine” Thomsen, age 61 of Tyler, passed away Friday, May 29 at his home. Arrangements are pending through the Hartquist Funeral Home –Tyler Chapel. A private family gathering will be held to honor Jeff’s life.
Jeff was born on May 1, 1959 to Lowell and Darlene (Nielsen) Thomsen at the Tyler Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler and attended Tyler Public School. He worked at a wide variety of jobs through the years. He especially enjoyed driving over-the-road semi. Jeff valued his friends and time spent with them.
Jeff is survived by his son Chad Thomsen and granddaughters Avery and Arya of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is also survived by his father Lowell (Doris) Thomsen of Tyler; four siblings— Kathy (Mark) Wilmes of Tyler, Joan (Rick) Jensen of New Ulm, brother Mike (Jennifer) Thomsen of Lynd, and Karen Toft of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Darlene.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be planned in the future for Jeff’s friends and extended family to attend.
Alfred Jessen
Sept. 9, 1929 – May 26, 2020
Alfred Jessen, age 90 of Tracy, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 26. A small, private family graveside service will be held Thursday, May 28 at the Danebod Cemetery in Tyler. A celebration in honor of Alfred’s life will be held at a later date. Hartquist Funeral Home–Tyler Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. To view Alfred’s life history or sign an online registry please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Alfred Jessen was born Sept. 9, 1929 to Jens W. (he always said it stood for “Wahoo”) Jessen and Esther Bertha Miller in Tyler. After graduating from Tyler High School, Alfred went to Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa for a semester before deciding he really wanted to be a farmer on Brookside Farm like his father and Bedstefar Niels before him.
After a chance double date with LeRoy Stensgaard and two fun-loving girl cousins from Ruthton, Alfred married Marlys Mae Madsen on June 27, 1954. They had six children—Nancy, Linda, Neil, Phyllis, Jess and Phillip.
After a car accident took Marlys’s life on June 28, 1980, Alfred joined the BE support group. It was there that he met LaVerne Hansen of Tracy. They were married on June 7, 2003, in LaVerne’s beautiful yard with Alfred’s children and families; LaVerne’s children—Gary, Peggy, Doug and Larry and their families; plus a few close extended family and friends.
Alfred loved talking about politics, making gorgeous wooden bowls, and creating unusual floats for the annual Æbleskiver parades. When the song “The Crystal Chandeliers” was playing, you could find Alfred and LaVerne on the dance floor. He was always ready to help a friend, neighbor, and fellow farmer in need. Like his neighbor Norman Mikkelsen, he usually had a toothpick in his mouth, plus a hat on his head.
In later years he was drawn to the power of solar energy, putting a solar array on one shed and two others near the hog barns. He dutifully checked the production of those panels daily. With the powerful wind whipping through southwest Minnesota, he also harnessed that energy with a wind turbine. Loving the idea of electric cars, he had a Tesla car on order at the time of his death.
He had fun planning the Brookside Farm Centennial in 1991 and was thrilled that many family and friends celebrated with him. He looked forward to the MOJOs (Major Official Jessen Occasion) when he could get together with his sister Valborg and her families, and his late brother Verner’s families – whether it was in Colorado or the one Alfred and LaVerne planned last year at Lake Shetek for his 90th birthday.
Alfred and LaVerne had a car accident on Jan. 4, 2020. Tests from that evening revealed he had a mass in his pancreas, and subsequent tests showed that it was cancerous. After trying chemo, he decided that wasn’t for him. Even three weeks before his death, he was in the tractor discing a field, and he couldn’t be talked out of driving that tractor—he loved every minute of it! As he was getting weaker, Alfred gathered his family around him to communicate his final wishes. Alfred passed away on May 26.
Alfred is lovingly remembered by his wife, LaVerne Jessen of Tracy; his six children— Linda McMahon of Bellevue, Idaho, Neil (Erin) Jessen of Hailey, Idaho, Phyllis (Sherri) Jessen of Des Moines, Iowa, Nancy Jessen Otis of Reno, Nevada, Phillip Jessen of Tyler, and Jess “J.J.” Jessen of El Paso, Texas; LaVerne’s children Gary (Phyllis) Hansen of Rochester, Peggy (Denny) Isaacson of New Ulm, Doug (Judy) Hansen of Mount Vernon, Iowa, and Larry (Sharalyn) Hansen of Tracy; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Alfred’s Angels— Judy Hansen, Sharalyn Hansen and Carlos De Avila—three family nurses who took wonderful care of him in his final days.
Memorials may be directed to the RTR School Building Fund or the Murray County Hospice Program.
LaVonne Fischer
Sept. 4, 1940 – May 24, 2020
LaVonne “Bonnie” Fischer, age 79 of Montevideo, formerly of Cottonwood, went to her Lord on Sunday, May 24 at Brookside Memory Care Unit in Montevideo. A service was held May 29 at the Wing-Bain Funeral Home in Granite Falls. A graveside service will be held June 5, 10 a.m. at the Wood Lake Cemetery.
LaVonne Lois Fischer was born Sept. 4, 1940 at home to Lee and Amanda (Paap) Williams of Russell. She was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian faith. LaVonne was raised on the family farm until she was high school age, when her family moved to Tyler. She attended school there and also worked as an aide in the Tyler Hospital. When her family returned to the farm, she remained in Tyler to continue working and graduated from Tyler High School. After graduation, LaVonne moved to Marshall and worked at the hospital until she married Richard Fischer in 1960 and moved back to Russell. Their marriage was blessed with six children. The couple moved to Hazel Run and then to Wood Lake, where she ran the café for a few years. Through her years of employment she had many jobs, including Ben Franklin in Granite Falls, Midwest Continent in Cottonwood, driving truck, security guard in Tampa, Florida, and Project Turnabout in Granite Falls, just to name a few.
LaVonne was an avid animal lover and had many pets throughout her life. LaVonne loved music and was the only one in her family to play a musical instrument. In later years, she played the guitar with a small group that played for residents of the nursing homes.
LaVonne was always outgoing and made friends easily. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved being outdoors. Some of the happiest times were family camping adventures.
LaVonne is survived by her children— Nicky Fischer of Aurora, South Dakota, Dick (Danita) Fischer of Bushnell, South Dakota, Dawn (Jerry) Rupp of Granite Falls, David (Dawn) Fischer of Wood Lake, Taunya Geihl of Wood Lake, and Missy (Dan) Torgerson of Hanley Falls; grandchildren Molly, Tony, Shaun, Scott, Heather, Brent, Sarah, Lee, Wade, Brandi, Zachary, Brittany and Mikael; great-grandchildren; brothers Donald (Darlene) Williams of Lynd and Robert Williams of Russell; sister Ida (Dennis) Kesteloot of Cottonwood; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, other relatives and friends.
LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Amanda Williams; Richard Fischer; brother Joe Williams; and sister-in-law Barb.
Arrangements are with the Wing-Bain Funeral Home of Granite Falls. For online guestbook, please visit www.wingbain.com
Evelyn Trautman
Jan. 12, 1922 – May 25, 2020
Evelyn B. Trautman, age 98 of Lake Benton, died peacefully on Monday, May 25 at Central Minnesota Senior Care in Lake Benton.
Visitation was held from 9–11 a.m. Saturday, May 30 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Benton, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment was at Memorial Hill Cemetery in Lake Benton. Hartquist Funeral Home–Lake Benton Chapel was entrusted with arrangements. To view Evelyn’s life history or sign an online registry please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Evelyn was born on Jan. 12, 1922 to Alfred and Katherine (Shriver) Cyriacks on a farm in Lake Benton Township. On June 17, 1945, she was united in marriage to Elmer Trautman at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Benton.
She is survived by her children, Terry Trautman of Neligh, Nebraska and Allan (Sue) Trautman of Darwin; grandchildren Taylor and Tim Trautman of Minnetonka; and sister Lorraine Brandt of Hendricks.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer; her parents; brothers Walter and Marvin Cyriacks; sisters Doreen Kinner, Madalyn Huska, Marie Bushman and Bernice Trautman; an infant brother; and grandchild Gregory Trautman.
Robert Bushman
June 23, 1927 – May 27, 2020
Robert L. Bushman, age 92 of Lake Benton, died Wednesday, May 27 at the Hendricks Community Hospital in Hendricks. Visitation was held Sunday, May 31, 2-4:30 p.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Benton. Funeral service was Monday, June 1, 10 a.m. at church, followed by interment at Memorial Hill Cemetery in Lake Benton. Arrangements were entrusted to Hartquist Funeral Home – Lake Benton Chapel. To view Robert’s full life history or sign an online registry please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Robert was born June 23, 1927 to Lee and Laura (Johannsen) Bushman in Drammen Township. On July 17, 1949, he married Marie Cyriacks at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake Benton.
Bob is survived by his children, Robert R. (Kathie) of Monticello, Randall (Deb) of Lake Benton; Rosalyn (Terry) Burke of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Ryan of Hutchinson, and Russell (Pam) of Montrose; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brothers Norman and Jerry; sister Donna Wirt; sister-in-law Lorraine Brandt; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Marie, his parents, and brothers Merle Bushman and Harvey Johannsen.
Avis Bedow
Oct. 19, 1929 – May 10, 2020
Avis Bedow, age 90 of Marshall, was called to Heaven on Sunday, May 10, at the Minneota Manor Care Center in Minneota. A drive-through visitation, open to the public, was held from 1–3 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 at Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Interment followed at Hope Cemetery in Tyler.
Avis Aileen Cronk was born Oct. 19, 1929 in Armstrong, Iowa, to Charles and Amy (Fletcher) Cronk. She attended country school, then high school in Ringsted, Iowa. Avis attended Free Methodist Church with her family and helped on the family farm in her youth.
On July 30, 1946 Avis was united in marriage to Virgil Bedow at Free Methodist Church in Armstrong, Iowa. The couple made their home and farmed first north, then east of Tyler for nearly 60 years. They moved to Marshall in 2006, then into Boulder Estates in 2015. The couple spent 70 years of marriage together and raised five children— Carol, Steve, Rolly, Connie and Carla.
Avis was a hard-working homemaker and farm wife. She was a long-time member of the Tyler Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, and later Marshall Evangelical Free Church. Avis was always busy gardening, canning and freezing the fruits of her labor, sewing, baking or cooking for her boys and Sunday guests, bookkeeping, and being a mom and grandma. She hosted many a holiday meal and enjoyed games like Rook, Peg & Jokers, or a good water fight. Virgil and Avis enjoyed six years of wintering in Mission, Texas. In later years, while at Boulder Estates, she enjoyed getting spruced up, fixing her hair and makeup, and wearing her nice clothes.
Avis Bedow died on May 10 in Minneota at the age of 90 years, six months, and 21 days. Blessed be her memory.
Avis is survived by her children— Carol Glidewell of Pipestone, Steve (Diane) Bedow of Lewisville, Texas, Rollin (Lois) Bedow of Tyler, Connie (Will) Weiss of Rochester, and Carla Spranger of Canon, Georgia; 13 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Virgil Bedow; parents Charles Willard and Amy Alice (Fletcher) Cronk; siblings Mildred Kirk, Joy Cronk, Kenneth Cronk, Phyllis Nimmo, Wesley Cronk and Paul Cronk; son-in-law Rodney Glidewell; and great-granddaughter Megan Bedow.
Arrangements by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Guest book and tribute wall available online at www.hamiltonfh.com.
Mervyn Peterson
Feb. 15, 1940 – April 23, 2020
Mervyn Russell Peterson was born Feb. 15, 1940 to Oliver and Marie (Jacobsen) Peterson in Tyler. The family lived near Russell until 1946, when they moved to a farm near Tyler. He graduated from Tyler High School in 1958, and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. On June 22, 1963 Merv married Lois Christianson at First English Lutheran Church in Tyler. They lived on the farm where Merv grew up, until they moved into Tyler in 1988. They moved to Marshall in 2019. Merv and Lois were blessed with three children and nearly 57 years of life together.
Merv enjoyed his retirement parties, so he worked in several careers. The couple started their life together farming. Merv then worked as parts manager at Christianson Implement, and he had an amazing ability to remember numbers— he could recall many part numbers for decades later. He was interested in exploring new opportunities, and he and Lois founded and operated Viking Snacks in Tyler. He was a real estate agent, broker, and owner of Tyler Realty until 2018.
Throughout the 1970s, he sang and played guitar in three country western bands—The Drifters, Four Winds, and Tequilla Sunrise. He wrote and recorded two songs, “I Haven’t Got The Vaguest Idea” and “Everything Will Work Out Fine.” Merv was a member of First English Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and as president of the congregation. He served on the Tyler City Council from 2011 to 2015, then served a term as Mayor of Tyler. He enjoyed following Minnesota sports teams and visiting casinos. He especially loved spending time with his grandkids, playing games such as pool, basketball, baseball, and board games.
On Thursday, April 23 Merv passed away at Sunrise Manor in Tyler at the age of 80 years, two months and eight days.
Merv is lovingly remembered by his wife Lois; his children— Brenda Peterson of Maple Grove and her children, Nicole and husband Ulisses, Erik, and Isaac; David Peterson and wife Sheila of Shakopee and their children, Rachel and Morgan; and Brian Peterson and wife Jenny of Maple Grove and their children, Brecken and Jolea; in-laws Bonnie Brinkman, Carolyn and Marvin Brinkman, and Maurice and Mona Christianson; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Marie Peterson; in-laws Clarence (Chris) and Florence Christianson, and brother-in-law Dwayne Brinkman.
Blessed be his memory.
Due to the current guidelines issued by the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC, a memorial service in honor of Merv will be held at a later date. Please return as Merv’s service details will appear here as soon as they become available. Hartquist Funeral Home–Tyler Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Vera Erks
Sept. 3, 1931 – April 21, 2020
Vera Erks, age 88 of Pipestone, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 21 at Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone.
In accordance with the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, a private family service will be held at this time. Burial will be in the Holland Cemetery in Holland.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hartquist Funeral Home – Pipestone Chapel. Please visit www. hartquistfuneral.com to sign an online registry, read Vera’s full life history, and to watch the video of her service after it has taken place.
Tim Stricklin
April 5, 1971 – March 24, 2020
Tim was a kind and loving husband to his wife Amy, and father to his children Anna and Isaac. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his loved ones on March 24.
Tim was born April 5, 1971 to Ed and Darla (Hanson) Stricklin. He grew up on the family farm in Lake Benton, and graduated from high school in 1989. He attended college at the University of Northwestern in Roseville, where he played football and earned a degree in education, graduating in 1995. Tim enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1993 and was still active as Chief Master Sergeant of the 210th Squadron of the 133rd Airlift Wing of St. Paul.
Tim had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, accepting him as his Lord and Savior at the age of 15. His love of the Lord shined through to all who knew him. His inquisitive nature and insatiable desire to learn more of others made everyone feel loved. Tim was a friend to all.
On Nov. 4, 2000 Tim married the love of his life, Amy Elizabeth McLean, at the University of Northwestern Chapel. They have two wonderful children, Anna age 14 and Isaac age 12. They lived in the Rogers/St. Michael area for all their married life. Tim had a great love for Amy and his children; spending time with them was his priority. He was a coach for Isaac’s football team, cheered on many hockey games, and loved attending dance recitals. Tim would always bring his family to the farm in Lake Benton, where he could enjoy his mom’s homecooked meals and his dad’s woodworking shop. While there, Tim would get in on a round of golf and spend time with his relatives by engaging in games and shooting clay pigeons. His love of football and sports found him watching the Minnesota Vikings, Twins and the Wild.
Tim’s career led him to a position at US Bank as a Vice-President of Cyber Security. He appreciated his challenging work and comradery with his co-workers. Over the past year, US Bank has been extremely gracious and supportive to the family. Tim devoted much time to the Air National Guard and had a great love for his country. He rose through the ranks to become an Engineering and Installation Team Chief, Cable Antenna section Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, and ultimately Squadron Chief Enlisted Manager. He traveled the globe on several deployments in support of the Engineering Installation mission. Tim was deployed in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Team Chief, and again in 2014-2015 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve/Resolute Support where he was a Chief Enlisted Manager for cyberspace infrastructure projects. He was such a positive person, great mentor and coach of airmen and officers. He was the best of us all.
Tim was diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer in December 2018. He persevered during that time with a neverending positive attitude and a strong faith in God. Tim went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 24, surrounded by his loving family. He’s now walking on the streets of gold with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, singing in the heavenly choir. Tim fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
Tim is survived by his wife Amy and two children, Anna and Isaac Stricklin of St. Michael; his parents Ed and Darla Stricklin of Lake Benton; siblings— Lori Lampron and husband Richard of Tempe, Arizona, Sandy Brockhouse and husband Brad and children Cody, Connor and Caden of Hill City, South Dakota, and Chuck Stricklin and wife Beth and children Frances and Chase of Coral Springs, Florida; grandma Fran Hanson of Lake Benton; McLean nephews Liam, Evan, Lennon, Wyatt and Jamison; many aunts, uncles, cousins and his military family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Charles C. and Grace Stricklin and grandpa Harry A. Hanson.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
The memorial service will be held at Northridge Fellowship, 12522 Main Street, Rogers, at a to-be-determined date when the restrictions on gatherings are lifted. The interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul.
Memorials will be used for Anna and Isaac’s college education.
Raymond Johnson
June 6, 1925 – April 16, 2020
Raymond Johnson, age 94 of Ivanhoe, passed away on Thursday, April 16 at his home. A private family interment will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel. To read Raymond’s full life history and sign an online registry, please visit www. hartquistfuneral.com.
Due to the Center of Disease Control Guidelines, Raymond’s funeral service will be a private event limited to immediate family only with a public service at a later date. Please consider sharing a memory, thought, or photo on Raymond’s life history page.
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