Stella Tutt
Aug. 14, 1920 – June 9, 2020
Stella G. Tutt, age 99 of Balaton, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 9 at Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler. A visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 4-6 p.m. at Skandia Free Lutheran Church in rural Balaton; interment will follow in the Skandia Cemetery. A celebration of Stella’s life will be held Saturday, June 27, starting at 10:30 a.m. at Joel Tutt’s farm, 1889 50th Avenue, Balaton. Arrangements are with the Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral. com.
Stella Geneva Tutt was born Aug. 14, 1920 to John and Celia (Likness) Erickson in Ellsborough Township near Balaton. She grew up on the family farm and attended District 45 country school. After graduating from Ruthton High School in 1938, she attended one year at Northwestern College in St. Paul. On July 2, 1941 Stella married John D. Tutt, Jr. in the parsonage of Skandia Evangelical Free Church, rural Balaton. Their union was blessed with 13 children and 71 years of marriage. She and John farmed and raised their children in Ellsborough Township until retiring to Marshall in 1980. In 1995 they moved to Balaton. John died in 2012. Stella moved to Sunrise Manor in Tyler in the winter of 2017. She continued to live there until her passing on Tuesday, June 9 at the age of 99 years, nine months, and 26 days.
Stella gave her heart to the Lord when she was 12 years old. She shared the love of Jesus with her children, leading many of them to know Jesus as their personal savior. She continued to pray for her children and descendants her entire life.
She was a member of Skandia Evangelical Free Church, where she served as a deaconess, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She sang at many funerals and weddings as well as singing on the church broadcast from Marshall on Saturday evenings. Later in life she hosted Bible studies at her home. She was an active 4-H leader while their children were attending.
Stella was the queen of hospitality; she loved having people into her home, feeding them and playing board and card games together. She reached out to her family, church people, missionaries and neighbors.
Stella is lovingly remembered by her children— Judy Petersen of Maple Grove, Jim (Jayne) Tutt of San Diego, California, JoAnne (Dave) Harthan of Champlin, Jerry (Wanda) Tutt of Brooklyn Park, J. Daniel (Julie) Tutt of Otsego, Jeanne (Irvin) Goldenberg of Minneapolis, Joel (Kathy) Tutt of Balaton, Jeff (Diana) Tutt of Billings, Montana, Jay Tutt of Maple Plain, Jill (Mike) Eisner of Salinas, California, and Scot (Darrelynn) Tutt of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 39 grandchildren and spouses; 72 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband John; son Jack at age 6; daughter J. Dawn (Don) Fontaine; two grandsons, Jeremy Tutt and John Harthan; her parents; her brothers Carleton (Leone), Clifford (Florence), Reuben (Gladys) and Ronald (LaVonne) Erickson; and her sisters Cora (Martin) Gravley and Ruth (Chuck) Ryan.
Kelly Hartson
Oct. 3, 1956 – June 10, 2020
Kelly Hartson, age 63 of Tyler, formerly of Moorhead, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 10 at Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler.
A memorial visitation was held Monday, June 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel. Following the visitation, a funeral service and burial took place at Woodstock Cemetery in Woodstock at 12:30 p.m. Military Honors were presented by Woodrow Wilson American Legion Post 506 of Ruthton.
Arrangements were entrusted to Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel. Please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com to sign, leave condolences, and to read Kelly’s life history.
Bette Ramert
Feb. 5, 1934 – June 3, 2020
Bette M. Ramert, age 86 of Tyler, and formerly Lake Benton, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 3 at Sunrise Manor in Tyler. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 11, 9-10:30 a.m. at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at church. Interment will be at St. Genevieve Catholic Cemetery in Lake Benton. Services for Bette will be open to the public and held in accordance with current social distancing guidelines. Please maintain six feet from those of other households and refrain from attending if you are ill. Attendance will be limited to 25% of church capacity. Hartquist Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To view Bette’s full life history or sign an online registry please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Bette Marlene Ramert was born Feb. 5, 1934 to Chris and Crystal (Lund) Cornelson in Lake Benton. She was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in LeMars, Iowa. She grew up on a farm near Lake Benton and at age 11, the family moved to Tyler. She graduated from Tyler High School in 1951. She was united in marriage to Gary Lehmann on Dec. 24, 1951 at the Lake Benton United Methodist Church Parsonage. Their union was blessed with three daughters—Dyann, Renae and Donna. The couple lived in Tyler until 1953 when they moved to Detroit Lakes. In 1957, Bette returned to Tyler and was employed at Swift Company in Marshall, Sid and Min’s Café in Pipestone, and the Chat N’ Chew in Tyler. In 1964, she met Dwayne Ramert in Pipestone and they were married on March 29, 1965. In 1967, the couple moved to LeMars, Iowa and Bette worked as a bookkeeper at Don’s Bookkeeping and Wiltgen Construction. She retired in 1998 and they moved to a home on Lake Benton Lake. Dwayne died July 22, 2009 and shortly after, Bette moved to Lake Benton Valley Manor. On Wednesday, June 3, Bette died peacefully at Sunrise Manor in Tyler at the age of 86 years, three months, and 29 days.
Bette was a member of St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton. She enjoyed playing card games, Pinochle, Whist, Bridge, listening to country music, playing keyboard by ear, fishing, and especially time spent with her family.
Bette is survived by her three daughters— Dyann Lehmann of Deport, Texas, Renae (Julius) Strand of LeMars, Iowa, and Donna Lehmann of Bloomington, Indiana; step-son Ronnie (Kim) Ramert of Lynd; four grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren; her brother Robert (Isabel) Cornelson of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwayne Ramert; her parents, Chris and Crystal Cornelson; sisters, Ardis (Elroy) Sommervold, Lois (Ernie) McLaughlin, Shirley (Gene) Schmid, Joan (Denny) Erickson and Doris (Henry) Wulf and Leo) Wollmuth; and step-children, Gary and Kathy Ramert.
William Carpenter
Oct. 21, 1929 – June 5, 2020
Bill Carpenter, age 90, of Lake Benton, died peacefully on Friday, June 5 at his residence at Benton Valley Manor in Lake Benton. Public visitation was Monday, June 8, 5-8 p.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel. In accordance with guidelines set in place by the Governor of Minnesota, the visitation for Bill will be held to 25% of the funeral home’s capacity for the duration of the three hours. Our staff will be encouraging attendees to make their time within the building brief, and, if possible, visit outdoors with Bill’s family and friends. Our funeral home and family thank you for your understanding.
A private family Memorial Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton, followed by burial in St. Genevieve Catholic Cemetery, Lake Benton.
Arrangements were entrusted to Hartquist Funeral Home – Lake Benton. Please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com to sign an online registry and to read Bill’s life history.
William Henry Carpenter was born Oct. 21, 1929 to Paul O. and Josephine F. (Lamp) Carpenter in Ward, South Dakota. He was baptized at St. Leo Catholic Church, Pipestone, and confirmed at St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church, Lake Benton. At age two, he moved with his parents to Cazenovia, on a farm. In 1941, the family moved to a farm outside of Lake Benton, where they resided until he graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1947. After his graduation, he relocated to a farm near Lake Benton and went on to teach at Star School near Tyler.
He was married to Darlene Heidebrink on Aug. 30, 1949 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Woodstock. To this union, nine children were born— seven boys and two girls. He farmed for several years and went on to work for Lange’s Manufacturing, Winter Construction and Lincoln County, where he retired in 1994. In 2017, the couple moved into Benton Valley Manor. Last year Darlene and Bill celebrated 70 years of marriage, with many family and friends. Bill passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5 at his home at the age of 90 years, seven months and 15 days.
Bill was a member of St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton. He served on the Cemetery Board and delivered meals for Senior Dining Mealsite for many years. He enjoyed golf, woodworking, welding and especially time spent with family.
Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife Darlene; seven children— Mike (Lynn) Carpenter of Lake Benton, Gerry (Mary) Carpenter of Dawson, Kathy (Dave) Guida of Tyler, Joe (Annette) Carpenter of Pipestone, Lonny (Angie) Carpenter of New Ulm, Alan (Cindy) Carpenter of Marshall, and Jeff (Sandy) Carpenter of Lake Benton; 20 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lois Zimmer of Lake Benton, Ardith Larsen of Lake Benton, Conrad (Connie) Carpenter of College Station, Texas, and Daniel (Judy) Carpenter of LeMars, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Sheila Ann and Dale Alvin Carpenter; two granddaughters, Libby Rose Carpenter and Payton Nibbe; a grandson, Ethan Carpenter; and four siblings, Verlon Carpenter, Pearl Bauman, Paul Carpenter and Alvin Carpenter.
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.
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