Marilyn M. Grove ~ Rural Kasson

    Marilyn Merle Grove, 91, of Kasson passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on January 12, 2022 at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home where she had been a resident for 2 years.

 

    Marilyn was born on October 10th, 1930, to Everett and Hazel McCready in Eyota, MN. They later moved to the Kasson area. She attended the Kasson Schools and graduated from Kasson High School in 1948. She went on to attend Mankato State Teachers College and received her teaching certificate from there in 1950.

 

    Marilyn’s first class as a teacher was in Kenyon, MN. During that time, she also met her future husband, Menton Grove, at a dance being held at the Armory in Rochester, MN. They later married on June 15th ,1952 and settled on a farm near Kasson.  She taught in Kasson until 1954 and then continued as a substitute teacher while raising her family on the farm.

 

   Menton and Marilyn were married for over 60 years until Menton’s passing in 2012. Marilyn was a 4-H Leader for 20 years.  She was also a very active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson, MN., where she was a Sunday School teacher, a member of various circles, the church librarian, worked in the nursery, and also served on the Altar Committee. She also enjoyed Farm Bureau events and Harmony Club, which was the local neighborhood social club. 

 

    Marilyn enjoyed many things in life.  She had a passion for reading and also adored cats, whether they were house or farm cats. She was a loving wife and devoted mom. Her family meant everything to her. She will be missed.

 

    She is survived by two children, Marcia (Steve) Simonson and Marvin Grove, both of Rochester; former son-in-law Steve (Julie) Cloutier of Alexandria, MN.; sister Beth (Dale) Hoverman of Marion;  grandkids Keith Cloutier, Daniel (Amanda), Adam, and Michael (Courtney) Simonson; and great-grandchildren Kyle Cloutier and Aiden Simonson. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Everett and Hazel McCready; husband Menton; and children Marie Cloutier and Mark Grove.

 

    The family would like to express a special thank you to the caregivers at St. Croix Hospice and at Samaritan Bethany. Thank you, also, to special friend and caregiver, LuAnn.

 

     In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials be directed to them for distribution according to their wishes at a later time.

 

    Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 19, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave. NW, Kasson, MN 55944 with Pastor Mary Kaye Ashley officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson after the service followed by lunch at Events by Saker, 401 8th St. SE, Kasson, MN. 55944.  

 

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Scott Larsen ~ Mantorville

Scott Lewis Larsen, 61, of Mantorville passed away Thursday, December 30th, at his home surrounded by his family.

 

Scott was born in Rochester, MN to Lewis and Sharon Larsen and was raised on the family farm south of Kasson. Scott went to Kasson-Mantorville Schools and graduated in the class of 1979. Scott was a member and trustee of South Zumbro Lutheran Church of Kasson.

 

In 1989, Scott married Julie Glawe. In 1991 and 1997, Scott became a proud father to Becca and Kylie, a title that he cherished. Family was the center of Scott’s world. He loved spending anytime he could with his girls. In 2020, Scott got another title that he cherished, Grandpa. Scott was a loving, kind father and grandfather who was always playing, laughing, and having a good time. His silly grin showed that he was a true kid at heart.

 

Scott worked for American Fence Company in Rochester as Inventory/Yard Manager and Safety Director. Scott had found his perfect job that he so enjoyed with co-workers who felt like family. Scott also started a lawn care business and this would have been his 11th year.  He enjoyed visiting with all of his customers and made many friends along the way.  He took great pride in making their lawns look as good as his own and he loved chatting with everyone. In the early years, Scott worked for Central Valley Co-op, Bec-ki Conoco, the City of Mantorville and enjoyed many memorable years at Johnson Mobil in Kasson.  Through these workplaces, his love for the public shined brightly and he made many lasting friendships during those years.

 

Scott was an outdoorsman who loved deer hunting. For Scott, a deer was a bonus; the time in the woods with his daughter Kylie was what he truly enjoyed. Scott was also a big fan of Stock Car Races. He had a car that he had raced for many years at the Dodge County Speedway in Kasson. When he stopped driving, he continued to follow the races. Scott had a love for treats and there were many stops made to the ice cream shop.  He was looking forward to taking Briar there for her first ice cream cone.  The family will continue his tradition for sure.

 

Scott is survived by his wife Julie; daughters Becca (Ben) Langan and Kylie Larsen both of Mantorville; granddaughter Briar Langan and Grandbaby Langan #2 (coming soon); parents Lewis and Sharon Larsen; father-in-law Bill Glawe of Mantorville; brothers Jim (Dorothy), David (Barb), Mark (Rhonda), Donnie (Tanya) and Wayne (Liza); brothers-in-law Billy Glawe (Ann Thompson) and Gary (Lisa) Glawe as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

 

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Karen Glawe and grandparents Ralph and Luella Johnson and Melvin and Julia Larsen.  

 

The family would like to thank everyone for the cards, prayers, visits, phone calls, caroling and treats. They all meant so much to Scott and the family.  You made Scott feel so very loved.

 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 6, at 11:00 am at South Zumbro Lutheran Church, 4830 120th Ave SW, Kasson with Pastor Pete Wyttenbach officiating.   Visitation with family and friends will be held at the church on Wednesday, January 5, from 4:00-7:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kasson.  Military graveside honors will be provided by the Kasson American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to them for distribution according to their wishes.

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Betty J. Thompson ~ Kasson

Betty Jane Thompson, 72, of Kasson, MN passed away Thursday, December 16th at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester, MN. She was born July 9, 1949, in St. Paul, MN to Donald and Doris Spilman.  Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Mantorville, MN. 

 

Growing up, Betty shared responsibilities with her 7 siblings working in their parents’ store. She graduated in 1967 from Kasson-Mantorville High School in Kasson, MN. 

 

Betty married the love of her life, Gary Thompson, of Byron, MN on August 2, 1969. While Gary served in the military, they spent time in Wichita, KS as well as Victorville, CA before being discharged and moving back to the Kasson-Mantorville area. 

 

Shortly after her retirement from Mayo Clinic in 2009, Gary and Betty moved to Breezy Point, MN where they spent 10 years before returning to the Kasson area. Betty enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling, cooking & baking, playing cards, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.  

 

She is survived by her husband Gary Thompson; her children Chad Thompson (Michelle Junge), Jeremy (Mickel) Thompson, and Jodi Skurdahl (Travis Allen); her grandchildren Alexis, Payton, Chloe, Ryker, and Brody; and siblings Jeannie Bartel, Donald Spilman, Delores Brown, Donna Peterson, and Doris Tilbury. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Doris Spilman and brothers Daniel and Davey Spilman. 

 

The Thompson family would like to extend their gratitude to Cottagewood Senior Community for their gracious care of Betty during her stay. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting contributions to them with a portion to be donated to Lewy Body Dementia research. 

 

Please join us for a celebration of Betty’s life at the Dibble Funeral Home Chapel, 213 W. Main St., Kasson, MN on Thursday, December 23rd from 2:00pm- 6:00pm with time for sharing memories at 4:00pm.  

 

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Dale V. Allen ~ Rural West Concord

Dale V. Allen, 84, of West Concord passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sunday, Dec 5, 2021.

 

Dale was born on April 26, 1937, in Grand Meadow, MN to Vernon and Violet Allen. He married Ruth Hoppin, on April 27, 1958, at Dexter United Methodist Church. They moved to Kasson, MN where they raised their four children (Lori, Lynn, Arlie, Leah). Dale worked at IBM in Rochester for 35 years until his retirement in 1991. In 1997 Dale and Ruth moved to West Concord and lived on the farm where Dale was raised as a teenager.

 

Dale loved to play golf, hunt, fish, watch his children and grandchildren play sports, and play cards. He enjoyed happy hour visiting with friends.

 

Dale is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Lori (Dana) Strain, son Arlie (Jennie) Allen, daughter Leah (Paul) Leisen, 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and brothers Roger Allen and Jerry Allen.

 

Dale was preceded in death by his parenta Vernon and Violet Allen, daughter Lynn Allen, and sister Darlene Sommers and Donna Atkinson.

 

Due to the Covid pandemic, a private service will be held for immediate family only.

 

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials be directed to them for distribution later according to their own wishes. 

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Karin L. Carlson ~ Kasson

Karin Lee Carlson, 68, of Kasson, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, St. Mary’s Campus with her family by her side.

 

Karin was born in Zumbrota, MN on July 24, 1953 to Harold and Charlotte (Burt) Stafford. Karin graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School and later finished her cosmetology degree, which was her career for many years. She lived in the Kasson-Mantorville area her entire life. 

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Karin met Gordon Carlson in 1977 and they married July 12, 1986. 

 

Karin enjoyed softball, bowling, friends and mostly her family. She had the biggest heart, a wicked sense of humor, and always made people around her laugh. Karin treasured her children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma. 

 

Surviving Karin are her husband Gordon (Gordy) Carlson of Kasson; sons Michael (Rebecca) Grant of Medford, Mathew (Hollee) Grant of Byron, Scott (Renee) Carlson of Decorah, IA and Steve (Joanne) Carlson of Byron; grandchildren Mikayla, Carter, Alysha, Nathan, Ryan, Nick, Jessica, Joshua, Jacob and RJ; great-grandson Landon; siblings Kenneth, Kris, Keith, Kent and Karla as well as many nieces and nephews. 

 

She was preceded in death by her father Harold, mother Charlotte and grandson Derrik Johnson. 

 

Visitation will be held at St John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW, Kasson, MN on Sunday, November 14 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, November 15 with visitation one hour prior to the service at St John’s Lutheran Church. 

 

She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

 

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Sethone F. Slayton ~ Rochester

 Sethone “Sis” F. Slayton, age 89, of Rochester, MN died Wednesday, October 27, at her home in Cottagewood Senior Community.

 

A gathering will be held at the Dibble Funeral Home, 213 W. Main St., Kasson on Saturday, November 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coffee and cake will be offered.

 

Sis grew up on a farm north of Mantorville, MN. She was the sixth of seven children born to John and Anna Hogle. She loved living on the farm. As a child, her job was to wean the calves from their mother to a bucket. No one else wanted the job, but she didn’t care. It allowed her to be in the barn with the animals. Who could resist those cute calf faces!

 

As an adult, all of her jobs involved working with the public. Young or old, all seemed to respect her advice.

 

She loved to bake, crochet, attend sing-alongs, coffee klatches and be surrounded by her extensive family.

 

She is survived by her daughter, Dawn (David) Fink, of Rochester, MN; son, Mark Moreland, of Billings, MT.; and son, Jim (Amy) Moreland, of Billings, MT; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents and 5 siblings.

 

Inurnment will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery, Mantorville, Minnesota.

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Donna M. Head ~ Kasson

Donna Mae Head (Grandma Donna) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 28, 2021, at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, St. Mary’s Campus. 

 

Born in Kasson, Minnesota, on May 28, 1946, Donna was the daughter of Burton and Melvina (Jorgenson) Fjerstad. She attended Kasson-Mantorville High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Denny Head, who she married on December 6, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson, Minnesota.

 

Donna was a stay-at-home mother and a daycare mom to many from 1964 until she retired in 2018. Although she took a step back from daycare, she continued to care for children up until her passing. She found great purpose in caring for children. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she devoted her time, and volunteered at countless activities. She enjoyed the outdoors; including snowmobiling, camping, and watching sporting events. Her hobbies were cross stitching, quilting, ceramics, crosswords, reading, playing cards, puzzles, bowling, watching Minnesota sports and most of all she enjoyed laminating the highlights of her loved ones. She never missed a game or activity for any of her kids or grandkids. Up until her passing, she continued to enjoy supporting loved ones. Most of all, her favorite pastime was spending quality time with her family and friends.

 

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Denny of Kasson; her two sons, Dan (Linda) Head and Dane (Natalie) Head, both of Mantorville; two daughters, Darby (Tracy) Euler and Dena (Brett) Keefe, both of Kasson; 14 grandchildren, Emily (Kate), Katelyn (Taylor), Dalton, Tayler (Adriana), Danielle (Luis), Darian, Courtney, Catelyn, Christopher, Dakota (Tyler), Nick (Kate), Jon (Tia), Kendra, and Isaac; 4 great-grandchildren, Brody, Jaelynn, Drayah, and Dawsyn; 3 sisters, Ardis Grovdahl of Kasson, Eileen (Michael) O’Connor of Brownsdale, and Lavonne (Michael) Berge of Kasson; one brother, Burton (Enner) Fjerstad, Jr., of Kasson; one brother-in-law, Tink (Judy) Larson of Waseca; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant daughter, Dana Lynn; her sister, Sharon Larson; her niece, Lisa Lynn; and her brother-in-law, Herb Grovdahl. 

 

 Donna’s visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW, Kasson, Minnesota, on November 8, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am on November 9, with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Cheryl Indehar officiating. Following the funeral, there will be a luncheon provided by the family at the American Legion in Kasson, Minnesota. Burial services will be held at a later date at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kasson. 

 

Memorials are preferred to the family for distribution.

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Larry J. Ramer ~ St. Cloud

Larry Joseph Ramer, age 74 passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Larry was born on March 13, 1947 in Rochester, MN to Raymond J. Ramer and Helen E. (Reinsch) Ramer. He grew up in Mantorville, MN. 

Larry married Carol Barwald and had three boys; Richard, Robert, and Ronnie. They later divorced. Larry moved to St. Cloud, MN in 1998 where he resided the rest of his days. 

Larry had many different construction jobs throughout the years until he retired in April of 2009. He then worked part-time doing maintenance work at the rest stops around St. Cloud until retiring in August of 2021. 

Larry loved to go fishing with his brothers, sons, and nephews. He always looked forward to the Ramer family reunion every summer where he was able to spend time and visit with all of his family. Larry looked forward to the days he was able to spend time with his grandchildren. Unfortunately, the driving distance between all of them made that harder to do in later years. 

Larry is survived by his three sons, Richard Ramer of Wasioja, MN, Robert (Tammy) Ramer of Dover, MN, and Ronnie (Brandy) Ramer of Mantorville, MN;  grandchildren Jessica Ramer, Jenna Ramer, Justin Ramer, Max Olson-Ramer, Mallory Olson-Ramer, Alyssa (Dan) Thoreson, Tiana Ramer, Ethan Ramer; three great-grandchildren; brothers Daniel (Betty) Ramer of Mantorville, MN, John Ramer of Dodge Center, MN, Laverne (Kim) Mueske of Waldport, Oregon; and sister-in-law Shirley Ramer of Sun City, AZ, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Ramer and Helen Mueske; stepfather Lester Mueske; brother Aaron Ramer; sister Barb Barwald; and nephew Todd Ramer. 

A celebration of life is being held at a later date with the family of Larry.

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Leslie D. “Les” DeRaad ~ Kasson

The greatly beloved Leslie David DeRaad, Jr., age 59, took his last breath on October 4th, 2021.  After a year’s battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, he said goodbye to his family and friends in the comfort of his own home.  He was surrounded by people who loved him and remembered him fondly.  

It all started on January 18th, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Les was born to Leslie DeRaad, Sr. and Manuella Diaz DeRaad.  They later moved to Geneva, and then moved to Dodge Center in 1976.  

Les met the love of his life, Allison Cain, in the 8th grade.  They married in 1985 and have spent the last 36 years building a marriage of much love, laughter, travel adventures, and holding hands.  

He didn’t live long enough to really decide what he wanted to do when he grew up, but he knew he wanted to be a good person and leave a legacy of goodness and kindness – serving others, just because it was the right thing to do, whether they “deserved it” or not.   

He held a variety of jobs over the years; Les spent 20+ years managing the Kasson Legion and most recently worked at Hardware Hank in Kasson, allowing him to continue helping people in the community – which was always his goal.

Les was known as husband, father, brother, son, Boppy, friend, Bartender Les, BTL Good Guy, and Uncle Tiger.

Les proudly served in the United States Army Reserves from 1984-1990.  

Les was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie; nephew, Andrew; half-sister, Dawn; father-in-law, Grayston Cain; and a number of cousins, aunts, and uncles.  Survivors include his sunshine, Allison; daughters Holland (Dylan) Harris of Kasson and Hailley of Sebeka; grandchildren, “Little Man” Vinton Harris and “Baby Girl” Valyn Harris.  Les was proud of his family, especially his children and his very beloved grandchildren.

Other survivors include his father, Les Sr.; baby brother, Lorne DeRaad; sisters, Lorette DeRaad and Lynn DeRaad; mother-in-law, Jackie Cain; brother-in-law, Tim (Shari) Cain; nieces and nephews, Shian, Gareth, Justin, Steven, Nicholas, Lauren; many cousins and a village of incredible humans who called him brother.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Les on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds from 5pm-10pm.  Let’s send this amazing man off with one more party and come share your stories and laughter.  

Please be thoughtful of our current pandemic and be with us in spirit if you are unwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the family so they can disperse as Les requested.  

 

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Averyl J. “Dusty” Heiserman ~ Kasson

Averyl Jean “Dusty” Heiserman, 92, of Kasson, MN passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Season’s Hospice House in Rochester, MN.

 

She was born on September 15, 1929 to Roy Bryenton Leslie and Drusilla Grace (Lyman) Leslie in rural Stillwater, MN.  Averyl attended Lake Elmo Elementary School, Stillwater High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture, St. Paul in 1947.  In 1949, she graduated from the Charles T. Miller Hospital School of Practical Nursing.  She also attended Northwestern Bible School, Macalester College and Rochester Community and Technical College.

 

Places of employment included:  Charles T. Miller Hospital, St. Paul; office of Dr. J. C. Smiley, Deadwood, SD; charter staff of Lookout Memorial Hospital, Spearfish, SD; Dorsett Nursing Home, Spearfish, SD; VA Medical Centers, Fort Meade, SD and Minneapolis, MN; Zumbro Valley Mental Health Detoxification Center, Rochester and retired from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester in 1998.  She was privileged to serve a summer mission appointment at Ganado Presbyterian Mission for the Navajo, Ganado, AZ in 1952.

 

Averyl and Jack were married on May 31, 1953 in the First Baptist Church, Deadwood, SD and resided on a ranch on the Redwater River in Spearfish, SD.  They moved to Owatonna in 1969 and to their farm in Kasson in 1974.  In 2009, they moved from the farm into Kasson.

 

Averyl attended the First Presbyterial Church, Kasson.  She was a former volunteer for Mayo and Season’s Hospices; a former volunteer mediator for Victim/Offender Reconciliation for Dodge, Olmsted and Fillmore Counties; and hosted KWEBS Bible Study in Kasson.  Dusty enjoyed traveling and made numerous trips to the Black Hills to visit friends and family as well as visits to family in California; Texas; Miramichi, New Brunswick; and Saskatchewan, Canada.  She was devoted to her family and enjoyed spending time with all her children and grandchildren.  She also loved animals including the family dogs, sheep, pet raccoons and the mules her family owned when she was growing up.  Dusty’s hobbies included her rummage sale adventures and her collection of over 600 teapots.

 

Averyl is survived by her husband of 68 years, Jack; children Les of Spearfish, SD; Grace (Wayne) Steele of Owatonna, MN; Jim (Mary) of Kasson; JeanE (Gary) Brannon of Owatonna; ten grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and nephew David (Judy) Rockwell and family of Beaufort, SC.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers David Leslie and Ralph Leslie.

 

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 22 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church, 101 6th Ave NW, Kasson, MN with Pastor Amanda Boss officiating.  Inurnment and graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 27 at Rose Hill Cemetery, Spearfish, SD.

 

Memorials are preferred to the First Presbyterian Church, Kasson or the charity of the donor’s choice.

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