Obituaries

Nov 3, 2024

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the upcoming memorial services for William Joseph Bergeron Jr. A loving father, grandfather, and friend, William passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, in Albert Lea, MN, at the age of 64, surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with Lung Cancer.

Born on July 13, 1960, in Leominster, MA, William, affectionately...

Nov 18, 2024

Joel Francis Schwarz, age 87, of Twin Lakes passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea, Minnesota with his family’s loving hands upon him.

Joel graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1955. In 1957 he joined the US Navy and reported for duty upon the USS Bennington. After completing his time in the Navy...

Nov 18, 2024

Nov 9, 2024

Cheryl A. Venem, 77, of Albert Lea, passed away on November 9, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Mankato, MN. 

Born on June 8, 1947, in Austin, MN, Cheryl was a daughter of the late Chester and Doris (Ausen) Johnson. Growing up in Albert Lea, Cheryl graduated from Albert Lea High School and eventually found her place at the former King...

Nov 6, 2024

Michael Corey Johnson, 66, of New Richland, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at his home with his loving family by his side. 

A full obituary and service details are pending.

Nov 4, 2024

Thomas M. Lenort of Albert Lea passed away in peace and comfort on November 4, 2024 after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.

Tom was born July 31, 1936 in Wells, MN to Julius and Gertrude (Utzka) Lenort. He grew up in a large family on a farm West of Wells and that farm life was foundational for how...

Nov 3, 2024

Walter (Gene) Eugene Schiltz passed away on November 3, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 80. Born on June 20, 1944, Walter dedicated his life to his family and community, embodying the role of a devoted and loving husband and father.

Walter is survived by his wife, Audrey Schiltz; his sons, Kirk and his wife...

Nov 2, 2024

Susan Cornwell, 69, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully at her home on November 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. 

Born on September 28, 1955, in Albert Lea, Susan was a daughter of the late Stanley and Abby (Hiler) Rhiger, and was a dedicated accountant throughout her career, known for her meticulous attention to detail and a strong work ethic. 

With a...

Oct 29, 2024

Gail Ann Hanson, 73, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, at her home with her family by her side.

Gail was born on July 30th, 1951 to George and Jean (McCarter) Hanson in Austin, MN, the 5th of 6 children. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1969 and met the love of her life, Doug,...

Oct 29, 2024

Nancy Jo Cottrell, 71, of Albert Lea, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at her home, with her family by her side. 

Born in Waseca, MN, on December 24, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Gerald “Bud” and Viva (Huxford) Possin. Nancy grew up on the family farm. As the oldest, Nancy took care of her younger siblings...

Oct 29, 2024

Thomas John "Tom" Strehlow, of Albert Lea, died peacefully on October 29, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 66 years old.

Tom was born to Albert and Helen Strehlow on December 7, 1957, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He lived in Albert Lea throughout his life where he attended school, worked, and raised his family.

Tom greatly enjoyed his 28-year career as a...

Oct 27, 2024

Pamela Jane "Pam" (Bangert) Karge, 61, of Owatonna, passed away on October 27, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, following a brain surgery.

Born on September 3, 1963, in Albert Lea, Pam was a daughter of Patricia (Light) Bekaert and the late Loren Bangert. Pam was raised on a farm near Glenville, along with her siblings, Sharon, Kristin, and Jeffrey.

In...

Oct 25, 2024

Larry Marquardt,72, of Hardy, AR, formerly of Albert Lea, passed away on October 25, 2024, in Batesville, AR. 

Born on February 1, 1952, Larry was a cherished son of the late Roland “Rollie” and Florence (Fuhrman) Marquardt. Larry was a vibrant and adventurous man who lived life to the fullest. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1971 and embarked...

Oct 22, 2024

Lori Ann Conroy, born on December 9, 1966, in Wells, Minnesota, passed away October 22, 2024, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Born to Ronald and Judy Baumann, Lori was raised in Albert Lea alongside her brother, Jeff.

A graduate of Emmons High School in 1985, Lori relished her time on the volleyball team. She obtained her CNA license and worked for many...

Oct 20, 2024

Norena Love, 100, of Albert Lea, peacefully passed away on October 20, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Community, with her loving family by her side.

Born on November 21, 1923, in Bayport, MN, Norena was a beloved daughter of Conrad and Lizzie Casperson. On September 3, 1943, Norena married the love of her life, Alfred Love, in Chicago, IL. Together the...

Oct 19, 2024

Orville Simonsen, 86, of Albert Lea, entered God’s eternal care on October 19, 2024.

Orville was born at home in Alden, MN on February 10, 1938, to Niels and Esther Simonsen, and was the oldest of two children. He was baptized and confirmed at the Danish Lutheran Church in Alden. During his school years, he participated in 4H, FFA, and football....

Oct 19, 2024

Adilyn Ann Tramm, the beloved daughter of Dustin Tramm and Teanna Wiertzema, was born sleeping on October 19, 2024, in Austin, MN. 

Adilyn brought immeasurable joy to her family. With her nursery adorned with shades of purple and unicorns, Adilyn was a beacon of love and hope. Weighing 7 pounds and measuring 19 inches long, Adilyn leaves an everlasting impact on...

Oct 18, 2024

Bud passed away on October 18, 2024, at the age of 89 at Mayo Hospital in Mankato, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, with Pastor Matt Lehman officiating. Bud's family will greet guests during a visitation two hours prior to the...

Oct 18, 2024

Eugene Alexander Schilling, 71, of Glenville, passed away on October 18, 2024, following a battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 26, 1953, in Austin, MN, he was a son of the late Alexander "Fritz" Schilling and Janice (Hansen) Schilling. A 1971 graduate of Glenville High School, Eugene enlisted in the United States Air Force...

Oct 16, 2024

Joy Diane Bjornstad, 68, of Glenville, passed away on October 16, 2024, at her home. 

Born on December 1, 1955, in Albert Lea, MN, Joy was a daughter of Marlene (Klukow) Jensen and the late Richard Jensen. 

A 1974 graduate of Albert Lea High School, Joy's greatest pride and accomplishment lay in being a devoted mother to her children, Kaleb, Justin, and...