Area Obituaries

Darrel Weldon Gruis, age 85 of Nevis, MN, died Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen, MN. Darrel was born on January 18, 1938, in Pipestone, MN. As a 12-year-old boy he moved with his family to Nevis, MN. He attended high school in Nevis where he earned the honor…

Beloved spouse, father, pop and friend, David Scott McCurnin (77) set sail on his eternal booze cruise on September 10, 2023. Dave was born to David and Isabelle McCurnin on September 25, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, IA and later moved to Des Moines, IA. Dave served bravely in the United States Navy during the Vietnam…

Kenneth (Ken) Roland Hanninen, 74, passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2023 at his residence for the past 11 years: “Your Home at the Lake” in Battle Lake, MN. Ken was born on October 24th, 1948, in Two Inlets, Minnesota to Bruno and Ella (Pat) Hanninen. Ken’s journey through life was filled with love, joy,…

Peggy Jo Novak, 72, Park Rapids, MN passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023 at her home. Peggy was born March 21, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN to Edgar and Vivian (Powell) Deal. She grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Southwest High School in 1969 where she participated in tennis, golf, badminton and was Homecoming Queen…

Teisha (Tia) Keranen, 21, Sandstone, died unexpectedly on Monday, September 11, 2023, in St. Peter, Minnesota. Tia was born May 7, 2002, in Columbia, Missouri. She was joyfully adopted, along with her twin sister Ana, into the Keranen family on March 6, 2003. She will forever be their beloved daughter and sister. Tia was a…

Levi Edward Savela, age 25, died tragically in a motorcycle accident on Sept 1, 2023, near Frazee, Minnesota. Memorial Services were held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga, Minnesota with Pastor Jon Bloomquist officiating. Congregational Hymns were accompanied by Jon Nevala. Pallbearers were Nathan Savela, Justin Roberts, Matthew Vareberg, Jonathan…

Ellen Martha Karkinen, age 84, of Menahga, passed away on August 31, 2023, in Fargo, North Dakota. Ellen was born on August 15, 1939, in Becker County, to Edward and Hilma (Fjelborg) Wuollet, the youngest of their seven children. Ellen attended country school in her younger years, then attending high school in Menahga, participating in…

Memorial Services were held for Keith VanOrsdel, age 60, of Wadena, Minnesota on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, Minnesota with Pastor Stephen Meltzer officiating. Congregational Hymns were accompanied by Jodee Severson. Keith Charles VanOrsdel was born on February 11, 1963, in Wadena, Minnesota. His parents are Edna (Pitcher) VanOrsdel and…

The Mass of Christian Burial for Lucy Braith of Wadena, will be celebrated at 11 a.m on Friday, September 1, at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Bluegrass. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena, with a Rosary at 5 and Prayers at 6 p.m. Visitation…

Dianne Carol Mens (Dissmore), 79 was called to heaven by angels on August 16, 2023 after a painful struggle with cancer. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ward, with whom she had four children: Abbie (Jim), Patrick (Colleen), Shelly (Kevin,) and Kelly…