Obituaries

Little Falls, Minnesota

Duane Robert “Lenny” Lennartson, 73, died Friday, May 26, 2023 at his home in Rochester surrounded by loved ones after a 15 month battle with Leukemia (AML)

Duane L. Fornshell ‘DJ’, 44, of Baxter, MN passed away peacefully on May 29, 2023, after a battle with cancer. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 4-7 pm on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.

Timothy Allen Clark, 53, of Brainerd, unexpectedly and peacefully passed away into the arms of his loving Savior at his home on Sunday May 28, 2023. A Funeral Service for Tim will be held on Friday June 2, 2023, at 11:00am at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday June 1, 2023, from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Brainerd.

Gary Johnson, age 78, passed away March 20, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, AZ. He was born to farmers Harold and Dorothy Johnson on June 4, 1944, in Chokio, MN. He graduated from Pine River High School in 1962. He worked in construction for a few years and then spent the rest of his working career at Arvig Telephone Company. Gary spent his last 12 years in Green Valley, AZ where he volunteered at White Elephant and enjoyed puzzles and crafts.

Marilyn J. Chamberlain, age 94, of Pine River, MN, passed away on May 27, 2023. She was born to Oliver and Petra (Simonson) Flategraff on April 13, 1929, in Minneapolis, MN. Marilyn married Emil Wolkenhauer on April 17, 1948, in Pequot Lakes, MN. Emil preceded her in death on April 14, 1985. She later met and married Fred Chamberlain on March 19, 1994. Fred preceded her in death on June 17, 2020.

Harry Allen Sharp, known to all as Bud, passed away May 27th, 2023. He was 89 years old.

Charles Arthur “Chuck” Hagberg, age 92 of Perry Lake Township died at his home on May 24, 2023. He was born on October 14, 1930 in Ironton to Harry and Esther (Gilbert) Hagberg. Chuck married Joan Louise Seely on October 21, 1950 in Crosby. He was a retired Civil and Safety Engineer with the State of Wisconsin, Minnesota and other states, and was a private advisor. Chuck was a well-known local saxophonist-with the Johnson Chicks (Three Chicks and a Chuck). He and his fellow musicians could be found entertaining the residents of many local assistant living and retirement facilities. Chuck will be miss by family and friends alike. He had a strong personality, and a sharp mind which reflected wisdom. Towards the waning years of his life he wished to be known as a “servant of the Lord”. His family and friends shall remember him as that and look forward to seeing him again in the resurrection of the dead.

James (Jim) Alan Rasmussen (76), formerly of Pequot Lakes, passed away in Tampa, Florida, December 31, 2022.

Lucille Rose Claussen, 2, passed away on May 23, 2023, with her family by her side. Services are scheduled for 2pm on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Heritage Church with a visitation starting one hour prior.

Roland Bergstrom, age 93 of Fergus Falls and formerly of Foley, passed away May 23, 2023 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Maywood Covenant Church in Foley. Pastor Bert Holmquist will officiate. Visitation will be from 12 Noon until the time of the service at the church. Full Military Honors will be provided by the Foley American Legion immediately following the service at church. Burial will take place in the Maywood Cemetery, Benton County, Minnesota. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

Mary Lee Schwegel, 82-year-old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 21 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 11:00 A.M. at Annunciation Catholic Church in Mayhew Lake, MN

Arla Lenora (Heath) Myers, age 99, passed away on May 13, 2023. She was born on November 4, 1923, in a log home on the family’s farm in Jenkins, MN. Her grandmother, Addie Heath, delivered her. There she lived with her mother and father, Merle and Laura (Schwartz) Heath and older brother, Kenneth. She graduated from Pine River High School in 1941 and later became a schoolteacher in a one room schoolhouse in Hillman, MN.

Jan. 31, 1955 - May 15, 2023

Vilma Gloria Gorfin, age 95 of Crosby died on May 19, 2023 at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby. She was born on May 28, 1927 in Ironton to Marko and Mary Krmpotich. Vilma married William “Don” Gorfin on October 8, 1948 in Webster, SD. Don and Vilma moved many times from the West Coast to Crosby. They found their peace on Serpent Lake on Peterson Creek Drive.

Rudy John Cluever, 74, of Brainerd, passed away on May 22, 2023, in Brainerd. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held one hour prior.