July 2024

IF YOU GO

What: Orange Spectacular When: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 26-27, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 28 Where: McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave. SW, Hutchinson For more information: Call Darrell Grams Sr. at 612280-3397 or visit www. orangespectacular.com

Read MoreIF YOU GO

LEOLA I. HOVERSTEN

Leola I. Hoversten, 106, of Hutchinson, formerly of the Hector area, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Private Family Funeral Service was held Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector with interment in Boon Lake Evergreen Cemetery in Boon Lake Township. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Randy Koppen; Organist: Diane Runke; Congregational Hymns: “How Great

Read MoreLEOLA I. HOVERSTEN

WILLIAM “BILL” MERRILL

William “Bill” Merrill, 70, of Annandale died unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at his home. A Celebration of Life was held from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. with a Remembrance Service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Annandale City Park Pavilion. Rev. Todd Nelsen officiated. Burial took place at Faith Presbyterian Cemetery, Silver Lake. Memorials are preferred to Annandale Lions Club. William Wallace Merrill was born on March 16, 1954, in Hutchinson to Wilbert and Genevieve (Posusta) Merrill. He grew up in Silver Lake and was baptized and confirmed at Faith Presbyterian. He graduated high school in 1972. He then attended St. Cloud Technical College. He returned to Silver Lake before raising his family on Lake Sylvia near Annandale. Bill married Carmen Stifter and they had four children. They later divorced. For over 25 years, Bill owned and operated Midwest Concrete in Annandale. In retirement he moved to Pleasant Lake in Annandale. Bill was a member of Annandale United Methodist Church as well as a former member of both the Annandale and Silver Lake Lions Club. Throughout his life, Bill found enjoyment spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, boating, and camping. He had a passion for classic movies featuring John Wayne, enjoyed board games with his granddaughters, and took pride in his culinary skills, always whipping up delicious meals for his loved ones. A highlight every summer was hosting family and friends on the lake. A dedicated fan of Minnesota sports, Bill could often be found cheering on his favorite teams with enthusiasm (and some disappointment). Bill is survived by his children, Jake (Molly) Merrill of Annandale, Carissa Merrill of Minneapolis, Andrea Merrill (Alex Keranen) of Columbia Heights, and Wyatt Merrill (Alex Berthiaume) of Columbia Heights; granddaughters, MacKenzie and Carly Merrill; brother, Ken (Dorothy) Merrill of Silver Lake; ex-wife, Carmen Merrill of Buffalo; and other family members and friends. He was prec

Read MoreWILLIAM “BILL” MERRILL

MARY ANN HAMMER

Mary Ann Hammer, 89, of Hutchinson passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with interment in the church cemetery. Clergy Officiating: Father Paul Wolf; Organist: Bonnie Westmiller; Song Leader: Lucy Newcomb; Musical Selections: “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”, “Here I Am, Lord”, “The Lord is My Life”, “Be Not Afraid”, “I Am the Bread of Life”, “Song of Farewell”, “On Eagle’s Wings”; Special Music: Great- Grandchildren “Jesus Loves Me”; Urn Bearer:

Read MoreMARY ANN HAMMER

SCOTT EDWIN NEMITZ

Scott Edwin Nemitz, 65. of Darwin passed away at his home on Thursday July 18, 2024. A private family memorial service for Scott Nemitz of Darwin was on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Darwin. Visitation was on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 4 - 7 p.m. and was held at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment at Ellsworth Cemetery, Darwin. Scott was born on January 29, 1959, in Hutchinson to Edwin and Elizabeth (Betty) Ann (Graven) Nemitz. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed in May of 1978 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1978 and Ridgewater College in Hutcinson in 1978. He married Pamela Ann Knacke on June 24, 1978, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Darwin. He and Pamela lived in Hutchinson until 1984 when they moved to Darwin by Lake Manuella. Scott worked for a couple years at Popp Brother’s saw mill and then worked for Goebel Fixtures until his retirement on November 1, 2022. Scott enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, camping, and building wood duck houses. He loved doing activities with his grandkids and playing cards with the lake family. Scott is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pam of Darwin, children, Charles (Maria) Nemitz of Hutchinson, Amanda (Justin Gus) of Echo; grandchildren, Emma, Hunter, Isabella, Remington, Easton Archer Nemitz, Nolan Malmquist, Jordyn, Addymae, Brantley, MacKenzie and Braden Gatewood; mother-in-law, Marlys Knacke; sister, Wendy (Larry) Strum of Litchfield; sister-in-law, Carol Nemitz of Hutchinson. Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Betty Nemitz, brother, Tom Nemitz and father-in-law, Kenneth Knacke.

Read MoreSCOTT EDWIN NEMITZ

DONALD C. DELEEUW

Donald C. DeLeeuw, 89, of rural Cosmos passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Boon Lake Township, rural Cosmos, as a result of a car accident. Memorial Service was held Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos with int erment in Cosmos Community Cemetery in Cosmos. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Sarah Jones; Organist: Carol Dragt; Soloist: Alan DeLeeuw “The Lord’s Prayer”; Congregational Hymns: “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Hymn of Promise”, “Shall We Gather at the River”; Honorary Urn Bearers: Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren; Urn

Read MoreDONALD C. DELEEUW

RIVERSONG MUSIC FESTIVAL

Although sporadic rain showers passed through this past weekend, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the 14th annual RiverSong Music Festival. Two stages, children’s activities, food, drink and more round out the offerings at the annual event.

Read MoreRIVERSONG MUSIC FESTIVAL