September 2024

Taking a ride toward healing

Brandon Sell had no idea that cycling could be a lifeline — not just for his physical health but for his mental well-being as well. The revelation came after he started riding to raise funds for cystic fibrosis, a disease his son was diagnosed with at birth.

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MARK WOOD

Phyllis J. Birkholz, 88, of Hutchinson passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Memorial Service was held Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Oak Heights Cove nant Church in Hutchinson with interment in Cokato Cemetery in Cokato. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Steve Larson; Organist: Judy Voss; Congregational Hymns: “Amazing Grace”, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “How Great Thou Art”; Urn Bearer: Amber Haugen Phyllis Jannette Birkholz was born on May 16, 1936, in Middleville Township, rural Howard Lake. She was the daughter of William and Gertrude (Heaton) Jones. Phyllis was baptized in 1949 at Howard Lake Church of Christ and later confirmed her faith at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. She received her education at the country school near Cokato and completed 9th grade at the Howard Lake High School. Phyllis married Wilton Birkholz in 1953 and they were blessed with three children, Bradley, Brenda and Lucinda (Cindy). She made her home in Hutchinson. Phyllis enjoyed working on the farm, tending to her vegetable garden and baby kittens. She taught Sunday school at St. James Lutheran Church. She was employed at Wesley’s Pharmacy, sold Avon and worked at numerous restaurants through the years. She worked at JCPenney for 18 years before retiring at the age of 63. After retirement she worked part time at Cindy’s Floral and volunteered at the Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Clown Club and served on the Board at the Hutchinson Senior Center. Phyllis was a member of the Oak Heights Covenant Church of Hutchinson. Phyllis loved her flower gardens, enjoyed baking, embroidery, reading, puzzles, playing games, dancing in her younger years, going for walks, and her time living on Lake Erie. She especially cherished time spent with her family and friends. Blessed be her memory. Phyllis is survived by her children, Bradley Birkholz of Howard Lake, Cindy Woller of Hutchinson; se

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LINDA CAROL DUFFY

Beverly J. Wylie, 92, of Hutchinson passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Funeral Service was held Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Brian Nehring; Organist: Bonnie Westmiller; Congregational Hymns: “Amazing Grace”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”; Casket Bearers: Keith Furlong, Brett Binsfeld, Scott Wylie, Paul Wylie, Ryan Wylie, Tory Wylie Beverly Jean Wylie was born on August 8, 1932, in Maple Grove. She was the daughter of Arnold and Norma (Boland) Cook. Beverly was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth at the Methodist Church in Maple Grove. For grades 3-10 she attended the Braille and Sight Saving School in Faribault and then transferred to Osseo where she graduated from Osseo High School, class of 1951. Beverly furthered her education at Macalester College in St. Paul where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. On June 27, 1959, Beverly was united in marriage to Laverne Wylie at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Corcoran. This marriage was blessed with four children, Wanda, Heidi, Gretchen, and Douglas. Beverly and Laverne resided in Hutchinson. They shared 53 years of marriage prior to the passing of Laverne on November 3, 2012. Beverly was employed as a teacher in Silver Lake, Brownton, and Hutchinson. She left teaching to become an in-home day care provider. Beverly took pride in providing a loving and caring environment for the children in her care. She was awarded the first Outstanding Daycare Provider of the Year. Beverly retired in 1998. She was a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Beverly enjoyed sewing and researching her family genealogy. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. Blessed be her memory. Beverly is survived

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When wheat was king

Grain farmers across central and southern Minnesota spend countless hours growing corn and soybeans — fields fill the countryside and are a large part of the regional economy. It wasn’t always this way, however.

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