The year was 1975, Gerald Ford was in the White House. Hit singles were “Fallin’ in Love” by Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell and “At Seventeen” by Janis Ian. “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was No. 1 at the box office.
City administration proposed a 7.1% tax levy increase for 2025 during the Hutchinson City Council’s budget workshop Tuesday. The increase would raise annual property taxes by about $181 for a home valued at $275,000.
It’s hard to believe, but Halloween is just around the corner. With that comes activities including the popular Spooky Sprint 5K and Kids Dash. This year’s event is Saturday, Oct. 26. As in the past, the run will start and finish on First Avenue Southeast across from Library Square in downtown Hutchinson. Race day packet pick up is 8-9 a.m. with the Kids Dash at 9:15 a.m. followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the Hutchinson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 96 is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. Also meeting that evening is the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Both meetings are at the Hutchinson VFW, 247 First Ave. S.E.
Hutchinson High School Class of 1956 conducted its 68th reunion Aug. 13 at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson. Twenty-one members attended the reunion. Pictured are, front row, from left, George Benton, Ray Adamek, Gene Betker, Gerald Burmeister, Anne Plihal Hahn, Pat Sanken Otto and Jane Mills Orvis; second row, from left, Allan Reiner, Pete Jergens, Audrey Mortenson Roskammer, Harlow Karg, David Benjamin, Glen Bemis, Dianne Johnson Henke, Bev Radunz Moe, Jan Peterson Bergerson, Shirley Boller Klitzke, Marilyn Stolpman Hartwig, Ida Telecky Karstens, Marie Wallner Otto and Lo Ann Boll Hanson.
Jullie A. Kettner Hatten, 69, of Stewart passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at her home in Stewart. Memorial Service will be Monday, September 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye with interment in Hector City Cemetery in Hector. Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online guestbook is available at www.hantge.com.
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
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
Marlene Rita Schermann, 86, of Silver Lake passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024. She was born on November 2, 1937, in Silver Lake, the daughter of Leo A. & Salomea R. “Sally” (Pawlak) Kaczmarek. Marlene graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1955. On October 16, 1956, Marlene R. Kaczmarek and Norbert J. Schermann were joined in holy marriage at St. Adalbert Catholic Church in Silver Lake. God blessed their marriage with 10 children. Marlene and Norbert owned and operated the Laundry Mat in Silver Lake for 27 years. She was also formerly employed at Tonka Toys, custodian at Silver Lake Auditorium and at Holasek Greenhouse. Marlene enjoyed baking cookies and kolaches, gardening, R.V. camping, polka music and visiting with family. She belonged to Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake. Survived by her 10 children: Kevin Schermann (Bonnie Ardolf), Kay Borrell, Shari (Dale) Rannow, Bruce (Ann) Schermann, Michael (Lois) Schermann, Duane (Joanne) Schermann, Loren Schermann, Sue Alberts (Kevin Latzig), Gary (Robyn) Schermann and Steve (Tammy) Schermann; several grandchildren and several great--grandchildren; a brother: Leon (Maxine) Kaczmarek; sisters-in-law: Laura Kaczmarek and Margaret Schermann; many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her husband Norbert J. Schermann on September 27, 2021, her parents and by a son-in-law Jerry Borrell. A Mass of Christian Burial for Marlene Schermann was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake. Father Matthew Wiering was the Celebrant. Alice Nowak was the organist for the Mass. Interment followed at Holy Family Cemetery in Silver Lake. A visitation was held on Tuesday, September 3 AT THE CHURCH from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. Casket bearers will be her seven sons: Kevin Schermann, Bruce Schermann, Michael Schermann, Duane Schermann, Loren Schermann, Gary Schermann and Steve Schermann. The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake served the family. Online condolenc
Mary A. Frick, 85, of Hutchinson passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 11 a.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with interment in the church cemetery. Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.