October 2024

The long good bye

Who gives a year’s notice when they are going to leave their job? Mary Hodson, president and CEO of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, gave the Hutchinson Chamber Board a long lead time, because they knew they had big shoes to fill. Fortunately, the perfect candidate appeared, and Valerie Mackenthun, longtime community enthusiast and co-owner of Compass Occasions, applied and was hired in June for the job.

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Job Posting Corrections Officers

The Meeker County Sheriff's Office is taking applications for multiple Full-Time Correction Officers. Duties include booking and releasing inmates, monitoring cell areas for security, and administering to inmates’ needs. This position is a rotating shift schedule. Position requirements include but are not limited to keeping accurate records, maintaining composure in stressful situations, process sensitive information in a confidential manner. Meeker County is offering a 24-hour vacation bank upon hire, a competitive starting wage that is based on experience and education. Meeker County also offers a Student Loan Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Catastrophic Medical Leave Program, and an Employee Recognition Program. The pay range for this position in 2024 is $23.56 - $31.66 per hour. For a complete job description and to complete the online application, visit the Meeker County website at www.co.meeker.mn.us and click on Employment Opportunities. Questions may be directed to the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office at 320-693-5414 or Meeker County Human Resources at 320-693-5203. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. An EOE.

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ANTHONY “TONY” J. SCHUELKE

Anthony “Tony” J. Schuelke, 78, of Brownton passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. Memorial Service will be Saturday, October 5, 2024, 11 a.m., at CrossPoint Church in Hutchinson. Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 9 - 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online guestbook is available at www.hantge.com.

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RYAN M. LESKE

Ryan M. Leske, 48, of Acoma Township, rural Hutchinson, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at his home. Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Swedlanda Lutheran Cemetery in Palmyra Township, rural Hector. Arrangements are with Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.

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JOYCE ANNE BEYTIEN

Joyce Anne Beytien, 88, of Hutchinson, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at her home in Hutchinson. Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 4, 2024, 11 a.m., at New Journey United Church of Christ in Hutchinson with private family interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson. A lunch for family and friends will be served following the service. All are welcome. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online guestbook is available at www.hantge.com.

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SHERYL M. LUCKEMEYER

Sheryl M. Luckemeyer, 60, of East Bethel, formerly of Hutchinson, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at her home in East Bethel. Gathering of Family and Friends was held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m., Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment in St. Cloud,. Memorial preferred to Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Gerhard Bode Sheryl Maureen Luckemeyer was born on September 24, 1963, in Hutchinson. She was the daughter of Lloyd and Irene (Fischer) Schlueter. Sheryl was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She received her education in Hutchinson and was a graduate with Hutchinson High School class of 1982. Sheryl furthered her education at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, receiving a Master’s Degree in Accounting. On March 21, 1998, Sheryl was united in marriage to Jon Luckemeyer at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Devan. Sheryl and Jon resided in Hutchinson and later moved to East Bethel in July of 2019. They shared 26 years of marriage. Sheryl was employed at Hutchinson Technology for 20 years. She was also employed at Hutch Telephone Company, Park Nicollet, and a report writer for Health Partners. Sheryl was a member of MENSA. She was also a member of the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. Sheryl enjoyed writing, reading, shopping, decorating, cats, children, fast cars and fast boats. She loved spending time on Lake Minnie-Belle and going on vacation to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her family, grandchildren, and friends. But mostly kids.

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JENNIE ELLIOTT-STUTSMAN

JENNIE ELLIOTT-STUTSMAN Jennie Elliott-Stutsman of Winsted took her Saviors hand on August 21 in the early hours of a summer morning and entered eternal life. The first child of Bob and Jeannie Elliott was born on July 7, 1974, in Hutchinson. She was baptized at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eveleth, confirmed at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and a member of St. John’s Lutheran church in Winsted. She attended Hutchinson Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1992. After school she tried different avenues but truly found her place when she married Jason Mark Stutsman on April 28, 2001. Her life as a wife and mother was her perfect path. Her boys were always number one in everyday events and if something wasn’t going on, she made something happen. Jennie was the proud mama of sons: Jack, Sam and Wyatt. They soon towered over their mother but despite size she maintained authority. Their friends were important and she gathered them in. Baseball and camping were the number one summer activities and with three boys involved, it was fun and frequent. Her favorite summer event was family time at the cabin in northern Minnesota. It was the perfect place to reset your mind, refresh your spirit and make special memories with family. Jennie found a stronger faith in Jesus as a young woman and she took Him everywhere as her support, inspiration and Savior. She wasn’t afraid to share Him with any and all who would stop long enough to listen. When her church needed a boost in youth attendance Jennie spearheaded a youth round up that started with five kids and ended that spring with 80. She led many Bible studies, women’s events and fun friend adventures.

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