2024

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

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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:

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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.

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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

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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.

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Unprecedented election looms as our country seeks unity

It’s fair to say that the United States has never seen an election year like this one. We face a presidential choice between a convicted felon bent on dismantling the institutions and norms that we’ve developed over nearly 250 years, versus a sitting president whose debate performance and general age concerns have stoked calls from within his own party to step aside.

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Rocking at RiverSong

Hutchinson’s premier music event — RiverSong Music Festival — was rockand- rolling Friday night and Saturday with an all-star lineup of Minnesota musicians. Attendees swayed and danced to the sounds of several popular musical genres, from American roots and hard rock to acoustic folk at Masonic West River Park along the Crow River. The 14th annual summer festival also featured a variety of foods and lawn games. Strong support from donors, volunteers, businesses and community organizations makes the event possible. See more RiverSong photos on page 9.

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IF YOU GO

What: Songs of Hope When: 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21 Where: New Journey UCC Church, 31 Fourth Ave. SW, Hutchinson Admission: Free For more information: Call the church office at 320-587-2125 or visit soundsofhope.org.

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Sharing the message of hope

Songs of Hope continues its 20-year tradition of offering free concerts to residents of small and mid-sized cities throughout Minnesota Sunday in Hutchinson. Returning to New Journey United Church of Christ Church in Hutchinson, this event at 7 p.m.

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