March 2025

1940 - 2025 Evan Howard Swanson, 85, died peacefully at home in Hutchinson on March 5, 2025, surrounded by hymns, hugs, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred, and his brother Carlos. He is survived by his wife Evie; children Bruce, Jill, Ann (Brent Hill), and Sara (Brent Lane); grandchildren Charles, Kyle, Alex, Anders, Annika, Harrison, Oskar, and Olaf; several great-grandchildren; and numerous others who thought of Evan as a father or grandfather figure in their lives. Evan was born on March 2, 1940, in Ute, Iowa. He spent his youth there, graduating from Ute High School in 1958 before attending Union College in Lincoln, Neb. Here he gained not only a secondary teaching degree, but also found the love of his life and best friend, Evie Johnson. Evan and Evie were married in Hutchinson on August 17, 1961. After graduating in 1963, Evan took a job teaching at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson. Over the next 57 years, he profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of young people who came through his classroom at Maplewood, teaching history, government, geography, chemistry, and biology. Beyond the classroom, Evan also spent many hours as a student government and class sponsor, played sports with the students during rec time, and would take groups of students to town whenever they needed a ride. Warmly referred to by many students as Swanee, Evan is regarded by many as their favorite teacher. He was known as a teacher who challenged his students and encouraged them to think for themselves. At the same time he was beloved for his kind and gentle nature, his humor and true concern for students, and his willingness to do anything to help each one succeed. As one former student recalled, he “always made me feel like I mattered, even in the moments I least deserved it!” Evan’s voice of reason and experience was respected in staff meetings. He became, by action not self-pronouncement, a life-saving mentor to young teachers and new principals alike. He became an institution of the institution, though he relished not status, but relationships. In all things, his Christian faith came forth in the life he lived. He exemplified the Christ-like ideal that true influence is won not by bluster, but by humble self-sacrifice. Evan loved his family. He was known for bringing Evie flowers on Friday afternoons. His kids remember him as a calm, wise influence in their lives, who while being proud of their accomplishments was more interested in who they were than what they were. He enjoyed being silly with the grandkids and attending their activities whenever possible. Evan was a longtime member of Hutchinson Seventh-day Adventist church. He enjoyed gardening in the summer and discussing politics and sports with the many people who’d stop by to visit. For many years, Evan actively participated in Hutchinson city league softball and basketball, bowling leagues, and tennis. During the later decades of his life, Evan was most likely to be spotted with a Siberian husky near his side. He loved his huskies and they loved him. Evan will be missed by many. But his body is now at rest from the slow but steady ravages of dementia. His family looks forward to the great day of resurrection, the blessed hope, when God will call Evan and all His children home for eternity. A memorial service for Evan will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Hutchinson Seventh-day Adventist church with a visitation on Friday evening, June 6, from 4 - 6 p.m. The family would like to thank the many who have supported and encouraged during these last most difficult months, especially the hospice team. The family also asks that in lieu of any flowers or other gifts, that you would honor Evan’s legacy with a gift to the Maplewood Academy Worthy Student Fund to the place where he gave of himself for 57 years. (www. maplewoodacademy.org/donations).

Carol Ann (Briesemeister “Breezy”) Mlinar of Hutchinson was called to be with the Lord on Friday, February 21, 2025. Memorial Service was held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Carol was born on December 7, 1938, in Watertown. She was the daughter of Emma (Mielke) and Roland Briesemeister. Carol grew up in Lester Prairie, and was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. She married John Mlinar on November 29, 1959, and the marriage was blessed with two children, Ann and Mark. Carol lived in Hopkins, Owatonna, Pipestone and finally settled in Hutchinson in 1970. Working at Hutchinson High School for 18 years, she was known as “snack bar lady” and retired in 1998. Carol enjoyed crafting, sewing, gardening - especially her geranium collection. Coffee was king, and she enjoyed it with her friends, while playing Yahtzee and cards. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her grandchildren. A lifetime highlight was the cabin on Lake Washington where she spent time with family and friends many nights sitting by the lakeside fire, cooking hot dogs or pot pies, pontoon rides, and fishing. Carol enjoyed traveling, making it to most of the 50 states, including a trip to Europe. Carol also served in her community setting hair at Burns Manor and volunteered for the Hospital Auxiliary, Harmony River, and Newcomers. Carol was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, serving on several committees throughout her time. Carol is survived by her two children, Ann (Dan) Rahl, Mark (Michele) Mlinar; grandchildren, William and James Rahl, Paige (Justin) Turner, Kaitlyn and Andrei Mlinar; brother, Donnie Briesemeister. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Emma (Mielke) Briesemester, husband, John Mlinar, brotherinlaw, Ed Mlynar, and sisters-in-law, Florence Mlynar and Donna Briesemeister. A special thank you to Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson and Allina Hospice.

Marion E. Baysinger, 99, of Hutchinson passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson. Fun eral Service was Thursday, March 6, 2025, 11 a.m. at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson with interment in Oakland Cemetery, Hutchinson. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Allison Schwarz; Organist: Evelyn Mulder; Soloist: Bonnie Baumetz, “On Eagle’s Wings”; Congregational Hymns: “Beyond the Sunset”, “Because He Lives”; Casket Bearers: Bruce Benjamin, Brian Baysinger, Duane Neal, Dale Neal, Dana Anderson, Roger Peck Marion Elaine Baysinger was born on May 16, 1925, on the homestead of her Olson grandparents near Montevideo. She was the daughter of Emil and Anna (Olson) Weberg. Marion was baptized as an infant at home on July 12, 1925, by Rev. Gottfrid Carlson and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on June 11, 1939, by Rev. Michael B. Erickson at Maynard Lutheran Church in Maynard. She received her education in Maynard and graduated as salutatorian of Maynard Public School class of 1943. Marion graduated from Montevideo Teacher Training in 1944 and taught rural schools for three years in Chippewa County. She continued her education at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Library Science. On March 22, 1964, Marion was united in marriage to Lowell Baysinger by Rev. John Bjorge at Granite Falls Lutheran Church, in Granite Falls. This marriage was blessed with one son, Loren. Marion and Lowell made their home in Hutchinson. They shared 31 years of marriage until Lowell passed away on July 16, 1995. Marion taught school in Litchfield, Granite Falls, and Groveland, Westchester Lutheran School in Los Angeles, Calif., and in Hutchinson. Before retiring in 1964, she spent her last four years as the elementary librarian for Hutchinson Public School. Marion was an active member of Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, teaching Sunday school, Bible school and release time. She also served as Sunday school financial secretary for seven years and church librarian for 10 years. Marion was on various church committees including Commission on Education, Steering Committee for Stewardship Crusade, Nominating Committee, Council on Ministries, Missions Committee, and the Memorial Committee. She was also a member of the early Vineyard Quilters. Marion attended Golden Fellowship and Adult Bible Class and assisted with the Hutchinson “Teens for Christ”. Marion enjoyed the homemakers club, sewing, quilting, braiding rugs, knitting, crocheting, bird watching, collecting recipes, working crossword puzzles, reading (especially biographies), and studying the Bible. Family and grandchildren were always very important to her. Blessed be her memory. Marion is survived by her son, Loren Baysinger and his wife Karrie of Hutchinson; granddaughters, Alysia Barfknecht, Brittany (David) Huitt, Kelley (Brandon) Berwald, Haylee Duenow, Kelsey Duenow, Andrea (Matthew) Reiss; many great-grandchildren; sister, Loraine Anderson of Willmar, brother-in-law, Elmer (Marcie) Baysinger; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marion is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Anna Weberg; husband, Lowell Baysinger; infant brother; brothers, Rodney Weberg, Victor Weberg; sisters, Audrey Benjamin, Marlus Neal; sisters-in-law, Helen Weberg, Pearl Baysinger, Shirley Weberg, Arvilla Pendracky, Buena Plath; brothers-in-law, Luallen Baysinger, Reuben Neal, Wallace Anderson, Wesley Benjamin. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available www.hantge.com.