Obituaries

James Francis Byron, 103-year-old resident of Waseca passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Born on October 17, 1921, in St. Mary Township, Waseca County, he was the son of William E. and Elmira (Conway) Byron.

Troy Randall Carlson, 60, of St. Michael passed away on January 24, 2025. Although his death was unexpected, he passed peacefully and quickly surrounded by his wife and

Bruce J. Loeschen, 73, of Brownton passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. Gathering of Family and Friends was held Friday, January 24, 2025, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Brownton.Urn Bearers: Grandchildren ~ Jaden, Jerzie, Braylon, Roz, Parks and Hayes Bruce John Loeschen was born on July 12, 1951. He was the son of Waldemar and Leona (Undestad) Loeschen. Bruce was baptized as an infant on September 6, 1951 at LCF Society in Minneapolis and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 3, 1966, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James. He was a graduate of St. James High School class of 1969. Bruce furthered his education in agribusiness. On July 20, 1974, Bruce was united in marriage to Debra Dettmer at St. James United Methodist Church in St. James. This marriage was blessed with three sons, Jeff, Jason and Jordan. Bruce and Debra resided in St. James prior to making their home in Brownton in 1984. They shared 50 years of marriage. Bruce began working as the general manager at Brownton Co-Op Ag Center in 1984. He retired in 2016. Bruce was a member of Brownton C&C. Bruce, the “Pontoon Captain”, enjoyed lake life by spending time at their cabin on Long Lake near St. James along with camping and fishing with friends. He found joy in spending countless hours playing cards with “the guys”, sheepshead was his game of choice. He loved sports whether it was playing on the St. James Band Box softball team, following his sons’ sports and other activities, or watching the Vikings and the Twins. Bruce especially cherished time spent with his family, grandchildren and friends. Blessed be his memory. Bruce is survived by his wife, Debra Loeschen of Brownton; sons, Jeff Loeschen and his wife Jeanna of Excelsior, Jason Loeschen and his wife Jenny of Silver Lake, Jordan Loeschen and his wife Stephanie of Silver Lake; grandchildren, Jaden, Jerzie, Braylon, Roz, Parks and Hayes; siblings, Connie Bader and her husband Bill of Onalaska, Wis., Kathy Hoffman and her husband Scott of St. James, Amy Scott of Plainfield, Ind.; many other relatives and friends. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Waldemar and Leona Loeschen; stepmother Jane Loeschen. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available www.hantge.com.

Rodney L. Kurth, 72, of Hutchinson passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township with interment in the church cemetery.

Kim T. Hauer, 61, of Hutchinson passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in rural Grove City. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11 a.m.. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with interment in the church cemetery. Clergy Officiating: Father Paul Wolf; Pianist: Kirsten Kinzler; Song Leaders: Bobbi Ludewig and Patti Hoerner; Music Selections: “Jesus Come To Us”, “Here I Am, Lord”, “To You, O Lord, I Lift My Soul”, “Eye Has Not Seen”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, “The Hand Of God Shall Hold You”, “We Will Rise Again”; Honorary Urn Bearers: Kim’s Grandchildren Kim Thomas Hauer was born on March 28, 1963, in Willmar. He was the son of Leroy and Dorene (Johnson) Hauer. Kim was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Lake Lillian First Lutheran Church. He received his education at Bird Island and Lake Lillian High School, graduating with the class of 1981. Kim participated in wrestling and football in high school, winning two football State Championships. Kim furthered his education at Willmar Vocational-Technical School. On November 15, 1986, Kim was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Lee Ann vander Hagen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island. This marriage was blessed with four children, Alyssa, Bradley, Nick and Emily. Kim and Lee Ann resided in Corvuso before making their home in Hutchinson in 1990. They shared 38 years of marriage. Kim was employed as a truck driver for Sparboe Farms. In August, 2024, Kim decided to take a step back and switched positions so he could spend more time with his family. He was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. Kim was also a member of the Hutchinson Knights of Columbus Council #4797. In their younger years, Kim and Lee Ann enjoyed camping in Spicer and the North Shore. Kim also enjoyed staying active in the wrestling community. He especially cherished time spent with his family during their annual cabin week at various lakes in Minnesota. Kim was known by his grandchildren as the “fun Papa” whether he was initiating living room dance parties, wrestling matches, snake hunts in the back yard or bear hunts in the basement. He was known as the “master packer” when preparing for camping or cabin trips. Relatives were always amazed at what he could pull out of a pop-up camper. Everyone wanted to sit next to Kim on the couch because that meant they would get one of his famous foot or back massages. He was adored by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Blessed be his memory. Kim is survived by his wife Lee Ann Hauer of Hutchinson; children, Alyssa Smith and her husband Pat of Sauk Rapids, Brad Hauer and his wife Jen of Minnetrista, Nick Hauer and his wife Londan of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Ella, Hadley and Camden Smith, Beckam, Henrik and Maddyn Hauer, Wrenley Hauer; siblings, Kevin Hauer and his wife Dana of Edinburgh, Ind., Kelvin Hauer of Lake Lillian, Karlene Peterson and her partner Russel Blad of Darwin, Kathryn Goff and her husband Les of Benson; many other relatives and friends. Kim is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Dorene Hauer; Dorene’s special friend, Richard Brower; daughter in infancy, Emily Hauer; brother, Keith Hauer. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available

DeLayne “DeeDee” D. Dahl, 71, of Hutchinson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Home in Hutchinson. A private interment will be held for family at a later date in Bellingham. DeLayne Dee Dahl was born in Madison on July 30, 1953, to Duane D. Dahl and Betty M. Dahl. DeLayne was baptized at the Madison hospital. She was confirmed at Lac Qui Parle Lutheran Church. DeeDee received her education at Milan, Madison, and Dawson public schools. She also attended a special school in Worthington. DeeDee lived in Canby, Willmar, Dawson and Hutchinson. She enjoyed working as a waitress, dishwasher, helping at the Thrift Shop and being at the Adult Training and Habilitation Center (ATHC). In September 2024, DeeDee moved to Harmony River Living Center, Hutchinson, where her only job was to touch every heart she met. As a child, DeeDee enjoyed playing with friends and being a fun-loving little girl. As she grew older, she loved Jesus, bowling, crafts, traveling, coffee, beer, apple pie, horseback riding, dancing, eating out, motorcycle riding, shooting and babies It was very, very important to her to do all these things with her family. We always told her, “I love you,” and blew kisses, to which she would always respond, “I love you more”. If you ever heard DeeDee say “Hubba, Hubba”, it meant she just saw a cute young man!! Her favorite being Leonard, and Kenny Chesney (not necessarily in that order)! Her memory lives on in the hearts of many. DeeDee is survived by her brothers and sisters Tom, Vicki, Bruce, Julie and Tim, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Her brother Doug passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at his home in Watertown, S.D. She was preceded in death by her father Duane Dahl, mother Betty (Dahl) Nelson, step-father Tillman Nelson, sister Bonnie Dahl, and grandparents Nels and Nelsine Rasmussen, and Oscar and Fern Dahl. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available