Obituaries

Janet Marie Conner, 85, of Hutchinson passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at her home. A celebration of life gathering will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 2 - 4 p.m. at New Journey UCC at 31-4th Ave SW in Hutchinson with inurnment in Woodbury Cemetery in Lyle Township, Mower County. Janet “Jan” Marie Conner was born on October 12, 1939, in Austin, Mower County. She was the daughter of Harry and Loretta (Naatz) Rappe. She received her education in Austin and was a graduate of Austin High School. On December 12, 1959, Janet was united in marriage to James “Jim” Edwin Conner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oelwein, Iowa. Janet and Jim resided in Austin until 1972 when they moved to Hutchinson and shared 52 years of marriage prior to Jim’s passing in 2012. Jan worked at the Hutchinson Hospital until her retirement. She was a columnist for the Hutchinson Leader speaking out on topics related to diversity, inclusion, and woman empowerment. She was an active member of the Democratic party and did not back down from a robust conversation regarding politics. Jan is survived by her nieces, Kandice Herman- Rappe of Eden Prairie, Heather Allen (Jeremy) of Aredale, Iowa; nephew Stephen Anderson of St. Paul; cousin Carol McAlister (Jack) of Austin; special companion Lewis Lakey of Minneapolis; numerous great-nieces and -nephews. Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Conner; parents, Harry and Loretta Rappe; and brother, William Rappe.

Ormund “Ormie” N. Ostlie, 82, of Hutchinson passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Private Family Memorial Service was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Plato. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Daniel Welch; Musical Selection: “My Faith Looks Up To Thee”; Urn Bearers: Ormie’s Grandsons, Luke and Lex Ostlie; Honorary Urn Bearers: Christian Taaffe, Bryce Kroells, Ezra Ostlie Ormund “Ormie” Norman Ostlie was born on June 5, 1942, in Glencoe. He was the son of Ortwin and Marcella (Stenzel) Ostlie. Ormund was baptized as an infant on June 28, 1942, by Rev. Alfred Streufert at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe and confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 25, 1956, by Pastor E. A. Schuett at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato. He received his K-6 elementary school education at First Lutheran School in Glencoe and he attended parochial school for Grades 7 and 8 in Plato. Ormund graduated from Central High School in Norwood Young America with the class of 1960. On September 4, 1976, Ormie was united in marriage to Becky Kroells at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Hamburg. This was blessed with two children, Kalli and Chase. Ormie and Becky shared 47 years and 11 months of marriage. Ormie farmed with his parents until they moved to Plato where he went on to become a cement mason. He was well known in the area for his masonry talents, particular his craftsmanship for brick and stone fireplaces.

May 8, 1990 - August 3, 2024 Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley for Travis J.

Alvin L. Peetsch, 81, of Hutchinson passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Memorial Service was Monday, August 12, 2024, 11 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Glencoe City Cemetery in Glencoe. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Gerhard Bode; Organist: Dr. Joan DeVee Dixon; Duet: Ron and Peggy Weispfennig “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, Abide With Me”; Congregational Hymns: “On Eagle’s Wings”, “How Great Thou Art”, “The Old Rugged Cross”; Urn Bearers: Shelly Peetsch, Brian Peetsch, Lori Peetsch Alvin Lewis Peetsch was born on September 29, 1942, in New Ulm. He was the son of Lewis and Selma (Otto) Peetsch. Alvin was baptized and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. Alvin was blessed with four children, Lori, Brian, Shelly, and Bradley. In April of 1995, Alvin was united in marriage to Donna Debner in Las Vegas, Nev. Alvin and Donna made their home in Hutchinson where they shared 29 years of marriage until Donna passed away on April 29, 2024. Alvin was the grocery manager of Red Owl in Stewart and Country Club Markets in Minneapolis. He retired in 2001. Alvin was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Alvin enjoyed time with his family, fishing, football games, and reading the newspaper every day. Blessed be his memory. Alvin is survived by his children, Lori Peetsch and her husband Steve Anderson of Cook, Brian Peetsch and his wife Patty of Danbury, Wis., Shelly Peetsch of Hutchinson, Michael Callier of Hutchinson; stepchildren, Kenneth Quast and his wife Shelly of Hutchinson, Eric “Rick” Quast and his wife Jody of Stewart, Tracey Strande and her husband Jay of Cleveland, Kari Hassebrock and her husband Mike of Minnetonka; daughter-in-law, Patty Peetsch of Pillager; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly Brede and her husband Dennis of Glencoe, Elaine Herbst and her husband Ron of Red Wing, Nor

Beatrice “Bea” Devereaux, 90, of Litchfield passed away at Lakeside Generations Nursing Home in Dassel on Thursday, August 8, 2024. A funeral service for Bea was held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 2 p.m.

Francella “Fran” Schmitz, 81, of Kimball died Saturday, August 10, 2024, at home knowing she was deeply loved. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Kimball, with Fr. Donald Wagner as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Anne Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Thursday and 10 11 a.m. on Friday, both at the Church of St. Anne. A rosary will be said for Fran at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Francella Lillian Rudolph was born on July 10, 1943, in St. Cloud to Steven and Gertrude (Weitzel) Rudolph. Fran grew up in St. Cloud and was a 1961 graduate of Cathedral High School. On October 2, 1965, Fran was united in marriage to Anthony Schmitz at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. She and Tony made their home in rural Kimball, along with their children. In addition to making their house a home, Fran also worked at Precision Components, later known as Tech Etch in Litchfield as an inspector. Fran found joy in sharing her passion for sewing, watching the Minnesota Twins, and giving big hugs. Her green thumb was evident in her beautiful garden, a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Whether socializing with loved ones or exploring the world through her travels to places such as Europe, Jamaica, Japan, and many U.S. states, Fran embraced life with a quiet, yet strong will. Her love for the lake, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities brought her immense joy, especially at the farm she adored. Despite being born in the city, Fran seamlessly transitioned to a life filled with nature, embracing country living with grace. Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of life and strength. Fran’s unwavering love and dedication to her family shone brightly throughout her life’s journey. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength to her beloved husband of 58 years, Anthony of Kimball; her children, Bruce (Samantha) of Watkins, Paul (Brenda) of Lavergne, Tenn., Sue (Matt) Cro

Laurel Leeland Olson, 93, of Hutchinson passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson. A Memorial Service was held at Vineyard United Methodist Church on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Pastor Allison Schwarz officiated, with music by Evelyn Mulder, pianist, and David Skaar, soloist. Laurel Leeland Olson was born on March 14, 1931, in Graceville to parents Beulah Blanche (Dodds) Olson and Oscar Adolph Olson of rural Clinton. Laurel graduated from Clinton High School in 1949 and farmed with his father and mother on the home place for four years, then volunteered for the military draft. He attended more school and served for two years on a radar base in Japan. In the fall of 1955, Laurel enrolled at University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus, to study Agricultural Economics and Plant Industry. It was there he met his future wife, Margaret Nelson. They were married on September 13, 1958, at Bethel Mission Covenant Church in rural Roseau. Both he and Margaret graduated from U of MN in 1959. Son Eric was born in 1966 in Farmington and twin daughters, Karen and Kay in 1968 in Hutchinson. Laurel worked at Production Credit Association and then as an Assistant County Agricultural Extension Agent in Sibley County. Two years later when a job with Prudential Insurance Company’s mortgage loan division became available, they moved to Farmington to accept new responsibilities. During his tenure of nearly 30 years with the Pru, Laurel made farm loans to dozens of Minnesota farmers and later, upon a move to Chicago, helped serve farmers from the Indiana/ Illinois region to California. He always remarked that his favorite workplace was at the kitchen table of a farmer and his family. He so appreciated the casual lifestyle of farm families and thought himself lucky to be working with them to help them reach their goals. Summer vacations were a special time when the children were young. The whole family visited most areas of the U.S. and lower Canada during th

Larry Ray Hoffmann, 76, of Litchfield, husband of Karen Hoffmann, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at his home due to heart complications, and was surrounded by his loving family. As a faithful Christian, Larry faithfully believed in the importance of love and forgiveness, living his life by the sentiment, “Always remember to forgive; it’s the greatest love you can give or receive”.

Alvin L. Peetsch, 81, of Hutchinson passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Memorial Service was Monday, August 12, 2024, 11 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Glencoe City Cemetery in Glencoe. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Gerhard Bode; Organist: Dr. Joan DeVee Dixon; Duet: Ron and Peggy Weispfennig “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, Abide With Me”; Congregational Hymns: “On Eagle’s Wings”, “How Great Thou Art”, “The Old Rugged Cross”; Urn Bearers: Shelly Peetsch, Brian Peetsch, Lori Peetsch Alvin Lewis Peetsch was born on September 29, 1942, in New Ulm. He was the son of Lewis and Selma (Otto) Peetsch. Alvin was baptized and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. Alvin was blessed with four children, Lori, Brian, Shelly, and Bradley. In April of 1995, Alvin was united in marriage to Donna Debner in Las Vegas, Nev. Alvin and Donna made their home in Hutchinson where they shared 29 years of marriage until Donna passed away on April 29, 2024. Alvin was the grocery manager of Red Owl in Stewart and Country Club Markets in Minneapolis. He retired in 2001. Alvin was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Alvin enjoyed time with his family, fishing, football games, and reading the newspaper every day. Blessed be his memory. Alvin is survived by his children, Lori Peetsch and her husband Steve Anderson of Cook, Brian Peetsch and his wife Patty of Danbury, Wis., Shelly Peetsch of Hutchinson, Michael Callier of Hutchinson; stepchildren, Kenneth Quast and his wife Shelly of Hutchinson, Eric “Rick” Quast and his wife Jody of Stewart, Tracey Strande and her husband Jay of Cleveland, Kari Hassebrock and her husband Mike of Minnetonka; daughter-in-law, Patty Peetsch of Pillager; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly Brede and her husband Dennis of Glencoe, Elaine Herbst and her husband Ron of Red Wing, Nor