What a plot twist! We said goodbye to the “Independent Review” only a few weeks ago, and here we are with a brandnew Litchfield newspaper. I am delighted to tell you that the library will once again have a weekly column in the paper. There’s so much to share with you this week.
Jeannie Lynn Larson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated quilter, passed away peacefully at the age of 73, surrounded by family and friends on April 15, 2024. Born June 14, 1950, Jeannie was the cherished wife of Larry Larson with whom she shared over 20 years of love and laughter. Together, they built a strong foundation of family and love, creating a home filled with warmth and kindness. She was an adoring mother to her sons, Jon (Nicole) Lovald and Ryan Lovald, guiding them with love and wisdom as they navigated life’s journey. Her grandchildren Jacob, Thomas, Jackson, Sofia, Sydney, and Jack brought her immense joy. A celebration of Jeannie’s life will be held on June 8 after internment at 1 p.m. where family and friends will gather in the church basement to honor her memory at Grace Lutheran Church, 17225 30th Street NW, South Haven, MN 55382 She is survived by her sister, Sandee (Jack) Wagner, twin brother, Jerry (Mary) Larson, and brother Skip (Sandy) Larson and sister Connie (Dave) Bowser.
July 2, 1978 - January 11, 2024 Open house Celebration of Life honoring Jed Field will be from 1 - 4 p.m. on June 1, 2024, at the Eagles Club in Litchfield (389 CSAH 34). A short memorial program will begin at 3 p.m. Lunch will be served throughout the afternoon.
Nancy Olson, 91, of Dassel went to join her loving parents, beloved husband, both her sister and brother and other dear ones in the arms of our Lord on May 11, 2024. In late 2006 she was diagnosed with cancer and was a survivor for 18 years before passing. She leaves behind this earthly plain, son J. Michael Olson and wife Jackie of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; daughter Lois Anne Olson and granddaughter Jessica Anne Olson of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; sister-in-law Janiel of Yukon, Okla., and many nieces and nephews, including Roy’s nieces and nephews. Nancy Elizabeth was born to Leo and Bertha (Boldes) Clemen on January 7, 1933, in Webster, S.D. She spent her youth in Bristol, S.D., graduating from Bristol High School in 1950. She was very sentimental about her hometown and often reminisced about her happy, almost idyllic childhood in that small South Dakota town, her loving family and her adventures with her playmates and schoolmates, many of whom became “forever friends.” After graduating from high school, she moved to Aberdeen, S.D., and started working as a secretary, an occupation she continued until retiring in 1987. On August 15, 1952, she was united in marriage to Roy James Olson in Bristol. They were married for 61 years until Roy’s passing in 2013. The couple lived in Bristol and Aberdeen; Fairfax and Lindstrom; until moving to Litchfield in 1974 and Dassel in 2005. During her 30 years in Litchfield she was a member of the golf club, Business and Professional Women’s Club, served on the Library Board, was a Charter Member of the Friends of the Library, and was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, serving as clerk of the church for 11
Evelyn L. Hellwig, 95, of Silver Lake, formerly of rural Darwin, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Cedar Crest Estate Senior Living in Silver Lake. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Darwin with interment in the Ellsworth Cemetery in Ellsworth Township, rural Darwin. Clergy Officiating: Pastor Greg Tobison; Organist: Jon Wheeler; Soloist: Marie Williamson “Amazing Grace”; Congregational Hymns: “I Run to Christ”, “How Great Thou Art”; Casket Bearers: David Tews, Robert Tews, James Tews, Kevin Thies, Todd Asplin, Ryan Mackenthun Evelyn Lydia Hellwig was born on December 21, 1928, in Acoma Township. She was the daughter of Alfred and Lydia (Prieve) Tews. Evelyn was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth. She received her education at Immanuel Parochial School in Acoma Township and was a graduate of Hutchinson High School class of 1946. On April 19, 1953, Evelyn was united in marriage to Carl Hellwig at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Acoma Township. This marriage was blessed with two children, Bruce and Kathy. Evelyn and Carl resided in Ellsworth Township, to rural Darwin. They shared 52 years of marriage prior to the passing of Carl on January 13, 2006. Evelyn was employed in Quality Assurance with 3M in Hutchinson for 30 plus years. She was also the bookkeeper for 13 years with Bretzke Implement in Hutchinson. Evelyn retired on July 1, 1991. She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ellsworth Township. She was also a member of the Ellsworth Township Board. Evelyn enjoyed quilting, teaching Sunday School, singing in the church choir, and gardening. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Evelyn passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Cedar Crest Estate Senior Living in Silver Lake at the age of 95 years. Blessed be her memory. Evelyn is survived by her son, Bruce Hellwig of rural Darwin; daughter, Kathy Hellwig of rural Darwin
If all goes well, a new business — Cedar Mills Outfitters — could make the small Meeker County town of Cedar Mills the next big tourist destination. That is the dream of Chad and Kata Dahlman, who live in the tiny-but-suddenly-vibrant community.
In the end, Rep. Dean Urdahl’s last legislative session illustrated one of the main reasons he decided to leave the political arena.
The day is near for more than 100 seniors at Litchfield High School. Commencement ceremonies are set for 11 a.m.
Litchfield became road warriors earlier than expected. The Dragons’ final game of the regular season, against Eden Valley-Watkins, slated for Friday at Optimist Park, was postponed when rain made the field unplayable.
Litchfield High School music department’s annual concert in the park avoided the rain and drew a large crowd Friday evening in Central Park. Less than an hour after a fast-moving storm dumped heavy rain on the city, the LHS bands entertained in front of the park bandstand, performing a variety of music from movie soundtracks to older classics and jazz arrangements, under the direction of band instructor Bailey Benoit.