I can’t tell you how many times I have thought or said or heard others say, “Why is this happening to me?” especially when we go through hard things. In John 9:2, Jesus has an interesting encounter with a man who had been blind since birth.
Two celebrations are swiftly approaching: Fourth of July and Litchfield’s Watercade. Both are occasions to celebrate this part of the world! On the Saturday of Watercade weekend, July 13, the Friends of the Litchfield Library will join in the town celebration the way they usually do — hosting the Watercade book sale from 10 a.m.
Though the pace won’t really pick up until the fall, federal election campaigns are well underway. And we’re hearing a lot about a welter of key issues like abortion, immigration, the ethics of the Supreme Court, wars in Europe and the Middle East, and the like. But at a time when candidates should be engaging the electorate on the country’s biggest challenges, here’s something they’re not talking about: The national debt.
One day my 10-month-old formerly feral male cat escaped, He slipped out the door with the speed of lightning. It was as though he had dematerialized and then materialized outdoors.
20 YEARS AGO: NEWS FROM THE ISSUE OF JULY 1, 2004 Most businesses that survive a half century of operations have built a reputation and an understanding by the public of what the company does. That’s been the case with Sparboe Companies, too. Sort of. Mention Bob Sparboe or Sparboe Companies,which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, to business leaders throughout the state or anyone involved in the egg industry throughout the country, and there likely will be almost instant recognition. But talk to folks closer to Sparboe Companies headquarters, residents of Litchfield and Meeker County, and one is as likely to encounter a blank stare as instant recognition. Or, as has been the case many times for executive secretary Nita Nurmi, there will be questions about the business that illustrate how quietly the company operates. “I still have people who ask, ‘How many turkeys do you have in those buildings?’ not even knowing it’s chickens.”
BENJAMIN “BENNY” Benjamin “Benny” L. Seefeldt, 19, of Ellsworth Township, rural Darwin, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in rural Cokato. Memorial Service was held Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin with interment in the church cemetery. Clergy Officiating: Father Michael Doyle and Deacon John Hansen; Eulogist: Brianna Seefeldt; Pianist: Marsha Goraczkowski; Song Leader: Ray Walters Musical Selections: “Amazing Grace”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, “Dancing in the Sky”, “Hallelujah”; Urn Bearer: Father, William Seefeldt III Benjamin “Benny” Lucas Seefeldt was born on November 26, 2004, in Litchfield. He was the son of William “Bill” III and Xriska (Velizaroff) Seefeldt. Benny was baptized on August 5, 2007. He received his education in Dassel and was a graduate with the Dassel-Cokato High School class of 2023. In high school, Benny participated in cross country, swimming, track, boxing, and weight lifting. Benny resided in Ellsworth Township, rural Darwin. He was employed in production at 3M. Benny was in the process of starting his own pressure washing company. Benny was a thoughtful, giving, and kind young man. He was bright and full of positivity. Benny was always willing to help others. He always had a smile on his face, and with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. Benny took joy in making others laugh. Benny attended St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin. Benny liked playing video games, going to the gym, and going for drives. Family was important to him and he enjoyed spending time with them and his friends. Blessed be his memory. Benny is survived by his father, William “Bill” Seefeldt III of Ellsworth Township; siblings, Brenda, Brianna, and William Seefeldt IV of Ellsworth Township; grandmother, Janet Seefeldt of Hutchinson; aunt, Lori Brown of Hutchinson; cousins, Gabe Karg, Elliot Karg, Carl, Karg all of North Dakota; many other relatives and friends. Benny is preceded in death
(PIEPENBURG) ROSENOW Phyllis Irene (Piepenburg) Rosenow, 97, died peacefully in her sleep at home on January 28, 2024. A celebration of life for Phyllis will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthews United Church of Christ in Forest City. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Ripley Cemetery. Phyllis was born July 1, 1926, in Hutchinson to Willi (Bill) and Helen Piepenburg. Her family moved around the area and eventually settled down in Litchfield, where she graduated from Litchfield High in 1944. She spent her working years as a legal secretary and later bookkeeper, and after retiring, spent her days as a foster grandmother at Lake Ripley Elementary School in Litchfield for 21 years. She was predeceased in death by her husband (Lawrence), son (Barry), sister (Millie), brother (Willard) and is survived by her daughter (Sandra) and son (Greg) and thousands of students, friends, and family she made along the way. She was very loved and will be missed terribly. Please sign our online guestbook at www. johnsonhagglund.com.
Pamela Jean (Wilson) Croft, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Buffalo at the age of 76. Born on January 15, 1948, in Seattle, Wash., Pamela was the daughter of Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline (Coleman) Swanson. Her early years were marked by frequent moves with her family, eventually settling in Litchfield where she grew up and graduated with the class of 1966. After high school, Pamela pursued her passion for beauty and style at Wanner’s School of Beauty Culture in Duluth. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Dean Croft, when they worked together at Universal Fiberglass Corporation in Two Harbors. They were married on August 16, 1969. Pamela also contributed her talents to beauty shops in Bayport, Austin, Texas, and Two Harbors. During Dean’s military service, the couple lived in Austin, Texas, where Pamela provided support and filled their apartment with love and warmth. After Dean’s service, they returned to Two Harbors where they raised their three children. Pamela loved hosting and entertaining, filling her home with warmth and laughter. Her culinary skills, especially her baking, were renowned among family and friends. People never left hungry, and it brought her joy to watch those she loved gathered around the table enjoying her delicious meals. She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed playing bridge, lived her life as a faithful Christian woman, and was often a guest speaker at Women’s Aglow and other Christian events. She had charisma; when she entered a room, or when speaking with her, you felt like you were in a safe place with someone you could trust and who truly cared about you. Her legacy of kindness, hospitality, and love will be cherished by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline Swanson; sister, Roxanne Wilson; and sister-in-law, Mary June Wilson. Pamela is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dean; children, Bryan Croft, Paul Croft, and
Randy Anderson, 66, a 1975 Litchfield graduate passed away October 30 with family and friends at his side in Tyler, Texas. A Celebration of Randy’s life will be at 4 p.m. June 28 at St. Phillips Church in Litchfield. Visitation is from 2 - 4 p.m. Burial in St. Phillips Cemetery with a meal in the church hall afterwards. Randy was the son of Robert and Theresa Anderson. Randy lived in Lufkin, Texas, and was a successful jeweler, fisherman, and hunter. He was involved with Ducks Unlimited, the Turkey Association, coin collecting, and much more. Randy is survived by his father, Robert Dale Anderson of Litchfield; sister, Brenda Anderson (Laura) of Sedona, Ariz.; brother, Michael Anderson (Mark) of La Crosse, Wis.; sister, Cindy Karg (Todd) of Hutchinson; niece, Jessica Koepp of Portland, Ore.; nephew, Nathaniel Willprecht of Willmar; greatnieces, Addison and Amelia. Preceded in death by his mother, Theresa Anderson.
For the third season in a row, the Litchfield High School band stepped off the parade route a winner. The Marching Dragons captured grand champion honors in the Rose Parade Monday at Roseville, the band’s last competitive parade of the season.