Obituaries

Funeral service for Mark Carlson, 66, of Litchfield was on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Ostmark Lutheran Church, Watkins. A visitation was on Monday, August 19 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Johnson- Hagglund Funeral Home, Litchfield, and one hour prior to service at the church on Tuesday. Interment was at Ostmark Cemetery, Watkins. Mark was born on February 21, 1958, in Litchfield to Roger Spencer and Jeanetta Darlene (Steele) Carlson. Mark was baptized and confirmed at Ostmark Lutheran Church. He attended and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1976. Mark moved to the Brainerd lakes area where he worked in carpentry and cable protection and locating most of his adult life. He moved back to Litchfield in 2020. Mark enjoyed being in the outdoors, where he spent his time deer, pheasant, and duck hunting. He also enjoyed fishing. He played baseball as well, playing the position of pitcher. Mark was very gifted man in all aspects of his life, where attention to detail was important. This was very evident when he played his guitar. Mark is survived by his sister, Deb (Tom) Holtz, Litchfield, niece, Angela Kruger and her husband, Nate, and nephew, Preston Holtz and his wife, Caroline.

Jennifer Ann Bjorhus, 59, died peacefully at home on August 9, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma. Jenny was born August 25, 1964, in Litchfield, the youngest of three daughters born to K. Russel and Marjorie Bjorhus. Her curious mind, determination and imaginative spirit led to many early adventures in the neighborhood including scaling the maple tree in the backyard to watch the world from up high, bringing a muskrat home from the swampy lot across the street, organizing parades down Holcombe Ave., and riding her banana bike out to Lake Ripley to swim and catch fish. As she grew up, she excelled in all that there was to do in that small town, including winning awards for theatre and music at Litchfield High School. After high school Jennifer attended Carleton College, majoring in English Language and Literature/ Letters, followed by a short stint in public relations, before ultimately deciding to pursue journalism as her career. At University of California, Berkeley, she earned her MJ and MA in Journalism and Asian Studies while falling in love with the west coast. She was a newspaper reporter there for eight years, starting as a general assignment reporter at The Seattle Times before covering business for The Oregonian and San Jose Mercury News. Her work took her to many countries, including Nicaragua, Mexico, Albania and India. In 2002, she returned to Minnesota, covering the business beat for The St. Paul Pioneer Press for six years before joining Minneapolis Star Tribune. During her nearly 16 years at the Strib, she excelled in watchdog reporting, covering business, criminal justice and the environment, and winning numerous awards and recognition. In 2018, she and her colleagues were Pulitzer Prize finalists for their series “Denied Justice”, which exposed breakdowns in Minnesota’s investigation and prosecution of rape cases. That same year she was named Journalist of the Year by the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Professional Journa

   Walter C. Froemming Jr., 94, of Hutchinson passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Cokato Manor in Cokato. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 1…

 Jennifer Ann Bjorhus, 59, died peacefully at home on August 9, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma. Jenny was born August 25, 1964, in Litchfield, the youngest of three daughters…

Alvin L. Peetsch, 81, of Hutchinson passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.

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.

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. Wendroth, 34, of Eden Valley who died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Pastor Al Wieling and Pastor Roger Fears will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home of Eden Valley. Travis was born May 8, 1990, in Litchfield to James and Roseann (Wimmer) Wendroth. He lived in the Eden Valley area most all of his life. Travis was a carpenter and also worked as a mechanic. He was a member of Free Grace Recovery Church in St. Cloud where he was active volunteering in the sober community and wherever help was needed. Travis enjoyed the outdoors and was a jack-of-all-trades. He was energetic, helpful, caring, generous and had a big heart. Travis loved spending time with his son, Lucas. Survivors include his parents, James and Roseann of Eden Valley; son, Lucas of Litchfield; sister, Sara Wendroth (Mike Haglund) of Eden Valley; brother, James “Jimbo” (Kim) of Eden Valley; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Obituary and guestbook available online: www. williamsdingmann.com.

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