Obituaries

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

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”.

 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 will be held on Tuesday,…

 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,…

 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…

 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…

 Judith Lee Hanson Gabrielson (“Judy”) died on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Litchfield. She was 86. The daughter of Elmer and Gwendolyn Hanson, she was born in Perham on January 9,…

Lois Larsen-Guenette, 91, of Sartell passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at St. Cloud Hospital. A memorial service for Lois will be on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Interment will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Grove City following the service. Lois Ann Shelton was born February 11, 1933, on the family farm in Meeker County. She was the fifth child of 10 children born to Charles and Sarah (Vadnais) Shelton. Lois was baptized and confirmed in her faith and attended school in Grove City. On August 30, 1952, Lois married Charles Larsen, living their entire married life in Grove City area. They had three sons, Dwight, David and Daniel. For 18 years, Lois worked as a secretary at the school. Following that she worked at the ASCS office and Cargill in Litchfield. Lois was active in all her church activities, including superintendent of Sunday school and church council. She was involved in her boys’ school activities and attended all their sporting events. With caring hearts, Lois and Charlie became foster parents to Tracey Wold. Life changed for Lois with Charlie’s passing in July 1988 after an extended illness. With son, Dwight living in Colorado, Lois made an adventurous move to Denver. She later met Michael Guenette. They married n October 14, 1995, on their ranch in Macomb, Mo., where they raised Texas Long Horns. They also lived in Bella Vista, Ark., Lake City and Waite Park, all while wintering in Texas, golfing, enjoying friends, and making blankets that were sent to orphanages in Mexico. Family was very important to Lois. Michael and Lois loved to travel to family member’s homes with their RV and stay for a few days. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. Lois was passionate about everything she did. She enjoyed singing, playing piano, crafting, sewing, needle work, ceramics, puzzles, crosswords and making gifts to

Barbara (Barb) J. Holmberg, 87, of Litchfield died Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Talamore Senior Living Community in St. Cloud. Visitation and Funeral service was held on Friday, August 2, 2024. Visitation at 1 p.m., funeral at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Litchfield. Interment was held in Lake Ripley Cemetery, Litchfield.