Obituaries

LESLIE JOAN (CHAPIN) LEAF

In Loving Memory of Our much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend peacefully stepped through the veil on January 7, 2025, with her family at her side. Born on August 30, 1932, to Les and Dorothy (Hershey) Chapin, Leslie grew up with a bright and lively spirit that drew others into her realm. She was the devoted and beloved wife of Carl (Ronald) Leaf. Together, Ron and Leslie shared a life full of laughter, adventure, and unwavering love. Leslie regarded motherhood as the most meaningful role of her life, nurturing her three children - Paige (Askeroth) Olson, Todd Askeroth, and Jess Askeroth - with unconditional love. She strived to instill in them an understanding of kindness, an unwavering work ethic and a strong sense of integrity. Her legacy of love extends to her numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life and who deeply adored her in return. A woman of many talents, Leslie was co-owner of Askeroth Interiors and the gift store Something Special, both located in Litchfield. She had a keen eye for design and helped clients create beautiful and welcoming homes through her expertise in decorating, furnishing, and accessorizing. She thrived in this creative environment, bringing joy to those she served. Leslie had a lifelong love for books and enjoyed sharing her passion for reading with friends. She delighted in discussing stories and ideas, especially with her best friend and sister, Nancy Sue (Chapin) Schwers. Leslie’s life was a testament to kindness, grace, and all things beautiful. We love her, we will miss her, and we take comfort in knowing we will be joyfully reunited with her one day. A memorial service for family and close friends will take place at a future date.

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HENRY “HANK” TREBESCH JR.

Henry “Hank” Trebesch Jr., 95, of Litchfield passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Bethany Assited Living in Litchfield. A memorial service for Hank will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Gethsemane Church in Dassel. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Henry William Trebesch Jr. was born on October 29, 1929, in Redwood County. He had five brothers and one sister. Henry married LouAnn Johnsen on July 24, 1953. Henry joined the Navy in 1951 and served during the Korean War. After he and LouAnn were married, they briefly lived in Virginia on the naval base. LouAnn moved back to Minnesota to be near family while Henry was deployed. After the Navy, Henry and LouAnn moved around the state of Minnesota many times - living in over 18 different houses! Their final home was the farm near Forest City. After leaving the Navy, Henry had a construction company, had a farm, worked as a police officer in Albertville, then began working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife working there for over 23 years. After “retiring”, Henry worked for a trucking company and LouAnn would often accompany him on his long trips. He was also a volunteer for Meeker County Sheriff’s posse, assisting the department with his horse. Henry was active in the VFW for many years participating in events and parades. He was also active with his church Immanual Lutheran in Litchfield. He was on the council and helped build the sign in front of the church. Henry loved family gatherings especially when everyone came out to their farm. He enjoyed having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews around. He enjoyed working on his farm, going fishing and hunting, and playing cards. LouAnn and Henry loved getting together with friends to go polka dancing. Henry was always willing to help others. He helped build houses, fix roofs and basements, work on cars and tractors. He did so much for his family and friends! Henry is survived by his daughters/sons-in-law: Tracy and Brad Wheeler; Joan and Jim Johnson; Janet and David Nesseth. He is also survived by many grandchildren: Jamisen (and Jenny) Johnson, Kyle (and Ashley) Johnson, Elisandra Johnson, Ana (and Ben) Johnson, Jonathan (and Samantha) Johnson, Mikhail Johnson, Darla Johnson, Corey (Anatasia) Johnson, Donny Johnson, Molly Johnson, Benjamin Miller, Samantha (and Josh) DeSmith, Alexander Miller, Matthew Wheeler, Ryan (and Jessika) Wheeler, Joseph Nesseth, Jack Nesseth and Sara Nesseth; great-grandchildren: Nioka, Kearstin, Jaren, Delores, Bjorn, James, River, Forest, Jaiden, Iris, Shanniah, Jamar, Elijah, Trevor, Eithan, Jeremiah, and Jordyn. Henry was preceded in death by his loving wife LouAnn Dorthea (Johnsen) Trebesch, his infant son Henry James “Jimmy” Trebesch, his daughter Sheryl Ann Trebesch and his granddaughter Gabrielle Agnes Johnson; as well as his parents Henry and Helene Trebesch, in-laws James and Agnes Johnsen. He was the last of his siblings to pass at the age of 95.

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WALLACE ARTHUR WILLETTE

Wallace Arthur Willette, 99, of Litchfield, formerly of Dassel, died Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Lakeside Generations in Dassel. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel with Rev. Janine Olson officiating. The interment will be held on a later date at Lake Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield. A time to gather with the family will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel. The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel is in charge of the memorial arrangements. Wallace Arthur Willette, the son of Arthur and Leona (Wolff) Willette, was born on September 28, 1925, in Coalridge, Mont. At the age of 2, the family moved back to Montevideo. He attended Montevideo and Clara City School and graduated from Clara City High School in 1943. Wally was baptized at Saint Mathews U.C.C. in Forest City in 1948, and was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel. Wally was drafted into service and served in the United States Army in 1944. He was sent to Camp Hood, Texas, then overseas to Leyte Island in the Philippines as a Tank Crewman. When Japan surrendered, he re-enlisted and was sent to Fort Benjamin Finance School. Wally was discharged in 1946 and went to St. Paul to look for work. He met Dolores Kuehl on a blind date and married on March 20, 1948. Two children were born to this union, Suzanne and Paul. In 1950, Wally attended St. Paul Barber School. He worked as a barber in St. Paul for 10 years where both practiced their professions. In 1963, Wally and Dolores bought a home in Dassel where he barbered for 42 years. Wally enjoyed mechanical work, fixing his own vehicles from the time he was 15 years old. He was adept at many tasks, including carpenter work and making cabinets. He enjoyed fishing and vacationing at the lake in the summer. He loved gardening, yard work, and playing dice and cards with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; parents, Leona and Arthur Willette; mother- and father-in-law, Walter and Laura Kuehl, son, Paul Willette; daughter, Suzanne Ahlbrecht and son-in-law, Allen Ahlbrecht; sisters-in-law, Alice (Art) Reilein, Diane (Willard) Maahs, Ruth (Bud) Marquardt, Jeanette Byrne and Bonnie Revering, and a brother-in-law, Walter Kuehl Jr. He is survived by his grandchildren, Laurel Ahlbrecht, Rebecca (Shawn) Dillingham, and Allen Ahlbrecht; great-grandchildren, Aleisha Ahlbrecht, Dan Ahlbrecht, and Sam Mortenson; sister, Donna (Albert) Rademacher, sister-in-law, Donna Kuehl and many, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He has touched countless lives and will be greatly missed.

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