Obituaries

Neal E. Johnson, 91, of Atwater, formerly of Litchfield, died at the Meeker Manor in Litchfield on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Johnson Hagglund Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation was one hour before the service. Neal Edwin Johnson, the son of Edwin W. and M. Alice (Johnson) Johnson was born in on May 15, 1933, in Litchfield. Neal attended grades 1-8 at School District 78 and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1952. He was baptized at Lake Koronis as a teenager. Neal was united in marriage to Jeanetta Bebee on September 2, 1978, in Croix Falls, Wis. Over the years, Neal lived in Corvuso, Hutchinson, Litchfield and Atwater. He was a member of Corvuso Church of the Nazarene and Church of the Nazarene Church in Litchfield. Neal worked as a custodian in Hutchinson for many years. He was active in 4-H for many years and showed a sheep at the Meeker County Fair when the fair was at the Central Park at the community building. He also showed a sheep at the state fair one year. He enjoyed fishing, singing with the Litchfield Area Male Chorus, running, going for walks and coffee time at McDonald’s. He is survived by his stepchildren Lillian (Mike) Wilson and Delight (Myron) Olson of Wisconsin; sister Beverly Driver; and nieces and nephews Lanita Hall, Craig Johnson, Mona Piepenburg, Pam Piehl, Clark Johnson, Jack Johnson, Susan Johnson, Kevin Driver, Wade Driver and Terry Driver; seven stepgrandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanetta; parents Edwin and M. Alice; sister Faith; brothers David and Sidney Dean; sisters-in-law Joan and Bonnie; and brother-in-law Kenneth. Please sign our online guestbook at www. johnsonhagglund.com.

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

CONSTANCE “CONNIE” Constance “Connie” Kay Kaddatz passed away on July 20, 2024, in Duluth at the age of 67. Connie was born on September 9, 1956, at Meeker County Hospital to George and Dorothy (Hervin) Kaddatz. She was one of nine children who were raised on the family farm south of Cosmos. Anyone who knew Connie knew she had endless compassion that was demonstrated in her love for her family, her friends, and her clients. Connie held a deep devotion for God, knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and found community through her faith. She will be dearly missed by her daughters Contessa Sovereign and Jayme (Chad) McKenna; her grandchildren Shalom Larson, Olivia McKenna, and Desmond McKenna; her siblings Don (Jean) Kaddatz, Laurel (Jackie) Kaddatz, Coreen (Steve) Williams, Bette Schweer, Georgine Madden, Craig (Nancy) Kaddatz, Jay Paul (Denise) Kaddatz, and Patricia (Scott) Cozad; and her many nieces and nephews. She will join those who preceded her death in heaven: her daughter Cally Jo; her parents Dorothy and George Kaddatz; brother-in-law Brian Schweer; nephew Michael Lundin; Janice Winter; Elizabeth (Lisa) and Mike Zeps; and her dog Jaxon. Visitation will be held from 5 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Third Street Chapel of Dennis- Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made payable to the “WAF-Cally Jo fund” may be directed to the Cally Jo Children’s Fund c/o Waseca Area Foundation at 501 East Elm Avenue, Waseca, MN 56093. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Jillene Gallatin officiating. A luncheon will follow at church. Connie will be laid to rest next to her dolly, Cally Jo, at Lake Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

Phyllis J. Larson, 89, of Litchfield passed away peacefully in her home on July 16, 2024. She was surrounded by loving family who bear the profound grief of missing her and yet rejoice that she is alive with her LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Phyllis lived serving and loving the LORD with her whole heart, soul, and mind. She loved her neighbors as herself, leaving everyone she met better off than when she found

Dorothy “Dottie” Madsen, 100, of Litchfield passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at her home in Litchfield. Memorial services are pending. Dorothy Florence Hanscom Madsen was born June 24, 1924, in St. Paul. She was the first child of Harold Earl Hanscom, a pharmacist and pharmaceutical salesman, and Florence Kuntz Hanscom, both of Willmar. She was the elder sister of the Hanscom’s second child, Don. She grew up and was educated in St. Paul. She graduated Hamline University, having studied to be a nurse and medical technician. She was a nurse in the Navy during World War 2 and worked at Veteran’s Hospital in Minneapolis. She formed deep and lasting friendships with several of her colleagues and the women often traveled together and with her parents. By her own reckoning, she had visited all 48 of the contiguous states during her lifetime. On June 18, 1955, she was married to Marshall Nelson Madsen of Willmar, a hunting and fishing buddy of her father and her cousin, Bob McGraw, and the newlyweds settled in Bloomington and joined Hope Presbyterian Church. Their first child, Amy Louise, was born in May of 1958. Their second child, Robert Earl, was born in May of 1959. Dottie’s time and efforts were devoted to the care of her family. In 1967, the family moved to Birmingham, Ala., where they joined Second Presbyterian Church. In 1972, the family moved to Stone Mountain, Ga., and joined Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. In 1992, following Marshall’s retirement, the couple moved to Litchfield and joined First Presbyterian Church. Dottie was active in all the churches where she was a member, serving, at various time, in Presbyterian Women, the Board of Deacons, and as an elder at First (Litchfield). Dottie lived out the faith she professed. Her attention was often focused on the needs of others. Visitors would be inundated with offers of food. Rides were given to strangers. All were welcomed. She is survived by her daughter (Amy Sullivan), son-in-

Larry R. Swenson, 83, of Litchfield passed away at Meeker Manor in Litchfield on Friday, July 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. Memorial Services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield and visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. The Golden Fleece Lodge #89 Masonic Club will pray at 12:30 p.m., also at the church. Beloved husband, father, grandpa ‘GPA’, greatgrandpa ‘GGPA’, uncle, cousin, dedicated friend, avid hunter and fisherman, outdoorsman, pilot, excellent cook, card player, golfer, traveler and business leader ... he was curious and passionate in all his many interests. Larry was very community minded, volunteering for Shriners Children’s Hospital and putting smiles on so many kids’ faces as Lars the Clown. He was also involved in Golden Fleece #89 Masonic Club, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and many more. Larry had a passion for helping others and enjoyed being socially connected. His career spanned from banking to many years of barbering with his father-in-law, which led to owning a barbershop on Main Street in Litchfield until he eventually pursued a different path. As an insurance professional, Larry owned and operated L.R. Swenson Insurance for many years. He was awarded number one agency and number one insurance agent multiple years in a row and enjoyed mentoring his agents to ensure their success. Larry Russell Swenson, the son of Linus and Rosella (Raad) Swenson, was born on December 8, 1940, in rural Appleton. He graduated from Ortonville High School and was united in marriage to his lifelong sweetheart Carol Steen on April 8, 1961, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Together they raised their family, residing in Willmar, Worthington and Sioux Falls before coming back ‘home’ to Litchfield in 2011. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; son Timothy (Terri) of Litchfield and their children, Trista (Dustin) Skalberg and Eric (Annaleah); daughter Kelly (Gary) C

Sheril Kay Woodford, 69, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, passed away on June 18, 2024, at her home in Grove City surrounded by her loved ones. She was able to say her last goodbyes to her husband, children, grandchildren, and other family members. A Celebration of Sheri’s life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Ladybird Park, 25134-25214 CSAH 1, Litchfield, MN 55355. The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel is in charge of the arrangements. Sheril (Sheri) Kay (Smith) Woodford, the daughter of Robert and Sharon (Rubel) Smith was born on August 3, 1954, in Poplar, Mont. Sheril was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. The family moved to Darwin where Sheril grew up and attended Litchfield school before the family moved to Cokato where Sheril continued her education. She attended beautician school in Minneapolis. On December 2, 1972, Sheri was united in marriage to Steve Peterson at Stockholm Lutheran Church in rural Cokato. Together they made their home in Dassel. In the fall of 1979, Sheri met the love of her life and on June 28, 1980, was united in marriage to Keith Woodford Jr. at her parents’ home. Together they made their home in Florida for a few years before moving to Cokato. They resided in Cokato for several years when they moved to Fairhaven. For the past 25 years they have lived in the Grove City area. Sheri was employed as a bartender for several years and had also worked as a housekeeper for many years. She also worked as a beautician cutting hair for many family members and friends. She enjoyed making crafts, sewing aprons, cooking, and could plan and host parties for holidays and special events like no other and also took joy decorating her home, especially for the holiday seasons. She could make something out of nothing. She loved to spend time camping with her family. Everyone always knew that Sheri always had the great tasting treats. She always had time for her family and friends, and uncon

A man of great character with a joy for life has left us far too early. Charles ‘Chuck’ H. Fenton of Litchfield passed away on July 19 at his lake home in Park Rapids after a short and heartbreaking battle with pancreatic cancer. Chuck was surrounded by his loving wife, Sue and two children, Josh and Cassie, as he made his way to his forever home. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 25 at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield from 4 - 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, July 26 at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield at 1 p.m. followed by an interment at Lake Ripley Cemetery and a reception at Litchfield Golf Club on Lake Ripley. Chuck was born on March 20, 1949, in Litchfield. He was born to Richard (Dick) and Margaret (Maggie) Fenton and was the oldest of three, with two sisters, Deborah (Debbie) and Susan (Suzy). At a young age, the Fenton family moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., where Chuck spent some of his younger years playing in the deserts of Arizona. When Chuck was 16, his family moved back to Litchfield, where his father, Dick, came back to help run the family car dealership, Fenton Motors. Chuck graduated from Litchfield High School in 1967. Chuck attended University of Minnesota and received a bachelor’s degree in political science. While attending U of M, Chuck was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He always spoke of the fond memories he had living at the fraternity house with his fraternity brothers. Following his days at the U of M, Chuck started his professional career working as a realtor in the Twin Cities. During this time, he met his beloved wife, Susan (Sue) Stenberg. Chuck and Sue met while living in the same apartment complex in Bloomington. You might say it was love at first sight because three weeks later, Chuck proposed to Sue and they were married three months later on October 12, 1974, in Annandale. Following their marriage, Chuck and Sue resided in Burnsville where Chuck continued his real estate career and Sue worke

Memorial service for Merliene M. Schultz, 88, of Grove City will be on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Grove City. The visitation will be on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Grove City. Interment will be on the family farm next to her husband. Merliene passed away at St. Cloud Hospital on July 20, 2024. Merliene Margaret Schultz was born May 16, 1936, in Atwater, the daughter of Sam and Myrtle (Bomsta) Mazo. She quit school after the 8th grade to stay home and take care of her baby brother Gary. Merliene was united in marriage to Donald Loren Schultz on December 18, 1954, and then made their life on the family farm north of Grove City. Merliene was the ultimate homemaker before she took a job at the bakery at Red Owl in Litchfield. Then after the closing she went to work for a disabled child in Atwater and later to the DAC in Atwater until retiring. Merliene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City in which she was deeply devoted to her faith. Merliene loved the farming life and having family and friends come to the farm to visit and maybe play some dice or cards. She enjoyed watching and hearing about the area stock car races, especially with her family so involved. She attended as many activities as she could that her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren would participate in. Merliene taught herself to sew in which she put to good use making dresses for weddings, First Communion dresses, and patching many clothes. In later years she really enjoyed watching her birds, having family, friends and visitors for coffee at the farm. Merliene is survived by her boys, Barry (Mary) Schultz of Grove City, Lee (Pam) Schultz Comfrey, Cary (Jane) Schultz of Atwater, and Mark of Grove City; her grandchildren Katy and Jason Lang, Brandon and Lisa Schultz, Jenny and Roger Fulsang, Alysia and Randy Alderman, David and Michael Wilmes, Erin Hovey and Luke, Zach and Ashley Schultz, Jennifer and Shaun Bingam