All Obituaries

Donna Rita Merkel, 83, passed away in the comfort of her home on June 23, 2022. Donna was finally able to once again join the love of her life, Paul. May she finally find happiness in the comfort of his arms again. Donna was born in Lake City, MN on June 28, 1938 to Fred and Agnes (Megears) Linaman. Donna was one of the two sets of twins in her family. She grew up in a big family with seven other siblings. Her family moved around while she was growing up, but stayed in the Spring Valley...

James Walter Ryan, age 77, passed away peacefully at home in Stewartville, MN on June 16th after a yearlong battle with cancer.  He gratefully joined his beloved wife, Rita, who passed away unexpectedly only 97 days before him.  Jim is survived by his son Jeff and Grandson Benjamin of Duluth MN, and his daughter Kelly (Gerald) Burt, and Grandchildren Anastasia and Nicholas of Blaine MN. He is also survived by his amazing siblings, Marlene (Milt) Tyler of La Crosse WI, Rich Ryan of...

Gary Joe Smith, 64, of Harmony, MN passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Gary Joe Smith was born in Preston, MN on August 13, 1957. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, and step grandfather. He grew up in the area and attended Wykoff High School. He had 3 sons, Benjamin, Jess and Ryan and one daughter, Lisa. He married Barb House on August 30, 2014. Gary was an owner/operator of his own trucking company, Gary Smith Trucking, for a number of years. In...

Iris Ann Polashek was born into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA.  Iris is survived by her loving parents Michael and Sarah (Balik) Polashek of Clermont, IA, paternal grandparents John & Nancy Polashek, maternal grandparents Merlin & Allison Balik, great-grandparents Jan Bruns, Bill & Ann Meirick, aunts and uncles Katie Polashek, Izzy Balik & Melinda Fritz and children Brock,...

Seevert Bernell Gronvold “Bub”, age 74 Of Grand Meadow died peacefully on June 8, 2022 At Mayo Clinic Hospital - St Marys Campus.   Seevert Was Born ln Kasson, Minnesota to Harvey and Lenora (Starkson) Gronvold on September 12,1947.  He graduated high school in 1965 from Byron High School and later Attended Austin Vocational Technical Institute for Auto Mechanics. Seevert married Jacqueline Ann Fenton on October 21,1972 at St Finbarr Catholic Church. Together...

Richard D. Bessingpas passed away June 8, 2022 at the age of 84 due to heart failure. He was born on the family farm in York Township on April 23, 1938 to Ronald & Myrtle Bessingpas. He attended Red Country School for the first eight years. He then attended Wykoff high school graduating in 1956. He enjoyed playing football in high school. Played adult softball for many years. He served two years as an MP in the United States Army. After serving in the military he returned to the family...

Loving mother and grandmother Edith Bigalk’s life didn’t come to an end with her death. Edith passed away peacefully on June 6, 2022, after a courageous battle with kidney disease. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Edith was born July 21, 1931, to Anton and Mary (Leferink) Reicks. She was raised on the family farm, where she learned the value of hard work with her daily chores feeding chickens and milking...

Alice Mae Zubrod, 92, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2022, surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Alice at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Cresco, IA, on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. with Father Daniel Knipper officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Cresco.  Visitation will be held Friday morning prior to Mass from 10:00-11:45 a.m.  The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the church. ...

  Shirley A. McConnell, age 87, of Cresco, IA, passed away on June 5, 2022, surrounded by family at Regional Health Services of Howard County. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Daniel Knipper officiating.  Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. and a...

Gloria Lynda Karen Tupy, 72, of Ankeny, IA, breathed her last breath on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 at about 3:00 p.m. at Unity Point Methodist Medical Hospital in Des Moines, IA. She fought with cancer the last months of her life. Gloria was born on December 26th, 1949, to Clarence and Gladys (Treangen) Williams. She graduated from Lanesboro High School. She married Dale Tupy in 1977 and combined his family with hers. She worked as a bartender at the Spring Grove Liquor Store, participating...