Emmett Aidan Nickeson-Ranum, age 14, of Stillwater, our gentle explorer, passed into the hands of the Lord December 3, 2014.

Preceded in death by grandpa, Albert Ranum, and uncle, Monti Nickeson.

He will be so deeply and lovingly missed by parents, Karl Ranum and Michelle Nickeson; sister, Lily (15); grandparents, Charles and Linda Nickeson; and Ruth Ranum; uncles, Grant (Francesca Janis) Ranum, Mike (Teresa) Nickeson, Eric (Lisa) Ranum, and Mark (Julie) Nickeson; cousins, Andrew, Katy, Alex, Alesha, Colin and Nathan.

Emmett’s spirit, wonder, and passion for life had no boundaries.  His keen sense of curiosity spanned interests from enjoying a gourmand culinary appetite to outdoor wilderness adventures; from the wonder of  fireworks and  crafting his own major neighborhood displays to flying Uncle Mike’s airplane; and most lovingly the simple joy of fishing with Grandma Nick or being Grandma Ruth’s  #1 gardener.  Emmett was a dedicated member and Life Scout of the Stillwater Boy Scout Troop 114, Stillwater High School Alpine Ski Team and a lettered founding member of the Stillwater Mountain Bike Cycling Team.  He attended the University of MN Dive Camp and raced for the St. Croix Swim Club.

A celebration of Emmett’s life will be Saturday, December 13, 2014, 1:00 P.M. at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 6201 Osgood Avenue North, Stillwater.  Family will receive friends from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at church.   In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Stillwater Boy Scout Troop 114, Stillwater Mountain Bike Cycling Team, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP – Greater MN) PO Box 68054, Minneapolis, MN 55418 or Stillwater Junior High Suicide Prevention.

Judy Anderson, age 61, Stillwater, Class of 1971, died December 11, 2014 from cancer, surrounded by her family.
Survived by parents, Wendell and Johanne Anderson; siblings, Doug (Teri), Debbie (Ron Jansen), Doris (Joe Souter), Kim (Ron Mork), Dean (Ruth), Craig and Larry (Susie); godchildren, Aaron and Amelia; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; special friend, Debbie Schroeder and Maryland friends.
Judy worked for NWNL in Maryland, U.S. Army Natl Guard. Cancer survivor for nine years. Judy was a great singer, had a wonderful smile and loved everyone.
A Celebration of Judys Life will be held Thursday, 11 a.m. at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard (NW corner of Hwy 36 and Cty Rd 5), Stillwater. Visitation one hour prior.

Donna Marlene Lindell, age 79, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona passed away suddenly Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Havasu Regional Medical Center.
Donna was born February 6, 1935 in Duluth, Minnesota. She is the daughter of the late Swan Elmer and Gladys (Lindgren) Swanson.
Donna graduated from Denfeld High School and St. Lukes College where she received her Nursing Degree.
She started her Group Health career in the Twin Cities, and then became a Nurse Practitioner.
On April 6, 1957 Donna married John Ned Lindell in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Donna enjoyed watching and playing sports, she was an avid swimmer who spent three hours every day in the pool. She was passionate about many things: chocolate making, reading, crafts, knitting, she loved to travel, and she was a master gardener. Donna loved and had a passion for the communities in which she lived: Duluth, Stillwater and Lake Havasu, AZ. She loved her family and was instrumental in keeping them connected across the miles. She adored her grandchildren; they were a bright light and incredible source of joy.
Donna was known for being a caretaker; she cared for and loved everyone and all living beings. She was a true nurse throughout all aspects of life.
Donna is survived by her husband, John NedLindell, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; daughter, Kim Louise Lindell, of Bemidji, Minnesota; son, John Ned Lindell Jr. and granddaughters Kayla and Ayana Nguyen, all of River Falls, Wisconsin; sister, Linda (Jim) Dempster, of Clayton, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Swan Elmer and Gladys Swanson and brother, Don Swanson.
The family will be hosting a celebration of life at a later date.
Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Donnas family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.

Seventy years ago on December 28, 1944, Amee Gunlikson and Roland Brandt were married at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA. Their seventy years together show commitment to each other, their family and their lifes calling to mission work in Papua New Guinea. In 1990 they chose the Stillwater area as their retirement community. Both were active at Bethlehem Lutheran in Bayport as well as other areas in the community.
They are looking forward to being surrounded by their family on January 3, 2015 as their 7 children, spouses, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren will celebrate this special occasion with them at Croixdale in Bayport.

Age 72 of Bayport, died Friday, December 12, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family.

CarolAnn is survived by her sons; Mark (Karen) Purington and Scott (Nancy) Purington; granddaughters; Kailey and Morgan; brothers; Don (Darla), Tim, and Jim (Irene) Giles; and her beloved dog, Suka.

CarolAnn is preceded in death by her husbands; Dale Purington and Joseph Zell; parents Elmer and Dorothy Giles; and brother Roger Giles.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 with visitation for one hour prior to the service all at Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Avenue North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery in Bayport, MN. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.simonetfuneralhome.com.

(nee Alldritt)

Jessica Ludowese was born on July 17, 1966 in Stillwater, MN and died peacefully with her family around her on December 14, 2014.
Jessica is survived by her loving husband, David; son, Chayse; and daughter, Alexis; mother, Judith Michel; father, Jerome Alldritt; sister, Jody Alldritt and many other family members and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Memorial service Friday, December 19 at 4 p.m. with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 3 p.m. at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard (NW corner of Highway 36 and Cty Rd 5), Stillwater. Memorials preferred to the family.

Bruce L. Johnson arrived safely home in heaven December 11, 2014, departing from Stillwater, MN.
Survived by loving wife Shari of 48 years; devoted nieces Debbie Jankura and family, and Pamela Robb; brothers-in-law John and Tom Quam and families, sister-in-law Marty Quam and family, beloved dogs Samantha and Gracie.
Preceded in death by parents Roy and Eda Johnson, sister Babette Robb, and his once in a lifetime dog Spencer. Was active in naval operations during WWII where he served as a Navy Ranger. After the war he became a proponent of health and fitness and eventually introduced to the U.S., the Chinese Wand Exercises, which he learned in China and authored a book of the same name. Later in life he became a born-again Christian, attended a Christian college in Ft. Myers, FL where he eventually became a professor and taught cult awareness and world religions. His life touched people in many ways, some of which will only be revealed to him now, in heaven.
A family graveside gathering will take place at a later time.

Loving Wife
Mom and Grandmother
Age 84 of Stillwater passed away suddenly as a result of a stroke.
Gerry’s family and faith guided her throughout her life. She always welcomed you with a hug and you never left without one.
She is survived by husband Fredric W.; children Ric (Veronica), Patricia (James) Oswald, Anne Justesen, and Christopher; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; siblings William (Lois) Lehman, Judy Ash.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014 with visitation one hour prior to the service all at the Chapel at Boutwells Landing, 5600 Norwich Parkway, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082.

Todd and Kathy Junker of Fernandina Beach, FL, formerly of Stillwater, announce the engagement of their daughter, Talia Junker, to Nathan Carrier, son of Al and Pat Carrier of West Bend, WI. Talia is a 2003 graduate of Stillwater Area High School and is currently pursuing a degree in Healthcare Management. Nate is a 2003 graduate of the University of Wisconsin River Falls, with a degree in Health and Human Performance and Elementary Education. He is currently employed by Refractory Services, Inc., in St. Paul. A January 2016 wedding is planned. The couple will reside in Hudson, WI.

Lillian Delores Smith, otherwise known as Dode Smith, age 88, of Stillwater, passed away peacefully the evening of November 24, 2014, following a very bad fall and head injury.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Leo, in 2003, as well as her two sisters, Joyce and Phyllis.
She is survived by her two daughters Mary Ellen and Nancy; two granddaughters, Miriam and Emily; as well as two great-grandchildren, Darryl and Julian. In the Mason City Iowa area she is survived by many family of her two sisters who resided there much of their lifetimes.
Dode was born in Rochester and worked at the Mayo Clinic for several years until Leo transferred his work in the National Guard to the Stillwater Armory in 1957. At that point Dode started working for the Stillwater School District as a cook. Both Dode and Leo retired relatively young and started traveling to find the best warm spot to live. They had some real adventures doing this. They finally settled on Mesa, Arizona, where they lived happily together for seven years, until Leo passed away in 2003. Dode stayed on in Mesa until her health began to fail. She loved her life in Mesa and had many good friends down there. She had a beautiful home in Leisure World and enjoyed petting her beloved dog Honey, playing cards and going shopping. She was moved to Stillwater into an assisted living apartment in 2011 because of health issues and the need to be closer to family members.
An informal service will occur at a future date to honor Dode and to share some special memories, stories and photos of her life. An announcement will be put into the Gazette and personal notices will be sent out when we are able to coordinate a specific time and place to get together, as many family members live in other parts of our country.

Age 77, Lifetime resident of Lake Elmo. C full-blooded Irishman with a Age 77, Lifetime resident of Lake Elmo. Cherished Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and friend to many. Died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 21, 2014. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Bunny was preceded in death by loving wife, Kay; parents John and Veronica Day; brothers John, Jerome, Bob; sister-in-law, Evamae Day; and brother-in-law, Russell Juhl.
Bunny is survived by his children, Lori and Benny, Linda, Kevin and Jackie, and Lisa; grandchildren, Brittany, Alexandra, Raelin, Mitchel, Hunter, and Jacob; siblings, Sister Mary Jeroma, B.V.M., Margaret (Tony) Schmidt, Richard (Pam) Day; brother-in-law, Richard (Cheryl) Hoff; sisters-in-law, Barb Day and Joan Day. Uncle Bunny is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Bunny was a full-blooded Irishman with a colorful personality, known by many and loved by all. No one was a stranger due to Bunny’s friendly and conversational nature, and you always knew he was around by his distinctive whistling. Bunny was known for his devotion to polka music, tractors, cribbage playing, going to breakfast, farming, Stillwater sports, family vacations, and cookie tasting. He loved his family dearly and faithfully attended all of his grandkids’ events. There will never be another one like Bunny Day…we miss you.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Church of St. Michael, 611 S. 3rd St., Stillwater, MN 55082. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday at Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave. N., Stillwater, MN 55082, and also for one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday.

William “Bill” Utecht, age 97 of Rochester passed away on December 26, 2014 at Madonna Meadows with his family by his side.
Bill was born on May 28, 1917 in Stillwater, MN to Leo and Anna Utecht. He attended local schools and ultimately graduated from Marquette University in 1940 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In May of 1941, he married the love of his life, Maureen Drury in Milwaukee, WI, a marriage that was to last over 68 years. Together they had six children. Bill was a WWII Army Sergeant who was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines. He and Maureen settled in Falcon Heights, MN and were instrumental in organizing the city. He served as the first mayor of Falcon Heights. He worked at Brown and Bigelow Advertising Company for a number of years as a manager. In 1969 he accepted a position as CEO of IBM Credit Union Rochester. He held this position until his retirement in 1983. Bill was a devout Catholic and good community servant.
He is survived by his children, Linda (Don) Reardon of St. Paul, Eileen (Bruce) Berg of Naperville, IL, Barbara (Kirby) Bayerle of Eden Prairie, MN, Thomas of Lakeville, MN, Maureen (Keith) Buss of Rochester, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maureen, his infant daughter Mary Kathleen and his sister Lucille Felth.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Father Paul Nelson officiated. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral on Monday. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to the Channel One Food Program in Rochester.

If you have spent any time in Lake Elmo, you would have most likely ran into him.
You could have seen him in the mornings as he headed out to Gormans for his morning breakfast, or over at Hagbergs getting his paper for the day.
You may have even seen him later in the afternoon at Twin Point, and then over at Lake Elmo Bank, or the clinic giving the cute girls a hard time. Next, he would head over to Walmart making his usual rounds, just visiting and filling you in on the latest news of Lake Elmo.
In the evenings he would usually attend one of his grandkids events. Whether it was volleyball, hockey or a band concert, he didnt miss an event. If not, he would be attending one of Stillwater High School sporting events, as he was a proud graduate of SAHS.
On weekends you would often find him at the Rec Center in Stillwater.
In the Summertime he would have faithfully attended every day of the County Fair. He also loved watching the ball games at Huff n Puff, where he could give you the score of each game. In the winters he liked to head over to Green Acres, whether he was helping out, tubing, chatting, or just watching the fun.
Having lived in Lake Elmo most of his life, he could tell you who farmed where, and who drilled what well. If you got talking long enough, he would even be able to find someone that you both knew in the Lake Elmo Area.
One thing is certain, if you had saw him, he would have greeted you, told you a joke or a story, and whistled as he walked away.
He truly was a treasure to know, and will be missed dearly.

Sandra Faye Gosso, age 68 of Stillwater, passed away on December 25, 2014 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born on December 18, 1946 in St. Paul, MN to Gordon and Kathryne (McKinnon) Handevidt.
Sandy was preceded in death by her grandson, Gage; father, Gordon Handevidt; brother, Dan Handevidt and daughter-in-law, Anita Gosso.
She is survived by her husband, Robert of 49 years; children, Rande (Allison) and Ryan (Shasta); grandchildren, Tyler, Riane, Peyton, Lauryn, Ross, Cooper and Crosby; mother, Kay Handevidt; siblings, Sue (Jim) White, Todd (Sandy Hohler) Handevidt, Dale Handevidt and Tim (Mary) Handevidt; also many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Service, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th Street North, Stillwater, MN. Private family interment in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Stillwater, MN.
To leave an online condolence for Sandy’s family, please visit www.handevidtfh.com.
Arrangements with Handevidt Funeral Home, Cloquet, MN 218-879-4636.

Jean Spreeman, age 88 of Stillwater passed away.
Preceded in death by her husband Roy; parents, George and Hilda Fenske; sister, Gretchen; and brother, Bill.
Survived by her son, Jan (Julia); three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and sister, Anita.
A special thanks to the Lakeview Hospice team and Dr. Bransford for the care and kindness. Memorials to donor’s choice. Private services are being held.

Viola H. Russell, age 89, of Stillwater passed away peacefully on December 27, 2014.
Viola was born near Garretson, SD, on March 7, 1925. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, graduating in 1946 with a BS in math and physics. She was employed by the Minnesota Highway Department for nine years as an engineer, becoming the first woman in the state to earn a Civil Engineer rating.
She met her husband, Jim, at the Highway Department and they were married in 1956. Together they designed and built their home on the North Hill in Stillwater, where they raised their two daughters, Mary and Dorothy.
Vi became a volunteer early in her married life, serving in ladies circle at Trinity Lutheran Church and as a Gray Lady with the Red Cross. She was a Girl Scout troop leader in the St. Croix Valley throughout the 1960s, and was active in Scouting for the rest of her life. In 1971 she became the first paid employee of the Community Volunteer Service in Stillwater, serving as executive director until she retired in 1991. She was a founding member of the Minnesota Association of Volunteer Directors and was active in local organizations including League of Women Voters, Business and Professional Women’s Association, and the American Association of University Women, serving as their newsletter editor for many years.
She traveled extensively in the US and abroad, visiting more than 40 countries on 6 continents and spending time with her family in Denmark.
She is survived by her daughters Mary Russell and Dorothy (Peder) Knudsen, her granddaughters, Helena, Anna, and Elisa Knudsen, sister Ruth (Joe) Picasso and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Stella and Henry Hanson, sisters Mary Lou (Mike) Martinez and Doris (Paul) Nystrom, and brother John (Marilyn) Hanson.
Special thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan Section 3 and St. Croix Hospice. Vi touched lives around the world. She was loved and will be missed.
Memorials are requested to the charities of your choice. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 4 at 11 a.m. at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd. (NW corner of HWY 36 and Co Rd 5), Stillwater. Visitation Saturday, January 3 from 3-8 p.m. at BRADSHAW and one hour prior to the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Larson, Betty Rae (nee: Simmons) age 83, of Stillwater, formerly of Grand Rapids and Hibbing, MN, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2014.
Betty was born in 1931 to Ray and Bess Simmons in Gatzke, MN. She graduated from Roseau High School, and attended Bemidji State University. In 1951, she married Robert Larson in Roseau, MN. Betty was a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a homemaker and a teacher’s assistant in Cherry and Grand Rapids, MN. She was a member of PEO in Hibbing, Grand Rapids and Stillwater, a volunteer for many years at Grand Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids and a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids and Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater.
Preceded in death by husband, Robert; brothers, Robert, Russell, Ronald, Richard; sister, Gloria (Leroy) Swanson.
Survived by sons, Daniel of Minneapolis, Brian (Sonja) of Stillwater, Gregg (Lisa) of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren, Anders (Jenna), Annika, Hans, Colton, Amanda, Race; brother, Roger of Bloomington, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial service Saturday 11 a.m. Jan. 3, 2015 at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater MN 55082, with visitation at 10 a.m.. Interment service at Zion Lutheran Church Columbarium, Grand Rapids MN on Memorial Day, May 25, 2015, at 10:30 a.m.

George Kropal, age 73, of Lake St. Croix Beach passed away on December 28, 2014 at his residence.
Memorial Service 11 a.m. Saturday, January 3 with visitation 1 hour prior at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI, 715-386-3725. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeland.
www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Glen Roger Youngquist Obituary

Glen Roger Youngquist, 93, passed away peacefully December 6, 2014 in Kissimmee, Florida following a brief illness. Glen was born on the family farm near Somerset, Wisconsin to Leonard Reynold Youngquist and Ruth Marie Caroline Kriesel Youngquist. He is survived by older brother Alan Youngquist of Oneida, IL, younger sister Marjorie Suzanne Steward of Cokato, MN and nephews Eric Youngquist, Mark Steward, Thomas A. Steward, Daniel Steward and John Steward in addition to grand nephews and grand nieces.

Glen and his brother and sister attended Landing Hill (country) School near Somerset, WI and the nearby German Lutheran Church until they moved across the St. Croix River to a farm near Stillwater, MN. There they attended Jackman/District 8 country school and Stillwater High School and were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, MN. Glen took particular care to drill his sister, Marjorie, in grammar so that she would be prepared for her freshman year Latin class.

Glen graduated from high school in 1944. He supported the troops as a home front farmer during World War II. Except for a brief stint in southern MN, he continued on the Stillwater farm until his parents retirement when the farm was sold. Glen then completed dental technician training in Carbondale, IL. Except for an internship in Florida, Glen worked thru to retirement as a certified dental technician with Dental Arts Lab in Peoria, IL. He was a regular attendee at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria and enjoyed the teaching of Dr. Bruce W. Dunn, Senior Pastor. He also enjoyed a broad range of music – going so far as to attend his nephews jug band concert (without complaint) at Bradley University in Peoria.

Upon retirement, Glen returned to Florida and taught basic literacy skills under a new program for younger offenders in Gainesville, FL. He joined the Good Samaritan Society Village in Kissimmee, FL, closer to Orlando but stated “I dont want to play shuffleboard.” Instead, he volunteered with the Jesus Film project and Wycliffe Translators and Campus Crusade in Orlando. His team reconditioned film projectors for reuse with generators in rural locations where the Jesus film was being introduced. Glens occasional updates mentioned 60 projector/generator sets being sent to Brazil, 60 others to the Zaire/Congo and 96 to Indonesia.

In his spare time as a retiree, Glen gardened and tended gardens for others and was a regular attendee at the Good Samaritan Community Church. He shared his produce with other Village residents. He was also known to be the person you could rely on to fix things that required mechanical skill. Glen became less mobile after suffering a fall in 2011. As a life-long Christian, Glen increasingly looked forward to the heavenly home that he believed was being prepared for Him. His life was lived in faithful dedication to the outreach work of the Christian community and preaching the Good News of Jesus sacrifice for forgiveness of sin.

His friends and family rejoice that Glen has gone to his heavenly home and is enjoying the God-given blessings of the life eternal he sought to have others know and embrace. Per Glens request, a funeral service is not planned. However, details are pending for a late December time of remembrance at Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee. The family wishes to thank the staff of Good Samaritan Village for providing a supportive and comfortable community for Glen these past years. The family also thanks Herberta Smith for her watchful care and neighborly and Christian kindness to Glen.

Gifts in memory of Glen Youngquist can be sent to two organizations that Glen supported over the years: Far East Broadcasting Corporation of Sacramento, CA and the Haggai Institute of Atlanta, GA.

Jim Stevensen, age 82 of Stillwater, MN died peacefully on Tuesday December 30, 2014 at home.
He was born on November 29, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN to Royal and Esther (Hendrickson) Stevensen.
Jim retired from the Stillwater Fire Department and the Minnesota National Guard.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger and son, James.
Survived by wife, Mary Jo (Hicks) Stevensen of 45 years; children, Judy Carlson, Stacy Mestre, Audry Kahlstrom and Jennifer Stevensen; 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; sister, Pat (Bob) Lang and his companions, Kiwi and Snowball also many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service 2 p.m. Monday January 5, 2015 at OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 1616 West Olive Street Stillwater, MN. Visitation one hour prior to service at the church. Interment with Military Honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
A special thank you to the best care giver and friend he could ever had, Kassandra Jo Stevensen and Lakeview Hospice.
www.cullencreafuneralhome.com