All Obituaries

Phyllis was born June 13, 1928 in Browerville to Eli & Pauline (Pollok) Lucas.  She attended school in Browerville but was unable to graduate with her class due to tuberculosis.   When Phyllis was 17, she was sent to a sanatorium in Wadena for people with the illness.  It was while she was there that she met her future husband, Ralph Van Kempen, where he was also a patient.  They were married on June 17, 1950 in Browerville. Phyllis was a homemaker who helped...

Leo Richard Cech was born on May 16, 1927 to Paul and Irene (Chihos) Cech on the Iron Range where his father was working. When he was 6 months old, his parents moved to the farm that became his in Iona township outside Browerville. Leo graduated from Browerville High School in 1944, then farmed with his parents until their retirement. Leo and his father did a lot of custom work in the county. In summer Leo left home at first light and returned after dark for supper.  Leo loved big...

Louise Marie Drajna was born June 14, 1941, to Roy and Agnes Hill in a small log cabin in Staples, MN. She grew up in Staples and was a 1960 graduate of Staples High School.  Louise married her love, Allan Drajna on June 23, 1981, in Long Prairie, MN.  Louise brought her four children from a previous marriage to the union and was also blessed with three stepchildren from Allan's previous marriage.  Together they raised their children in Clarrisa, on a small...

Arvin (Arv) Wardien, 67, of Long Prairie, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on September 6, 2020.   Arv was born July 19, 1953, in Bertha to Earl and Florance (Paulson) Wardien.  He married Nancy Sharp on June 10, 1972.  Arv married Cynthia Kangas on October 19, 1984.  Arv and Cindy made their home in Long Prairie where he owned and operated Creative Concepts for 26 years.   Arv drove school bus for 30 years; becoming a favorite...

  On May 10, 1937, Joanne was born to Ray and Vivian Bean. She was raised on the family farm near Hewitt. She attended Hewitt Public School and graduated in 1955. On April 14, 1956, Joanne married Marlin Crider. They then moved to the family farm, where they raised 3 children. Joanne also worked at the Todd County Care Center during this time. In 1983, Marlin and Joanne sold the family farm and moved into Clarissa, where Joanne enjoyed her years baking, doing crosswords puzzles,...

Arnie was born December 16, 1943, in Pipestone to Peter & Louise (Prinsen) Jordt.  He farmed his entire life and loved his farm.  He loved getting together with the family for gatherings, visiting and especially eating.  Some of his favorite sayings were “you sweetie and get over here”. Arnie is preceded in death by his parents; he is survived by his adopted family:  Scott (Sandy) Van Norman, Rick (Christine) Van Norman, Deb (Jamie) Wall, Randy Van...

Harriet was born March 6, 1924, in Grey Eagle, to John & Erma (Fuller) Karnes.  She attended school through the 8th grade after which she stayed on the farm to help raise her siblings.  Harriet met John through her cousin around Thanksgiving; the couple married on her parent’s farm just a couple months later in Grey Eagle on January 19, 1943.  Together they raised their family on the farm in Grey Eagle. Harriet moved to the Mother of Mercy Senior Living in Albany in...

Mark was born February 23, 1959, in Browerville to Willard & Elsie (Opelia) Dreher.  He attended Long Prairie High School.  After high school, Mark took a job at the Long Prairie Packing Plant.  In May 1979, Mark was in a diving accident leaving him a quadriplegic.  He worked at Canterbury Downs for several years after his accident until his health no longer permitted it.  Mark enjoyed riding trails in his chair, watching sports, especially football and making...