Celebrations of Life
Catherine Ann Hagan Funeral
December 1, 2023 • Tim Bjorge
Obituary Cathy entered eternal life on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Her spirit is carried on by her husband, Stephen Hagen, 3 children, 5 grandchildren, great grandson, two surviving siblings and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Cathy during her 76 years, among them: if it’s on clearance, buy it, you never know when you’ll need 7 Christmas platters. Let your husband feed the dog ice cream every night. Take lots of walks, golf, travel, and never stop laughing. Go to church. Volunteer your time. Keep every single Vikings play book from the games you attend. Bring a cooler full of cherry coke everywhere you go. You never know when you might need one. And show up for your friends and your family. Cathy did it all and more. Her stories, humor, and kindness will live on. Cathy was born and raised in Two Harbors, MN. Where she and her husband, Steve, met and fell in love. They later moved to Amery, WI, where she spent the rest of her days raising children, playing bridge and other card games with friends, golfing, playing handbells, and working for several accountants, Polk county clerk of courts, and doing payroll at Golden Age Manor. She also spent time volunteering at the Food Shelf in Amery especially with food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Cathy was very involved in First Lutheran Church. She also traveled many places with friends and family including wintering in Arizona, traveling home to Two Harbors, and cruising in Hawaii and Alaska. Her final days were spent at Amery Memory care where she passed away, peacefully. She is survived by her husband: Steve Hagen; siblings: Todd (Suzie) Cullen, Judy (Mike) Herbst; children: Lori Sather (Chad Rindt), Scott Hagen (Deb), Eric Hagen (Sarah); grandchildren: Jordan Parmeter (Alex), Alex Sather, Dylan Hagen, Ben Hagen, and Brooke Hagen; great-grandson: Harrison Parmeter; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list. Cathy is reunited with her mother and father, Dale and Burnette Cullen. Friends can visit with the Hagen family at First Lutheran Church in Amery, WI on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Service will begin at 11:00 am and there will be a lunch following that. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in honor of Cathy be made to the Amery Food Pantry or First Lutheran Church.
Orrin "Doc" Arneson Funeral
May 25, 2023 • Tim Bjorge
Dr. Orrin Nathan Arneson was born on July 14, 1928 to Rudolph and Elizabeth (Sagler) Arneson in DeSoto, WI. He passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the age of 94 at Riverbend Assisted Living in Amery, WI. Orrin was in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota for Forestry. He then went to Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK where he received his FAA Aircraft and Engine Mechanic license. He was a line mechanic for two years at Wisconsin Central Airlines in Madison, WI. In 1951, he went to Marquette University in Michigan for pre-med and then attended four years at the University of Wisconsin Medical School where he got his doctorate of medicine. He graduated on June 15, 1956 and he then married Kristie (Leirmo) on June 16, 1956 in Ferryville, WI. He did his residency at Blodgett Memorial Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan and started his general practice in July of 1957 at Amery Clinic until 1985 when he merged with Family Medical Clinic. They were blessed with four children Vicki, Duane, Yvonne and Gwen. Orrin loved flying his small personal plane, hunting elk in Idaho, deer hunting near Minong, fishing, camping and world traveling. He was active in the community, serving on the School board, Church council and serving many pancake breakfasts at the Amery airport. He was a proud veteran and volunteered for many events. He loved being a general practitioner doctor, and many family trips and events were scheduled around the over 1,400 babies that he delivered during his practice. Orrin is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ardis Libke, brother-in-law Dr. Bob Libke, brother Neil Arneson, and sister-in-law Dianne Arneson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kristie, daughter Vicki (Barry) Martin of Bloomington, MN; son Duane (Bobbi Volstad) Arneson of Pierson, FL; daughter Yvonne (Dennis) Darragh of Sebastian, FL; and daughter Gwen (Rick) Johannsen of Amery; and by four grandchildren, Adam (Anne) Martin, Tricia (Michael) Heagle, Alexandra (Micheal) Bell, Amanda Johannsen and three great grandchildren, Mila Heagle, Kira Heagle and Maci Bell. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Riverbend for their compassion, support and excellent care! Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Amery. Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery as well as the hour prior to the service at church. A private family interment with Military Honors will take place in July at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Center in Spooner, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials gratefully accepted to First Lutheran Church, Amery.
Shirley Anne Koosmann Funeral Service
December 14, 2022 • Tim Bjorge
Shirley Anne Koosmann, age 79 of Osceola, Wisconsin, passed away on December 10, 2022 at Hearthside Assisted Living in Osceola. Shirley was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 31, 1943, to Curtis and Kathryn Wohlberg. She married in October of 1961 and had two daughters, Cindy and Wendy. Shirley worked for 20 years as a manager of One Hour Martinizing in White Bear Lake, MN; from 1976 to 1996. She also worked at Presbyterian Homes on Lake Johana from 1996 to 2001. In 1996 Shirley was remarried to Neal Koosmann, and in 2002 Neal passed away from ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease. Shirley enjoyed gardening, fishing, ice fishing and camping trips when her children were young. She had a passion for riding glider planes with her husband Neal and enjoyed their trips to Florida and the North Shore where she would collect agates. Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Cindy (Paul) Gravink and Wendy (Jeff) Thompson; step daughter, Jenny (Eric) Swieringa and stepson, Neal Koosmann Jr.; her brother, Curtis (Kathy) Wohlberg; her grandchildren, Alexandra Gravink (Craig Hemp) and great grandchildren, Keegan, Kendall, Kaiden and Kinzley Hemp, grandson Robert Gravink (Hayli) and great grandchild Gracie Gravink; step grandchildren, Joshua and Shawn Koosmann; special cousins, Robert and Marilyn Graham, special friends, The Okoro Family and special caregivers, The Osceola Christian Community Homes, Hearthside Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice of Frederic, Wisconsin. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at First Lutheran Church in Amery. A visitation will take place the hour prior to the service at church. A private family burial for Shirley will take place at a later date. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, please visit http://www.williamsonwhite.com/. Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery, Wisconsin.
Gerald "Jerry" Carlson
November 1, 2022 • Tim Bjorge
Obituary Gerald “Jerry” Carlson was born on February 11, 1933 at the family home in Lincoln Township of Polk County, Wisconsin. He was the son of Gilbert and Ruby (Lindahl) Carlson. Jerry was Baptized and Confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Amery and has been a lifelong member there. He attended Pine Hill rural school and then graduated from Amery High School in 1951. After High school he worked together with his father on the dairy farm until he entered the United States Army in January of 1954. He served in the Army until January of 1956. Jerry returned to work on the family farm. On June 28, 1956 he was united in marriage to Lila Palmberg, and to this union two children were born. Jerry continued working on the farm, but they soon sold the dairy herd and transitioned to raising beef. During this time he began working with Marlin Swanson making cabinets and doing kitchen counter tops. This eventually led to Jerry going on his own and starting Jerry’s Shop in a building at the farm. He did cabinetry work for many people in the area. Jerry has always been active in many things. As a young man he enjoyed snowmobiling, he served as a 4-H leader, was on many Creamery Boards, and served on the Farm Bureau board. For hobbies he enjoyed bowling and golf. He was a long time active member of the Amery Lions Club and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. During his years in the Lion’s Club he raised corn that was sold by the club on main street for many years, a very successful fund raiser for the club. Time with family and friends was always important to Jerry. Jerry passed away at Willow Ridge Healthcare in Amery on October 27, 2022 at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Ruby Carlson as well as an infant sister Joyce. Surviving family members include his wife, of 66 years, Lila; son Scott Carlson and his wife Lisa; daughter Bonnie Wright; four grandchildren: Addie Carlson-Seefeldt and her husband Dustin, Alex Carlson and his wife Julie, Sam Carlson and Ben Wright. He also leaves five great grandchildren: Olivia, Otto, Oakley, Eleanor and Clyde; two sisters: Marilyn Eibs and her husband Erling, and Joanie Booth as well as other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Amery. There will be a visitation for the hour prior to the service at the church. Jerry will be laid to rest at the Northern Wisconsin Memorial Veterans Cemetery near Spooner on Wednesday November 2 at noon with military honors being rendered. You may sign an online guestbook and view a video tribute at http://www.williamsonwhite.com. The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services assisted the family with arrangements.
Celebration of Life for Lois Kresl
August 6, 2022 • Tim Bjorge • Psalm 23, Galatians 5:13–22, Luke 18:15–17, Mark 6:1–34
Lois Andrea (Nybakken) Kresl was born in Warren, MN to Clarence and Effie (Knutson) Nybakken on June 13, 1940. She passed away, surrounded by love and her immediate family, on July 23, 2022, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, at the age of 82 years. Lois grew up in Warren, MN, with her parents and brother James, where she was close to many aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a child, she enjoyed music, especially playing the flute and piano, ice skating, her pet Samoyeds, and time with her friends. She kept in close contact with many friends returning to the Marshall County Fair each summer to enjoy her class reunions. While completing high school, Lois taught English as a second language to migrant workers’ children and worked at the Warren drive-in movie theater, where she first met Larry. She attended and graduated from Warren public schools in 1958 and furthered her education by attending Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN. She graduated in 1962 with a bachelors degree in elementary education. Here she made additional friends she kept in touch with over the years. She married Larry Kresl of Angus, MN, following graduation, on June 9, 1962. Lois loved her profession and immediately began teaching in Crookston, MN. In 1963 she and Larry moved to Roseville, MN, where she taught second grade at North Heights elementary school. In 1964 their son, John was welcomed into the family. Following Larry’s graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1966, the family relocated to Moorhead, MN. It was here that their daughter, Julie Lynn, was welcomed into the family in 1968. In 1969, after a six-month stint in Omaha, NE, the family moved to Sun Prairie, WI, where Lois taught Montessori school. Lois continued touching the lives of many children teaching Montessori in Green Bay, WI. Here she delighted in putting her talents to work in creating numerous activities and games for the development of young children, including her own. In the summer of 1974, the family moved a final time and settled in Amery, WI. Here Lois taught kindergarten for over 20 years and a few years of Title One, a program for students that needed additional assistance. Lois had a 25-year career at Amery Public Schools, retiring in 2000. It was with great joy and pride that Lois educated a couple of generations of children from the Amery community. Outside of her family and career, Lois had many interests. Travel was one of her greatest pleasures, allowing her to express her innate curiosity in exploring new places and meeting new people. She traveled to several Scandinavian countries – and Norway twice, where she enjoyed time with her extended family and the richness of her Norwegian heritage. She cruised the Caribbean, Mexico, and six European countries on a riverboat down the Danube. Other travels include trips to China, Guatemala, England, and the African Countries of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. When not traveling overseas, she enjoyed exploring several states and Canada, often via RV with Larry after they had retired. Beyond travel, Lois also enjoyed reading, gardening, playing the piano, pottery, Rosemaling, macramé, playing tennis, investing in stocks, cross stitch, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and scrapbooking. She created beautiful scrapbooks for her four grandchildren that will be cherished forever. Lois was active in the Amery community as a longstanding poll worker, First Lutheran Church member where she was in the bell choir and served on many committees, participated in the Woman’s Community Club of Amery, and immensely enjoyed being a founder of the local chapter of The Sons of Norway. Lois’ greatest pleasure was her family. Playing games, baking cookies, riding bikes, watching sporting events, camping, doing art and craft projects, celebrating birthdays, teaching or learning a new activity, orchestrating family holidays, etc. She took every opportunity to enjoy the moments, small and large. Left to mourn Lois’ passing are her husband of 60 years, Larry, son John (Phoenix, AZ), and daughter Julie Lynn (Mahtomedi, MN). Remaining also are John’s wife, Julie Rae, and their children Lexy, Logan, and Colten; Julie Lynn’s son Nathan and her fiancé Dan Lallak and his children Matt, Justin, and Kylie; and her sister-in-law, Bette Nybakken, as well as many extended family members. Preceding Lois are her parents, Clarence and Effie Nybakken, brother James Nybakken, and parents-in-law William and Clara Kresl. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Williamson-White Funeral Home on Friday, August 5, 2022, and one hour prior to the funeral service at First Lutheran Church, Amery, WI, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Burial will be in Warren, MN, at a later date.
Amy A. Johnson Funeral
March 2, 2022 • Tim Bjorge
This is the memorial service for our sister in Christ, Amy Johnson. During this service we highlight an interview Amy did with us in Lent 2021; to see that full service, scroll down to find a link to the video. Obituary: Amy Audrey Johnson nee Jacobson passed away on February 23, 2022 at the Amery Hospital. She was born on October 7, 1929 to the late Henry & Amy (Bonderson) Jacobson in Taylors Falls, MN. Amy attended her first three grades of school, walking a mile & a half to a school out in the country. Amy’s parents moved to a farm near Shafer, MN. She was baptized in 1929 at First Lutheran Church, Taylors Falls, MN and was confirmed there in 1944. She graduated from Taylors Falls High School in 1947. Amy started college at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Her mother passed away in the fall of 1947, so Amy left college and moved home to help her father care for her younger sister, Ardis. Amy attended Bethesda Hospital Nursing School, St. Paul, MN, graduating as a nurse in 1952. She moved back home and worked at the St. Croix Falls Hospital for 3-4 years. She worked in many different places including: St. Paul, Chisago Lakes, MN., Long Beach, CA., Baraga, MI., and at the Amery Hospital. Amy met Rev. Wilbert & Mabel Johnson at the church he was serving in Minneapolis, MN. Mabel had ALS and Amy helped care for her until she passed away. She married Rev. Wilbert Johnson on February 3, 1979 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Wilbert took a call to Baraga, MI in the Upper Peninsula and Amy worked for home health care. When Wilbert retired they decided to move to Amery where Amy worked for several years as a nurse for the Amery Hospital. Wilbert passed away in 2005. Amy and Wilbert joined First Lutheran Church in Amery on June 7, 1987. She participated in Ruth Circle with quilting, Heavenly Hand-bells, choir, Bible studies and served on the church council. She volunteered at Willow Ridge and Golden Manor. Amy loved to read, play piano, help others and frequently drove for Interfaith Caregivers. Amy is preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert; parents, Henry & Amy Jacobson and infant brothers, Curtis and Henry. She is survived by her sister, Ardis (Guy) Ogilvie, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; nieces & nephews, Terri (Dale) Schinstock (son Michael), Tracy ( Cal ) Bloebaum (their children, Blake Lyon, Mindy Byrum and Nick Lyon), Jeffrey Ogilvie, Pastor Tom (Becky) Ogilvie (and their 5 children, Sydney, Sam, Fred, Frannie and Frank). She is also survived by her stepchildren, Bergita Engstrom (her sons, Jon (Dana) & Chad (Linnea), Gerene (Gary) Johnson (children, Matthew & Emily), Kirstin (Anthony) Ruona (children, Angela, Andrew (Katie), & Kelly Jo), Lane Johnson (daughters: Jennifer & Jessica), grandchildren, great grandchildren, a loving church family, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Amy will be held 11AM on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at First Lutheran Church in Amery, WI. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at First Lutheran Church from 10AM to 11AM. Burial will follow a luncheon at the church at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis at 2:30 PM.
Dick Scholz Funeral
December 29, 2021 • Tim Bjorge
Richard Alfred (Dick) Scholz, born in Pomona, CA January 29th 1933 to Alfred and Martha (Schmidt) Scholz entered his eternal rest on Sunday December 19th 2021 after enjoying 88 awesome years! His family moved to Minneapolis in May 1943 where he attended Immanuel Lutheran School through 8th grade and graduated from North High in 1951. An American patriot, he joined the Air Force in July 1951 and served in Japan and elsewhere until his honorable discharge in 1955. That same year he married Donna Jean Hammarstedt and that union was blessed with six children: Douglas (Nancy), Dennis & Denise (deceased twins), Debra (Greg) Tabor, Daniel (Karen) and Duane (Suzy). Dick lost Donna to Ovarian Cancer in January 2002. He is survived by a sister Elaine Stubenberg, a sister Dolores (Dolly & Dr. Harry) Swedlund, sister’s in-law Jeanette Henke and Betty Hammarstedt and his four children, eleven grandchildren: Joe, Michael, Emily, James (Holly) Tabor, Katie Tabor, Steve (Annie), Eric (Heather), Heather (Gosha), Bill (Katie), Nate, Matt (Stephanie) along with nine great grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, and the (Dodie) Winchester families. In October 2003, Dick married Dolores (Dodie Moe Winchester) and they enjoyed over 18 years together with Dodie passing December 1st 2021 (just 18 days before Dick). Dick was employed 17 years by GH Tennant in Minneapolis, then moved his family to Hudson Wisconsin and worked 23 years at Erickson Oil Products. He moved to Amery Wisconsin after retiring until returning to Hudson in 2020. He was active in his church, community sports (Playing and coaching football, baseball and softball) and he volunteered in many, many ways. He traveled extensively and enjoyed life to the full. He was an amazing caregiver for both Donna and Dodie! Dick lived his life as a hard-working, fun-loving servant of the Lord. He was a dedicated husband; father, brother, son and friend. His passion for sports, helping others, entertaining others, singing and socializing, clowning around, dressing up for Halloween and other occasions together with his faithful service to the Lord and others… leaves a legacy of joy and incredible memories. We hope that memories of him will bring a smile to your face and encourage you wherever you are in your life journey! He lived as an example of a life well done! Visitation will be held from 5PM to 7PM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Williamson-White Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:30AM on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Amery. Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN at 2PM. Memorials to First Lutheran Church in Amery. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute visit http://www.williamsonwhite.com. Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery.
Dodie Scholz Funeral 12/6/21
December 6, 2021 • Tim Bjorge
Dolores Elaine Scholz (Dodo) of Amery, Wisconsin passed peacefully on Wednesday December 1st, 2021 at the age of 92. Dodo was born on March 25th, 1929 in New Richmond, Wisconsin to Roy and Adeline Moe. She was the eldest of four children and had a wonderful, loving childhood and many fond memories of growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin. In 1948, she married William Winchester III and the following year they started their beautiful family. Dodo and Bill had three children Billy (William IV), Julie and Teresa. Dodo was a doting mother and loved being a stay-at-home mom. While the kids were at school, she was involved in many clubs such as The League of Women Voters and various church clubs. In the mid-1970’s Bill and Dodo built a house in New Richmond and with the kids being gone, she decided it was time to look for a job. Dodie was hired at Doboy in New Richmond as an entry level filing clerk. Dedicated to the company, she was Secretary to the President until 1999, retiring at the age of 70. She was so proud of the work she’d done and cherished the lasting relationships that she held to the end to of her life. After 52 years of a wonderful marriage, Bill passed away in 2000. Dodie still had many lively and loving years ahead of her. She remarried to her longtime friend, Dick Scholz in 2003. She embraced the merging of families and the additional children and grandchildren, knowing that love multiplies in magical ways. From a lifetime filled with love, Dodo was blessed with eight cherished grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, December 6, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Amery. A visitation will take place from 3 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, as well as an hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Amery Cemetery. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, visit http://www.williamsonwhite.com. Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery.
Beverly A Curtis Funeral 12/4/21
December 4, 2021 • Rev. Margaret Grant
Beverly A. Curtis, age 83 of Amery, WI died unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Beverly Ann Curtis was born on May 20, 1938 in Fergus Falls, MN, the daughter of Vernon & Clara (Hoff) Fronning. She grew up in rural Fergus Falls, was baptized and confirmed at Aastad Lutheran Church and attended country school through 8th grade. Beverly attended Fergus Falls High School and graduated from Edison High School in Minneapolis in 1956. After graduation, she worked a short time for Prudential Insurance Company. On October 4, 1958, Bev was married to James A. Curtis at St. Ann‘s Catholic in Turtle Lake, WI. Together they made their home in Lake Crystal, MN and began their family with the births of Katherine, Patricia, James, David, & Michael. In 1965, Bev and James moved their family to Clayton, WI to the Curtis farm and welcomed the additions of Rebecca, Timothy, & Jeffrey. In addition to being a homemaker, Beverly worked as a cook at the Amery Hospital and later spent 24 years cooking at the Pioneer Nursing Home in Prairie Farm, WI. After James' death in 1976, Beverly continued to work and take care of her family. She was married to Warren Smidt on April 12, 1996 at Moe Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. After his death in 2008, Beverly moved to Clear Lake, WI. In 2014, she moved to Amery and had been a resident at Evergreen Village in Amery until the time off her death. In her spare time, Beverly enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, dancing and traveling. She was a member of Moe Lutheran Church and will be sorely missed by family and many friends. Preceded in Death by: Parents – Vernon & Clara (Hoff) Fronning Husband James Curtis – married 1958, died 1976 Husband Warren Smidt – married 1996, died 2008 Step Son - Charles Smidt Grandchildren - Bennett Walter Curtis & Dominic James Curtis Great Grandchild - Tommy Amick In Laws - Mary Fronning, Ted & Beulah Curtis, Steve Curtis, Rosemary & Warren Bittorf Surviving Children: Katherine (Willie) Dux - Stewartville, MN Patricia (Wayne) Sullwold - Clear Lake, WI James (Linda) Curtis - New Richmond, WI David (Shayne) Curtis - Amery, WI Michael (Heidi Bloomer) Curtis - Amery, WI Rebecca (Clint) Waalen - Balsam Lake, WI Timothy (Shawn) Curtis - Chippewa Falls, WI Jeffrey (Jennifer) Curtis - Amery, WI 29 grandchildren - 19 Great grandchildren, 10 Step Grandchildren Brother - Dennis Fronning - Fergus Falls, MN Relatives & Friends Memorial Service - 11:00 am on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Amery, WI
Betty Johnson Funeral
January 30, 2021
Welcome to the memorial service for Betty Johnson. Betty Elaine Johnson (nee Schroeder), formerly of Pelican Rapids, MN, died peacefully on January 13, 2021 in Amery, WI. She was 93. Her full obituary can be found at http://williamsonwhite.com. You can find a bulletin attached on the video page at http://flcamery.org/videoprint under Special Events.