In Memorium

Robert W. Mathews, son of University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science Professor Michael Mathews, age 52, of Noblesville, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Riverview Health in Noblesville. He was born on August 16, 1968, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Rob grew up in Mounds View, MN, where he met his wife, Jenni. He worked as an aircraft dispatcher. Rob enjoyed watching hockey, especially the Indiana Fuel, watching football, especially the Minnesota Vikings, and going fishing and camping. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Rob is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jenni Mathews; mother, Elizabeth (Wheatley) Eckert; father, Michael Mathews; son, Colton Mathews; and grandson, Parker Mathews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Scott Mathews. Services were held Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Noblesville. The Mathews Family has entrusted Randall & Roberts Funeral Home with Rob’s care. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 20650 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, IN 46060. Condolences: www.randallroberts.com

Delores “Dee”,

Mary Arnold, mother of Minnesota Funeral Director Mark Arnold, age 87 of Bloomington, Minnesota. Born August 26, 1933 and died July 6, 2021. A woman of noble character, shaped by humbleness, determined through convictions, and her value found in her family. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio to Carmen and Mary Lombardi, she was the youngest, “the baby”, in the Lombardi family. Her Italian heritage afforded her rich memories through her childhood and built the foundation of her love for authentic Italian cooking and baking, entertaining, gardening, and creating art. Her friendly nature and attraction to shyness led her to a man who caught her discerning eye, Dean Arnold. The spark ignited and the eventual flame drew them together and shortly to marry on November 24, 1951. Through the following years they grew a family with three children, Dean, Cheryl, and then later they had Mark. Minneapolis became the city where they would settle and build strong family roots. Family was her pride, nurturing and encouraging the importance of love, traditions, and faith. Her love of God enveloped her life, a source of affirmation and often inspired her to share her convictions and testimony with acquaintances and friends. A true godly warrior. Her dedication to marriage blessed her with 70 beautiful years with her “teenage crush”, Dean Arnold who she is now reunited with and wrapped in his loving arms. She will be deeply missed by her children that were the twinkle in her eye, Dean Arnold (Nora), Cheryl (Arnold) Rue (Wade), and Mark; her grandchildren that were her joy, Laura Montiel (Lorenzo), Dean R. (Courtney), Melody and Nolan Arnold; Kymberli (Rue) Kuehn (Dan), Jennifer (Alex), Deanna, and Angela Aldrich (Joshua); Elizabeth Morris (Joe), Hilary, and Olivia; her great grandchildren that were her spark of youth, Tristan, Ava, Adelyn, Dean; Samantha (Luke), Sophia, Caleb, Michael, Gabriel, Jayden; Nicholas and Teddy, and her big sister that was her partner in crime, Angeline Bigler. Preceded in death by grandson, Jeffery Arnold Rue. A world of gratitude to Fairview Accent Hospice, and the Grace A Home Team who gave her dignified and compassionate care during her going home journey. A celebration of her life and faith was held July 13, 2021, at the Lakewood Chapel in Minneapolis. Visitation was held July 12 at the David Lee Chapel in Wayzata. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the funeral home website. Memorials may be directed to donor’s choice. “She brings good, all the days of her life.”

Richard “Pat” Collins,

Minnesota Funeral Director, passed away Sunday morning, July 11, 2021, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Pat was born March 23, 1946, in Thief River Falls, MN to Charles and Bernadine (Reinke) Collins. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Middle River, MN. He attended Middle River School graduating in 1964 and then attended The University of North Dakota, “fighting Sioux”, and the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, MN, “Golden Gophers”, graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science in 1967, following in his father’s footsteps. On June 24, 1967, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Nelson at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, of Greenbush, MN. The couple immediately moved into a house in Karlstad that was connected to the recently purchased Kloempken Funeral Home and they started a 24-hr. ambulance service at the same location. He also became a PRIM– Professional Rescue Instructor for Minnesota, and he along with several teams, trained numerous ambulance squads throughout the state. In August of 1972, Pat organized “Karlstad Rescue Squad” and continued operating ambulance service until 1975 when the service was turned over to the newly organized Tri County EMS District, which he was also instrumental in organizing. Pat was an “Adrenalin junky” and loved his 39 years as a member of Karlstad Fire Department as well as his years in ambulance. And of course, that held true for his love of motorcycles and the ride. He loved hunting and spending time at the ‘hunting shack’ with his kids and friends, the fishing trips with his grandpa as a boy, and most of all… just sitting around and telling stories. Shawn told him that everyone should only be allowed so many words a day, and he’d have his used up by noon. His interest in radios and electronics led him into HAM radio and had been licensed around 45 years and has spent countless hours unwinding and chatting around the world, including the space shuttle Columbia in orbit.

Pat was a member of Middle River American Legion Riders and Sons of the American Legion, and Minnesota and North Dakota Patriot Guard; past member of the Karlstad Fire Department, and Karlstad Rescue Squad. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne of 54 years; Sons: Shawn (Leanna), Karlstad, MN; Steve, Greenbush, MN; and daughter Melissa (Jeff) Carlson of Champlin, MN; Grandsons Brennan & Liam Collins, Nicklaus & Luke Carlson and Carl Sandahl; Brother-in-law Verne Nelson (Karen), Strathcona, MN; Sistersin-law Lenay (Jerry) Van Horn, Superior, Wi & Adell Miller, Greenbush, MN and several cousins, nephews & nieces and other relatives. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Sister-in-law & Brother-in-law, Leona & Norman Good, Brother in law, Walter Miller and nephew Paul Miller. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, July 15, 2021, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Karlstad with Fr. George Noel and Deacon Dan James presiding. Pat’s family would like to acknowledge the Karlstad Fire Department, Tri-County EMS, American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders and all of his extremely vast number of HAM Radio buddies as his Honorary Bearers. He was extremely proud to be a part and know all you!! Friends and family gathered after 5PM, Wednesday, at Collins Funeral Chapel in Karlstad. Interment services were held at Greenwood Cemetery in Strathcona following services.

David Schwietz, Sr., former mortuary science director of the Minnesota Department of Health, loving Father and Grandfather, died July 15. Preceded in death by wife Shirley, parents & nine siblings. Survived by children Cynthia Schwietz Watson (Barry) & David Schwietz (Christina); granddaughters Chloe & Annika; nieces; nephews; other relatives & friends. Retired after 30 plus years as the Mortuary Science Director with the MN Health Department and longtime volunteer for the Lions Eye Bank. Mass of Christian Burial was held July 22 at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY, in Woodbury. Visitation was held July 21 at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 835 Johnson Parkway and one hour before the Mass at church on Thursday. Interment Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

John Schmitt, longtime salesman at Brown Wilbert Vault Co, age 84 of Shoreview, MN, passed away Sept. 10, 2021. John enjoyed the outdoors and was the Voice of the City of Lakes Loppet, The Birkie and the Turtle Man Triathlon and numerous High School Cross Country Ski Races. Member of US Parachute Association, National Ski Patrol, Ski Meisters, Avid Woodworker and Craftsman, Blue Grass Musician and long-time Salesman for Brown Wilbert Vault Co. Survived by wife, Mary Lou; daughter, Susie (Paul) Wright; grandchildren, Paul Wright IV and Chloe Wright; sister, Susanna Schecter; sisters-in-law, Janice (Don) Hoye, Geri Timmons, Jan Smith Hughes and Jan Curtis Hughes; nieces, nephews and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Susan Schmitt; son, Bob; brothers, Joe and Jim; sister, Julie Throgmorton; brothers-in-law, Jim and Denny Hughes and Jim Timmons. Visitation was held Sunday, Sept 26. Funeral Service was Monday, Sept. 27 at Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Home, 515 Hwy 96 W., Shoreview. Service may be viewed at https://youtu. be/mZpoKrKAMBk. Interment Incarnation Cemetery. Janeen TeBeest, mother of MN Funeral Director Kevin TeBeest and grandmother of MFDA Board Member Kyle TeBeest, of Montevideo, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 79. Janeen Joy (Obermeyer) TeBeest was born on November 18, 1941 in Aberdeen, SD. The daughter of Otto and Ruth (Moberg) Obermeyer. She went to country school for some of her elementary education and then to Westport, SD Public schools where she graduated in 1959. She enjoyed having her mother as a teacher. Janeen received a teaching certificate in elementary education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. While attending Northern State University, she met Darwin Russell TeBeest and they were married on June 6, 1962 in Aberdeen SD. To this union of 59 years, four children were born: Kevin, Sharon, Jonathon, and Allison. She started her elementary teaching career in Rock Rapids, IA in 1961. After marriage, she taught in Maynard, MN for one year. When Kevin was born, Janeen became a stay at home mom. From 1973 to 1977 she was employed by the Montevideo School District as a kitchen staff member. Janeen loved music. There was always music playing in the house. She enjoyed going to concerts with family. Her favorite was Daniel O’Donnell. She was able to see him perform live over 65 times and she was known by him on a first name basis. She also enjoyed time with her bridge club, going to track meets with Darwin, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. Janeen was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo for over 59 years where she taught Sunday School for many years. She also was a member of the Mary Circle and Altar Guild. Most people will know and remember her as Grandma Jan as she was an in-home daycare provider to hundreds of children for over 40 years. Even after the children

would leave daycare and go to school Grandma Jan would often follow their school activities. She is survived by her husband, Darwin and children: Kevin (Judy) TeBeest, Sharon (Nathan) Boyum, Jonathon (Kalley Fraser) TeBeest, and Allison (Jason) Kleindl; grandchildren: Karl TeBeest, Kyle (Camille) TeBeest, Kurt (special friend Alyssa Formo) TeBeest, Dustin Boyum, Heather Boyum, Janell Boyum, T’mone Kleindl, Nyah Kleindl, Evan Buckingham, James Buckingham, Rory Kleindl, Quinn Kleindl; great-grandchildren: Campbell Jane TeBeest and Carsyn Evelyn TeBeest; her sister, Judy (Jerry) Miller; nephews: David (Shinlm) Miller, Chad (Kim) Miller; and God-child Anne (Lunde) Freeman; as well as extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Otto and Ruth Obermeyer and her in-laws: Ben and Mable TeBeest and Ralph Kleven. Funeral services were held Monday, September 20, 2021, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo. Burial in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday, September 19, 2021, at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Alvin “Al” G. Nasinec,

father of Nathan (Susan) Nasinec the owners of Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, age 86, of Montgomery, MN, died in the early morning hour, Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Traditions in Montgomery. Alvin George was born July 7, 1935, the oldest of three children born to George and Bessie (Havel) Nasinec. He attended School District #60 for the first three grades before attending St. Raphael Catholic School to grade eight. He attended Montgomery High School, graduating in 1953. Alvin enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserves in 1958. As a recruit, he qualified as outstanding on the rifle range, earning him the sharpshooter medal. Al also attended mechanic school for wheel vehicles maintenance at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. There, he spent time repairing and repainting vehicles, and receiving a military driver’s license, after which he drove troops to the field and equipment for engineers. Al was on active duty at the start of the Vietnam conflict and achieved the rank of Specialist Fifth Class. Al’s return from active duty brought him to the 353rd Transportation Company in Faribault and the family farm northwest of the Bohemian National Cemetery. He was a dairy farmer and proud of it. During this time, he also picked corn for the Green Giant Canning Company. Alvin married Mary Ann Tupy on June 6, 1956, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and the couple had three children, Wylene, Charlene and Nathan. The couple enjoyed traveling and Al enjoyed his reunions with his military buddies. Al has been a lifelong parishioner of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and has been a member of the American Legion Post #39 for more than 20 years. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, a founding member of Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Association. He and his wife spent over 20 years as 4-H adult leaders. Alvin enjoyed his 37 years on the Montgomery Township Board. Alvin is survived by his children: Wylene Van Guilder of Prior Lake, MN; Charlene Schleeve of Montgomery, MN, Nathan (wife Susie) Nasinec of Wells, MN; 9 grandchildren: Nicole (Joe) Boegeman of Prior Lake, MN, Brittany (Kevin) Barden of Farmington, MN, Christopher (Malory) Van Guilder of Minneapolis, MN, Tyler Van Guilder of E. St. Paul, MN; Alexandra Schleeve-Fisher of Montgomery, MN, Theodore Schleeve of LeCenter, MN; Brandon (Danielle) Nasinec and Aaron Nasinec, all of Wells, Cameron Nasinec of St. Paul, MN; 13 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Hannah Boegeman; Harper Barden; Dominic, Christian and Aurora Fisher; Stella Rich, Thomas Mathison, Nicholas, Lincoln and Willow Schleeve; Zander and Ahnika Nasinec; 1 sister: Milly Docken of Rosemount, MN; 1 brother: John (wife Sue) Nasinec of Yuma, AZ; brother-in-law: Don (wife Connie) Tupy of Montgomery, MN; 7 nieces and nephews: Michele (Tim) Hoaglund, Carla (Doug) Maile, Paula Blair; Londa (R. Scott) Olson, Michael Nasinec (Mary Haupt), Jamie (Cindy) Nasinec; Tami (Ted) Kadrlik, Randy Tupy and Lynda Tupy, along with their families. Al enjoyed visiting and reminiscing with his friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann, nephew Glen Docken, and brother-in-law, Gordy Docken. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, MN, with Father Greg Havel officiating. Visitation was held Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, MN. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Montgomery, MN. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home of Wells (owned by Susan and Nathan Nasinec) is entrusted with arrangements. Please leave online condolences at www. brussheitner.com

Patricia Ann (Rand)

Lee, wife of David Lee Funeral Home Founder David Lee, and mother to Mike Lee and Carrie Lee Erickson, died November 6, 2021, at the age of 83. Patty was preceded in death by husband, David Lee; parents, Lloyd and Frances Rand and brother David Rand. She will be forever in the hearts of her children, Mike Lee (Sue), Carrie Lee Erickson (Ed), Laurie Oare (Andy) and Tracie Haagensen (Mark); grandkids, Mollie Ravenscroft (Ryan), Maddie Lee (Tyler Hockert), Michael Lee, Mason Starry, Dillon Starry, Courtney Oare, AJ Oare, Kellie Haagensen and Chloe Haagensen; brother, Larry Rand; sister-in-law, Marilyn Larson and many other loving family members and friends. Funeral service was held Thursday, November 11 at David Lee Funeral Home. Visitation was held Wednesday, November 10. Interment Summit Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to her amazing care team at English Rose Suites, 6941 Valley View Road in Edina. Our heartfelt thanks to their entire staff.

Melvin Larson, long time funeral director in the Twin Cities area, age 85. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Samaritan’s Purse. Memorial service was held Friday, November 19 at North Heights Lutheran Church Roseville Campus in Roseville. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. www.washburn-mcreavy.com

John Michael

Gearhart, Minnesota funeral director, 61, of International Falls, MN died November 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. John was born March 20, 1960 in Stillwater, MN. He was a 1978 graduate of Stillwater High School. He moved to International Falls shortly after graduating from the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science in 1983. He was united in marriage to the former Melanie Bahr on December 7, 1991. John was a dedicated mortician and enjoyed serving the many families he grew to know over the years in International Falls. John also enjoyed woodworking, collecting, being outdoors, and truly enjoyed spending time with his family. John was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Jean Gearhart. He is survived by his wife Melanie; three daughters, Elizabeth (Austin) Gearhart of Andover, MN, Whitney (Shea) Gearhart of Buhl, MN, Erica Gearhart of Int’l Falls, MN; sister Kate Gearhart of Fridley, MN, brother Pat Gearhart of White Bear Lake, MN and brother Tom (Ruthie) Gearhart of White Bear Lake, MN. Funeral services were held at First Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 1. Visitation was held Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Green Larsen Mortuary. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls. https:// www.greenlarsen.com/obituaries/JohnGearhart-3/#!/Obituary Duane Benson, age 82 of Northfield, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis following the sudden onset of pulmonary fibrosis. Alton Duane Benson was born July 21, 1939, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Arthur and Emma (Grefsheim) Benson. He grew up on the family farm in Hatton, North Dakota, raising cows, pigs, chickens, and grain. As the only brother of three older sisters, he got his way a lot. He attended Garland No. 1 rural school through the 8th grade, then Hatton High School, graduating in 1957. He joined the U.S. Army and served for two years, including 18 months in Germany as a radioteletype operator, using Morse Code. He was lucky enough to serve with four men from North Dakota that he already knew. They traveled all over Europe, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, Switzerland, and Austria. After returning to North Dakota, Duane attended North Dakota State University in Fargo. Unsure of a career direction, he took an aptitude test that indicated he would be well suited to “funeral services.” He worked as a night attendant in a Fargo funeral home for a year while attending NDSU, then transferred to the U of M School of Mortuary Science, from which he graduated in 1964. Duane was introduced to Marie Wolff by a mutual friend at a birthday party in 1963. The couple were married on May 22, 1965, in Robbinsdale, by Marie’s father, a pastor. Duane first worked at the Albin Funeral Home in Minneapolis, then moved to Northfield where he purchased the Zanmiller Funeral Home in 1966. Five years later, he purchased the Anderson Funeral Home, also in Northfield, and consolidated operations in one location on Fourth Street. Duane was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Rotary, the Northfield Golf Club, the MFDA and NFDA, and St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served on several boards and ushered on Sunday mornings for more than 50 years. He enjoyed going for coffee in the mornings with longtime friends. In 2001, Duane sold the funeral home to Andy Langehough, and continued to work part-time, in between traveling with Marie, relaxing on the North Shore at Lutsen, and rounds of golf. In 2015, he was honored for 50 years as a licensed funeral director, a ceremony he missed in order to attend his granddaughter’s high school graduation, a decision he never regretted. Most of all, Duane enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marie; his children, Mark (Sherry) of Northfield, Sarah (Philip) Wilkinson of Laurinburg, NC; four grandchildren, Gunnar and Thea Benson, Emma Marie and Grace Ann Wilkinson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by an infant son; three sisters Arlene, Ione and Dorothy; and his parents. Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Visitation was held Monday, December 6, 2021, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home and at church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com