In Memorium

David L. Koll, age 76, co-owner of Northwestern Casket Co, and before that, Minnesota Casket Co, of Spring Lake Park, born March 7, 1945, in Minneapolis to Tilden & Marguerite Koll, passed away January 17, 2022. Dave served the funeral industry for over fifty years helping create customized caskets. He was a co-owner of Northwestern Casket Co. and before that, Minnesota Casket Company. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betsy. Dave was a loving dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and brother and will be dearly missed by his children: Elizabeth (Jonathan) Schraer, Eric (Robin) Koll and Raymond (Tami) Koll; grandchildren: Nicholas Schraer, Sarah Schraer, Alyssa Knipp, Patrick Koll and Daniel Koll; greatgrandson, Orion Knipp; sisters, Kathleen (Raymond) Swadner and Nancy Jarrard and many other family and friends. Visitation and reviewal was January 23 with a funeral service at 4:00 PM at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 14850 Garrett Ave., Apple Valley. Dave will be laid to rest with his wife, Betsy at Union Cemetery in Maplewood on Monday. Memorials preferred to American Heart Assoc.

Wayne E. Cease, 87, MFDA past president 1992-1993, of Bagley, Minnesota died on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at his home in Bagley, Minnesota surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services were held February 10 at Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley with a visitation one hour prior. A time of visitation was held the evening before on February 9 at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley. Interment held at Bagley City Cemetery in Bagley. Military Honors accorded by the Irvin Blix American Legion Post # 16 of Bagley. Wayne was born March 30, 1934, in Bagley, Minnesota, the son of Edmund and Florence (Hanson) Cease. He was raised and educated in Bagley graduating from Bagley High School in 1952. He was active as a trombonist in the marching band and later played with the University of Minnesota Marching Band. Wayne enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. He was stationed in Japan as a draftsman with occasional missions to Korea. He was honorably discharged after serving our country in 1956. Wayne attended Concordia College in Moorhead, then studied Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1958. Wayne married Arlene B. Ellickson on a hot day on July 25, 1959, near Oklee, Minnesota at Valle Lutheran Church. They moved to Bagley and Wayne worked with his father at the Cease Funeral Home serving the northern part of Clearwater County in Clearbrook and Gonvick and then partnered with his father full-time in 1965. In his trademark lead by example, style, skill set, and with a father-mentor business relationship, he individually fostered four of his children in the startup and existing funeral service practices. His son Kevin in Bemidji, Kent in Park Rapids and Nevis, Kelly in Bagley and Kurt in Blackduck. This became a source of pride for him especially knowing how influential he was in expanding the Cease brand and helping usher in his grandchildren in the 4th generation of Cease morticians. They also operated one of the first Clearwater County ambulance services until it was sold to Red Offerdahl. Wayne also served as Clearwater County Deputy Coroner with his father for over 50 years. His skills as a funeral director were unparalleled. Wayne was so proud of his kids and grandkids as some became third and fourth-generation funeral directors and joined the firm. He loved being the general contractor in building six beautiful funeral homes. Wayne served as president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association in 1992. Wayne was very community minded and involved in the early amateur boy’s hockey program in Bagley. He and several partners conceived and built what was then the Greensview Nursing Home in 1968 where he served as the first administrator until 1980. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America serving as scoutmaster and volunteered many hours of his time, later earning a Silver Beaver in honor of his service. He was also very active with state and local politics. He was the Chair of the Bagley All School Reunion in 1984. Wayne instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of the outdoors through fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved Minnesota fishing openers and exploring northern Manitoba on fishing expeditions with friends and family. Wayne loved to golf and helped found and develop, along with many others, what later would become Twin Pines Country Club. Wayne loved traveling with his wife Arlene on many adventures all over the world. Later, Wayne and Arlene enjoyed spending winters in Tucson, AZ. Arlene died in an auto accident on June 8, 1995. Wayne loved to spend time at his beloved cabin on upper Red Lake and hosted many get-togethers in his garage. Wayne enjoyed making jelly and jam from wild fruits he collected, including prickly pear cactus. Wayne was an able storyteller with a dry wit and a great sense of humor. Wayne was a member and a past president of Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley, he attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Waskish, and he was a past commander of the Irvin Blix American Legion Post # 16 of Bagley. Wayne along with others helped initiate the construction of the Clearwater County Veterans Memorial in downtown Bagley. He was a member of the Lions and Rotary clubs where he was past president in Bagley. Wayne was very involved in a Rotary district project called Latin American Rotary Aid (L.A.R.A). Wayne traveled to Santa Barbara, Honduras on 29 mission trips, helping to coordinate construction and health projects in the central mountain region of Honduras and developed many lasting friendships. Family was everything to him. His love for his kids, grandkids and sister were the root and foundation of his being.

Wayne is survived by five children- Kevin (Ann) Cease of Bemidji, MN, Kent (Lori) Cease of Park Rapids, MN, Kurt (Jill) Cease of Hines, MN, Kory (Elizabeth) Cease of Grand Rapids MN, Kelly (Mark) Cease Bowman of Solway MN, 12 grandchildren- Brett (Julia), Allison (Chase), Jasmine, Olivia, Connor, Ian, Madelyn, Eddie, Charles, Kara, Kyle and Kaden. A sister - Carolyn Rice of Bloomington, two sisters-in-law - Gloria (Dave) Melby of St. Cloud and Linda (Winton) Mickelson of Oklee, MN, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arlene in 1995 and a brother-in-law David Rice. Messages of condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com and the family requests in lieu of flowers donations made in memory of Wayne to Clearwater County Veterans Memorial, the University of Minnesota Foundation Mortuary Science scholarship program, or the Kidney Cancer Association.

Spencer Jay Werness, Minnesota funeral director, a devoted husband, loving dad and grandpa whom we all will deeply miss, went to be with the Lord on Monday evening at the age of 62. He was born to George “Bob” Werness and Leona (Oswald) Werness on October 7, 1959, in Minneapolis, MN. He had a career in funeral service, aviation, heavy equipment and his own lawn care business. He met his beloved wife, Pixie Strachan, in the year 1979. They began dating in 1980 and got married on May 17, 1985. They were happily married for 36 wonderful years. They were blessed with four children, Barton, Heidi, Jennifer, and Spencer. Spencer lived a very vibrant and active life. He was a stellar athlete growing up playing basketball, golf, hockey and football. He played collegiate basketball at the University of Oklahoma. He was brought to Christ through Younglife which changed the trajectory of his family. He valued living out and growing his Christian faith. He cherished his time with his bride of 36 years, his four wonderful kids, their spouses, and his seven beautiful grandchildren. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, character, his genuine love for people, his joyful spirit and vibrant personality. He treated everybody he met with dignity and respect and went above and beyond to make them feel like they mattered. He will be truly missed. When asked about what he wanted for his most recent birthday, he replied “What I have is priceless and cannot be replaced. A beautiful wife, four incredible kids, two wonderful son-in-laws, two special daughter-in-laws, and the precious and beautiful seven grandchildren I could have ever dreamed of. What could you possibly get me that I don’t already possess…GOD IS SO GOOD, HE IS SO GOOD TO ME!” He was preceded in death by mother Leona (Oswald) Werness and his father George Werness. He is survived by his wife Pixie; sons, Barton (Emilia) Werness of South Bend, Spencer (Megan) Werness of Lincoln; daughters Heidi (Reed) Allen of Glenwood, Jennifer (Josh) Hale of Chaska; grandchildren Carter, Lincoln, Harrison and Mckinley Allen; Joshua and James Hale; Emma Werness; sister Lorrie (Jeff) Oistad of Sartell; brothers Taylor Werness of Richfield, Keith Werness of Bloomington, and Craig Bump (Kari) Werness of Andover; and five nieces and six nephews. Celebration of his life was held February 5, 2022, at Hillside Church.

John (Jake)

“Pops” Keohen, age 83, Minnesota funeral director, of Montgomery, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather left this earth to join his heavenly Father on February 8th, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kay; his sons, John “Jake”, Pete, Matt, Tim’s widow, Diana; stepchildren, Scott (Diane), Craig (Carolyn), Pam (Larry), Faith (Randy) and sister, Kathryn (Tatty); 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Jerry; sisters, Mary Hennes and Patricia Rynda; brother, Jerry and son, Tim “Wally”. Jake grew up in Montgomery, MN and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1956. Prior to graduating high school, Jake worked at his family business at the Montgomery Messenger. He attended St. Thomas University, then onto the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science in 1958. After college, Jake went back to work with his family at the Montgomery Messenger as an Editor and started his own publication called Keohen’s Corner until he retired in 2017. He was passionate about local sports and wrote about them in the Messenger. He also assumed the family business, Keohen Memorial Funeral Home as the Funeral Director until he retired in 2016. Jake had a love for his community and has been involved with the Montgomery Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Sons of the American Legion, Montgomery SnoBusters, Montgomery Golf Club Board of Directors, and an active member of Holy Redeemer Church. Jake and Kay were the 2018 Kolacky Days Grand Marshals. Jake’s hobbies included spending time with family and friends, playing golf, playing cards, and following the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers. He was always there for his sons, he never missed their sporting events. He had a love and devotion to his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial was at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Montgomery on February 14. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Montgomery.

Robert Freeman

Condon, known as Bob, Minnesota funeral director and father of Minnesota Funeral Director Mike Condon, age 90, Rochester, formerly Litchfield and Albert Lea, died on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at his residence in Rochester. A Visitation was held at Ranfranz and Vine on March 4 and for one hour prior to the service. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Rochester on March 5. Interment held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Bob was born on May 25, 1931, in Minneapolis, son of Freeman Patrick and Florence (Boeser) Condon. He grew up in NE Minneapolis, with his parents and his sister, Ihlia. As a young man, Bob worked at C&C Boat Works in Crosslake, pumping gas on the channel between Cross Lake and Daggett Lake as boats traveled between the lakes. He graduated from De La Salle High School on Nicollet Island, Minneapolis, in 1950 and attended St. Mary’s College in Winona for a year. His dad, Freeman, died on February 15, 1951. Bob, his dad and his grandfather had all worked for the Soo Line Railroad. Bob served in the US Navy from July 13, 1951, to July 10, 1955, and was stationed on the USS Fremont out of Norfolk, VA. He was united in marriage with Gretchen Kay Kielty on November 8, 1952, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in NE Minneapolis, their wedding was delayed from September due to his ship being stuck in the Mediterranean waiting for their relief. While stationed in Norfolk, Bob and Gretch were blessed with two sons. After returning to Minneapolis, Bob attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from the Program of Mortuary Science in 1958. While in Minneapolis, they added a daughter and a son to the family. After graduating, Bob took a job as a mortician/funeral director at the Bonnerup and Son Funeral Home in Albert Lea, where he worked for twentytwo years until early 1980. During their time in Albert Lea, three daughters and a son joined the family. Bob and Gretch were very active in their church, St. Theodore’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and their community, bowling, golf, Bridge Club, etc., and raising their family of eight children. In 1980, he quit to help his son, Mike, in Park Rapids, while trying to buy the funeral home there. When that opportunity fell through, Bob and Gretch ended up moving to Litchfield where he continued his career in Funeral Service with the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home until retiring in June of 1994. He retained his license as a Funeral Director and received his 50-year plaque at the MN Funeral Directors Convention. During their time in Litchfield, they were active in their church, St. Philip’s Catholic

Church and the community. Since moving to the retirement community at Shorewood four years ago, Bob and Gretch were able to stay in the Independent Living side of the complex until recently when health issues forced the move to the Assisted Living side of their complex. 2019 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Membership Directory Bob was preceded in death by his Company information shown here is for E&M accounting records only. It may not be what appears in the publication. Please contact the association directly to confirm the accuracy of your company business information. parents: Freeman and Florence Condon; his sister: Ihlia Murray and her husband: Sign & Return Proof To: E&M Consulting, Inc. MAS Communications Mary Reeves Joe Murray; a son: Phillip Condon on December 18th of 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Gretchen 1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Suite #350 • Chaska, MN 55318 Fax: 1-952-448-9928 / Phone: 1-800-572-0011 465 Poplar St. Mankato, MN 56001 507-387-6543 507-345-3816 marypreeves@mascommunications.net Kay Condon; seven children: Mike (Pauline) Condon of Baxter, MN; Pat (Judy) Condon of Piedmont, SD; Maureen (Greg) Beishir of St. Louis, MO; Margaret (Pat) Mulligan of Rochester, MN; Pete Condon of Rochester, MN; Melissa (Tammy) Renee of Litchfield, MN; and Please respond within 5 business days By signing below, I (advertising company) am approving my ad as is or with changes and I represent and warrant that this advertisement placed with all content, text, images, pictures and/or logos do not infringe on any other person’s copyright, trademark, rights of literary property, and intellectual property, nor do they violate the rights of privacy of, or libel other persons. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless E&M Consulting, Inc. against any claims, judgments, court costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses arising from any alleged or actual breach of this warranty.1/4 Page Polly (Jeff) Waldbillig of Rochester, MN; Full Color a daughter-in-law: Ramona Condon of Virginia Beach, VA; twelve grandchildren: *Colors in the ad are for representational purposes only and will be brighter and more exact in the final product. Also artwork and photos shown in the ad are not exact, only because our printers are limited and once printed, the quality will PAST be much improved. Amy Van Dyne, Katie Tibbetts, Emily Beishir, Dan (Cat) Condon, Paul Condon, Kevin (Jess) Mulligan, Brian Mulligan, Jonathan (Erika Strand) Condon, Erin Mulligan, Eric Waldbillig, Gina Waldbillig and Luke Waldbillig; eighteen greatgrandchildren. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimers Association www.alz. org Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester.