In Memorium

David E. Boldt, MN funeral director and father of MN Funeral Director Scott Boldt, age 87, of Faribault, died Friday, October 23, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, due to complications of COVID-19. In consideration of family health risks, a private funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault with the Reverend Paul Rieger officiating. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. The service may be viewed on the Boldt Funeral Home website on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. David Edgar, the son of Edgar W. and Clara E. (Bremer) Boldt, was born on April 8, 1933 in Faribault. David graduated from Faribault High School in 1951. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army. David married JoAnn B. Miller on April 24, 1955 in Faribault. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program and maintained his license for 67 years. David owned and operated Boldt Funeral Home in Faribault, working with his father and eventually his son, Scott, before his retirement in 1995. Survivors include his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Barbara (and Michael) Marko; sons, Mark (and Anne) Boldt and Scott (and Kari) Boldt; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Nancy Schuenke; and other relatives and friends. David was preceded in death by his parents. Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for information and guestbook.

David Anthony “Tony”

Karsnia, Minnesota funeral director and son of MFDA Past President David Karsnia, age 49 of East Bethel, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2020 at home. Tony was born on September 12, 1971 in Detroit Lakes, MN to David and Sandra (Johnson) Karsnia. In 1975 they moved to Sauk Centre and returned to Detroit Lakes in 1982. Tony graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1989. While in high school, he served as President of the local DECA chapter. He graduated from Detroit Lakes Technical College in 1990 with a certificate in Professional Sales. Desiring to further his education, Tony attended Fergus Falls Community College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College, majoring in Business Administration. He worked for United Coach and Johnson-Williams Funeral Car Service in Minneapolis for several years before becoming the business manager of Spielman Mortuary in St Paul. In 2013, Tony decided to return to college, earning his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. Since then, he has been employed as a licensed mortician with Thurston-LindbergDeShaw Funeral Homes of Anoka and Andover. On June 11, 2005, Tony married the love of his life, Kimberly Kuhlman, in Circle Pines, MN. Tony and Kim are active members of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Oak Grove, where Tony has served as a lector, usher, chairman of the greeter ministry, chairman of finance for CountryFest, director of the Miscarried Baby service, and member of the cemetery committee. Growing up around small town funeral and ambulance service, Tony developed a special interest in professional cars and a passion for funeral service, at a very young age. While he took his first death call at the age of four and helped answer the funeral home phones over the years while growing up, he officially began working at the funeral home at age 14. Tony always felt a sense of pride and fulfillment putting on a tie and being there for others in need. He was at his best when doing things for others. He enjoyed helping people in any way he could, and often tried to create situations that made people feel welcome and happy. Tony joined The Professional Car Society in 1986 at the age of 14. He founded the Northland Chapter while he was a senior in high school and was subsequently involved in the formation of two additional chapters. He was instrumental in hosting three international meets and countless regional meets. Tony served as President of the Society from 2014 to 2020. He was the first President in the Society’s 40 year history to be elected to three consecutive terms. Tony began collecting cars at age 14 and owned more than 25. He was especially proud to have been personally selected as the third caretaker of the very last Cadillac ambulance built, a 1979 Superior Cadillac, which is a historically significant vehicle that remains in the Karsnia Collection to this day. Tony was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Frank and Kathryn Karsnia, maternal grandparents, Waldo and Leone Johnson, and uncles, Michael and Timothy Karsnia. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 15 years, Kim; children, Mack and Alexis; parents, David (Maureen) Karsnia and Dr. Sandra (Edward) Pomeraning; mother and father-in-law, Kathie Kuhlman and Gary Kuhlman; brother- and sister-in-law Brian (Leah) Kuhlman; nieces Kirstin and Sonja Peters; professional partner and dear friend, Rachel Paulson; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends. A Visitation was held Friday, November 6 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, Andover. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Oak Grove with a private burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Please give to Kim or directly to local causes involving homeless teens and suicide prevention. Arrangements entrusted to ThurstonLindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220. http://www.thurston-lindberg. com/obituary/david-karsnia.

JoAnn E. Shelley,

Minnesota funeral director, wife of MFDA Past President Dale Shelley, mother of MFDA Past President Steve Shelley, 91-yearold resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN. A funeral service was held Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Grace Covenant

Church in Little Falls, MN. Burial at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. A visitation was held at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN and at Grace Covenant Church in Little Falls, MN. MDH guidelines requiring masks and social distancing will be followed. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. JoAnn was born on September 6, 1929 in Minneapolis, MN to the late John and Agnes (Swan) Brustad. She attended school in Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1947. JoAnn was united in marriage to Dale A. Shelley on June 5, 1948 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. She attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1957 as a licensed funeral director. In 1958, Dale and JoAnn purchased the Leo M. Thompson Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. JoAnn worked alongside her husband Dale for 30 years until 1988 when they sold the funeral home to their son Steve. The couple enjoyed wintering at Daytona Beach, Florida for 47 consecutive years. Usually her brothers and most of her sisters were in Florida at the same time. One of the most memorable trips was spending three weeks in Norway getting to meet relatives. They also enjoyed spending the summer months at their cabin on Gull Lake near Nisswa, MN. She was an active member of Grace Covenant Church in Little Falls as well as the Gideon’s and the Royalton Bible Study. JoAnn loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. JoAnn is survived by children, Susan (Nick) Brown of Wayzata, MN, Steve (Gwyn) Shelley of Little Falls, MN and Scott (Julie) Shelley of Cambridge, MN; sister, Charlotte Bonstrom of Eagan, MN; sister-in-law, Jean Brustad of Burnsville, MN; grandchildren, Stephanie (Steve) Lindell, Sarah (Justin) Clark, Eric Shelley, Emily (Kyle) Johnson, Leah (Brett) Anderson and Mark Shelley and great-grandchildren, Wyatt Lindell, Liam Lindell, Ruby Clark, Eliud Anderson and Nick Anderson. JoAnn was preceded in death by parents, John and Agnes Brustad; husband, Dale A. Shelley; brothers, Harold and Lloyd; and sisters, Margaret, Olive, Helen, Dorothy, and Lillian.

James E. Abbott,

Minnesota funeral director, 67 years of Wabasha, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. James Egan “Jim” was born May 15, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to James D. and Anne (Flahavan) Abbott. Jim lived in Saint Paul until the age of seven when the family of nine moved to Wabasha, Minnesota. Jim graduated from Wabasha High School in 1971 and from the College of Saint Thomas in 1975 receiving a bachelor of arts degree in business administration. He later attended the University of Minnesota receiving a bachelor of science degree in mortuary science in 1978. Jim worked at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin, Minnesota and Adams Funeral Home in Adams from 1978 until 1989. In 1989, Jim purchased Abbott Funeral Home and Abbott Furniture from his father and moved to Wabasha. Jim sold the Furniture Store and then Abbott Funeral Home in 2018 and continued to work on a part-time basis with the new owner, Doug Penning, until June 2020. Jim was an active and beloved member of the Wabasha community. He served on the Saint Felix Parish Council and ushered Saint Felix Mass on a weekly basis. Jim was a board member at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and active in civic affairs. He served as President and later as charter member of the Wabasha Economic Development Authority, and as a member of the City Street Commission and Long Range Planning Committee. Jim was a board member of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and served on the First State Bank Board of Wabasha. He is a former president, member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Wabasha Rotary Club and was a member of the Kellogg Lions Club. He volunteered in the restoration of the Coffee Mill Golf Course. Away from work and community affairs, Jim enjoyed golfing, listening to music and attending concerts, and watching Minnesota sports teams. He was a member and the original commissioner of a long-standing Wabasha fantasy football league. Jim and his family wish to express their profound gratitude for the support provided since Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer, in June 2020. Jim is survived by his wife Claire; three children: Riley (Allison Forbes) Abbott, Washington, DC; Hallie (Daniel) Patterson, Lake City, MN; and Jillian Abbott, Rochester, MN; three grandchildren: Henry, Ivy, and Magnus; siblings: Joe and Rita Abbott, Wabasha, MN; Bob and Kathy Abbott, Baton Rouge, LA; Cia and Jack Bullemer, St. Paul, MN; Matt and Mary Abbott, St. Paul, MN; Kass Abbott Bailey, Wabasha, MN; and Tom and Elizabeth Abbott, Petersburg, AK. A private family funeral Mass was at Saint Felix Catholic Church, Wabasha, MN with Reverend Father Glenn Frerichs officiating and attended by Deacon John Hust. Interment at Saint Felix Cemetery, Wabasha, MN. Casket bearers will be Jim’s sisters and brothers. There was a public viewing Tuesday, November 24 at the Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha. Protective face masks are required to enter the funeral home and visitors are asked to maintain six feet of physical distance from one another. The family will not be present at the viewing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to: Saint Elizabeth’s Community Development Foundation, 1200 Grant Blvd W, Wabasha, MN 55981 or Wabasha Public Library, 168 Alleghany Ave., Wabasha, MN 55981. Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory, Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com.

Harvey Hunt Hustad,

MFDA past president, born on Sept. 9, 1932 and died Dec. 26, 2020 in Edina. His parents, Bert and Ida Hustad, had the same birthdate of Sept. 9. He was raised on a farm near Echo, MN until 1936 when the family sold the farm and moved to Redwood Falls, MN. Graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1950, attended St. Cloud State College until 1952 when he entered active duty with the US Naval Security Group, specializing in communications intelligence. He served on Adak in the Aleutian Islands and then Bremerhaven, Germany, where in 1955, he married Barbara Jaehning, whom he had known since Kindergarten in Redwood Falls. After his release from active duty in 1956, he returned to the U of M and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He was an officer and manager at Werness Brothers Funeral Chapels until 1979 when he joined the firm of Washburn-McReavy as an officer and manager until his retirement. He was a Past President of the Greater Mpls Funeral Directors Assn. and the Minnesota Funeral Directors Assn. He received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the U of M Dept. of Mortuary Science in 1986. A resident of Edina since 1964, he was also a member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church for over 59 years, where he served on the Board of Life and Growth. He was a member of the Norwegian Luncheon Club “Torske Klubben” since 1974. He also served as Chaplain for the former Edina American Legion Post. He was a member of the GRAFIL Club and Mpls Rotary Club #9, along with being a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. Family includes: Wife of over 65 years, Barbara; daughter, Cheryl, of Eden Prairie; son, Scott (Brenda) and granddaughter Vivian, of St. Louis Park; son, John (Carol) and granddaughters Lydia and Sylvie, of Stillwater. Memorials preferred to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Allina Hospice, and the University of Minnesota Torske Klubben Fund. A private family service will be held. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Elmer H. Frank, 85 of Lidgerwood, ND passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 at his home in Lidgerwood. Visitation was Friday, January 15, 2021 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lidgerwood. Visitation was January 16 followed by the funeral service at Holy Cross. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lidgerwood. Masks will be required. Elmer Henry Frank was born March 23, 1935 in Mercer County, rural Dodge, ND, the son of Leonard & Elsie (Entzel) Frank. He was baptized at home on April 19, 1935 by Rev. F. U. Gerike, the Evangelical Lutheran Pastor. He grew up on the farm and with his family moved to Sidney, MT in the fall of 1951 where he attended school. He worked for his uncle Leo Entzel doing construction work in the spring & summer, then during sugar beet harvest he worked at Holly Sugar Company in the lab during sugar beet campaign. On January 23, 1955 he was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Rein at Ebenezer Congregational Church. Elmer continued to work the sugar beet campaign and construction with his uncle. Elmer was a member of the Kiwanis Club and held the office of president in 1968 and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was head usher for many years. He also served in the Montana National Guard for 8 ½ years. In January of 1957 he moved to Los Angeles, CA and attended the California College of Mortuary Science, graduating on December 17, 1957. He then did one year of internship with Cloyd-Gorder Mortuary in Sidney, MT and continued to work for them until 1969. Elmer & Marilyn purchased the Walby Funeral Home in August of 1970 and then moved to Lidgerwood, ND on September 19, 1970, where they have resided since. They purchased Wipperman Funeral Home, Hankinson, ND in June of 1973 and then in 1992 he had a funeral home built in Wahpeton, ND, which they ran until 2002. Elmer & Marilyn retired after the sale of the funeral homes but continued to help their son at the funeral home. Elmer was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lidgerwood, Lidgerwood American Legion Bullis Post 84, ND Funeral Directors Association, was on the ND Funeral Director board for 2 terms (8yrs). He enjoyed bowling, golf, listening to old-time music and dancing. Elmer is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn, Lidgerwood, ND; daughters: Debra Wheeler, Chandler, AZ and Cindy Frank, Wyndmere, ND; sons: Kevin (Paula) Frank, Lidgerwood, ND & Greg (Teri) Frank, Chandler, AZ; brothers: Raymond (Donna) Frank, Sidney, MT & Harold (Edith) Frank, Billings, MT; sister: Esther (Allen) Peterson, Culbertson, MT; eleven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren & two great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law: Doug (Caryn) Rein, Terry, MT; sister-in-law: Marguerite Rein, Great Falls, MT and several nieces & nephews. His is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard & Elsie Frank; brothers: Erin & Art Frank; son-in-law: Dennis Wheeler; brother-in-law: Robert Rein and sister & brother-in-law: Beverly & Roddy Reuther; 2 nieces: Suzann & Lisa Frank. Online guestbook: www.frankfamilyfuneralhome.com

Paul M. Hegstrom

Sr., Minnesota funeral director, 76, longtime Superior area resident, died on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Aspen Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Montevideo, MN on July 12, 1944 to Cordelia and Maurice Hegstrom. He graduated from Montevideo High School and from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mortuary Science. Paul married Judith Shetler in Minneapolis on September 11, 1965. A third-generation funeral director, Paul owned and operated ThompsonHegstrom Funeral Home in Superior and Hegstrom Family Funeral Homes in Duluth. He was a former member of the Human Resource Board of Superior, Douglas Co., and Business Improvement District of Superior. Paul was a member of the Superior Ambassador’s, Superior Jaycee’s, Superior Rotary Club #40 and a Paul Harris Fellow, Superior Elks Lodge #403, Acacia Masonic Lodge #329 F.A. & M. for 47 years, serving as past Master, Superior York Rite, Superior Order of the Eastern Star, Superior Shrine Club, ADD Temple Shrine, and a former Vice President and member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. He was a longtime supporter of Whitetails and Ducks Unlimited. Paul enjoyed time spent in the outdoors bird hunting, deer hunting, and fishing, and had a love for vacations in Mexico. Paul loved his family and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jerry and sister-in-law (Jerry) Cindy Hegstrom as well as his favorite dogs Beauty and Belle. He is survived by his wife Judith, children Paul (Stacy) Hegstrom Jr., of Esko, MN, Patricia (Neal) Olson of Superior, and Pamela Hegstrom of Amnicon Lake, WI, grandchildren Paul (Katie Hill) Hegstrom III, Hannah (Robert) Rutka, Abigail Hegstrom, Eric Hegstrom, Nathan Olson, two great-granddaughters Dinah Lee and Talia Rose Rutka, brother John (Karen) Hegstrom of Woodbury, MN, sister Lynn (Blair) Gades of Mitchell, SD, many nieces and nephews, cousins and his current favorite dog Lucy. Private family services were held on Friday, January 22, 2021, in Dougherty Funeral Home. Burial at Parkview Cemetery in Hawthorne, WI. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN. 218727-3555.

Kenneth (Kenny) Allen

Jacobson, Minnesota funeral director, age 68, passed away unexpectedly January 26, 2021, at the Swift County-Benson Hospital. Kenny was born January 28, 1952, in Benson, Minnesota, to Abner and Katherine (Pederson) Jacobson. He attended school in Benson and graduated with the Class of 1970. He went on to earn his degree in Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota. As a teenager, Kenny experienced the tragic death of a younger cousin. The impact of seeing how his family was helped through the care and comfort given by the funeral led to his future career serving others as a funeral director. On June 9, 1972, Kenny was united in marriage to Renae Simonson at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. They made their home in Benson where they raised their children, Ben and Amanda, and owned Jacobson Funeral Home. After selling the funeral home Kenny enjoyed being a DJ and assisting his Dad with auctions. He later returned to funeral service and completed his career with Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels, Edina, MN. Kenny was devoted to serving and comforting families in their time of need. One of his greatest highlights was earning the title “Gampa” with the arrival of Sophia, Clara, and Liam. He was the grooviest Gampa gifted with the unmatchable ability to get everyone bouncing off the walls, laughing loudly, making a scene, and telling the silliest jokes. Gampa was the master of pranks. He prided himself in always convincing the grandkids to join in his shenanigans. His favorite retirement activities were driving the ‘Gampa School Bus’ every morning and attending sporting events while proudly being the loudest fan in attendance (the loud cheering was usually appreciated). He always made sure to say how much he loved them. Kenny is survived by his wife, Renae of Hopkins: son Ben Jacobson of Minneapolis, daughter Amanda Jacobson of St. Louis Park; grandchildren: Sophia Bagne, Clara Bagne, and Liam Jacobson; brother Bruce Jacobson (Cathy Bentfield) of Forest Lake; brother-in-law: Robert Simonson of Benson; sisters-in-law: Rebecca Winge (Robert) of West Fargo, ND; Ramona Hilleren (Jon) of Willmar, MN; along with several nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He loved them all greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abner and Katherine Jacobson; an infant brother; father-and mother-in-law, Reuben and Ruby Simonson; his grandparents: Peter and Nana Jacobson, and Oliver and Bertha Pederson. Due to COVID-19 a celebration of Kenny’s life will be planned at a later date. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996