Dolores Marie Baumann, formerly of Tracy, passed away at the age of 97.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church,4625 W. 125^th St Savage, MN. Visitation 1-4pm Sunday, February 24 at White Funeral Home, Burnsville, MN. Burial will follow at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Dolores was born September 13, 1921 to Carl and Katherine (Koller) Liebswager in Lucan, MN.  She married I.J. (Bud) Baumann on August 6, 1942 in Milroy, MN.  After their marriage, they moved to Fort Sill, OK.  In 1945 they moved to her family farm in Milroy, MN and then to Tracy, MN in 1958.

Dolores was active in the community with the Ladies Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of America and  St. Mary’s Catholic Church.   She was a gifted seamstress and owned and operated The Fabric Center in Tracy.  She went back to school to become a certified Dietician and was a cook at the Tracy Nursing Home until she retired in 1986.

Dolores loved playing piano, sewing, playing cards, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Dolores is survived by her children: Jerry Baumann, Walnut Grove, MN; Jill (Keith) Anderson, Minneota, MN; Roger Baumann, Wabasso, MN; Peggy (Bill) Manther, Apopka, FL; Marcie Baumann, Burnsville MN and Maxine (Rick) Menze, Burnsville, MN; grandchildren: Troy, Buddy, Karin, Krista, Bryan, Christy, Carrie, Cathy, Kris and Rob; great-grandchildren: Andy, Maddie, Matt, Jake, Sam, Danny, Grant, Brody, Brendon and Kieran, Shay and many, many nieces and nephews.

Dolores was preceeded in death by her loving husband, Bud; her parents, Carl and Katherine; brother Gifford; daughter-in-law Pat Baumann; grandson Michael Anderson; granddaughters Teresa Baumann and Sarah Menze.

She will always be loved and will be greatly missed by us all.

Judy Boe, age 78 of Owatonna, formerly of Walnut grove, passed away February 16, 2019 at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 20 at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Homestead Hospice House, 2350 NW 26th St. Owatonna, MN 55060. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Judy Boe was born August 3, 1940 in Tracy, to Leo and Carrie (McComb) Gilb. She was confirmed at the Johnsonville Lutheran Church. Judy graduated from the Walnut Grove High School. 

She was united in marriage to Arlin Albertson on January 16, 1960 and together they had two sons, Grant and Ross. Later in life she was united in marriage to Kieth Boe. 

Judy had a passion for fashion. She was the former owner of Judy Lee’s Clothing Store located in Tracy and Springfield. She also owned the Strawberry Patch located in Tracy. Judy had a heart for helping others and enjoyed a good cup of coffee. She was involved in the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, the Walnut Grove Charter Member Amicus Club, and the English Lutheran Church Women’s Circle. Judy enjoyed knitting, sewing, and playing the piano. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her son Grant Albertson of Owatonna; grandchildren: Ryan Albertson of Walnut Grove, Molly (Tim) Robinson of Brownsdale, and Caitlin Sikel of Walnut Grove; and sister Jeanine Christy of Sacred Heart. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Ross Albertson, brother Charlie Gilb, and sisters Barbara Vickerman and Sally Hassinger.

Sharon Hansen, 79, of New Ulm died Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.  Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Burial will take place in the New Ulm City Cemetery.  Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH Chapel in New Ulm.  Visitation will continue from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church on Thursday.  To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: www.mvfh.org

Sharon is survived by her children, Mark (Ruth) Hansen, Kim (Greg) Haubrich, Jason Hansen; daughter-in-law Eileen (Duane) Kral; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Gertrude (Hanson) Briddell; husband, William “Bill” Hansen; son, David Hansen; daughter, Robyn Hansen; sisters; and brothers.

Sharon was born on December 23, 1939 in Tracy.  She graduated from Tracy High School.  

On September 7, 1958 she was united in marriage to William Hansen at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Tracy. After marriage they lived in Tracy and then moved to New Ulm.  Sharon worked at Kraft Foods in New Ulm until retiring.  She loved time they spent from April to October up north at their cabin and enjoyed fishing, watching sunsets, and hosting family and friends.  Her passion in her life was her faith.  She enjoyed her flower gardens which gave her so much pride and joy.  She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in New Ulm, and the Ladies Aid at church.  

Roger “Pete” Peterson, 80, of Hanska died Thursday, February 7, 2019 at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 16, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska with Pastor Sarah Taylor officiating. Burial followed in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Hanska.

To leave an online condolence for his family or to sign the guest book go to www.mvfh.org

Roger is survived by his wife, Karen Peterson of Hanska; daughters, Brenda (Allen) Wieme and their children Nathan and Katlyn of Tracy, Beth (Kevin) Lassas and their children Michelle and Ryan of Madelia, Becky (John) Hahn and their children Randy and Mark of Brainerd; a son Bryan (Jill) Peterson and their children Ashley (AJ) Plummer and Austin Peterson of New Ulm; and one great granddaughter Hadley; sisters-in-law, Vivian Panzer of Brainerd, Barbara Tetzloff of Lewisville, Debra (Delvin) Durheim of Long Prairie; and by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Elaine; and his brothers-in-law, Merle Evjen, Willard Tetzloff and Harold Panzer.

Roger Dale Peterson was born January 28, 1939 in New Ulm to Oscar and Mabel (Mork) Peterson. He graduated from Hanska High School in 1957. Roger was united in marriage to Karen Klutz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James. Roger wore many hats as he was a farmer and was also employed at Del Monte, Industrial Air, Swift Eckrich and the Madelia Community Hospital. His hobbies included collecting trains, calendars, toy tractors and steam engines. He enjoyed traveling with friends and family seeing the sites from California to Florida and collecting key chains at every stop.  Also traveled the Midwest watching Steam Engines and attending Toy Shows. Roger also loved watching his Grandchildren at as many sporting events and music concerts as he could make.  He also liked to watch the Twins and Vikings.  Enjoyed the time he spent with friends eating pizza and especially the time he spent with children, grandchildren and his precious great granddaughter, whether it be Holidays, working on the farm or just hanging out, especially the last year, it was his happiest moments!!! 

Delores Jean Sell, age 87 of Walnut Grove, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Avera McKennan Medical Center in Sioux Falls.  Funeral Services was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 18 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. A private family burial will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Delores Jean Sell was born December 29, 1931 to Emanuel and Helen (Montgomery) Nelson in Windom, Minnesota. She attended Windom Public School and then graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1950 as a Salutatorian. 

On June 3, 1950, Delores married Richard “Bud” Sell in Westbrook. After, the couple moved to Hartley, Iowa, where Delores worked at Fairmont Foods.  In 1953, Delores and Bud returned to Westbrook, where they bought the filling station, farmed for four years and Delores worked at the Westbrook State Bank.  The couple moved to Walnut Grove in 1957 and they bought the Sell Brothers implement business, which they operated until 1998.  

Delores was a very active member of the English Lutheran Church.  She was on Circle, the WELCA board and in the past she served on the church council.  Delores was a member of the Walnut Grove City Council and Lake Shetek Lake Association.  She was a wonderful cook and avid reader. Delores enjoyed playing cards, golfing and pontoon rides.  She would winter in Arizona and enjoyed traveling across the world.  Delores loved attending all of her grandchildren’s school events.

Delores is survived by her children: Ric (Lisa) Sell, Debra (Rich) Martius, Kathy (Loren) Knakmuhs all of Walnut Grove, and Jim (Lynnelle) Sell of Medina; grandchildren: Tim, Staci, Ben, Jackie, Ashley, Joshua, Jordan, Ty & Drew; 11 great grandchildren; sisters: Pat Hansen of Walnut Grove, Sandy (Ken) Anderson of Revere, and Mary (Gerry) Leonard of Slayton; and many other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Bud August 27, 2018.

Darrell Luverne Zimmerman passed away Feb. 4, 2019 at Lake Forest Country Homes in Lake Forest, California. He was 91 years old.

Darrell was born June 6, 1927, to Oral and Wilma (Williamson) Zimmerman in Tracy, Minnesota. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1945. Darrell was an excellent athlete and loved playing sports. He lettered in three sports: 4 years in football, 4 years in track and field, and 3 years in basketball. Darrell had the honor of holding the school record for 11 letters in three sports for over 50 years.

After graduating high school he joined the Navy. He was proud to have served in the Navy for two years as Navy SP Ai/C. During his time with the Navy he played Service football at the Great Lakes Naval Station and Jacksonville Naval Base.

From 1947 – 1951 Darrell attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. His time at SDSU was impressive, lettering 4 years in football and track and field. Darrell graduated with a Bachelor in Science degree in 1951 and furthered his academic career with a Masters in Education in 1959.

Darrell married Darlene Bly in 1952. They met in Ivanhoe, Minnesota, where they were both teaching school. They had four children: Brenda, Scott, Sheri, and Rick.

Darrell, aka “Coach”, devoted his life to education and coaching for 50 years. His career included 4 high schools: Ivanhoe, MN, Atwater, MN, Farmington, MN, Millikan High School, Long Beach, CA and 4 colleges: Danna College, Valparaiso University, University of the Pacific, and Western Oregon University. He felt blessed to have coached football, basketball, cross country, track and field, wrestling and hockey.

He was inducted into 4 Hall of Fames as a coach, and was on the USA Coaches Hall of Fame ballot for 5 years. A highlight of his career was the State Department appointment to coach the Ecuador National Track Team 1968 – 1970.

In addition to coaching young athletes he officiated basketball and umpired baseball for 30 years.

Darrell was a member of the Elks Club for over 45 years. He was involved in the Clown Unit in the Garden Grove Lodge. “Zimbo” the clown loved to march in parades and often reminisced of the time they marched in the Rose Parade. He transferred to the HB Elks Lodge and actively participated in club activities, his favorite being the monthly pancake breakfasts.

His church, Grace Lutheran, was a source of spiritual strength and comfort. He was proud of the church school and was generous in his support of the excellent academic and spiritual curriculum.

The last two and a half years, Darrell lived in a beautiful board and care home in Lake Forest, CA. He received excellent loving care for which his family is truly grateful. He continued to keep current on all the sports, enjoyed watching tv and having lively conversations with his fellow home residents. His social outings each month: the Elks Pancake Breakfast, church services at Grace Lutheran, and breakfast at the Magnolia Café, added to his enjoyment of life.

Darrell lived a full and blessed life. He had the opportunity to travel extensively to many different countries and enjoyed many beautiful destinations in the USA. In his own words, “It’s been a great run. God has truly blessed me as an athlete, coach, and sports official.”

His cremains will be carried home to Tracy, Minnnesota in the Spring to his final resting place in the family plot next to his parents and grandparents.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children: Brenda Adams (husband, Dan), Scott Zimmerman (wife) Wendy, Sheri Hanaway, Rick Zimmerman, grandchildren: Jamie Hanaway, Rachel Adams, Kyle Zimmerman, and Natalie Zimmerman.

Richard “Dick” Gempler was born in Tracy, Minnesota on Oct. 5th, 1936 to Frank W. Gempler and Lenora F. (Silver) Gempler.  Dick was the fourth child of five children born to Frank and Lenora Gempler, Lyle, Robert, Carol, Richard, and Thomas. He passed from this life on Sunday, January 27th, 2019 from complications of a short battle with cancer.

At approximately the age of 9, Dick’s mother passed away from a surgical complication and Dick was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle on his mother’s side, Aunt Theresa and Uncle Eddie Hansen for about a year. He then lived with his father’s brother and his wife, Uncle Alfred (Al) and Aunt Bertha (Bert) Gempeler (old spelling) and he was raised by them until he graduated from Tracy High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Dick’s first permanent duty station was Castle AFB, California where would soon meet the love of his life, Barbara Gideon, at a Roller Skating Rink. He was later quoted as saying when he first saw Barbara, “That’s The Girl I’m Gonna Marry!” and marry he did! Dick and Barbara were married in August of 1956 and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.  Together Dick and Barbara raised four children, Scott, Gregory (Greg), Elizabeth (Beth) and Jennifer (Jen). His wife Barbara was raised in a very challenging family environment and said of Dick, it was the first time she knew that she was “Loved to her bones”.

Dick’s military service as an Aircraft Electrician in the US Air Force, took him and his family to many different bases ranging from Illinois and California to North Dakota and Japan.  He had short deployments to many others.  After serving a two year tour in Vietnam, he returned to his family back in the US.  Ultimately, it was his service in Vietnam and it’s associated dangers that would take his life 46 years later.

After retiring from 20 years service in the US Air Force, Dick’s family relocated to Boise, Idaho in 1974 where his 3 brother’s Lyle, Robert and Thomas and their family’s lived. Dick was also a diesel automotive electrical technician (Huskey Auto Electric) as well as an Entrepreneur that owned and operated Crystal Cubes Ice of Treasure Valley. 

He was a big football fan! He loved the Minnesota Vikings and Boise State Broncos and would be decked out in his favorite team’s shirts on game day! 

When the kids and grandkids would arrive at his house for a visit…they would always just walk right in and say ‘Hello The Fort’ and he would reply back with “Hello The Fort”!!!’ 

He created the ‘infamous’ Gempler Whistle’ that stopped Gempler kids young and old in their tracks…if they heard that whistle, they would come running home….or turned their heads on the street if he saw you and whistled that loud yet awesome whistle…We still carry on that tradition with our kids and grandkids! 

He was the best cook!!! Everything he made was delicious, but he is quite famous for a tradition he started several years ago on Christmas Eve and that was to make his homemade Clam Chowder in a huge turkey roaster…the soup was nick named “Liquid Gold” because it was just that good!!! 

As Barbara’s health deteriorated in recent years, Dick continued to care for her needs, both emotionally as well as physically and sacrificed a great deal to be there for her, a sacrifice he willingly gave.

Dick…or ‘Papa’ as the kids and grandkids called him, was quite a talented artist and not only in the kitchen!!! He enjoyed creating with oils on canvas as well as his many wonderful kitchen creations with a spatula.  Always quick with a dimpled smile and a kind word, this world has lost an excellent man who loved his family and Heaven has received a good and faithful servant.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Lenora Gempler, his Uncle Eddie Hansen who helped raise him, his Uncle Al and Aunt Bert Gempeler who helped raise him. Two beloved brothers Lyle Gempler  and Robert (Bob) Gempler, his brother-in-law  Kenneth “Bud” Gideon, his brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Milligan, his sister-in-law Joann (Brown) Gempler, his parents-in-law Kenneth and Florence Gideon, two of his beloved children, Scott Gempler and Elizabeth (Beth) Schmidt.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Barbara, his son Scott’s family, (grandson) Josh Gempler and his daughter (great-granddaughter) Emily Gempler, (grandson) Troy and Crystal Gempler and their sons (great-grandsons) Anthony and Tommie Gempler, (grandson) Curtis Gempler and his son (great-grandson) Scott Gempler,  step granddaughter Mindy and Rick Quinby and their children Ricky III and Jenna Quinby, step grandson Phillip Bingham. His son Greg and his wife Kelly, their four children (grandson) Jeremiah Gempler, (granddaughter) Heidi and Jeremy Wilson and their three sons (great-grandsons), Eli, Blake, and Jett Wilson, (grandson) Matthew Gempler and (grandson) Andrew Gempler.  His daughter Beth Schmidt’s family, (granddaughter) Lindsay Schmidt and her daughter (great-granddaughter) Jazzy Schmidt, (grandson) Max and Rebecca Schmidt and their children (great-granddaughters and great grandson) Paisley, Phoebe and Dean Schmidt. His daughter Jen Gempler,  her daughter (granddaughter) Summer Weisshaupt and her daughter (great-granddaughter) Bree. His favorite sister Carol Zakrzewski of Sioux Falls, SD and her family. His baby brother Thomas (Tom) and Linda Gempler and their family of Boise, ID. His sister-in-law Jane Milligan of Bandon, Oregon and her family. His brother-in-law Fred and Nancy Gideon of Redding, Calif. and their family. Special nieces daughter’s of his brother-in-law Ken “Bud” Gideon, Tami Gideon Weske of N. Carolina and her family, Valerie  Gideon Conner of Sacramento, Calif. and her family, Lisa  Gideon Johnson of San Antonio, Texas and her family. His Aunt Theresa Hansen that helped to raise him (99 yrs. young) and her family from Tracy, MN. Many wonderful and loved nephews, nieces and cousin›s on the Gempler and Silver sides of the family from far and near, and his wife Barbara’s Gideon side of the family and of course the wonderful friends that are like family that they have made together along the way and over the years together.

Dick fought the good fight and passed from this life into the Arms of Jesus with his family by his side…His son Greg holding one hand and his daughter Jennifer holding his other hand.

Many thanks to Dick’s wonderful caregivers, nurses, doctors and staff at The Idaho State Veterans Home, who gave him the best care, respect and love!

Full Military Honors and Internment was held on Friday Feb. 8th at 2:45 pm (3pm Sharp!) at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, ID 83714 veterans.idaho.gov

A special thank you to Dick and Barbara’s Pastor Jason Wolin of Faith Community Bible Church for Officiating, but most importantly for praying with him and comforting him before he passed.

Betty Ann Fust, age 80 of Marshall, formerly of Tracy, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2018 at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16 at Tracy Area Funeral Home in Tracy.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.  Interment will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in LuVerne, Minnesota. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Betty Ann Fust was born on September 8, 1938 on a farm near Elkton, South Dakota to William and Anna (Suurmeyer) Fust.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist faith. The family moved several times during her childhood.  Betty started school in Garvin and later attended school in Walnut Grove and in Tracy, where she graduated in 1956. 

In the spring of 1957, she began work at Northwestern Bell.  Betty worked as an operator and then a supervisor.  Through the years the company changed to AT&T, US West and today is Century Link.  Betty worked at many of their offices around Minnesota including Tracy, Marshall, Crystal, Wadena and several others, moving wherever she was needed.  She retired in 1988 after 31 years of service.  Betty moved back to Marshall to spend her retirement years. In August 2018, Betty moved to Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Betty was an avid fan of “her” Minnesota teams–the Twins and the Vikings.  Her family knew better than to phone her when a game was on.  Betty enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. 

Betty is survived by her brothers: Walter (Joyce) Fust of Brainerd and Ray (Sherry Kaehn) Fust of Coon Rapids; and nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Otto Filter and nephew, Roger Filter. 

August 17 1937-February 5, 2019

Gene entered his heavenly home February 5^th with eyesight restored and a new mind, to Jesus open arms and music unlike he had ever heard. His daughter Gretchen was waiting for him as were his parents, siblings and host of other dear friends. 

In his last hours we told him to “run to Jesus” and he did just that. His faith was unwavering throughout his life, his family dear, and music was both his vocation and avocation.

Gene was born in Freeport, Illinois and his best times were summers on his sister Doris’s farm. He was a farmer at heart and never tired of riding through country roads to “check out the crops”. His parents and 4 siblings all preceded him in death.

Gene graduated from Bethel College (University), with a degree in Music Education, and it was there he met his wife Carol. They shared the love of music and much more in their 58 years of marriage. They were blessed with 4 children, Mark, Scott (Heidi), Gary and Gretchen. Gene (Papa) is also survived by the loves of his life, his Grandchildren, Callie, Annika, Julia, Sasha, Kaylee, Camryn and Lily Jean. Other children dear to him are Sarah, Lauren, Amanda, Matthew and Daniel Urke.

He spent 40 years teaching both instrumental and vocal music and directing church choirs. His love of music carried him in the last days as the CD’s of the classics, country and sacred music echoed in his room.

Our great thanks and gratitude to the staff at Community Living Options Halper Way home where he spent his last 4 months being cared for and yes loved by his team of caregivers. He made a difference in their lives and they in his and ours.

Lastly our thanks to the capable, caring, Allina Hospice team. Genes was a life well lived without complaint or regret. 

A service of celebration will be held on Saturday February 16^th at Wooddale Church, 6630 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie MN 55343. 9:30 am Visitation. 10:30am Service followed by Reception.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Gospel Opportunities, Christian Radio Station, Wooddale Church Music Program or Tracy Area Education Foundation.