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Brian J. Reese, 73, of Owatonna, formerly of Ellendale, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna, MN.
A visitation was held from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Bonnerup-Ellendale Chapel, in Ellendale, MN. A private funeral and burial will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, with burial to be held at the church cemetery. The service may be viewed by visiting www.BonnerupFuneralService.com
Born on July 6, 1950 in Albert Lea, Brian was the son of the late Merle and Zola Mae (Gibson) Reese. A proud native of Ellendale, Brian spent his early years working alongside his dad on the family farm. As a young man, he earned a commendable blue ribbon for his steer while showcasing his knack for agriculture as a member of the 4H Beaver Lake Beavers.
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Brandon Lee Schlaak, born on August 6th, 1987 to Gary and Christine (Berg) Schlaak in Albert Lea, MN, was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He passed away on April 8th, 2024 at his home in New Richland, MN.
Brandon spent his early years in Palisade, MN before settling in New Richland with his family. He was a proud graduate of NRHEG School in 2007, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete in football, cross country, wrestling, and baseball. In his wrestling career, Brandon earned the nickname "Showtime" from Coach Cyr for always showing up when it was time to shine. His dedication and skill earned him third place in the individual MN State High School Wrestling Tournament in 2007. Brandon’s junior year baseball season began with a game that was played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
After graduation, Brandon briefly attended Riverland College before pursuing various job opportunities working at Holland Ag, Hi Yield, and Arctic Ice. He also gained experience a summer at Veyance Technologies in Iowa. His generosity knew no bounds, as he later took on the role as a caretaker for his grandfather and mother. Brandon embodied the true essence of kindness and generosity. His adventurous spirit led him on family trips, including visits to Nebraska, annual camping excursions with the Schlaak family to Yogi's in Warrens, WI, and a trip to Florida with his mom and brother, Gaven.
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BRUCE ALLEN WILKER, age 77 of New Richland, died on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna.
Born on January 5, 1947 in Waseca, he was the son of Harvey and Charlene (Pachl) Wilker. Bruce attended Waseca Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1965. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Navy, honorably serving his country from 1966 – 1969. Bruce was united in marriage to Virginia Fell in 1966, and later divorced. Throughout his life, Bruce worked at Brown Printing for many years before running a pallet business. He loved cars, racing, and there was nothing he couldn’t build or devise. Bruce was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He was a member of the American Legion Post 228, Dark House Association and Ducks Unlimited.
Bruce is survived by his children: Jeremy Wilker of Golden Valley and his children: Beatrix and Ari Wilker; Jenny (Tiffany Thompson) Evans of San Diego, CA and her daughter, Isabella Evans; and Chase Wilker of Waseca and his children: Wyatte Devans, Madison and Harper Wilker and Adlee Ziemke; siblings: Jim (Sharon) Wilker of New Richland, Sue (Paul Zimprich) Wilker of Elysian, Sherry (Frank) Haney of Kabetogama, Cindy (Kevin) Dickie of Waseca, and Shelly (Bruce) Miller of Waseca; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and son, Christopher Wilker.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, concluding with a prayer service and military honors all at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. A Celebration of Life hosted by Bruce’s family will follow at the Waseca American Legion Post 228.
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Gerald S. Hojberg, 90, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Community Lutheran church in Geneva at 11AM. Burial will be held at the Geneva Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held for an hour prior to the service at the church and from 3-5PM on Sunday, April 21 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home. Pastor Leandra Anderson will be officiating.
Gerald was born at home near Geneva, MN to Peder Einer and Myrtle (Stoa) Hojberg on May 28, 1933. His family moved closer to Clarks Grove when he was a young boy. Gerald attended country school just down the road from the farm. Gerald finished 8th grade at the country school to then assist his father on the farm. He was married to Dona DeRaad to divorce several years later. They had two daughters, Barbara, and Jeanette. Gerald bought the family farm in the early 1960’s.
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Thomas Joseph Chicos Jr., 102, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 3, 2024 at New Perspective Assisted Living in Faribault, MN.
Born on March 5, 1922 to Thomas Sr. and Monica (Geise) Chicos, Thomas was raised on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for the land and farming. He attended Trenton grade school and later graduated from Freeborn High School in 1940. Following his graduation, he continued to pursue his passion for agriculture.
At a local dance, fate led him to Kathryn Ruth Convey, who became his beloved wife on November 16, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN. Together, they purchased a farm, built their first home, and raised their family, imparting a strong work ethic and passion for farm life to their children.
Throughout the years, Thomas and Ruth tended the land, raising cattle, chickens, and their most cherished purebred Hampshire pigs, gaining national recognition for their pigs. Thomas was an ardent supporter of his children and later his grandchildren, encouraging and accompanying them in their school, 4-H and FFA activities. The tradition of showcasing award-winning pigs was passed down through the generations, with many trips to local county fairs, the Minnesota State Fair, and the National Barrow Show.
His truest passion stemmed from the farm, where his love for planting and harvesting was palpable. Polka music mingled with the hum of farm machinery as he diligently worked the land, sporting a radiant smile as he reaped the fruits of his labor. A testament to his dedication, Thomas once emerged victorious in a hand corn-picking contest.