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JANICE KAY SAMARAKA (GILSTER), age 75, of Estherville, IA and formerly of Waseca, MN, passed away on October 18, 2023 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Born on January 14, 1948 in Waseca, Janice was the daughter of Arno and Alvina (Detjen) Gilster. She graduated from Waldorf High School. On June 17, 1967, Janice was united in marriage to Nick Samaraka at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland. Together, they raised three children, Troy, Randy, and Mikole.
Janice spent much of her career working as a Title 1 Teacher at Hartley Elementary School in Waseca. She was a member of First Congregational Church in Waseca where she served in various roles. She most recently was a member of First Christian Church in Estherville, IA. She was always lending a hand to those who needed it. Jan enjoyed playing piano, on which she could learn a song just by listening to it. She especially loved playing ABBA songs. Her family was everything to her. She would cherish the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.
Janice is survived by her children, Troy (Sarah) Samaraka of Hudson, WI, Randy (Deanna) Samaraka of Farmington, MN, Mikole “Mikki” (Tyson) Henrickson of Estherville, IA; grandchildren, Savannah, Mackay, Baley, Harper, Yates; siblings; Wanita (Frank) Groskreutz of Waseca, MN, Alvin Gilster of LeCenter, MN, John Gilster of Waseca, MN, Judy Webber of Waseca, MN, Larry (Sue) Gilster of Mankato, MN, sister-in-law, Florence Gilster of Albert Lea and many other relatives and friends.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Nick Samaraka; parents, Arno and Alvina Gilster; brother, Daniel Gilster; sister-in-law, Violet Gilster; and brother-in-law, Blackie Webber.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at First Congregational Church in Waseca. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Woodville Cemetery.
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ARLENE MARY NELSON, age 85, of Waseca, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Lakeshore Inn Nursing Home, in Waseca.
She was born on January 3, 1938, in Waseca, a daughter of the late Clarence and Helen (Anderson) Rudolph. She was raised on a farm near Otisco though she preferred to remain indoors as child, close to her mother. She attended District 46 grade school in a one-room schoolhouse. Arlene graduated from Waseca Central High School in 1955 and Mankato Commercial College. She worked in Rochester as a medical secretary prior to her marriage.
On September 29, 1957, she married her high-school sweetheart, Lowell Nelson, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Wilton. They recently celebrated their 66th anniversary.
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Karla Jean Ihrke, 71, of Owatonna died unexpectedly of natural causes, Saturday, September 30, 2023 at her home.
She was born August 18, 1952 in Owatonna, Minnesota the daughter of Martin “Max” and Lorraine (Helms) Ahrens. She grew up on a farm outside of Owatonna and attended country school through the eighth grade. She attended Owatonna High School, graduating with the Class of 1970.
On January 15, 1972, she married Tim Ihrke in Owatonna. The couple made their home in Owatonna where they raised their three sons, Corey, Chris and Cameron.
Karla worked at a number of places, including Owatonna Clinic, Harry Browns, and Washington Elementary. She was very active at the Steele County Free Fair, serving as the Superintendent of the Culinary Arts. She loved the fair and did not miss a day.
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Dorothy JoAnn Hanson, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on October 6, 2023, at Auburn Meadows in Waconia, Mn surrounded by her loving children. She was born on December 19, 1936, at her aunt’s home in Freeborn, MN, the third child and only daughter of Elsie and Earl Ferguson.
Dorothy attended Freeborn schools graduating from Freeborn High School in 1955. Shortly after that, she married the love of her life, Wayne Hanson, on October 16, 1955. Together, they built a beautiful life with their three children in Albert Lea. In 1963, Dorothy and Wayne built their dream home on Pickeral Lake where they created countless cherished memories. They eventually moved to Water's Edge in 2019 to accommodate Wayne's declining health. In 2022, Dorothy relocated to Auburn Homes in Waconia, to be closer to her beloved children.
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Joyce Elaine Marie Wayne passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023 at the age of 93, surrounded by her loving family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on December 2, 2023 at Community Lutheran Church in Geneva, MN. This beautiful service, filled with love and remembrance, will be a time to reflect on the profound impact Joyce had on our lives. Her legacy of compassion and resilience will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Joyce’s family will greet guests at a visitation held on December 1, 2023 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN and one hour prior to the service. A spring burial will take place in the serene grounds of Geneva Cemetery.
Joyce, a pillar of strength, love, and compassion, will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul find eternal peace and may her memory forever be a blessing to us all.
"With every sunrise, we see your face, hear your laughter, and feel your love. You will forever be our guiding light."