Jim Lutgens
Food for thought
Forum urges return to Mother Nature’s origins
WHOLESOME TALK — Envirosense owner Dean Goette addresses the crowd gathered at the South Central Sustainable Farming Association meeting held March 17 in Clarks Grove. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
They may not all sport Pioneer hats and overalls, but the South Central Sustainable Farming Association members still have one particular farming goal in mind: to wave back in an older, more wholesome food chapter.
“I don’t want to criticize, or be a martyr or crusader,” said Dean Goette, keynote speaker at the chapter’s March 17 meeting. “Mother nature is infallible. If we work with her, it’s amazing what happens.”
An advocate of three major soil companies, this Envirosense owner knows the pitfalls of processed food backwards and forwards. But, in order to spur change, big doses of teamwork and ingenuity must occur.
“We are what we eat,” Goette said. “Our cows and sows are no different.”
Fellow keynote speaker Jim Stiles, owner of Austin’s Superfresh, is just as enthusiastic about returning to Mother Nature’s origins.
Kindness, and sportsmanship, matter at NRHEG Elementary
KINDNESS MATTERS — NRHEG Elementary students chosen as winners for the third quarter were Spencer Christensen, Olivia Smith and Elizabeth Karl. For their efforts and actions, they were rewarded by having lunch with Elementary Coordinator Doug Anderson. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The NRHEG Elementary school students held a pep rally of sorts Wednesday morning, March 28. The 2012 Panther girls’ basketball team was welcomed to a standing ovation by the student body. Mark Domeier, the voice of the Panthers, introduced each player. The basketball team was in attendance to speak about sportsmanship, a part of the yearlong Kindness Matters program at the school.
Several students were chosen to ask questions of the players in a news conference type of format. The topics ranged from how to be good sports to treating your opponents with respect. The players said that in order to be a team, you have to put your teammates ahead of yourself.
Sophomore guard Carlie Wagner told the younger kids of her experiences during the recent state tournament.
Farmers attend annual spring meeting
THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS — Dr. Gyles Randall, Professor Emeritus, addressed the attendees at the Agro-Economics annual meeting Wednesday, March 28 at NR City Hall. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
New Richland’s City Hall was the setting for the Agro-Economics annual get together prior to spring planting season. Host Mark Bernard welcomed the 30 or so agricultural specialists Wednesday, March 28, as the meeting kicked off about 10 a.m.
Jim Jirik, from the Waseca office of the Minnesota Natural Resource Conservation Service, was the first speaker on the morning’s agenda. Jirik mentioned several ongoing programs still available such as CRP and nutrient management.
“The nutrient management program pays you to have a test plot on your farm,” said Jirik. “Even consultant fees are reimbursed.”
Ellendale fish fry serves over 200
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The Ellendale Fire Department held an all-you-can-eat fish fry Saturday, March 10th at the Ellendale Community Building. Many of the firemen sported dark navy blue shirts, which had an American Flag on the right sleeve, a gold star and the year 1904, the year the Ellendale Fire Department was formed, on the left sleeve, and their fire department badges over their hearts.
The firemen set up the community building with tables and chairs for approximately 120 people and supporters of the event started arriving around 5. Shawn Larson greeted people as they arrived.
The Ellendale Fire Department consists of 19 members. Jeremy Reese, who first came on the department 16 years ago and will be marking his first anniversary as fire chief in April; Mark Lee, who joined the department 17 years ago is assistant chief; Jeff Johnson, secretary; and Kaylee Reese, department administrator.
Edward Yerhart, 86
Edward Yerhart, age 86, of Waseca, MN, died on Sat. March 31, 2012, at Madelia Community Hospital in Madelia, MN.
Edward was born on June 17, 1925, in Waterville, the son of Emil and Gertrude (Hurt) Yerhart. He was a World War II Veteran and was very proud of his service to his country.
He is survived by sisters, Irene Lynaugh of Madelia, Marie (Steve) Ballard of New Mexico, Teresa (John) O'Leary of Waterville, Agnes Brisbane of Waseca; brother, Eugene Yerhart of Madelia.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Leonard, George, Joe and sisters, Helen Wagner and Kathryn.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday April 4, 2012 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Madelia, MN with Father Thien Nguyen officiating.
Interment will be at New Richland Calvary Cemetery in New Richland, MN.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel in Madelia from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
You may send the family condolences online at www.sturmfh.com.
Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel in Madelia.
Marlene A. Hansen, 75
Marlene A. Hansen, 75, of Owatonna, died Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Cedarview Care Center.
She was born September 27, 1936 in Aurora Township, Minnesota the daughter of Edward and Irene (Reichstetter) Wencl. Marlene's parents died when she was five years old and she was raised by her great aunt and Uncle Bill and Mary Wencl. Marlene graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1954, and then worked at the Woolworth Store in Owatonna. She married LaVerne Hansen on November 2, 1955 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA, and the couple lived on a farm near Ellendale. They moved to Owatonna in 1959 and Marlene worked for the Owatonna Canning Company for 15 years and then for OTC for 26 years, retiring in 2000. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, and was a member of the Ladies Aid. Marlene was a member of the Elks, volunteered at the Senior Center and helped arrange dances there. Her greatest passion was spending time with her family, and she also enjoyed playing cards and reading.
She is survived by her children Diane (Alan) Humphries of Waseca, LaJean Ulestad of Owatonna, and Dale Hansen of Owatonna, five grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters Joan Pirkl of Medford, Lucille Svotos of Tower, Regina Wacek of Blooming Prairie, and her sister-in-law Gladys Bedney of Owatonna.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LaVerne, son Raymond, daughter Cynthia Vierling, three infant children and sister Katherine.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday April 3, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. and at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday April 4, 2012 from 1 to 2 p.m.. Funeral services will be held Wednesday April 4, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church with The Reverend Kirk Griebel officiating. Interment will be in the Union Cemetery Bixby.
Robert 'Bob' Staloch, 72
Robert (Bob) John Staloch, age 72, of Wells, passed away quietly on the Staloch Farm in the early dawn on Thursday, March 29, 2012 after a seven-month battle with lung cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, with Father Thomas Niehaus officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 1, from 2-5 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells. Burial will take place in St. Casimir Cemetery. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements.
Bob was born April 26, 1939, on the Staloch Farm near Wells, MN to Paul A. and Selma (Rodahl) Staloch. His childhood was filled with farming, exploring and playing with any ball he could find with friends and family. He graduated from Freeborn High School in 1957 as a decorated and well-respected athlete. After military service, Bob returned to Wells and took over the Staloch Farm where he farmed until his death. On October 5, 1963, Bob married Sharon Dinneen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN. They made their home on the Staloch Farm where they raised their four children. Bob and Sherry were members of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church and he served on the School Board of Freeborn High School. Bob will be remembered as a generous neighbor, a valued friend, a committed husband, a supportive and selfless father, a loving grandfather, and a caring uncle. He loved farming, fishing, his faith and his family. He was a person who was very easy to admire and love.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sherry of Wells; daughter Tami (Mike) Schultz of Lakeville, MN, daughter Teri (Trish) Staloch of Woodbury, MN, son, Tim (Kim) Staloch of Monticello, and son, Ted (Maureen) Staloch of Austin, TX; eight grandchildren: Kelsey, Kendyl, Tate, Teigen, Aiden, Sydney, Sawyer and Bo; his mother-in-law, Ardella Dinneen of Wells; siblings: Quentin Staloch of Minnesota Lake, Lil Jensen of Wells, Karen Hoeg of Wabasha, MN along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Selma Staloch; father-in-law, Len Dinneen; siblings, Jean Hajdu, Eunice (Norris) Overby and Margaret Walser; sister-in-law, Connie Staloch and brothers-in-law, Doc Jensen and Chuck Hoeg.
If purchasing flowers, family preference is for flowers through Accents in Alden, 507-874-3425.
Wilfred E. Molkenthin, 87
Wilfred E. Molkenthin, age 87 of Waseca died on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Lake Shore Inn in Waseca.
Born on January 18, 1925 in St. Mary Township, Waseca County, Minnesota he was the son of Edward and Loretta (Schultz) Molkenthin. Wilfred was baptized February of 1925 and was later confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New Richland by Rev. Ackerman. He attended school in Byron Township, rural Waseca County. Wilfred married Margery Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland in 1950. He was a member there and an usher for a number of years. Following his schooling, Wilfred helped farm the home place in St. Mary Township. He later worked for the New Richland Hatchery and Waseca Public Schools as a custodian for 23 years until retiring in June 1986. Wilfred enjoyed gardening, taking care of the lawn, traveling and camping with the RV, and fishing. He spent winters in Texas until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s which he had for 20 years. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. He was also a member of the Waseca Senior Center.
He is survived by his wife, Margery of Waseca; three daughters, Linda Molkenthin of Waseca, Karen Peterson of Owatonna, and Diane (Roderick) Lorentz of Janesville; three sisters, Armilla, Lovella, and Helen Molkenthin all of Waseca, and six grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one great grandson.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. Visitation will be held on Monday, one hour before services at the church. Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca is handling arrangements.
dennisfuneralhomes.com
Tim Voigt, 51
Timothy Arnold Voigt, age 51 of Waseca died on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at his residence in Waseca.
Born on December 29, 1960 in Gaylord, Minnesota he was the son of Arnold and ReNee (Svoboda) Voigt. He was a graduate of New Richland-Hartland High School. Tim was employed with the E.F. Johnson Co. and later worked as a supervisor of shipping and receiving at Itron in Waseca for over 20 years. He enjoyed spending time with his son Kylie, sports, motocross, and softball. Tim was a member at Christ Community Church in Waseca.
He is survived by his son, Kylie of Waseca; father, Arnold (Jeanne) Voigt of Lake Mills, IA; siblings, Jeffrey (Lisa) Voigt of Aurora, CO, Patrica Voigt of Elma, IA, Kelly Luce of Shakopee, Jason (Nicole) Farley of Lonsdale, and Shannon Farley of Lonsdale. He is also survived by step-brother and step-sisters, Kathy (Craig) Miller of Waseca, Monica Dokken of Waseca, Roland Kopp of Clear Lake, IA and Debra Kopp of Clear Lake, IA; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his mother, ReNee Farley; step-father, Joseph Farley; and step-brother, Mike Kopp.
Visitation will be held at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. and continue on Friday one hour before services at the church.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Christ Community Church in Waseca with Pastor Chris Johnson and Pastor Howard Lundeen officiating. Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.
dennisfuneralhomes.com
Coby Thompson, 48
Long time Alaska resident, Mr. Coby Blaine Thompson, 48, died Sunday, March 11th, 2012 in Wasilla, Alaska.
At Coby’s request there will be no ceremony.
Mr. Thompson was born April 10th, 1963 to Robert Thompson and Nora Thompson in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Coby graduated from high school in New Richland, Minnesota. After Coby graduated from high school he soon then after moved to Wasilla, Alaska and worked as a landscaper.
Coby enjoyed NASCAR, country music, and helping others.
The family wrote, “Coby was a kind and gentle spirit, always eager for approval. He loved animals and playing pranks.”
Coby is preceded in death by his mother, Nora Thompson; and father, Robert Thompson.
He is survived by his sister and brother in-law, Nancy and Lonnie Breuer of Wasilla, AK; sister, Cheryl Johnson and partner Scott of Waseca, MN; brother, Kevin Thompson and his wife Dianne of Faribault, MN; brother, Mark Thompson of Soldotna, AK; nieces, Cassie Johnson, Skye and Joe Ronkin and their 2 sons. He is also survived by his nephews, Brandon, Peter, Joshua, Travis and Corey.
Family cared by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.