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Bradley Harlan Tufte was born on July 5, 1960 to Clifford Tufte and Verona (Randall) Tufte-Winegar in Owatonna, Minnesota. He grew up in rural Ellendale on the family farm, where he helped take care of many chickens and pigs.
Brad met his wife through an awkward courting. Tufte’s sold eggs out of their chicken house and every Sunday the Ritz family would swing out for their weekly eggs. One day while the Ritz girl was getting eggs, he was staring out the kitchen window and told his mom, “I’m gonna marry that girl one day.” After many winks in the hallways at school and eventually meeting up at a party, the two have been inseparable ever since.
Brad started his working career with Jannell’s dad at Ritz Plumbing & Heating, followed by 18 years at Sorenson’s Appliance & TV. Brad was known for having the cleanest cars around, so when a business opportunity opened up for him in Owatonna, he jumped at the chance to purchase Clean Cars & More, where he took great pride in making sure Owatonna businesses and car dealers had clean cars! Brad then decided that cleaning cars was getting to be a bit of manual labor, so he took a job at Cabela’s doing what he loved – talking about guns all day long! He cherished the friends he gained working at all of these jobs.
His German Shorthaired dogs brought much joy to him in his venture to harvest many pheasants over a lifetime, a sport he was proud to have passed on to his son, Justin. Jessica learned the talent of bringing home many dogs herself, most of whom found their way to dad’s house to create much chaos! Ice fishing and spearing became something that the whole family started to enjoy in the winter. Many cold days were spent on Potato Lake, staring down a hole for hours and hours, waiting for the big one. Regular fishing on many lakes up north with Justin and most recently ice fishing on lakes around home near Rob, Jessica and the kids, gave him the urge to purchase his own Ice Castle. Unfortunately, the lack of ice this past winter made him unable to drop a line out of it. I’m thinking he will be watching over us this next winter when we get the house on the lake.
Brad and Jannell enjoyed traveling across the States and finding adventures along the way. They were blessed to share their 40th wedding anniversary with lifetime friends, Jeff and Robin Christensen on a week-long trip to Alaska, amongst previous trips to Texas and Las Vegas with them. They cherished the many trips they had with their kids and grandkids, including Disney World, Alaska, Up North stays and Cape Coral.
Brad is survived by his wife, Jannell (Ritz) Tufte of 41 years (plus seven years dating; we always counted that time) and his children Jessica (Rob) Arnold and Justin (Sarah) Tufte. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Lex, Braxton, Josie, Jace, Oaklyn and granddaughter on the way. It was pretty rare that you wouldn’t find at least one or two of them at the house. T-ball, dance, choir, art shows, clay target, football, or basketball is where you would find him often cheering on his grandkids. Brad is also survived by his dad, Clifford (Clare) Tufte, sisters Glori and Joyce (Jerry); sisters and brother in laws Chris (Lisa), Tracy (Guy), Roxie (Jim), Chad (Lera), along with many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Diana Ritz. Brad was predeceased by his mother Verona Winegar and his two brothers-in-law Dale and Jim; father-in-law, George Ritz.
The family greeted friends and family at a visitation at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Friday, July 12 from 3 – 6 p.m. A private family burial was held on Saturday, July 13, followed by a Celebration of Life at George’s of Geneva from 11:30-2 p.m.
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Raymond G. Rosacker Jr., 83, of Waseca, MN passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on July 12, 2024 under the care of his daughter Tracie, and St. Croix Hospice.
Raymond Glen Rosacker was born on April 28, 1941 in Waseca, MN to Raymond Sr. and Hazel (Root) Rosacker. He was the oldest of five siblings. Ray grew up in New Richland, MN, on the farm (of only 160 acres), the farm his dad had been born on, and helped his dad farm until graduation. Ray graduated from New Richland High School in 1959. To many he knew he was ‘Ray,’ but to the immediate family he was ‘Junior.’
After graduation, Ray decided driving semi was something he enjoyed, so he worked for Tipton Trucking until drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. Ray served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. He served overseas in Vietnam from 1963 to 1964 in transportation, trucking supplies across from one side of Vietnam to the other daily. Ray and his company were some of the few solders who did not lose any brothers in the war.
Once honorably discharged from the service, Ray returned to his love of driving trucks for Tipton Trucking. Ray loved farm work, but decided driving semis was greater. In 1968 he met his wife, Kathryn Albers. On May 4, 1968, they were united in marriage in Hartland, MN at Kathy’s parents' small café. Ray immediately took on fatherhood by loving and eventually adopting Kathy’s daughter, Tracie. A few years later, Ray and Kathy adopted a son, Troy. They discovered another little one was on the way, Teresa, who was born in 1977.
Over the next many years, Ray drove many miles over the country, first for Tipton, who sold the business to Norseman Trucking, then Norseman Trucking (Steffen’s Transport) of Waseca. Ray eventually went on his own and drove the mail route from Bemidji, MN to the Cities round trip every night. After a few years of doing this, Ray and the family moved out to Denver, CO for a couple years, before they decided MN was still their home. Ray and Kathy divorced in 1991 and Ray moved to Waseca and worked at Cinch Connectivity until his health would not allow him to work at the age of 82. He valued hard work and expected the same from everyone else.
Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his children, Tracie, Troy, and Teresa Rosacker all of New Richland, grandchildren, Nathan, Elijah, and Jessica Lutgens, Mathew Rosacker, Cory, Casey, Jordan, Jaden, and Aleena Rosacker, Taya, Payge, and Meya Rosacker; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles (Dana) Rosacker of Marshalltown, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sr. and Hazel Rosacker and siblings, Beth, Carol and Lawrence.
Services for Raymond were held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 beginning at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in New Richland. A visitation for family and friends was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Richland.
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Timothy Lon “Chico” Ihrke, 71, of Owatonna, died Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern.
He was born October 5, 1952 in Owatonna, son of the late Kenneth and Nadine (Casperson) Ihrke. Tim grew up in Owatonna and spent some time in Medford as well. He attended Owatonna High School and graduated in 1971, having lettered in track and football. On January 15, 1972, Tim was united in marriage to Karla Jean Ahrens. They were married for 51 years and raised three wonderful sons. Tim started working for Viracon shortly after graduating high school and spent over 47 years with the company before retiring. Tim worked for Kibble Equipment for four years during retirement. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Tim loved watching his grandchildren in their sporting events. He was a huge NASCAR fan, watching races in person and on TV. Tim enjoyed fishing and helping his in-laws with fieldwork on the farm. He spent lots of time caring for his truck and manicured lawn.
He is survived by his sons, Corey (Sara) Ihrke of Owatonna, Chris (Sara) Ihrke of Geneva and Cameron (Darcy) Ihrke of Owatonna; grandchildren, Katie Ihrke, Blake Ihrke, Bailey Ihrke, Bree Ihrke, Christine (Shannon) Sletten, Noah Ihrke, Cas Ihrke, Mason Ihrke; great granddaughter, Charlie Sletten; siblings, Linda Jensen, Roger (Laura) Ihrke, Dennis (Pam) Ihrke, Bob (Cindy) Ihrke, Mark (Val) Ihrke, Curtis (Janice) Ihrke, Kendall (Karren) Ihrke, Doug Ihrke, and Kim (Mark) Dressel; mother-in-law, Lorraine Ahrens; sisters-in-laws & brothers-in-laws, Suzanne (Jim) Hedeen, Brad (Sherry) Ahrens, Brian (Lisa) Ahrens, Randy (Becky) Ahrens, and Marshall (Patty) Ahrens; many nieces and nephews.
Tim was preceded in death by his wife, Karla Jean (Ahrens) Ihrke; niece, Heather Ahrens and father-in-law, Martin Ahrens.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, July 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial services will be held Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Reverend Mike Walerius officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or donor’s choice.
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Alvin LeRoy Wobschall of Ellendale, MN, passed away on July 10, 2024 at the age of 95. The funeral service for Alvin were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale, MN. Pastor Kyle Smith officiated. Interment was at the First Lutheran Cemetery, Ellendale. Visitation was held Tuesday, July 16, 2024 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services, Ellendale Chapel and on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Alvin was born in Lake Mills, Iowa on May 18, 1929 to parents Ervin and Lillian (Poplow) Wobschall. He was married on December 20, 1951 to Luella Behsmann at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waseca, Minnesota and to this union three children were born: Russell, Linda, and Randy. During the early years of his life, Alvin served in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged for his courageous service. Alvin was a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed the roads and went on to purchase his own truck. He had many hobbies that he loved, such as deer and duck hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, bowling, attendance at auctions, and weekly outings with his favorite cousin. Alvin was a faithful member of the First Lutheran Church of Ellendale and a cherished neighbor to many. Alvin loved to help people; he would often be found doing unsolicited tasks for others out of the kindness of his heart.
Alvin is survived by his sons: Russell Wobschall and wife Mary, and Randy Wobschall and wife, Sue, all of Waseca, MN; five grandchildren: Jennie (Ryan) Woelpern, Jason (Nicole) Wobschall, Charity (Tyler) Haugen, Travis Wobschall, and Sarah (Michael) ¬¬¬¬Wood; 12 great grandchildren; brother: Gerald (Lori) Wobschall; sisters: Shirley (Jerome) Anderson and Cheri Possin; one special cousin: Gary Poplow; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Alvin was proceeded in death by his wife, parents, only daughter, one sister: Lorraine Carroll, and one brother-in-law: Dave Possin.
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George Robert Dettmann, 94, passed away Friday July 5that the Owatonna Hospital in Owatonna MN. George was born in New Richmond WI on January 29th, 1930 & was baptized in the Lutheran faith. He graduated from Glenwood City HS in 1948 & began working for the railroad after turning down a contract to play baseball for the New York Yankees. He married his first wife Virginia Meyer on June 15th1951. With this union, they had 3 sons, Robert, Ron, Randy and an infant daughter Marie who died in childbirth. Virginia later died due to kidney disease on June 16th 1959.
On September 12th 1960, George married for the 2nd time to Faye Richard. Faye currently had 2 children, Becky and Dennis. They moved to Cottonwood MN where they had 2 additional children, Roberta and Roger. The family then moved to Minneota Mn, later Lemond then finally the Geneva/Ellendale area. George enjoyed fishing, playing cards, dancing, bowling, camping, visiting the local pubs, and loved a good time with people. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grand-children and great grand-children. People may be surprised to know that he was also a born again Christian which happened late in his life.
He helped every year with the Geneva Game feed and also helped raising money for cancer. George was the last of his family members in Wisconsin to pass. George passed away peacefully & had frequent visits from his children, along with his close friend Roger Shaunce. He will be missed by many. His hearty laugh and jokes were witnessed by anyone who knew him. George decided to donate his remains to the Mayo Clinic Body Donation program in Rochester MN.
George is survived by his sons Robert (Joyce) Dettmann, Ron, Randy (Theresa), Roger, Daughter Roberta (David Vesely) and daughter Becky Quaintance, 14 Grandchildren and 24 Great grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his beloved wife Faye, son Dennis, his parents George & Louise Dettmann, his daughter Marie, 2 brothers Raymond & Rueben & 2 sisters. Leonora & Ella (Bill Ohman).
Friends may greet the family 1 hour & 30 minutes prior to the Memorial Service at Vibrant Life Church in Ellendale MN. Memorial Service will be held Wednesday July 24th at 1:00pm at the church with the Pastor Todd Lundgren officiating.