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Larry Dean Pence passed away surrounded by family at home early Saturday, February 8, 2020. Larry was born on October 5, 1944 in Albert Lea, the oldest son of Bennie and Clarice (Sorenson) Pence. He grew up in Geneva, MN and graduated from Ellendale High school in 1962.
When not hunting, trapping or fishing in his youth, Larry could be found playing basketball, excelling at that for 35 years.
After graduation he worked at Sorenson's Appliance with Uncle Warren. In 1970, Larry opened Geneva Hardware and became the largest Snapper dealer in the nation for riding lawn mowers selling about 350 riders a year. Thus, began one of the most successful entrepreneur careers in the state. He was a resort owner at Squaw Lake, then owner of Valu Mart Marine in Clarks Grove, MN selling boats, motors and snowmobiles. There he became the largest dealer in the nation for Scorpion Snowmobiles selling over 200 a year. Also, a car salesman, his love was the marine business where he was one of the largest Lund and Alumacraft dealers in the Midwest. Larry has received numerous awards in the marine industry. Connecting with people was his favorite thing. His customers and their families became friends for life, and he loved visiting with all.
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Jo Anna Olson, age 84 of Ellendale, Minnesota, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020 at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice, Mason City, Iowa. Jo Anna Simmons was born on November 22, 1935 in Lucerne, Missouri. Joanna graduated from Mason City High School in 1954, and then met Jimmie Olson in Hollandale, Minnesota, at the Jones Factory Potato Plant. The two later married on October 15, 1955 at the Danish Lutheran Church in rural Ellendale, Minnesota. Following their marriage, Jo Anna took on the role as a farm wife, taking wonderful care of the family farm. Jo Anna was an extremely dedicated mother, taking excellent care of the kids while at the same time busy cooking her amazing food. She was also known for her many years canning while in the kitchen, and gardening outside on the farm. While taking care of the farm, she showed her love for the animals and pets. She was known as the most welcoming, kind, and caring woman, who always put others before herself. She always made time to visit with everyone. Jo Anna also enjoyed writing letters; she especially loved to write her annual Christmas letter. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and an active leader for 4-H for many years. Jo Anna will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
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A memorial service for James Francis Allen will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea, MN with Father Kurt Farrell officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, MN at a later date.
Jim passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Jim succumbed to respiratory complications brought on by pneumonia. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. He was 85 years old.
James Francis Allen was born on February 5, 1934 in Owatonna, MN to parents, Oren and Catherine (Herren) Allen. He was raised on the family farm between Geneva and Blooming Prairie. After his schooling, Jim joined the United States Army and served honorably from 1956 – 1958. He was called home early to take over the family farm after his father became ill. He would continue to operate that family farm until he retired at the age of 62.
Jim was united in marriage to Teresa (Gerads) Fakler on June 13, 1981 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newry Township. Jim was blessed to become a step-father to nine children, and he thought of Teresa’s family as his own. The couple would operate the family farm together until moving into Albert Lea in 2009.
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Funeral services for Audreene J. Smith of New Richland, MN, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the First Congregational Church in New Richland, MN. Pastor Pamela Jensen will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in St. Peters Cemetery, New Richland. Military honors will be accorded by the New Richland Legion and Waseca Honor Guard.
Audreene passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the New Richland Care Center at the age of 98.
Audreene was born on September 22, 1921 to parents John and Helma (Sibilrud) Olson. She grew up in Hartland and graduated from Freeborn High School. She went on to complete nursing school at Naeve School of Nursing in Albert Lea. She served her country as an Army Nurse Lieutenant in WWII and was stationed in central Europe for two years.
On June 8, 1952 she was united in marriage to Donald L. Smith at the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Hartland, MN. They raised five daughters together.
Audreene worked as a nursing supervisor at Naeve Hospital and St. John’s nursing home. In retirement, she taught nursing assistants at Riverland College. She was an active member in her church and community. The three most important things in her life were God, Country, and Family. She enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, cooking, travelling, and spending time with her family.
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Howard Harold Hill, age 91, of Hayward, MN died Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, MN. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, with Military Honors by the Wells Color Guard. Burial will be in Staples, MN in Evergreen Hill Cemetery. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with services. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com.
Howard was born March 14th, 1928 in Lakota, IA to Ray and Ruby (Newby) Hill. He attended school and farmed in the areas of Ogilvie and Bricelyn, MN. He served in the U.S. Army from October 24th, 1950-October 24th, 1952. He was stationed at Fort Snelling in Minnesota, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Camp Rucker in Alabama, and Camp McCoy in Wisconsin.
Upon returning home to Ellendale, MN he farmed with his grandfather, John Hill. Howard later bought farms in Browerville and Staples, MN where he farmed and milked a herd of Jerseys. In 2005 Howard moved to Hayward, MN to enjoy retirement near his family.