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Jane Leigh Wagner gained her wings on December 31, 2023 with her loving family by her side at St Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Heaven just got a little windier when the hurricane blew in.
Mama Jane, Hurricane Jane, or Mama Wags, no matter what you called her she was sure to be your friend through thick and thin and support you with no judgement. Jane lived life BIG, loved hard, and cared tremendously for those she surrounded herself with.
Born on September 18, 1966, in Albert Lea, MN, Jane was the daughter of John and Shirley (Trytten) Somage. She grew up in the tight-knit Hartland community, where she formed lifelong friendships and cherished memories. Jane graduated from New Richland Hartland-High School, a place where her sparkling personality and vivacious spirit shone brightly. She spent her life caring for those around her and often saying “It’s just what I do.”; her caring heart for those around her was evident in everything that she did.
Jane found true love in Darren Wagner, and together they embarked on a beautiful journey of love and companionship, marrying on May 16, 1987 at Cross of Glory Church in Hartland, MN. Their union was blessed with five wonderful children, who were the center of her universe. Jane’s only aspiration in life was to be a mom and she protected her children like a mama bear with cubs. She created a warm and welcoming home, where the doors were always open and hearts were filled with laughter and love. Her children's friends were like extended family, and Jane's nurturing spirit embraced them all. Jane delighted in preparing delicious meals for her loved ones; whether it was a simple family dinner or a big gathering, no one left her table hungry. Jane's renowned homemade pizza was always a sought-after treat in the Wagner household and a delight for all who tasted it.
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Winston Burnett Evenson, a loving father, grandfather, and proud member of his community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving daughters, on December 22, 2023 at the New Richland Care Center. Born on June 28, 1927 in New Richland, Winston was the son of Arthur and Alice (Sunde) Evenson.
After graduating from New Richland High School in 1945, Winston answered the call of duty and joined the United States Army on September 5, 1946. Serving his country with honor and dedication, he was honorably discharged on January 22, 1948.
In June of 1951, Winston married the love of his life, Lorraine Wenzel, and together they built a beautiful life in New Richland. They were blessed with two daughters, Mary and LeAnn, who brought them immense joy and pride. He and Lorraine enjoyed their time together and with friends, spending time dancing at many different venues in the area.
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Connie Rae Smith, 75, of Crookston, MN, passed away Friday evening, December 1, 2023 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. She had been in failing health for several months.
Connie was born on November 29, 1948 in Crookston, MN, one of eight children of the union of Walter and Delores (Gullekson) Smith. The family lived at Fertile, MN during her childhood years and Connie attended Fertile Elementary School through the 6th grade. After a move to Moorhead, MN, she went to South Junior High through the 9th grade. In 1963 the Smith family came to Crookston where she completed her education at Central High School, graduating as a member of the Class of 1966. Next for Connie was a return to Moorhead to attend Moorhead State College. While majoring in Education, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. Connie began her 20-year teaching career in Ellendale, MN, the Albert Lea, MN School District. In Ellendale she became a very popular and much-loved teacher to her students in every grade, K through 12. In 1990, feeling the desire to change career directions, Connie moved back to Crookston to attend the University of Minnesota-Crookston, where she completed work for an Associate Degree in Horticulture in 1992. During this time she met Curt Greenwood who became her life partner. In 1992 Connie and Curt moved to Boone, IA, where she was employed at the Golden Circle Growers Garden Center. After a few years the couple relocated to Hatton, ND and she worked in the dietary department of Hatton Prairie Village. Curt passed away in October of 2012, eight months before the date that he and Connie were to be married. Soon after she returned to Crookston.
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BRIAN JAMES VOGELSANG, age 60, of Waldorf passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital in Rochester.
Born on November 7, 1963 in Wells, MN, Brian was the son of Robert and Shirley (Kipp) Vogelsang. He graduated from Waldorf-Pemberton High School with the class of 1982. He continued his education briefly at the University of Minnesota in Waseca. He spent his early years working alongside his parents. He helped with their family dairy farm until he moved to Minneapolis-St. Paul where he lived, worked and held various jobs.
Brian enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and playing sports. He was an avid pheasant hunter and enjoyed farming. He spent his free time bowling, playing cards and other games.
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Mary June Krohn, 80, of Hartland, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on December 2, 2023 from pancreatic cancer.
Mary June was born on June 14, 1943 in Kiester, MN to George and Anne (Wipplinger) Anderson. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kiester. When Mary June was one, her family moved to a farm in New Richland, MN. She was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from New Richland High School in 1961. Following her graduation she moved to Mankato, MN and worked at Emmanual Hospital until she was married.
On June 6, 1964 she wed Larry Krohn at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN. They moved to a farm near Le Center, MN and lived there for five years. They then moved to a farm near New Richland where they farmed for many years. They became members at Trinity Lutheran Church where Mary was active with the ALCW and taught Sunday School for 20 years. Her faith and church were very important to her.