NRHEG Star Eagle

137 Years Serving the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Area
Newspaper of Record for NRHEG School District
Newspaper of Record for Waseca County, MN
PO Box 248 • New Richland, MN 56072

507-463-8112
email: steagle@hickorytech.net
Published every Thursday
Yearly Subscription: Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn counties: $52
Minnesota $57 • Out of state $64

Charlene Otterson

Charlene M. Otterson, age 86, of Austin, Minnesota passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie. Charlene was born September 1, 1936 near Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. She attended country school and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1955. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Otterson on October 4, 1957 at Geneva Lutheran Church. Charlene was a woman of strong Christian faith. Lloyd and Charlene purchased a farm north of Austin in 1968 where they made their forever home with raising their six children. Charlene worked out of the home in multiple restaurants as a waitress, cook, biscuit maker, and baker. She retired from Hormel Foods Cafeteria in 1998. Her true passion that brought her joy was her family. She loved to bake, crotchet, go dancing, play games, garden, can fruit and vegetables in the fall, along with having Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings at their house. She always had coffee along with something freshly baked with an open door for family and friends to stop by.

Eugene Warke

Eugene Oscar Warke, 96, of New Richland, MN passed away peacefully on August 21, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, MN, surrounded by his loving family.

Eugene was born on January 23, 1927 in Flint, Michigan to Oscar and Clarissa (Keen) Warke. He was raised on the family farm near Hartland, MN and attended Freeborn School. When Eugene was a senior in high school, he was drafted into the United States Army; serving from April 12, 1945 – December 3, 1946 and stationed in the South Pacific during WW II. When he returned from his service with the Army, he began working, farming for a year, then assisting his uncle, Clarence Warke, with hauling gravel, and later driving gas truck, which led him to new opportunities in New Richland. In 1957 he built the service station in New Richland where he had custom crop spraying, rural bulk deliveries, AAA service, and sold fertilizer to local farmers. Eugene continued to sell fertilizer throughout his lifetime. Eugene was one of the founders of the New Richland Sportsmen’s Club and oldest member. He was baptized and confirmed at Hartland Lutheran Church, and a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland.

David Erwin Possin, age 75 of New Richland, died on the afternoon of Saturday, August 12, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

David was born in Waseca on May 22, 1948, to parents Erwin and Elinore (Prescher) Possin.  He attended school in New Richland and graduated with the class of 1966.  After high school he served with the United States Army in Vietnam.  Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Minnesota and continued his education in Mankato and obtained a bachelor’s degree in education.  On October 4, 1969, David was married to Cheryl Wobschall in Ellendale.  As a young family they began farming, and David continued in that vocation throughout his life.  He also spent time as an art teacher for Ellendale Public Schools before their consolidation with surrounding communities.  He was a talented artist who worked in multiple mediums throughout his life and had a particular affinity for barn and farm scenes, as well as nature and landscapes.  He was a long-time member of Vista Evangelical Covenant Church near New Richland, and he was deeply involved in “Youth for Christ” both on the board and working with teens. 

Mary Marcus Edon, 64, of Geneva, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at her home with her family by her side.

Born on August 24, 1958, in Albert Lea, she was a daughter of the late Donovan and Ruth (Emmons) Marcus. A 1976 graduate of Ellendale-Geneva High School, Mary received her Associate’s degree from Riverland Community College in Albert Lea. A gifted musician, Mary played the piano, flute and sang in various bands and church groups. 

Marvin Enzenauer, age 89 of Ellendale, died Thursday, August 10, 2023 at the New Richland Care Center in New Richland, MN.   Graveside Services will be held Monday, August 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Lemond Township, Steele County, MN. Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with arrangements. Please see www.nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences. 

Marvin was born June 18, 1934, in Berlin Twp., Steele County, MN, the son of William G. and Amanda B. (Ginapp) Enzenauer.  He grew up on the family farm near Ellendale and graduated from Ellendale High School.  On February 12, 1956 he was united in marriage to Ruth S. Hill at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN.  Marvin farmed the family farm all his life.  He enjoyed traveling, old time music and riding his motorcycle.