Stanley "Junior" Panek
Feb 16, 2026
Stanley Panek Jr., a dedicated father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 16, 2026, at his home where he lived for 85 years, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 28, 1939, in Thief River Falls, MN, Stanley lived a life marked by hard work and deep familial bonds.
Stanley spent his career farming alongside his brothers, Walter and...
Barbara Champ
Feb 16, 2026
Barbara Champ, a cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 88, in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 4, 1938, in Thief River Falls, MN, Barbara lived a life filled with vibrant moments and warm connections.
Barbara's career began at Digikey during its humble beginnings in a...
Richard "Rick" Korpi
Feb 16, 2026
It is with great respect and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Richard "Rick" Korpi, a beloved member of the Thief River Falls community, on February 16, 2026, in Crookston, MN. Born on June 5, 1951, in Thief River Falls, Rick led a life characterized by dedication, humor, and an unyielding connection to his roots, which included his...
Wenona "Bunny" Malberg
Feb 15, 2026
Wenona “Bunny” Malberg, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed peacefully in her home, with her loving husband Kermit and her family members by her side, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 88.
As per Bunny’s wishes, no services will be held. In the future the family will have a gathering to celebrate Bunny’s life.
Complete obituary to follow.
Loretta Hesse
Feb 15, 2026
Loretta May Schmelzer Hesse was born on January 3, 1933, to parent’s John R. Schmelzer and Laura E. Blair Schmelzer in Kennewick, WA. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kennewick. She attended Bethlehem Lutheran School for 7 years, and graduated from Kennewick High School in May 1950.
Loretta went to work for General Electric Company, contractor to...
Carol Marcotte
Feb 13, 2026
Carol Mae Marcotte, Red Lake Falls, MN, age 77 passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026 at her home surrounded by family under the care of hospice.
Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior...
Donald L. Magner
Feb 13, 2026
Donald Lloyd Magner, 89 of Thief River Falls, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Karlstad Healthcare Center in Karlstad, MN with his loving family by his side.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the service to celebrate Donald’s life at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls,...
Dan Bartsch
Feb 11, 2026
Dan Bartsch, Thief River Falls, MN, age 58, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Emeralds Nursing Home in Grand Rapids, MN
Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Kristin Ostercamp Officiating. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.
Visitation will be held...
Bromley Oren Carr Jr.
Feb 10, 2026
Bromley Oren Carr Jr. was born December 16, 1952 in Dickinson, ND to Bromley Oren Sr. and Sara Belle (Fritz) Carr. His family called him Oren.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 16, 2026 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Bryan Kujawa presiding....
Yvonne E. Philipp
Feb 8, 2026
Yvonne Philipp, age 92, Thief River Falls and formerly rural Goodridge MN, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, under the care of Oakland Park Nursing Home and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Funeral services for Yvonne will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with visitation beginning...
Arnold Narverud
Feb 7, 2026
Arnold Allen Narverud, affectionately known as Curly, was born on May 31, 1929, in Excelsior, Minnesota. He passed away on February 7, 2026, at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Arnie’s life was marked by dedication to family, service to the community, and a commitment to his profession.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00...
Rodger L. Anderson
Feb 6, 2026
Rodger L. Anderson, a cherished family member and a dedicated community member, passed away on February 6, 2026, at the Fargo VA Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 18, 1948, in Drayton, ND, Rodger lived a life full of purpose, pride, and abundant compassion.
Rodger graduated from Newfolden High School in 1966 and went on to serve...
John Benson
Feb 6, 2026
John Benson, 87, of Fourtown, MN passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Warroad Care Center, Warroad, MN.
Memorial service will be at 6:30 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Marilyn Grafstrom officiating. Visitation will start at 5:00 PM. Burial will be at Lone Oak Cemetery, Fourtown, MN at a...
Shirley Cyr
Feb 2, 2026
Shirley Ann (Turgeon) Cyr died peacefully at her home in Oklee on Monday, February 2nd at the age of 94.
She was born on the family farm in Brooks on January 14th, 1932 to Walter and Alexine (Bergeron) Turgeon. She attended school in Oklee until her Freshman year when she enrolled at St. Joe’s in Crookston, graduating as the valedictorian of...
Phyllis Linder
Feb 1, 2026
Phyllis Linder, of rural Plummer passed away at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND on Sunday, February 1, 2026 with her loving family by her side.
Funeral Service to celebrate Phyllis life will be 10:00 AM on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Salem Lutheran Church, rural Oklee, MN with Lindi Christianson officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Oklee, MN.
Visitation...
Dorian Pinder
Jan 30, 2026
Sunrise ~ July 3, 1957
Sunset ~ January 30, 2026
Dorian Jerome Pinder
(Duke of Earl)
This is not farewell beloved brother it’s until we see each other again. It’s time you took your rest for the trumpets have sounded off, your watch is over you have guided us this far. R.I.P our historian, our patriarch we’ll take it from here. You are home...
Rocky Jesperson
Jan 30, 2026
Rocky Jesperson of Plummer, MN passed away and went into his father’s loving arms on January 30, 2026. He was surrounded by close family and friends as he left this world.
Rocky was born June 2, 1953, to Hazel and Chet Jesperson.
He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Stoney and Steve Jesperson (Duane and Gladis Kush) Tim, Julie, Lisa, Hedi,...
John Donald Bjorsness
Jan 30, 2026
Westaker Free Lutheran Church, Newfolden, MN, will Live Stream the service.
John Donald Bjorsness, age 80, of Newfolden, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at North Valley Hospital in Warren, MN.
John was born on October 8, 1945, in Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Minnesota, to Edwin and Pearl Mary (Conklin) Bjorsness. He grew up in Newfolden alongside his...
Carmen Rystad
Jan 30, 2026
Carmen Rystad, 46, passed away peacefully/quietly in her sleep on Friday, January 30, 2026 at her residence near Oklee, MN due to health-related issues.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with a funeral service at 2:00 PM on Saturday February 7, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Eric Mickelson officiating. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery...
Sharon Rose Nelson
Jan 29, 2026
Sharon Rose Nelson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, gracefully departed this world on January 29, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 12, 1953, Sharon greeted life with an open heart and a resilient spirit, inspiring those around her with her unwavering positivity and determination. She graced the world...
