Iten Funeral Home

Mary Louise (Sutter) Bellingham, 88, of Maple Plain, Minnesota, passed away on January 9, 2025. Mary was born on May 6, 1936 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Robert and Ethel Sutter. She grew up in Duluth with her sisters Carrie, Roberta, and Ethel (Etsy) and graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Mary was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family. She worked as a grade school teacher, a music teacher, a piano instructor, an interior designer, and ultimately had a fulfilling career as a probate researcher. Her last job originated out of her love for genealogy. Mary was an avid genealogist, authoring books on genealogy and working with the...

Diane Marie (Bily) Hirsch, age 80 of Watertown, MN passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, January 9th. She is survived by her daughter Rachelle (Mike) Barfknecht of Watertown, MN and son David (Morgan) Hirsch of Bend, OR, Grandchildren Meghan and Paige Barfknecht, Marit Hirsch, and dog Chloe. She is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and community members. Diane is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Jerome "Jerry", faithful daughter Jennifer Hirsch, her parents Louis and Ann Bily, sister Lillian and Gerald Schotik Sr., in-laws Margaret and Bernard Hirsch and brother-in-law Charles Hirsch. Diane grew up in West St. Paul, MN and...

Edward Francis Burns, 93, of Hollywood Township passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, after having been in hospice near Winsted, MN. Ed was born July 19, 1931 at the Cottage Hospital in Watertown, MN to Edward J. and Rose C. (Connolly) Burns. He was the eldest of seven children. Ed graduated from Watertown High School in 1948 and went on to graduate from St. John's University in Collegeville with a degree in History. After college he enlisted in the US Army where he served in Korea until he was honorably discharged. Once out of the service he was employed as a teacher in outstate Minnesota in communities such as Ortonville, Fairbault and Kimball. Eventually, Ed ended up back in...

Doris Burns, age 85 of Watertown passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at her home in Watertown, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 15, 1939, to Lawrence and Helen (Eiden) Leuthner in Hollywood Township, Minnesota. Doris was a devoted wife and cherished mother of seven sons, each of whom she loved dearly and to whom she dedicated her life. Her nurturing spirit and steadfast support were the cornerstones of her family's strength and unity. Her strong Catholic faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Doris was deeply committed to the Virgin Mary and her faith provided her with strength and comfort. She was particularly...

Ronald Allen Streling, passed away unexpectedly on September 5th. Ron was born in and grew up in Sacramento, California, with his three brothers and sister. Ron enjoyed the outdoors where he liked to fish, hunt, and swim. He loved to work on cars. You would find him at the race track a few times a week when he was younger. Ron had multiple jobs from working at a tire shop, truck driver, concrete worker, and handyman. Ron was known for being funny, giving, and his loving nature. He was a man who cherished family and friends deeply. He is survived by his son John {Melissa}, daughter Bernadette, grandchildren Coraline and Kenny. Brother David {Dena} and James. Besides family he leaves behind...

Thomas Frederick Wile, best known as "Tom", age 82 of Minnetonka, former longtime resident of Wayzata, passed away on July 10, 2024. He was born on August 24, 1941 to Paul and Jane (Voegele) Wile in Davenport, Iowa. After a series of moves during his early childhood, Tom's family settled in Oak Park, Illinois for the majority of his adolescent years. Tom graduated from Oak Park High School near the top of his class and went on to attend the University of Michigan where he received an undergraduate degree in Math and two Master's degrees in Math and Engineering. Upon graduation, Tom made a move to Minnesota to begin his career in Finance at General Mills where he had various roles until he...

Jordan Andrew Jaekel of Watertown passed away on May 20, 2024, at the age of 24. Jordan was born August 7, 1999, and graduated from Orono High School in 2018, where he played trumpet and ping pong. He was an avid Great Lakes ship-watcher and an Orono sports superfan. He loved beating everyone at ping pong (earning the nickname "the human backboard"), going to concerts, and adding to his immense record collection. Jordan was known for his iconic Stetson hat and signature orange ship-watching jacket. No one who met him ever forgot him. He was kind, generous, and thoughtful. He was a beautiful soul, and he is greatly loved and missed. He is survived by parents Robert and Dianne Jaekel of...

Jordan Andrew Jaekel of Watertown passed away on May 20, 2024, at the age of 24. Jordan was born August 7, 1999, and graduated from Orono High School in 2018, where he played trumpet and ping pong. He was an avid Great Lakes ship-watcher and an Orono sports superfan. He loved beating everyone at ping pong (earning the nickname "the human backboard"), going to concerts, and adding to his immense record collection. Jordan was known for his iconic Stetson hat and signature orange ship-watching jacket. No one who met him ever forgot him. He was kind, generous, and thoughtful. He was a beautiful soul, and he is greatly loved and missed. He is survived by parents Robert and Dianne Jaekel of...

Brethorst John K, age 63 of Delano, passed away on April 30, 2024. He was born on January 20, 1961, to Lee and Gretchen (Nazarenus) Brethorst. John was a graduate of Mound Westonka in 1979 and was a longtime employee of the Wayzata school district. Preceded in death by his father Lee; and nephew Shawn Morgan. He is survived by his mother Gretchen; brother Michael; sisters Debbie Rippee and Karen (Larry) Tomcheck; nieces Jennifer (Ryan) Conner and nephew Brett Eidem; great nieces Kylie and Alayna; and great nephews Milo, and Harlan. A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM on July 20, 2024 at the Delano Senior Center in Delano, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held...

Gustafson ElVera Albertina Marie Cronk, Farniok, Gustafson, aged 100 years, 9 months, and 2 days, passed away on April 1, 2024. She was born on June 29, 1923, to Frank and Albertina (Weege) Cronk in Rockford Township, Minnesota. Preceded in death by her husbands John Farniok and Harold Gustafson; daughter Nancy Green; son-in-law Francis Green; and many relatives and friends. Survived by her daughter Sharon (Les) Bartos; grandchildren Chris Bartos, Melissa Vik, Jill (Brian) Officer, Amanda (David) Czepa, Susan Heinen (and friend Tom), John Green, and Barb Lindquist. 7 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral...

Amy Susan Ward, age 78 of Maple Plain, passed away on January 7, 2024. Amy was born on January 5, 1946 in Minneapolis to Harold and Dorothy Ruff and grew up primarily in Orono/Long Lake. She later settled in Maple Plain to raise her family. After graduating from Orono High School, Amy attended beauty school and completed her CNA certificate. She worked as a waitress, a caregiver at a nursing home, a beautician, and a house cleaner. She loved, trees, flowers, cooking, coloring, drawing, and crafts. She loved birds, especially Cardinals and Loons. She was a wonderful and caring woman who would do anything to help others. She provided a place for her children's friends to stay/live. Preceded...

Patrick (Pat) John Burns, 78, of Hollywood Township passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Pat was born November 1, 1945 in Watertown, MN. He married his high school sweetheart, Margie, at St. Mary's in Waverly, MN on July 27, 1968. They were married for over 55 years and had eight children and many grandchildren. Pat graduated from St. Mary's High School in Waverly and graduated from Assumption College in North Dakota. Pat served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Simon Lake in Scotland. He then worked on the family farm and was later self-employed. He loved his family and enjoyed cheering them on in sports and school activities. He enjoyed...

Katherine K. Edwards, born Katherine Kennedy, aka "Kay" Born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota Lived most of her adult life in the Minneapolis area, for many years in Maple Plain and most recently for several years in Haven Home. As a young person, Kay was interested in fashion modelling. She had a lifelong interest in art projects and worked as an internal auditor. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Curtis Edwards; her parents, Arthur H. Kennedy and R. Jean Angus Kennedy; and by her three sisters, Elizabeth Bodie, Anne Arndt, and Jean Prostakoff. She is survived by a niece. Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

Julia Slater Jensen 72, of Mound MN passed away peacefully with her 3 sons by her side on Thursday October 26th, 2023. She was born December 9th, 1950, to Eben and Gale Slater in Minneapolis, MN. Julie attended grade school in St. Joseph MO where she graduated from Central in 1969. She went on to study at the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1974. Jules met the love of her life (Curt) while attending college in MN. After marriage in May of 1975, they made their home in the Lake Minnetonka area where they started their family. While raising their family and building a future together, The Lord took Julie's husband early in life. In 1989 she was devastated by the loss of her...

Ralph James Motzko "Butch", age 77 of Watertown, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023. He was born on June 20, 1946, to George Sr. and Mary K (Farniok) Motzko in Watertown, Minnesota. Butch was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Ralph James; siblings Georgia Blackketter, Arlene Schroeder, Thomas and Steven Motzko; and brothers-in-law Donald Blackketter and Arnie Lauer. He is survived by his wife Kathleen "Kim" of 56 years; daughters Lisa Donahue, Lynn and Dennis "Chop" Yasger, Rose "Buffy" Motzko; and special friend Zane Niccum. 6 grandchildren: Jesse (Liz) Donahue, Sean (Katrina) Donahue, Brooke (Dylan) Williams, Sadie Yasger and special friend Samuel Koehler, Damon Niccum,...

Francis Robert (Bob), age 82 of Maple Plain, passed away on August 7, 2023. He was born on February 5, 1941, to Frank and Lucille (Meyer) Steffl. Bob was a passionate person whose charismatic personality allowed him to find friends anywhere. Married in 1970, he settled down a bit and found his 35-year career in electrical contracting. Bob was proud of all three of his daughters who always kept him on his toes. In retirement, he was able to restore his 1969 Buick Riviera and loved showing it at local events. Friends were always a large part of Bob's life; he could usually be found at a local coffee shop on Saturday mornings discussing local events. One of the greatest joys were his...

Barbara Susan McDonald passed away on July 25, 2023. She was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 7, 1936, raised by Frank and Hortense Kleschult as an only child. Barbara married into a family with 11 children and wanted to have a big family of her own, writing in her high school yearbook that she "wanted to be the mother of many", and so she was. Barbara was very involved with Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown, MN strong in her Catholic faith, she was extremely creative, talented artist, entrepreneur, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. A friend, counselor, and prayer warrior to everyone that was blessed to meet her. Barbara is survived by her children...

Glassco (John) Juanita Joan, age 90 of Wayzata, passed away on July 17, 2023. Juanita was born on September 13, 1932, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Joseph and Helen (Jarl) John. Juanita married George Glassco in 1953 and to this union one daughter was blessed. She was a woman with an infectious smile and loved to entertain family and friends. A passion of Juanita's was the outdoors, with her cabin in Nisswa, Minnesota the perfect escape. She loved to spend time with family at the cabin, and cherished the moments spent with her loved ones, especially her granddaughters. She is survived by her daughter Kristi (Daryl) Emery; granddaughters Lydia and Hanna; brothers Thomas (Cami) John, and...

Mary Margaret (Baurr) Johnson, age 63 of Watertown, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2023. She was born on January 23, 1960, to John and Marie (Olsen) Baurr. Mary attended and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1978. She furthered her education at Winona State, and later the University of Minnesota. She met the love of her life Kenny Johnson on March 18, 1988, at a bowling tournament at the Minnehaha Lanes. They were married on September 7th, 1991, and enjoyed 31 years of blissful marriage together. Mary spent her professional career providing her talents to multiple business, including NSP, BCS INC, and Xcel Energy. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jack...

Mary Johnson, age 63 of Watertown, passed away suddenly at her home on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Wife of Ken Johnson and mother to Ryan Johnson. Funeral services scheduled for Tuesday, June 6th at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown. Details are pending, please check Iten Funeral Home for details. Full obituary next week.

Kermit Dietrich, age 92, of Carver County, Minnesota, formerly of Independence, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022 following a brief illness. He was born in 1930 to Carl and Katherine in Humboldt, South Dakota. Kermit was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leona "Betty" Dietrich, parents Carl and Kathrine Dietrich and his brother, Ernest. He is survived by his three daughters and eight grandchildren and their families and fourteen great grandchildren. Kermit and Betty had a dairy farm in Hennepin County, Minnesota and raised their family there. Kermit often reminisced about his years as an enlisted submariner in the Navy. He was one of the torpedo men on the S.S....