Kline Funeral Home

Harlan Skinner, age 87, of Backus, MN, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2023, at Dignity and Grace Assisted Living. He was born to Floyd and Ruth (Jennings) Skinner in Clear Lake Township, MN, the youngest of seven children. Harlan loved the outdoors and deer hunting was his favorite season. He had a quick wit and enjoyed cracking himself up with his antics. Harlan's storytelling and entertaining of guests was complemented by his wife, Margaret, who provided the hosting. Harlan was a craftsman and enjoyed working on various projects. He often said he was a jack of all trades and master of nothing. Harlan was unique in naming pets and people. The family dog was named "Yuck" and he...

Jim Benson, age 74, of Pequot Lakes, MN, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Essentia St. Mary's Hospital, Duluth. He was born to Clarence and Edna Benson on October 13, 1948, in Minneapolis. Jim served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was discharged in 1970. He also served in the National Guard. Jim loved hunting, fishing, cooking, woodworking and watching food shows and Fox News. He was a loving husband and father with a great sense of humor. Jim is survived by his wife, Vicki; children: Scarlett Benson, Leah Benson, Isaac Benson (Diana), Minnie Harris (Chris), Craig Hiltner (Sandra); brothers, John Benson, David Benson (Thelma), Joel Benson (Julie); sisters,...

Clarence Duane Forcier, 85, passed away in Nisswa, MN on July 19, 2023. A visitation will take place from 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, July 27 at the Ossipee Community Church in Ossipee, MN. Funeral Services for Clarence will be held at the church at 11 AM on Friday July 28. Lunch will be served following the service, and burial will take place at the Lake Edwards Cemetery. Clarence was born on September 30, 1937, in Sibley Township, to William and Hazel Forcier. He loved being outdoors, snowmobiling, hunting, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family. He will be missed dearly by his surviving children: Duane and Joy Forcier, Danielle Forcier, Farren and Sue Forcier; grandchildren;...

Richard C. Theis, age 84, of Pine River, MN, was born July 16, 1938 and passed away on April 5, 2023. He was born and raised in Little Falls, MN, and lived in Crystal, MN, until his retirement. He proudly served in the U.S. Army. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia; his parents, Matt and Ava Theis; and his sister, Mary. He is survived by his children: Deborah (Steve) Smegal, Barbara Russell, Susan (Paul) Stevens, Thomas (Julia) Theis, Tim (Gabriela) Theis; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM on Friday, April 28, at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 35208 Co. Rd. 37, Crosslake, MN, with lunch to follow. Visitation will be...

James R. Ware, age 88, of Aitkin, passed away July 8, 2022, at Rivers Edge Assisted Living in Aitkin. He was born on April 26, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1934 his parents Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Ware moved to Aitkin, Minnesota and purchased a country gas and grocery store. Jim attended public and parochial schools through the eighth grade then went to Maplewood Academy and graduated in 1953. He then attended Union College. After going into the army, he sought further training at the Hinsdale Hospital as an x-ray technician. While continuing his training at Press Saint Lukes Heinz V.A. hospital in Illinois, he became a certified radiation therapist completing his course of study as a...

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." (Revelation 14:13) Geraldine Viola Hanke was embraced by her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 27, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She was born Geraldine Engen in Minneapolis, MN, on August 5, 1929 to Carlton and Quinn Engen and was their first of six children. Although she grew up during the great depression, she had nothing but wonderful memories with her grandmother, parents, siblings and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Like many at that time, she unselfishly left school at 14 to work to help the family during WWII. After...

Willis George Hanke was embraced by his Lord on May 18, 2021, at 95 years old. Born in Whitehall, WI on Aug 6, 1925 to Rev Arthur and Clara (Flunker) Hanke, he was the 5th of 7 children. Willis spent most of his childhood around his father's country church near Winona, MN. He volunteered for the Navy at 17 during WWII and served on the USS Nassau (aircraft carrier) in the South Pacific theater from 1943 to 1945. He served as a cook and a gunner and his ship was engaged in several campaigns including Iwo Jima and the liberation of the Philippines. After the war he attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis to become a chef. His first job was at the Lafayette Club where he met the love of his...

Constance "Connie" Joan Fread Jelinek passed away peacefully at her home in Pequot Lakes on Friday, May 14, 2021. A joint graveside memorial service for Connie and Dick Jelinek will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 19, at the Blooming Prairie Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Blooming Prairie. Connie was born on October 17, 1936 in Manly, Iowa to Maurice and Mildred Fread. Connie graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1955. Dick and Connie married August 18, 1956. They spent 4 years in Newport, RI while Dick was in the US Navy. They returned to Blooming Prairie where they had a beef farm. Connie worked for the 1st National Bank as a...