Bierman Funeral Home

Gary Falkenberg, 86 of Northfield, passed away on January 11, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Gary was born on May 2, 1939, in Northfield to Edward and Evelyn (Floren) Falkenberg. He was raised on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love for the land and agriculture. He graduated from Northfield High School and joined the Army where he served starting July 17, 1957 and was honorably discharged on July 3, 1959. Gary then went on to answer his first calling in life as a farmer. Gary took great pride in his work raising pigs and dedicated many years to caring for the land and livestock. In his free time, Gary enjoyed the outdoors. He found great pleasure in...

Mary Ann Hollerung, 76 of Northfield, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at her home in Northfield. Mary was born on February 23, 1949, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Frank and Catherine (Marman) Ginter. She grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Montgomery High School. After high school, Mary moved to Faribault, where she began working for Avon and built many lasting friendships through her work. She started working at a restaurant in Faribault and later at Sheldahl in Northfield. While working there, Mary met James Hollerung. Together they had two sons before later divorcing. Throughout her life, Mary held a variety of jobs, including working at the high school, NRC, providing...

Ronald James, age 88 of Northfield, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, January 2, 2026, at SuiteLiving in Lakeville. Ron was born March 18, 1937, grew up in Waterloo, Iowa later attending Luther College. He received his masters degree in music from the University of Michigan and his doctorate of education philosophy from the University of Toledo. He was a band director, principal, and superintendent of schools. He spent 19 years as the superintendent of schools in Randolph, Minnesota later becoming an adjunct professor at St. Mary's College after his retirement. Ron's passion for education was only surpassed by his love of music. He was a jazz musician performing as early as high...

Carol Ann Hollen, of Northfield, MN formerly of Ramsey and Oakland, NJ passed away peacefully the evening of January 2, 2026, she was 85 years old. Carol is survived by her son Daniel Castelgrant III, Daughter in law Elizabeth, Bridgewater NJ, Sister-in-law Donna Hollen, Slippery Rock, PA, Honey Hollen, Burnt Hills, NY, Celestia Hollen, Charlottesville VA and nieces and nephews. Born in Altoona, PA on July 10, 1940, to Clifton and Alverta (nee Burkholder) Hollen, Carol was predeceased by both of her parents and beloved brothers Darl, Gary and Larry Hollen and former husband Daniel Castelgrant II. Carol grew up in Bellwood, PA and graduated from Bellwood-Antis High School. She spent her...

Dean Christensen, owner of the Brick Oven Bakery in Northfield, passed away on New Year's Eve of a sudden heart attack. Dean was husband to Joyce Francis, brother to Pam Savage, father to Emma (spouse: Scott) and Andy (spouse: Darci), and grandfather to Jensen and Etta. Dean was born in Redwood Falls, MN on June 11,1950, where he grew up on a small farm with his parents Bill and Elaine (maiden: Sickman), and sister, Pam. He attended Macalester College and became an elementary school teacher alongside Joyce. Dean and Joyce were married on March 6, 1971. Later Dean continued his education at the University of Minnesota, leading to his 30 year career as an agricultural research scientist. He...

Lila Mae Prehall, age 87, passed away December 28, 2025 at her home in Farmington. Lila was born on February 23, 1938 in Northfield, the daughter of Thorlief and Alice (Christensen) Overby. She is survived by her husband, Gary and son, Steven of Cape Coral, FL; she is also survived by her four grandchildren as well as her extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl in January of 2013. Lila loved to travel to many places throughout the world; she had a particular interest in the island of Maui where she traveled often. She took great pride inloving her family and had a passion for arts and crafts. Lila purchased Viking Woodcrafts in 1992 and ran the...

Lynn Renee Matta, 64, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2025 at her home in Northfield, MN. Lynn was born on Valentine's Day 1961 in Minneapolis, MN to Robert and Marilyn (Paul) Matta. She was the younger sister of Lori and the older sister of Michele and Bryan. Lynn was raised at home until age 11 when she moved to The Laura Baker School in Northfield with her family following her to the area a few years later. Lynn loved leisurely car rides, "The Sound of Music," long baths, "Friends" episodes, Chicken Alfredo, and all things cheese, especially cheese curds and cheesecake. She had a mischievous sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke. Lynn especially enjoyed rhythms and rhymes, both...

The Honorable Robert Arnold Flaten was born May 21st, 1934 to Evelyn (Solberg) Flaten and Arnold Wangenstein Flaten in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He died peacefully on December 21st, 2025, surrounded by family in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. He was 91. Robert grew up in Northfield, MN graduating from Northfield High School in 1952. After earning a B.A. degree and ROTC at St. Olaf College, he joined the U.S. Air Force. In December 1956, Robert married his college sweetheart, Carroll Johnson, to whom he was married for 54 years until her death in 2010. Robert and Carroll raised four children. Robert and Carroll represented the United States in the U.S. Foreign Service in many overseas...

Barbara Sawyer, age 79, died peacefully at her home on Sunday evening, December 21, 2025, from complications of COPD. Barbara Jean (Sellers) Sawyer was born November 7, 1946, in Northfield, Minnesota, to Arthur Woodrow and Elizabeth Regina (Poels) Sellers. She went to Rosary School in Northfield, graduated from Northfield High School in 1964, and attended the University of Minnesota (1967-1969) before completing the Practical Nursing Program at Minneapolis Technical College in 1971. In 1985, she completed her Associate Degree in Nursing through Inver Hills Community College. Barbara started her nursing career at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, working with oncology,...

Albert "Dell" Barsness, 84, of Northfield, MN, passed away December 20, 2025, at Northfield Hospital. Born February 25, 1941, in Starbuck, MN, to Olger M. and Helen P. Barsness, Dell graduated from Elk River High School in 1959 and from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 1964. He was a member of the Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity and worked as a pharmacist in Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, and Buffalo, MN. Dell married Betty Jurgens on June 14, 1975. In retirement, they enjoyed outdoor activities and made their home on Leech Lake near Walker, MN. Survivors include his wife, Betty, siblings-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial service February 6, 2 p.m. at Benedictine...

Albert "Dell" Barsness, 84, of Northfield, MN, passed away December 20, 2025, at Northfield Hospital. Born February 25, 1941, in Starbuck, MN, to Olger M. and Helen P. Barsness, Dell graduated from Elk River High School in 1959 and from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 1964. He was a member of the Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity and worked as a pharmacist in Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, and Buffalo, MN. Dell married Betty Jurgens on June 14, 1975. In retirement, they enjoyed outdoor activities and made their home on Leech Lake near Walker, MN. Survivors include his wife, Betty, siblings-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial service February 6, 2 p.m. at Benedictine...

Marc Thomas Bergquist, age 62, of Northfield, passed away on December 20, 2025, at home. Marc was born on September 15, 1963, and grew up in Hopkins and Northfield. He graduated from Northfield High School and went on to work as an extremely talented cabinet maker with Designed Cabinets, where he spent most of his career. In 1992, Marc met Suzanne Sanford, and the two were married on January 8, 1999. They made their home in Nerstrand before settling on a small farm west of Northfield. Marc and Suzy had two children: Kyler, who died shortly after birth, and Kiersten. Marc would never miss a Twins or Vikings game on TV, or an opportunity to throw his witty remarks into the conversation. He...

Marlene Bresnahan, age 86 of Northfield, left this world to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday afternoon, December 19, 2025. She was surrounded by her four children. She had fought a long battle with kidney failure and is now at peace. Marlene Ellen (Teske) Bresnahan was born April 30, 1939, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Edward and Flora (Deuth) Teske. She graduated from Northfield High School in 1956. On October 18, 1958, Marlene married Charles Harlan Bresnahan at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault. After marriage, they made their home in Northfield. Over the years Marlene worked as a secretary, waitress (Evergreen Knoll), and custodian (Carleton College). Together with her beloved...

Paul Wayne Little, age 63, of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from an aneurysm. Paul was born in Northfield and, except for his college years in Canby, lived his entire life in Northfield, which he loved. He raised his family on the same acreage he grew up on, a place that always remained home to him. Following college, Paul began his working life alongside his father and brothers at Northfield Farm Service. He later continued his career with Farmers Mill and Elevator in Castle Rock, where he was employed for 36 years before retiring in 2022. Paul embraced retirement wholeheartedly. He had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed...

Paul Wayne Little, age 63, of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from an aneurysm. Paul was born in Northfield and, except for his college years in Canby, lived his entire life in Northfield, which he loved. He raised his family on the same acreage he grew up on, a place that always remained home to him. Following college, Paul began his working life alongside his father and brothers at Northfield Farm Service. He later continued his career with Farmers Mill and Elevator in Castle Rock, where he was employed for 36 years before retiring in 2022. Paul embraced retirement wholeheartedly. He had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed...

Naomi Sprute, age 93, of Northfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, December 17, 2025, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield. Naomi Ruth (Wolf) Sprute was born November 29, 1932, at St. Lucas Hospital in Faribault, Minnesota, to Dewey Edward Wolf Sr. and Mercedes Ernestine (Wintz) Wolf of Nerstrand. She was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Nerstrand, a church she dearly loved. Naomi grew up in Wheeling Township, attended Nerstrand grade school and Faribault Junior and Senior High School, and was known for her beautiful singing voice. She worked on the family farm and held various jobs in Nerstrand, Northfield, and Faribault, including Rever's...