Fillmore County Journal

Phyllis Ann Toloken of Rochester, MN passed away on April 23, 2022. Phyllis was born on May 24, 1929 to Maxine (Smaby) and James Drury. She was married to Tilford H. Redalen in 1947 until his death in 1973. They had two children, LeaAnn and Robert (Bob). Phyllis remarried Harlan Toloken and they were later divorced. Phyllis lived in Fountain, MN during her youth and early adult life and was a long time member of the Fountain Lutheran Church. Phyllis worked in sales for many years at shops in downtown Rochester; The Buckskin Shop, The Bazaar and Exquisite Leather. After retirement she continued to serve others by visiting the residents at Traditions Assisted Living in Preston, the...

Patricia Genevieve Johnson, 94, of Chatfield, died peacefully on Friday, April 15, at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco, Iowa, with her family by her side. Visitation for Pat was held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, in Rochester, MN. The funeral Mass for Pat took place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 22, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave. NW, in Rochester. Special music began at 10 a.m. An Illinois native, Pat was born November 17, 1927, and she and her younger brother, Herman Jr., were raised by their parents, Herman Paulick, Sr., and Aurelia Paulick, in Glencoe. After graduating from New Trier...

Kimberly Faith Flatin was born on Sept 4, 1958 to Allene (Tripp) and Arnold Flatin, eventually becoming a big sister to 2 brothers- Rhan and Trevor Flatin. She passed into the hands of our Lord on April 8, 2022 in the comfort of her own home surrounded by 4 generations of family. Kim had 2 passions in life- her family and her art. She lived for the latest story of one of her kids/grandkids, and shared it with anyone who was in earshot, with a palpable joy & often laughter. Her enthusiasm and love for art of all kinds kept her busy and certainly filled her cup, but it was her incredible talent that touched the lives of so many others. She shared her gifts in the form of over 15...

With love and sadness, the family of Patricia "Pat" Ann Ullom announce her passing on February 16, 2022, after a brief stay at Pine Haven Nursing Home in Pine Island, MN. Patricia was born on June 4, 1936, in Preston, MN to Emery and Ruth (Achatz) Caldwell. Her early education started at Our Lady of Lourdes School, in Lourdes, IA and then at Marks Country School a mile from home in rural Fillmore County. She graduated from Harmony High School in 1956, and upon graduation, completed Cosmetology training in Mankato, MN. Patricia and Glenn Clayton Ullom married on January 19, 1967, at the Nativity Catholic Parsonage in Harmony. They had a collaborative and caring relationship based on...

Gladys Teresa Pulford, 94, of Rochester, MN died January 27, 2022, at Madonna Towers Skilled Nursing Facility. Gladys was born October 23, 1927 in Preston, MN to Charlie and Nellie (Liester) Mangan. She graduated High School in Preston, MN in 1946. On May 24, 1948, she married Francis Rodney Pulford at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston. The couple lived in Rochester, MN for three years, then moved to Eau Claire, WI. A year later, they moved back to Rochester where they remained for the rest of their lives. Gladys was first a homemaker and mother, raising eight children with the help of her husband, Rodney. She had various jobs in Rochester outside of the home, starting with Mayo...

John R. "Jack" Nelson Jack Nelson was born on February 20, 1935, to Donald and Evelyn Nelson, in Tipton, Iowa. On January 13, 2022, Jack's battle with pneumonia ended, and he entered into blessed rest. Jack graduated from high school in 1953, enlisted in the Iowa National Guard (where he served as a Medical Specialist), and went on to Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. In August 1955, Jack married Shirley Jackson, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, a joyful union that produced three children: Rick (K), Pam (Bart) Seebach, and Matt (Kay). Jack's career began with the Skelgas company in Tipton, Iowa, continuing into branch management roles in the Iowa towns of Washington, Fairfield, and finally,...

DENNIS GEORGE HARVEY, 80, of rural Lanesboro, died Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Lakeland Health Care Center in Elkhorn, WI. A service will be held at a future date during the spring of 2022 at Crown Hill Cemetery, Preston. Dennis was born on October 30, 1941 in Dexter, Minnesota, the son of Herb and Ruth (Drake) Harvey. He graduated from LeRoy High School in 1959. He owned / operated a freight company and then worked for the Milwaukee / Soo Line Railroad for 30 yrs. On September 1st, 1962 he married Patty Lou Smith at the Baptist Church in LeRoy, MN. The couple lived in Preston until 1974 when they moved to Potosi, Wisconsin for Dennis' work and lived there until 1979 when they...

Elaine Marjorie Goetz passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 22, 2021. Elaine was born July, 29, 1938 in Rochester, MN to Henry and Marjorie (Hollenback) Hermanson. She graduated from Chatfield High School. On Dec. 7, 1958 she married the love of her life Lloyd A. Goetz. Elaine had a contagious smile and fun-loving spirit. She worked in retail. After the birth of her first grandson, she then started her favorite job and welcomed two more grandsons to love and spoil. Elaine and her family enjoyed many fun weekends camping and fishing at Waterville, MN. Later Elaine, Lloyd and Diane enjoyed yearly trips to Branson and Yellowstone. Another dream came true on Jan. 12, 2021 when her...

Travis J. Eaton, age 39, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 18, 2021. Travis James Eaton was born July 3, 1982 in Rochester, MN the son of Cynthia (Clark) Grant and James Eaton. He grew up and attended school in Rochester and Chatfield, MN. Travis married Holly Robinson and, in their union, had two sons, Sawyer and Owen. They later divorced. Travis worked as a manager at Subway in Rochester and had a small lawn care business on the side. He was a loving son and his children were the light of his world. Travis is described as a hardworking, dedicated, loving individual who loved his family and friends. He enjoyed Harleys and cars, hanging out with friends, eating out and...

BRIAN DEAN GUNDERSON, age 46 of Janesville, died on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Born in Cresco, Iowa on June 13, 1975, Brian was the son of Leon and Julie (Austin) Gunderson. Brian graduated from Harmony High School, attended college in Winona, MN, and graduated from the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Construction Inspector Academy at Lake Superior College. Brian was a gifted craftsman, had an excellent work ethic, and excelled at everything he did. He enjoyed a twenty-year construction management career with Braun Intertec and the State of Minnesota. On February 19, 2000 he was united in marriage to Sarah Johnson at St. Columban Catholic...

Donna "Joan" Clement, formally of Preston, MN, left this world on September 26, 2021 for her heavenly home to meet her Savior Jesus Christ. She was born April 16, 1940 to Walter Jr. and Charlotte (Kirkpatrick) Fagen and was one of 7 children. She graduated from Sigourney High School in 1957 and then attended business college. She married Michael Clement on June 14, 1958. They lived in southern Iowa until moving to the farm near Preston in 1968. Joan was the Fillmore County Highway Department accountant for 28 years and volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician for over 21 years. Joan was passionate about her relationship with Jesus Christ, her family and community. She was an...

Stacey Hoffman York - Spring Valley Stacey Hoffman York, 63, of Spring Valley MN passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in a tragic car accident. Stacey was born August 14, 1957 in Santa Monica, CA. to William (Bill) and Cornelia (Connie) York. She graduated from Foothills High School in 1975 and later from Saddleback Community College. She earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1984 and Masters degree at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California in 1986. On November 18,1995, she married Dennis Hoffman. The couple lived in Spring Valley, MN and had just purchased a lake home in Amery, WI with plans to retire there. Stacey York has worked with...

Darwin "Dar" Neil Halverson, 72 of Rochester, passed away peacefully following a short battle with cancer on May 3, 2021 at Rochester Health Services West. Dar was born on May 12, 1948 in Lanesboro, MN to Sabert and Carol (Johnson) Halverson. He grew up in Canton, MN and graduated from Canton High School in 1966 (the last graduating class before consolidation with Mabel). He was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He served active duty in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in November of 1969. On January 31, 1972, he married Inez Winslow in Cheyenne, WY. Together, the couple made Rochester their home. Dar worked for Pepsi and Minnesota Loan before working as General Manager of Kuehn...

Betty Ann Palmer passed away Wednesday April 14, 2021 at her home. Betty was born on October 19th, 1931, to Aletta (Jensen) and Jennings Marquadt in rural Lanesboro. She grew up helping on the farm and attended Gribben country school and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1950. She then worked as a secretary in Chatfield, Marigold Dairies and Pako Photo in Rochester. Betty married Richard (Dick) Palmer on February 15, 1958, and they made their home in Rochester with their three children. Betty enjoyed much of what the world offered. She loved being outside, watching the birds, gardening, and took pride in her ever-growing family. Betty and Dick could be seen at various sporting...

Glen Edward Leighton, 81, of Eyota, MN passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021 peacefully in his sleep at home. Glen was born on March 4, 1939 in Wasioja, MN to Ed and Anna (Blood) Leighton. Glen attended Claremont High School and graduated from West Concord in 1957. On January 21, 1961, he married Donna M. Egge at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. Glen worked at IBM for 34 years. Glen's passion was horses and he spent most of his life riding, showing, and judging (WSCA) horses throughout southeastern Minnesota. One of Glen's most cherished memories was participating in a Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota. Glen and Donna traveled many winters to Donna, TX, where they enjoyed happy...

Chris Dietrich, 61, of Jacksonville, FL passed away July 26, 2020 at his home. Chris was born to Carl and Shirley Dietrich on November 23, 1958 in Winona, MN. Chris graduated from Peterson High School in 1977. He worked at Benson's Feed Mill for a few years, then joined the US Air Force. When he returned home, he went to school obtaining a degree, and becoming a Biotech Engineer. He then went to work for Mayo Clinic Rochester, before being transferred to Jacksonville, FL where he worked until he retirement at age 58. When visiting his family in Minnesota, he enjoyed, golfing, fishing, camping and seeking out friends. He married Anne in 1995 in Ocala, FL. The couple later divorced....

Everett David Vesey, 81, of Wykoff, MN and formerly Cylinder, IA passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester, MN. Everett was born June 22, 1939 in Chatfield, MN to Milton "David" and Hazel (Shaw) Vesey. He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1957. On June 18, 1961, Everett was united in marriage to Dixie King at the Free Methodist Church in Fillmore, MN. To this union three children were born. Everett owned and operated Economy Grocery in Wykoff for over 25 years. He enjoyed being outdoors, whether fishing, gardening, watching birds, or mowing his precious lawn. He was a dedicated follower of Christ and was an amazing husband, father,...

Arlene O. Feine, 86 of Rochester, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 at her Madonna Summit home in Byron surrounded by her loving family. Arlene was born on June 18, 1933 in Rushford, MN to Obert and Alfhild (Hanson) Evenson. She attended Rushford High School through ninth grade. On July 7, 1962, Arlene married Adolph Junior Feine at St. Martins Lutheran Church in Winona, MN. The couple moved to Rochester in 1962. Arlene began working at St. Marys Hospital in the bakery where she worked for 29 years. In 1968, Arlene and Junior welcomed their daughter Jackie. After retirement Arlene enjoyed baking and spending time with her grandchildren. Arlene and Junior enjoyed taking many...

Helen Tofte Mundahl, formerly of Rochester, MN, died October 13, 2019, at the age of 73 from complications of Parkinson's disease. Never one to be defined by her disease, she took every opportunity to spoil her grandchildren, stay connected in the community, and remain a devoted friend to many. Born November 25, 1945, in Decorah, IA, she was the daughter of the late Semor and Pearl Tofte. Her years in Decorah were spent enjoying all that the community had to offer, graduating from Decorah High School in 1963. Helen and her family would also spend time each summer in Tofte, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. The town was settled by her grandparents who had immigrated from...