Taps

“Taps” is a listing of brief obituaries in The Minnesota Legionnaire featuring Minnesota American Legion members who have transferred to Post Everlasting. It is a way to honor and recognize their service to the community, state and nation.

It is not for all dearly departed veterans — just deceased American Legion members. Submissions must have a date of death within the past year. Contact Editor Tim Engstrom at 651-424-4612 or [email protected] with questions.

Submit Taps Entry

Taps

Miller, Charles, W.

He served in the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division, in Korea during the war.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
06/10/2025
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
66
Post:
Ironton Post 443

Wojtysiak, John A.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
11/27/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
56
Post:
Kettle River Post 360

M. Joseph Fournier Jr. “Joe”

Note: “Joe” served as an inventory manager and was responsible for supply ordering. He was stationed at Sewart AFB in Smyrna, Tenn., where he was once named Airman of the Month. (The base closed in 1971 and was turned into the Smyrna Airport.)

Age:
81
Date of Death:
11/01/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
37
Post:
Osseo-Maple Grove Post 172

Rosentreter, Bennie A.

Age:
95
Date of Death:
09/03/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
67
Post:
North St. Paul Post 39

Rehling, Max E.

Age:
77
Date of Death:
01/28/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
19
Post:
Hillman Post 602

Lefor, Terrance F.

He was stationed at the Baudette Air Force Station with the 692nd Radar Squadron. (It was closed in 1979.) Later, there was a time during his civilian career where he installed military communications systems at bases in West Germany.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
11/28/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
41
Post:
Roseau Post 24

Schultz, Harvey F.

Age:
77
Date of Death:
11/27/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
20
Post:
St. Peter Post 37

Meyer, Robert C.

He served aboard the destroyers USS John S. McCain and USS Maddox.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
11/23/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Marshall Post 113

Guenther, Charles A.

He served in the engineers in Korea and Japan.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
11/23/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
42
Post:
St. Peter Post 37

DeHaan, Gerard A. “Gerry”

Age:
92
Date of Death:
11/18/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea & Vietnam
Cont. Years:
56
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Ulstrom, David R.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
11/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
14
Post:
Mora Post 201

Kaisersatt, Milo B.

He served overseas in the transporting and exchanging prisoners of war.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
09/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
67
Post:
Montgomery Post 79

Kath, Lauren L.

He served with the 6th Armored Cavalry at Fort Meade, Md.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
11/19/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
12
Post:
Spicer Post 545

Hultgren, Stanley R.

He was stationed in Germany.

Age:
87
Date of Death:
08/29/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
17
Post:
Barnum Post 415

Prokosch, James E.

He served in Germany. He served as post commander for seven years.

Age:
96
Date of Death:
07/25/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
68
Post:
Barnum Post 415

Dally, James W.

He was stationed in Greece for a while, and it gave him a love of all things Greek.

Age:
69
Date of Death:
11/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Baudette Post 217

Warta, Denis J.

He served as a radioman in the Atlantic. He served as a naval reservist after his active stint was over.

Age:
97
Date of Death:
11/19/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
World War II & Korea
Cont. Years:
52
Post:
New Ulm Post 132

Beranek, Wallace “Wally”

Age:
82
Date of Death:
11/19/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
10
Post:
New Ulm Post 132

Hayes, Gerald W.

Nicknamed “Jerry,” “Abe” or “Papa” during his life, he served in Vietnam.

Age:
83
Date of Death:
11/07/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
52
Post:
Pierz Post 341

Tilden, Robert A.

Age:
87
Date of Death:
10/08/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
42
Post:
Warba Post 432

Heisler, Richard V. “Ducky”

Age:
92
Date of Death:
10/14/2024
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
12
Post:
Minnesota Post 1982

Ziegler, John O.

Age:
64
Date of Death:
09/08/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Persian Gulf
Cont. Years:
32
Post:
Le Center Post 108

Adams, Donald W.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
11/01/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
37
Post:
Le Center Post 108

Weber, Melvin H.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
07/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
34
Post:
Osseo-Maple Grove Post 172

Nelson, Stanford

He was a communications officer abord LCI 492, which was among the LCIs that took part on Omaha Beach. His made four trips onto Omaha Beach that morning, including the first wave. He and his crew dropped 1,000 troops onto the beach and LCI 492 was among the surviving landing craft. He was the last surviving member of the craft. Stan was a Hall of Fame football coach at Anoka High School.

Age:
105
Date of Death:
11/20/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
37
Post:
Anoka Post 102

Herzog, Roger H.

Age:
86
Date of Death:
11/16/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
40
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Lynch, Patrick J.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
11/16/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
1
Post:
Rosetown Memorial Post 542

Williams, Rita K.

Age:
49
Date of Death:
11/11/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
GWOT
Cont. Years:
14
Post:
Anoka 102

Iszler, Richard A.

Age:
69
Date of Death:
11/07/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Two Harbors Post 109

Anderson, Marcilyn “Andy”

He served in Korea and shared memories of sleeping on the damp ground in a muggy land.

Age:
95
Date of Death:
09/28/1925
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
59
Post:
Two Harbors Post 109

Erpelding, Gerald H.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
10/16/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Rannow, Eugene H.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
11/09/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
45
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Eklund, Howard R.

He was involved in veterans activities and attend the Veterans Day program just five days before his death.

Age:
98
Date of Death:
11/16/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
75
Post:
Roseau Post 24

Jensen, Arlyn K.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
11/15/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Fairmont Post 36

Schumacher Dean S.

He was in the Army Reserve and was deployed to Vietnam with the 452nd Supply Unit.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
07/08/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
55
Post:
Okabena Post 608

Johnson Leon B.

Age:
77
Date of Death:
04/29/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Okabena Post 608

Kruse, Lloyd C.

Age:
89
Date of Death:
04/13/2024
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
50
Post:
Okabena Post 608

Thompson, David

Age:
91
Date of Death:
04/15/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
2
Post:
Stewartville Post 164

Christianson, Russel W.

He served as a medic with 92nd Engineering Battalion in Phu Cuong, Vietnam. He was awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions during a mortar attack in 1968.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
10/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
48
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Dawson, Craig A.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
10/30/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
31
Post:
Rosetown Memorial Post 542

Peichel, Gerald

He served with the 27th Engineer Battalion at Fort Campbell, Ky. (This unit of frontline combat engineers, nicknamed the Tiger Battalion, now serves at Fort Bragg, N.C.)

Age:
93
Date of Death:
09/10/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
92
Post:
Fairfax Post 205

Moger, Orlie A.

Age:
87
Date of Death:
10/23/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
16
Post:
Lewiston Post 90

Dille, Steven R.

He served in the active Air Force, then entered the Army National Guard, retiring after 21 years of military service.

Age:
75
Date of Death:
11/01/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force & Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
34
Post:
Motley Tri-County Post 124

O’Byrne, Hugh E.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
11/13/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
34
Post:
Albert Lea Post 56

Bromeland, John A.

The Albert Lea reverend served in the 45th Field Hospital in Italy.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
10/04/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
2
Post:
Minnesota Post 1982

Havemeier, Jack D.

He served as an MP.

Age:
60
Date of Death:
11/09/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Lebanon/Grenada
Cont. Years:
36
Post:
New Ulm Post 132

Sjulson, Harry D.

He was the oldest member of Post 117 for years. He spent most of the war working in aircraft factories in southern California before enlisting. He served in the Army of Occupation near Kobe, Japan. (His wife, Vivian, lived to be 100. They were married for 71 years.)

Age:
104
Date of Death:
09/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
37
Post:
Thief River Falls, Post 117

Skadsem, Orville S.

He fought in Korea during the war, achieving the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
08/17/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
58
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Dokkin, Vernon D.

He worked in intelligence as a director, mostly overseas.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
07/04/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
56
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Doppler, John P.

He served as an information specialist.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
06/04/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
42
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Schuster, Gerald A.

He served at Schwabisch Hall, Germany.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
05/23/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
56
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Ornquist, Eldor “Speed”

He was drafted, then assigned to the 5th Army, serving in the Signal Corps. This led to him seeing many stateside bases.

Age:
95
Date of Death:
04/26/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
69
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Harbott, Emil Jr.

He was stationed primarily in Germany and France.

Age:
89
Date of Death:
04/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
35
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Homme, Robert C.

He was stationed in Korea as an MP. He was the former mayor of Goodridge.

Age:
76
Date of Death:
04/22/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
12
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Pilcher, Ronald F.

He served three years in the Minnesota National Guard. He was a past post commander and adjutant.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
03/18/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
41
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Olson, John W. Sr.

He was stationed in Korea. He was a past post membership chairman and served on the post executive committee. He also was on a local veterans memorial board.

Age:
77
Date of Death:
03/07/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
21
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Swanson, Oliver C. “Skip”

He served in the Minnesota National Guard for 20 years as a supply technician and company clerk.

Age:
89
Date of Death:
12/22/2024
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea & Vietnam
Cont. Years:
48
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Foss, Donavon C.

He served for six years active duty, including three in Vietnam as a vehicle mechanic. He received the Bronze Star Medal.

Age:
77
Date of Death:
11/24/2024
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
23
Post:
Thief River Falls Post 117

Archer, William M.

Age:
97
Date of Death:
11/02/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
WWII & Korea
Cont. Years:
2
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Hinze, David H

He was a missile technician, based in Hawaii.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
11/07/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
23
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Alexander, David G.

Age:
96
Date of Death:
09/27/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
47
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Kracht, David R.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
07/13/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Cummins, James R.

He served as an MP.

Age:
86
Date of Death:
11/09/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Thelander, Richard E.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
10/26/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
20
Post:
Little Falls Post 46

Annexstad, Glenn J.

He served in cryptography with the Korea Military Advisory Group, which helped to train and to support the Republic of Korea Army.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
11/08/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
32
Post:
St Peter Post 37

Edgerly, Linton L.

Nicknamed “Lint,” he was the Sartell Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2012. He was a deputy state fire marshal for 21 years and served as a local volunteer firefighter, too.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
11/05/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
58
Post:
Sartell Post 0277

Benz, Robert J.

Age:
89
Date of Death:
11/04/2025
Branch of Military:
USAF
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
6
Post:
Cannon Falls Post 0142

Anderson, Darrell D.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
05/10/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Taconite Post 301

Nelson, James E.

He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence as an air crewman on helicopters.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
11/22/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
24
Post:
Anoka Post 102

Ventrella, Nicholas J.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
09/08/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
50
Post:
New London Post 537

Krych, Edmund J.

Age:
99
Date of Death:
09/08/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
57
Post:
Minneapolis-Richfield Post 435

Werner, Daniel G.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
09/22/2025
Branch of Military:
unknown
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
23
Post:
Rosetown Memorial Post 542

Thoennes, Phillip J.

He served as post commander along with other position over his years.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
09/14/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
58
Post:
Millerville Post 527

Gesell, Gary J.

He served a tour in Vietnam.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
08/26/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
55
Post:
Bagley Post 16

Gilles, Colin J.

He was a gunfire control technician aboard the destroyer USS Benjamin Stoddert.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
06/03/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Post:
Stewartville Post 164

Miller, Eugene J.

He served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division.

Age:
92
Date of Death:
10/09/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
22
Post:
Plainview Post 179

Kummet, B. John

Age:
90
Date of Death:
10/25/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
22
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Hamilton, James D.

He was a past post commander and was active in blood drives and youth programs.

Age:
73
Date of Death:
10/07/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
48
Post:
North St. Paul Post 39

Fitch, Larry E.

He served in the war while stationed at an air base in Thailand.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
09/21/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
3
Post:
St. Peter Post 37

Thomas, Kenneth F.

Age:
79
Date of Death:
09/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
39
Post:
Melrose Post 101

Koopmeiners, Gerald J.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
09/22/2025
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
45
Post:
Melrose Post 101

Morris, James R.

He was a past post commander.

Age:
70
Date of Death:
09/17/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
32
Post:
Minneapolis-Richfield Post 435

Bastian, Willard F.

He served with the 623rd Field Artillery Battalion in Korea, supporting the 7th Infantry Division.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
09/26/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
31
Post:
New Ulm Post 132

Troke, Dennis J.

He served 27 years in the National Guard.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
09/22/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
59
Post:
Winona Post 9

Wimperis, Donald H.

He served as a machinist aboard the destroyer USS Owen.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
09/01/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
38
Post:
Elk River Post 112

Harter, Richard F.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
09/09/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
4
Post:
Elk River Post 112

Olds, Jack D.

He was the barber on the ship during the war.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
09/25/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
70
Post:
Owatonna Post 77

Wallin, Monroe A. “Rocky”

Age:
92
Date of Death:
10/10/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
53
Post:
Willmar Post 167

Weckwerth, Duane V.

He served a tour in Vietnam.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
10/03/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
8
Post:
Arlington Post 250

Schaffer, Donald J. “Tom”

He was stationed in Hawaii.

Age:
95
Date of Death:
10/06/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
24
Post:
Windom Post 206

Crowell, Gerald “Babe”

He retired as a sergeant first class, after leading various gun sections in the artillery. He was a past post commander.

Age:
89
Date of Death:
10/18/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
45
Post:
Windom Post 206

Anderson, James R.

Age:
79
Date of Death:
07/28/2025
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Mora Post 201

Hiebel, Harvey M.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
09/20/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
34
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Campbell, Kerry E.

He made three trips to Vietnam.

Age:
73
Date of Death:
09/18/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
24
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Olson, Arnold H. “Arnie”

Age:
80
Date of Death:
08/03/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
15
Post:
Walker Post 134

Sand, Thomas B.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
09/09/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
6
Post:
Willmar Post 167

Taunton, William D. Sr.

He was stationed at a radar facility outside Finley, N.D. He served twice as the crew chief umpire behind home plate at the American Legion World Series. He was inducted into the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. He was instrumental in helping Ely host the 1980 American Legion World Series and for Willmar to host several state tournaments, too. He also was a Big Ten umpire. Willmar’s main baseball stadium is named for him.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
09/25/2025
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
64
Post:
Willmar Post 167

Seppanen, Jerry A.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
09/26/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
51
Post:
Kettle River Post 360

Miller, Herbert M. Jr.

Age:
89
Date of Death:
09/19/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
35
Post:
Bloomington Post 550

Anderson, Bruce D.

After serving in the active Navy, he rejoined the military by enlisting in the Minnesota Air National Guard, retiring as a master sergeant in 2010. He served as a state representative from 1994-2012, and as a state senator from 2012 until his death. The American Legion recognized him for his tireless work helping with veteran-related legislation.

Age:
75
Date of Death:
07/21/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy and Air Force
Era:
Vietnam-GWOT
Cont. Years:
36
Post:
Buffalo Post 270

Reiners, Richard L.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
12/21/2024
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
10
Post:
Minnesota Post 1982

Griffith, Harvey C.

He was a naval electronics technician in ASW Squadron 56, the Dragons. (ASW is anti-submarine warfare.)

Age:
82
Date of Death:
10/15/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
46
Post:
Minneapolis-Richfield Post 435

Kracht, David R.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
07/13/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Rochester Post 92

Thelander, Richard E.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
10/29/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
20
Post:
Little Falls Post 46

Lewis, Paul A. Jr.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
09/12/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
47
Post:
Cannon Falls Post 142

Scott, Wesley E.

Age:
92
Date of Death:
10/01/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold War
Cont. Years:
27
Post:
Minneapolis-Richfield 435

Berg, Ronald, C.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
10/23/2025
Branch of Military:
Army and Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
17
Post:
Little Falls Post 46

Sandman, Loren E.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
10/23/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
35
Post:
Little Falls Post 46

Helgeson, Loren J.

Age:
86
Date of Death:
10/16/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
60
Post:
East Grand Forks Post 157

Delzer, Philip H.

He served in Germany at a military hospital.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
06/04/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
12
Post:
Minneapolis-Richfield Post 435

Bluhm, Roger L.

He served many years as the veteran service officer for McLeod County.

Age:
92
Date of Death:
10/10/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
67
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Heggedahl, Donald E.

He served in the Army, then the Air Force. He participated in nuclear missile testing in the South Pacific. He worked with weather test balloons and as a storm chaser. He retired as a senior master sergeant.

Age:
96
Date of Death:
10/04/2025
Branch of Military:
Army and Air Force
Era:
WWII and Korea
Cont. Years:
54
Post:
Hayfield Post 330

Wensmann, Alcuin H.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
09/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
48
Post:
Hugo Post 620

Swanson, Leon C. “Lee”

He was stationed in Germany as a radio operator for a heavy mortar crew.

Age:
98
Date of Death:
09/02/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
51
Post:
Bemidji Post 14

Reiner, Richard W.

Age:
79
Date of Death:
09/22/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
55
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Magnuson, Gary A.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
08/19/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
7
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Christensen, William L.

Age:
80
Date of Death:
09/13/2025
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
53
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Bergan, Patrick R.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
04/24/2025
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
49
Post:
Albert Lea Post 56

Roemhildt, Eugene P.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
10/15/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
42
Post:
St. Peter Post 37

Roddy, Gary L.

He served in the Merchant Marines for seven years after his three-year Navy enlistment.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
09/19/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy & Merchant Marine
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
1
Post:
Lanesboro Post 40

Praml, Lawrence A.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
09/01/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
20
Post:
St. Paul Park Post 98

Richert, Howard I.

Age:
79
Date of Death:
03/02/2022
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
35
Post:
Bayport Post 491

Peck, John “Jack”

He was instrumental in getting the five paintings of the five branches of the military commissioned and placed at the Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
09/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
60
Post:
Little Falls Post 46

Patzner, Jerome A.

He served at Patrick AFB in Florida.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
09/09/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
50
Post:
Lewiston Post 90

Paschke, Loring D. Sr.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
09/22/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Windom Post 206

Parent, Richard F.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
09/13/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
43
Post:
Minneapolis Longton Post 618

Ozmun, Brian L.

He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. He was a 46-year member of SAL Squadron 84.

Age:
55
Date of Death:
08/19/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
5
Post:
Northfield Post 84

Pagel, Walter W. “Bill”

He was a past post commander and past honor guard leader. The final stop on his 22-year military career was the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis. He had jumpmaster wings.

Age:
73
Date of Death:
09/15/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Bemidji Post 14

Otteson, Donald E.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
09/04/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
20
Post:
Brooten Post 288

Ogle, Michael D.

e was a past post commander.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
10/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
33
Post:
Melrose Post 101

Nelson, Elaine M.

She served as a turret lathe operator in the assembly and repair department at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.

Age:
102
Date of Death:
07/24/2023
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
35
Post:
Park Rapids Post 212

Monse, William

He was a tank commander and a gunner in Korea until he was wounded.

Age:
92
Date of Death:
09/27/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
49
Post:
Aitkin Post 86

Karst, John F.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
10/02/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
48
Post:
Coon Rapids Post 334

Kapischke, Dennis R.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
09/24/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
57
Post:
Waseca Post 228

Isensee, James H.

Age:
98
Date of Death:
08/01/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
68
Post:
Red Wing Post 54

Howe, Dwayne T.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
03/20/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
33
Post:
Red Wing Post 54

Hayenga, James S.

Age:
97
Date of Death:
10/02/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
64
Post:
Stewartville Post 164

Hallaway, Thomas A.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
09/17/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
33
Post:
Elk River Post 112

Graf, Richard A.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
07/18/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
40
Post:
St. Paul Park Post 98

Goldammer, Luverne C. Sr.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
12/12/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
32
Post:
Spring Valley Post 68

Zachow, Roman A. “Red”

Age:
97
Date of Death:
09/12/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
72
Post:
Gaylord Post 433

Woelfel, Lenus E.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
09/13/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
59
Post:
Bloomington Viking Post 493

Yort, Edward E.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
06/19/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
21
Post:
Minneapolis-Richfield Post 435

Wipplinger, Arthur J.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
08/17/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
30
Post:
Albert Lea Post 56

Warke, Eugene O.

He was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II.

Age:
96
Date of Death:
08/21/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
78
Post:
New Richland Post 75

Welsh, Larry D.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
10/08/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
53
Post:
Albert Lea Post 56

Whittaker, Russell J.

Age:
96
Date of Death:
08/26/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
40
Post:
Waconia Post 150

Toppin, Maurice H.

Age:
95
Date of Death:
08/08/2023
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
76
Post:
Blue Earth Post 89

Thrune, Eugene N.

He served in the Philippines and at various bases in the United States.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
08/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Army & Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
6
Post:
Winona Post 9

Temple, Fred P.

Age:
88
Date of Death:
08/28/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
40
Post:
Elk River Post 112

Thompson, Harold E.

Age:
86
Date of Death:
08/18/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Waite Park Post 428

Sullivan, Leo J.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
07/20/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
27
Post:
Springfield Post 257

Sutherland, William L.

Date of Death:
07/15/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Lebanon/Grenada
Cont. Years:
16
Post:
Anoka Post 102

Sorteberg, Robert M.

He is a past president of the St. Paul Clown Club and participated in the Twin Cities Honor Flight.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
06/20/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
39
Post:
Rosetown Post 542

Stevens, Eugene C.

Date of Death:
09/26/2023
Branch of Military:
unknown
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
44
Post:
Anoka Post 102

Skare, Donald O.

Age:
87
Date of Death:
08/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
43
Post:
Willmar Post 158

Smith, Terry J. “Tar”

Age:
77
Date of Death:
09/03/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
8
Post:
Wheaton Post 80

Shelland, John D.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
09/19/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
6
Post:
Rosetown Post 542

Smith, Cornelia L. “Connie”

She served in the Army Nurse Corps with the 204th general hospital on Saipan and Guam.

Age:
100
Date of Death:
09/22/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
24
Post:
Madison Post 158

Shaner, Dean M.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
08/17/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
31
Post:
Storden Post 391

Roessler, Thomas

Age:
72
Date of Death:
08/16/2023
Branch of Military:
Army Reserve
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
39
Post:
St. Peter Post 37

Roloff, Norman C.

Age:
102
Date of Death:
08/13/2023
Branch of Military:
Coast Guard
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
78
Post:
Winona Post 9

Robinson, Ronald D.

He was a past post commander.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
08/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
32
Post:
Springfield Post 257

Peltier, Rodney R.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
02/28/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
36
Post:
Hugo Post 620

Potuzak, Lumir J. “Pete”

Age:
91
Date of Death:
08/14/2023
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
73
Post:
Foley Post 298

Novak, Mark A.

He was a former mayor of Janesville.

Age:
74
Date of Death:
08/24/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
13
Post:
Janesville Post 281

Peka, Everett M.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
07/01/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
57
Post:
Coon Rapids Post 334

Melkert, Kevin A.

Age:
61
Date of Death:
08/16/2023
Branch of Military:
Army National Guard
Era:
Lebanon/Grenada
Cont. Years:
16
Post:
Breckenridge Post 53

Mueller, Larry A.

Age:
79
Date of Death:
09/12/2023
Branch of Military:
unknown
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Danube Post 227

Marcus, Calvin

Age:
87
Date of Death:
07/29/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
6
Post:
Raymond Post 420

Maxa, Emil J. “Max”

He served as a parachute rigger at Fairchild AFB in Washington state.

Age:
83
Date of Death:
09/02/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
54
Post:
Montgomery Post 79

Lorenz, Robert W.

Age:
99
Date of Death:
09/11/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
35
Post:
Anoka Post 102

Malmgren, Timothy E.

He served as a military policeman.

Age:
73
Date of Death:
07/16/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
19
Post:
Parkers Prairie Post 219

Livingston, William J.

He served in artillery. His uniform is in the museum for Yellow Medicine County. (He previously belonged to other posts.) He is a past post commander. His father and son were also post commanders.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
08/19/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
69
Post:
Delano Post 377

Long, Daniel G.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
02/20/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Korea & Vietnam
Cont. Years:
51
Post:
Pillager Post 100

Lanners, Henry C.

He served aboard the USS William R. Rush. He was a radarman.

Age:
93
Date of Death:
08/14/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
69
Post:
Minneapolis Gopher Post 440

Livingston, Paul R.

He served two tours in Vietnam as a radio operator.

Age:
76
Date of Death:
08/01/2023
Branch of Military:
Marines
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
9
Post:
Porter Post 457

Klein, Donald C.

Age:
91
Date of Death:
08/27/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
54
Post:
Lake City Post 110

Knaak, David D.

Age:
77
Date of Death:
07/28/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
56
Post:
Lewisville Post 561

Kasper, Charles E.

Age:
88
Date of Death:
09/02/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
38
Post:
Montgomery Post 79

Klaustermeier, Duane F.

Nicknamed “Dewey,” he served as post finance officer and as a member of the honor guard.

Age:
86
Date of Death:
08/24/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
19
Post:
Glencoe Post 95

Himmelspach, James J.

Age:
84
Date of Death:
07/26/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
16
Post:
Raymond Post 420

Jacobs, Charles D.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
09/05/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
3
Post:
Waite Park Post 428

Hellman, Gerald M.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
07/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
45
Post:
Monticello Post 260

Heveron, Allan R.

Age:
83
Date of Death:
08/31/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
10
Post:
Willmar Post 167

Getz, Dennis L.

Age:
67
Date of Death:
08/12/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
44
Post:
Hutchinson Post 96

Gronseth, James H.

He served in the 34th Medical Battalion of the 27th Regiment, part of the 25th Infantry Division. His MASH was near the DMZ in Korea.

Age:
90
Date of Death:
09/11/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
58
Post:
Hayfield Post 330

Hanson, Caren W.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
08/08/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
7
Post:
Benson Post 62

Gall, Robert J.

He was a cook, and he was stationed in Washington state and Alaska.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
07/25/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
55
Post:
Hillman Post 602

Geiger, LeRoy H.

He served in England, Scotland and Libya. (Interestingly, Wheelus Air Base outside Tripoli was once the largest U.S. overseas base. In 1970, the base closed and was turned over to the Libyan government.)

Age:
85
Date of Death:
08/25/2023
Branch of Military:
Air Force
Era:
Cold
Cont. Years:
48
Post:
New Prague Post 45

Engle, Richard

Age:
84
Date of Death:
08/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Army National Guard

Frank, David E.

He served as the elected treasurer of Faribault County for 25 years.

Age:
82
Date of Death:
08/04/2023
Branch of Military:
Army National Guard
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
38
Post:
Blue Earth Post 89

Dorr, Luther J.

He served on the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Committee from 2018 to 2023 and was gambling manager for his post for many years. He spent three decades as editor of the Princeton Union-Eagle, including coverage of Post 216 Baseball. He is in the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
09/17/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
58
Post:
Princeton Post 216

Douty, Joseph L.

He served with Battery Alpha, 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment, out of Pipestone in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He deployed again for Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Minnesota National Guard for 22 months, 16 of which were in a combat zone. This deployment is the longest in history for any unit of the National Guard. Later, he deployed as part of Operation New Dawn to Baghdad. He was among the last soldiers to leave Iraq.

Age:
47
Date of Death:
09/03/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
GWOT
Cont. Years:
14
Post:
Pipestone Post 6

Davis, Raymond H.

Age:
78
Date of Death:
12/11/2022
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Panama
Cont. Years:
37
Post:
Coon Rapids Post 334

Dean, Ralph J.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
03/21/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
44
Post:
Eyota Post 551

Connelly, James W.

Age:
85
Date of Death:
09/02/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
35
Post:
Le Center Post 108

Cornelius, Kivden B.

He was stationed in Long Beach, Calif., then served in Vietnam aboard the destroyer USS Lynde McCormick.

Age:
73
Date of Death:
08/06/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
8
Post:
Eyota Post 551

Beck, Shirley M.

Age:
81
Date of Death:
08/08/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
2
Post:
Winona Post 9

Carlson, Glenn H.

Age:
87
Date of Death:
06/05/2023
Branch of Military:
Navy
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
61
Post:
Minneapolis-Richfield Post 435

Angst, Don L.

He was a squad leader in Vietnam.

Age:
86
Date of Death:
07/24/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
16
Post:
Winona Post 9

Bassett, George N.

He was a nationally known sculptor, especially with bronze work. He created the bronze busts of Hubert Humphrey, Martin Luther King Jr. and Sigurd Olson at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Age:
97
Date of Death:
07/23/2023
Branch of Military:
Army Air Forces
Era:
World War II
Cont. Years:
80
Post:
Blue Earth Post 89

Bakken, Einar S.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
05/13/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
38
Post:
Roseau Post 24

Anderson, Robert S.

Age:
76
Date of Death:
08/24/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Vietnam
Cont. Years:
11
Post:
Marshall Post 113

Adams, Dallas G.

He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, during the war.

Age:
99
Date of Death:
01/24/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
WWII
Cont. Years:
75
Post:
Millville Valley Post 579

Anderson, William P.

He served as a tank mechanic in the Korean War.

Age:
94
Date of Death:
04/11/2023
Branch of Military:
Army
Era:
Korea
Cont. Years:
48
Post:
Onamia Post 395

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