Joyce June Waslie, age 91 of Cannon Falls, died peacefully at her home at Cannon Rivers Senior Living in Cannon Falls on Wednesday morning, January 22, 2020. Joyce was born on June 1, 1928 in Dennison, MN, the daughter of Fulton and Dorothy (Fremouw) Elstad. She graduated from Cannon Falls High School and later received her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. She married Merlyn O. Waslie on January 28, 1950. They made their home in Cannon Falls and had three...

Arthur Otterness, age 56, of Wanamingo, died Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at The Gardens at Cannon Falls. Arthur James Otterness was born on Feb. 20, 1963 in Cannon Falls, the son of Arnold and Jessie (Carpenter) Otterness. He was baptized and confirmed at the Urland Lutheran Church. He grew up and went to school in Wanamingo, graduating from high school there in 1981. While in school he was active in the FFA, having served as chapter president one year. He was in the Boy Scouts, and was a...

Eleanor Ohmann, age 93, of Cannon Falls, died Saturday, January 18, 2020 at The View in Cannon Falls. Eleanor D. Ohmann was born on August 30, 1926 in Hawarden, Iowa, the daughter of Peter and Clara (Troseth) Jacobs. She graduated from the Minnesota Farm School and attended a Nursing Program for a year. On March 3, 1946, Eleanor was united in marriage to Norman Ohmann at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Rich Valley, in Rosemount. In 1950 they moved to rural Randolph to farm and raise...

Dorothy Ann Sladek, age 88 of Dundas and formerly of New Trier and Bloomington, died peacefully following a brief illness on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System - St. Mary's Campus, Rochester. Dorothy was born on January 29, 1931 in Kramer, North Dakota, the daughter of Helmer and Mathilda (Schepp) Schultz. At a young age, her family moved to Cannon Falls, MN. She schooled in Randolph and later graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1948. She married William...

Gary “Coon” Johnson, 68, of St. Paul, died on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Hospital. Gary was born on September 15, 1951 in Fergus Falls. He was the son of Lloyd and Lorraine Johnson of Cannon Falls. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1970. He worked as a car salesman for many years, then later worked in drywall and painting. He loved music, especially the Beatles and Eric Clapton. He also enjoyed hunting, golfing, and conversations...

Geraldine (Gerry) Markley Drewry, 89, formerly of Hampton, MN, died peacefully in Northfield, MN on December 11, 2019. She was born on May 18, 1930, the second of three children of Max C. and Gladys (FitzGerald) Markley. An accomplished pianist, violinist, and singer, Gerry graduated from St. Paul’s Murray High School in 1947 as valedictorian. After serious consideration of pursuing a career as a professional singer or violinist, she decided to study at the University of Minnesota...

Clarence Johnson, Jr. Clarence Johnson, Jr. died on Monday, Jan. 6 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Clarence Dale Johnson Jr. was born on Oct. 3, 1934 in Ellsworth, WI, the son of Clarence and Frances (Kukuska) Johnson. He grew up and went to school in Wisconsin. On Aug. 11, 1956, Clarence was united in marriage to Marion Stroupe in Red Wing. The couple moved to Minnesota in 1964 and settled in Hampton in 1968. Clarence had a variety of different jobs during his life, including...

Deborah L. Ruby, age 52, of Lake City, died Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at the Lake City Care Center. She was born January 29, 1967 to Edward and Kathleen (Rosener) Gruber in Red Wing, Minnesota. Debbie attended schools in Red Wing until she lost her sight in 1977.  She continued her education at the Faribault School for the Blind graduating in 1985. She met her husband James Ruby at the Blind School.  They were married in 1986 and later divorced. Debbie is survived by her father...

Marta Blanca Soler, age 95, of Cannon Falls, and formerly of Florida, died Sunday, January 5, 2020 at her home. Marta was born on October 4, 1924 in Trinidad, Cuba, the daughter of Manuel Diaz and Josefa (Fornias) Diaz. She grew up there and became an elementary school teacher after graduating from college. On December 26, 1948, Marta was united in marriage to Guillermo Soler in Trinidad. The couple, along with their two daughters, made their way to the United States in March of 1962. They...

(Mae) Darlene Rustad was born May 26, 1929, in the Bismarck, North Dakota Hospital. She was born to George and Severina (Susie Oien) Ims. At the age of 6 weeks Darlene and her mother were able to leave the Bismarck hospital and take the train to Almont, North Dakota, their home. Darlene had 5 older siblings waiting to see her for the first time. In November of 1929, Darlene’s parents moved their family from Almont, North Dakota to the farm in Sogn, Urland area of Minnesota. This is...