Thursday, November 17-December 1, 2011

Arthur Larson

Funeral services for Arthur Charles Larson, 81, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, at the Thomastown Covenant Church in rural Staples with Pastor David Harlow officiating. Arthur passed away peacefully on November 13, 2011, at Fair Oaks Lodge with his daughter, son and brother Marvin at his side.
Arthur was born on May 25, 1930 at home in Wadena County to Fred A. and Pearl E. (Topp) Larson. Arthur completed grade school through the 8th grade in a one room school house, District 4, a couple miles from his home, and attended public school in Verndale through the 11th grade. Arthur was united in marriage to Esther Lucille Remus on June 12, 1954. Arthur joined the Army shortly after his marriage and was medically discharged in 1956.
Arthur and Esther bought a 170 acre farm, 7 miles north of Staples, where they lived for 51 years. They attended the Thomastown Covenant Church, as did Arthur’s parents. They raised two children—Melody Ann and Wayne Charles.
Arthur was a farmer most of his life with a few odd jobs of working in a box factory, cutting wood and working for a turkey farm. His hobbies were visiting neighbors and friends with his wife, looking for ‘antiques’ and collecting John Deere tractors. He loved children and enjoyed his grandchildren immensely.
After his wife’s death in December of 2005, Arthur went to live at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. He enjoyed his time visiting with old friends and even some relatives that were living there also.
Arthur was preceeded in death by his wife Esther; parents Fred and Pearl Larson; in-laws Arthur and Helen Remus; sisters-in-law Mary (Remus) Ladd, Stella (Remus) Tews, Nelda (North) Remus; and brothers-in-law Watson Ladd and Rollan Tews.
Arthur is survived by his children Melody (Kurt) Goodenough of St. Louis Park and Wayne (Kathy) Larson of Verndale; grandchildren Matthew (Karen) Goodenough, Golden Valley and Megan (Phil) Jones of St. Louis Park; and great-grandchildren Charlie Goodenough and Lucy Jones; brothers Marvin (Jan) Larson of New Prague, Ron (Shelly) Larson of Lakeville; sister Irene (Jim) Basham of Libby, Montana; sister-in-law Grace (Charlie) Nason of Cass Lake; brother-in-law Will Remus of Isanti; many beloved nieces and nephews; and 81 years of special friends. He will be missed by all.
Burial will be in the Thomastown Covenant Church Cemetery.

Leo Minnette

Private services for Leo James Minnette, 80, of Verndale, were held on November 10, with military honors provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena. Leo passed away on November 8, 2011 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena.
Leo James Minnette was born to George and Ida (Drewes) Minnette on May 8, 1931 in Fargo, North Dakota. After graduation from high school, Leo served in the United States Army from September 19, 1950 until his honorable discharge on May 24, 1952. He found his livelihood in construction as a heavy equipment operator. Leo was an avid fisherman during periods of layoff over the winter months. He enjoyed other sports, specifically baseball and basketball. His pride and joy was maintaining a beautiful yard at his home in Verndale.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents George Minnette and Ida Minnette Gibbs; brother Richard Minnette and half-brother Eugene Gibbs; sisters Florence Hotchkiss and Luella Minnette.
He is survived by Rusty Gibbs, son of Eugene.
Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery in Verndale.

Ruth Beaver

Funeral services for Ruth Eleanor Beaver, 90, of Verndale were held on Tuesday, November 29, at the United Methodist Church in Verndale with Pastor Jill Pawlowski officiating. Ruth passed away on November 24, 2011, at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena.
Ruth was born on May 23, 1921 to Lou and Jane (Aleana) Beaver in Wadena. She was a beautician, having her own shop in downtown Verndale for many years. Ruth was a big sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and was active with the Verndale Lioness Club.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lucille Anderson and Meave Beaver; and brothers, Leonard, Pete, Everett and Vernon Beaver.
She is survived by brother Don (Bernice) Beaver of Verndale; sister-in-law, Jeanne Beaver of Verndale; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Gary Beaver, Shawn Anderson, Craig Beaver, Jacob Mitchell, Lori Mitchell and Randy Beaver.
Interment was in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Verndale.

Ruth Weber

Funeral services for Ruth Weber, 88, formerly of Verndale, will be held on Friday, December 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Frederick’s Catholic Church in Verndale. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Watch for a full obituary in next week’s paper.