Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

Kevin Gegner, 62

Kevin Gegner, 62, of Redwood Falls died at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, September 14, 2015. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from Bethany Lutheran Church, near Gilfillan, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements were with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Kevin Walter Gegner, the son of Frederick and Gloria (Schou) Gegner, was born April 9, 1953 in Sleepy Eye. He grew up in Morgan and received his formal education there. Following graduation from Morgan High School in 1971, Kevin attended Canby Vo-Tech where he received his degree in auto mechanics in 1973. He was most well-known for his time working at KLGR radio.

On June 21, 1991, Kevin married Paulette Lange at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and they made their home in Redwood Falls. He was previously married to Sue Schmidt. Kevin was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, holding all church offices over the years.

He enjoyed his grandchildren, watching Minnesota sports, NASCAR, playing cards, and anything Ford. Kevin’s passions were stock car racing, bowling, and his daily Facebook blogs.

Kevin is survived by his wife Paulette of Redwood Falls; mother Gloria Gegner of Morgan; children Stacy Carlson of Tracy, Amy (Dennis) McGowan of Franklin, Nathan (Jody) Gegner of Morgan, and Matthew Lange of Minneapolis; grandchildren Michael, Tyler, Tiffany, and Nicholas McGowan, Britney, Dillan, Abbigail, and Calleigh Gegner; sisters Bonnie (Rex) Welter of Morgan, and Darla (Brian) Sams of Redwood Falls; and sister-in-law Kim (Joe) Scanlan of Mendota Heights.

He was preceded in death by his father Fritz Gegner, brother Randal, and son-in-law Brian Carlson.

Blessed be his memory.

Teresa Joan Landherr of Owatonna, MN died Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 after thriving with cancer for 8 years. She was the second born of six children on January 30th, 1952 in Ames, IA to Quentin and Joan Rickerl. The family moved to a farm outside of Taopi, MN in 1954. Teresa graduated from Adams High School in 1970 and went on to attend Mankato State College and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1989. In 2005 she also got her Human Resources Development Certificate from Riverland College.

On March 17th, 1973 she was united in marriage to Nicholas Landherr from Rose Creek, MN. They had two children Peter Landherr who married Rachel Fritz from Tracy, MN and Kathleen Landherr of Owatonna, MN who married Brandon Weir from Fairfax, MN. Peter and Rachel blessed Teresa with four grandchildren: Fritz, Elsa-Marie, Quinn, and Tellef Landherr of Walnut Grove, MN.

Teresa worked as a property appraiser for Steele County for 17 years until her cancer diagnosis in 2007. Before and after her diagnosis she was an involved community member and officer in numerous organizations such as Owatonna Women’s Club, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Grandparents for Education (Volunteer of the Year 2011-12), steadfast member of local P-9 union in Austin, MN, etc. Teresa’s pride and joy were her grandchildren and she spent as much time as possible reading to them, playing games, and enjoying quality time. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, and any social event she could participate in. During Teresa’s 8 years of cancer she experienced more living than most do in a lifetime. She enjoyed vacations with her family to Ireland, Arizona, California, Kentucky, New Hampshire, etc. Although cancer may have slowed her down physically, it never damped her spirit or sense of humor. She will forever be remembered for the love she radiated.

She’s survived by her mother Joan Rickerl; child Kathleen (Brandon) and daughter-in-law Rachel; four grandchildren, Fritz, Elsa-Marie, Quinn, and Tellef; 5 siblings: Ted (Sandy) Rickerl, Jerome (Liz) Rickerl, Jeff (Marti) Rickerl, Jackie (Ben) Veri, and Monica Fairchild; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Quentin, and her son Peter, and stillborn son Jon.

Friends may greet the family Monday Sept. 21, from 3-7 PM at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd.). Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Owatonna Teresa’s ashes will be buried at a later date in Austin, MN. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com

Toni Maranell, 68 of Lake Preston died, Sunday August 30, 2015 at her home in Lake Preston, SD. after a four month battle with lung cancer.

Toni Estelle Alexander Maranell was born February 18, 1947 at Marshall MN to Ivan and Iowen (Weaver) Alexander. She was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Tracy, MN. Toni’s young years were spent learning how to fish, swim, dance and roller skate. Her fondest memories were at Teepeeotah on Lake Shetek.

Toni married Brent Maranell in 1975 in Tracy, MN and moved to Tyler, MN where they lived with their four children until 1997. During those years, Toni owned and operated Paisano’s Puppies and Gramma’s Needless Things. She was a long time project and adult leader for the Hope 4H Club, a member of Hope Afternoon Club, Birthday Club and Danebod Lutheran Church. In 1997, Toni moved to Lake Preston, SD where she owned and operated the Lake Preston Motel and Bait Box until her death.

Toni enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, spoiling her grandchildren, fishing, greenhouse shopping, playing cards (especially cribbage), festival going, music, gardening, drives around the lake and she was an avid reader; her favorite being Stephan King. Toni will be immensely missed by all of her most dear loved ones; her family (extended and adopted), friends, fishermen and hunters far and wide. She will be remembered for her unconditional love for any soul that needed it, her strength and her fearless nature.

Toni is survived by her husband; Brent Maranell, her four children; Kent Maranell, Nikki Hurd, Alexa Kostecki, Bo (Syrena) Maranell, her four grandsons; Tosh (Sara) Johnson, Ashton Beck, Salem Soma and Trace Soma and her two great-grandchildren; Connor Johnson and Olivia Johnson.

She is preceded in death by her parents; William “Ivan” and Iowen Alexander and her grandparents; Ira & Nellie Alexander and Russell “Dan” & Estelle Weaver.

A Celebration of Toni’s Life was held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Preston Lutheran Church in Lake Preston, SD, with no visitation scheduled. Arrangements were being handled by the Johnson-Henry Funeral Home of Arlington, SD.

Virginia Ann Ohman age 81 of Tracy passed away Monday, September 21, 2015 at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. (today) Wednesday, September 23 at the Tracy City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Virginia Ann was born September 16, 1934 in Tracy, Minnesota to August and Edith (Hansen) Danielson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church. Virginia grew up in the Tracy area, attended school in Garvin, and graduated from Tracy High School. On September 24, 1954 she married Morris Ohman in Tracy. Virginia worked at Coast to Coast and Enderson Clothing. The couple were caretakers of apartments in the Twin Cities for several years before moving to Redwood Falls where Morris worked at Jackpot and Virginia cleaned for area businesses. They returned to Tracy in 2004 where she has resided since. In her younger years, Virginia was very active in the Methodist Church. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the fire department for many years. Virginia enjoyed Bluegrass music, playing guitar, and going to festivals. She also enjoyed making quilts and crocheting. Virginia always greeted people with a smile and a wave.

Virginia is survived by her sons: Maurel (Deb) Ohman and David Ohman, both of Tracy; granddaughter Melissa Ohman of Tyler, grandson Hayden Ohman of Tracy; sister Bonnie Froehling of Arizona; and several other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Morris, great granddaughter Madysen Stirn, sister Jean Stueber, and brother Raymond Danielson.

Theodore “Ted” James Schotzko, 84 of Tracy, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at his residence in Tracy, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial was held today, Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Interment will be on Ted’s private cemetery. Online condolences may be placed at www.almlie-horvath.com. The Almlie-Horvath Funeral Service of Tracy is caring for the family.

Theodore James Schotzko was born on March 10, 1931 to Theodore and Ruth (Johnson) Schotzko in Springfield, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Springfield, attended St. Raphael’s Elementary School, and graduated from Springfield High School.

In 1951, Ted was united in marriage to Lois Conrad and they made their home in St. James where Ted worked for Tony Downs Foods. Several years later, Ted purchased Lakeland Meats in Tracy where he worked as a meat cutter. In 1974, Ted married Janet Beckius and they continued to work and live in the Tracy community. After selling the business and retiring, Ted went back to work as a meat cutter for Ken’s Super Valu in Tracy. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.

Ted was an avid conservationist, loved the land and nature, and loved to do wood working. Ted could make anything out of wood: clocks, canes (which he made two for Governor Mark Dayton) and signs depicting the Indians and early settlers but later switched to making signs for the DNR, Pheasants Forever, and his farm. Ted helped Pheasants Forever in Lyon County and was a past president. He also hosted the state gun training class at the farm, the Pheasants Forever Mentor Hunt, and was recently made an honorary member of the Tracy FFA.

Ted enjoyed wood working, photography, hunting, bowling, ecology, anything outdoors, and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Ted passed away at his residence in Tracy at the age of 84.

He is survived by his wife Janet Schotzko of Tracy; nine children Christine (Ronald) Flatequal of Plymouth, Theodore (Sandy) Schotzko of Albertville, Elizabeth (Stephen) Proudfoot of Maple Grove, Mary (Rudy) Diethelm of Wichita, KS, Jennifer (Michael) Hudson of Greenwood Lake, NY, Joel (Wendy) Schotzko of Maple Grove, David (Dee) Schotzko of Brooklyn Center, Paul Schotzko of Fargo, ND, and Margaret (Tracy) Engelbretson of Herman Town; twenty-three grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren; one sister Barbara Toombs of Rosemont, sister-in-law Judy Schotzko of Fairbault, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Ruth, daughter Hildegard, and siblings John and Mary.