DuWayne Averill, 75

DuWayne Allen Averill was born on July 11, 1940, one of five children to Mort and Dorothy (Silver) Averill of Tracy, Minnesota. DuWayne was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. While in the Army he was stationed in California, Germany, and France working as a marksmen. In 1965 he married Agnes Winter, and together they lived in St. Paul, MN. Their 6 year marriage was blessed with three children. DuWayne worked for the Laborers’ International Union of North America out of St. Paul until his retirement. After retiring, he moved to Alexandria. DuWayne loved to fish and hunt. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited. Along with these hobbies usually came a tale, some of them taller than others.

On Wednesday, June 22, 2016, DuWayne died at the Douglas County Hospital at the age of seventy five from complications of congestive heart failure. He is survived by his children, Allen Averill of Pine City, MN, Bradley Averill of Elk River, MN, and Charleen (Todd) Pietrowski of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren, Aaron Pietrowski, Kyle Pietrowski, Joe Averill, Jack Averill, Charlie Averill, Megan Averill and Trisha Averill; sisters, Jane (Jack) Rodeschin of Hanover, NJ, and Judy Roth of Chanhassen, MN; and four nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mort and Dorothy Averill; and twin brothers, Donald and Ronald Averill.

A memorial service took place on Friday, June 24, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Anderson Funeral Home, with Father Bob Kieffer officiating. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net

Kathie Christians, 60

Kathie Marie Christians age 60 of Westbrook passed away Friday, July 1, 2016 at the lake in Park Rapids after an extended battle with antisynthetase syndrome.  Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 8 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Westbrook.  Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church.  Burial is in the Westbrook Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Kathie Marie Christians was born February 25, 1956 in Westbrook, Minnesota to Mike and Irene (Steen) Zinda.  She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1974.  Kathie grew up bowling and setting pins at Mike’s Corner in Dovray for her parents’ business. 

On June 22, 1985 Kathie married Keith Christians.  She worked at the Windom Hospital and Westbrook Hospital for many years.  Kathie worked for the City of Tracy for the past 12 years.  She was a life-long resident of Westbrook where she served on the Library Board and as president of the VFW Auxiliary for a number of years.  Kathie enjoyed bowling, reading, and spending time with her family.  She loved flowers and gardening, making crafts and cards, scrapbooking, quiltmaking, and embroidery. 

Kathie is survived by her husband Keith of 31 years; daughter Kendra (Marcus) Schweigert of Westbrook; stepsons: Curt, Larry, Jeff, and Travis Christians; daughter-in-law Rachel Christians; grandchildren: Lindsay, Walker, Wyatt, and Macie; great grandchildren: Kaiden, Cambree, and Chase; siblings: Beverly Risacher of Albertville, Dennis (Jane) Zinda of Big Lake, Gary (Pat) Zinda of St. Paul, and Joel (Mary) Zinda of the Twin Cities; and many other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Mike and Irene, brother Mark, and brother-in-law Richard Risacher. 

Maynard Jackels, 68

Maynard Leo Jackels age 68 of Slayton passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at Murray County Medical Center in Slayton.  Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 1 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray.  Burial was in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. 

Maynard Leo Jackels was born July 12, 1947 in Tracy, Minnesota to Truman and Olga (Nelson) Jackels.  He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray.  Maynard graduated from Westbrook High School in 1965.  He enlisted in the US Navy in 1968 serving as a gunner on a ship in Vietnam.  Maynard received three Bronze Stars and was honorably discharged in 1971.  After the service, he returned home to farm with his family which he did until his retirement.  After retiring, Maynard continued helping various local farmers. 

Maynard is survived by his children: Tim (special friend Rusty Krentz) Jackels of Dovray, Matt (Deanna) Jackels of Dovray, and Jodi (Mark) Taylor of St. Peter; 7 grandchildren; sisters Arlis Ourada of Walnut Grove and Lorraine Hammerschmidt of Faribault; and many other relatives and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Arvin, Maureen, Juleen, and Larry Lee. 

Zola Sammons, 84

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Zola Mae Sammons of Douglas City, CA formerly of Tracy, MN on June 26, 2016. 

Zola was born in Minnesota on September 4, 1931 and raised on a farm near Amiret, MN.  She was married to William Dilly and then to Freeman Sammons.  After the death of Freeman, she loaded the station wagon with nine children leaving Tracy on September 1, 1965 and arrived in La Puente, CA on September 4, 1965 (her birthday). 

In 1980 Zola moved to Douglas City, CA and resided there until her death surrounded by family members. Burial was July 2, 2016 in the Weaverville Cemetery, Weaverville, CA. 

Zola was preceded in death by her husband, Freeman Sammons, her parents, Lawrence and Margaret Moyers, sister Grace Newton and granddaughter Alyssa Adrian. 

She is survived by Sharon Owens (Roger) of Torrance, CA, Bill Dilly of Desert Edge, CA, Lola Foote (Bill) of Douglas City, CA, Dianne Dilly of San Clemente, CA, Sandy Ford (John) of Wyoming, MN, Scott Dilly (Donna) of Glendora, CA, Lori Bates (Randy) of Glendora, CA, Terri Parks (Tom) of Douglas City, CA and Vicki Sammons of Eureka, CA, 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. 

She is survived by sister Edith Swenson of Walnut Grove and brother Larry Moyars of Tracy, MN. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday September 4, 2016 in Douglas City, CA hosted by Terri Parks.