Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services

10/01/2025

Kenneth Hermanson

Kenneth Dean Hermanson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service to honor Kenneth’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM.

Kenneth was born in Worth County, Iowa, on February 1, 1937, to James and Olga Hermanson. From the young age of twelve, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, laboring on nearby farms picking beans by hand, operating a Hume pea loader, assisting field workers as a “water monkey,” and running tractors in the pea stacks for Cool Springs. Alongside these duties, he helped manage the family farm’s daily chores, tending to the fields and caring for hogs, chickens, and cows.

After graduating from Lake Mills High School in 1955, Kenneth served his country with pride by enlisting in the United States Army on October 31, 1955, and was honorably discharged on August 8th, 1957. Following his service, he began his civilian career at the Fertile Title Company, earning $0.85 an hour. Known for his industrious nature, Kenneth often balanced multiple jobs simultaneously, continuing to support the family farm as well as many others in the area. He expanded his skills by buying a chainsaw to clear farmland, saw trees, and grind stumps. Over the years, he worked at Smith Tire and Electric—first at the parts counter, then as a salesman—followed by positions at Albert Lea Clean Towel Service, Don Hultgren Sanitation and Waste Control in St. Paul, and ultimately serving as Vice President of Operations for Waste Systems Corporation in Lake Mills. Upon reaching his 50th birthday, Kenneth was declared disabled and shifted his focus to buying and selling real estate.

While Kenneth was known for his hard work, he also embraced life with enthusiasm in his younger years—always ensuring his family was his priority. On June 20, 1959, Kenneth married the love of his life, Maryann Norby, at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. Together, they raised two daughters, Debra and Lori. Kenneth and Maryann shared many joyful moments riding motorcycles and cruising in their convertible. A milestone deeply cherished by Kenneth was celebrating 50 years of sobriety on July 24, 2025, a testament to his strength and resilience.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Maryann; daughter, Lori; parents, James and Olga; parents-in-law, Helmer and Tess Norby; brother and sister-in-law, Roger G. and Betty Hermanson; sister and brother-in-law, Ovila and Carl Hanna; great-grandson, Baby Archie; brother-in-law, Daryl Norby; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Barb Norby; previous sisters-in-law, Norma Alvey and Judy Carter; nieces, Patty Norby, Tammy Norby, Diane Norby, and Linda Hermanson; nephew, Tim Norby; and Ken’s special friend, Maxine “Mick” Colstrup.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra (Robert Jr.) Arnold; grandchildren, Adam (Alicia Heilman) Clay, Shane (Heidi) Arnold, and Casey (Vanessa) Arnold; great-grandchildren, Rhea, Zoie, Jali, Chance, Ava, Maddox, Harper, Baby Arnold, Hunter, and Maverick; Brothers-in-law, Tom (Sandy) Norby and Dick (Lois) Norby; sister-in-law, Beverly Staples, and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Lake Mills Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Kenneth and their family over the years.

Memorials can be made in Kenneth’s honor to the Hospice Support Foundation, 1175 Center Pointe Circle, Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120.

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09/30/2025

What a beautiful day it was last Friday! ☀️🤩
We hosted our Open House for a monument and marker sale and enjoyed it along with our community!

Thank you to Cento Wood-fire Pizzeria and Cafe, Kwik Trip, and Blue for your donations!

Other thank you's go to Addie's Floral & Gifts, Superior Foods and Catering, Create A Legacy In Stone

09/30/2025

Joshua Petersen

Joshua Petersen, 45, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic- St. Mary's Campus, in Rochester, MN.

Service details and a full obituary are pending.

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09/30/2025

Mary Alice Ebnet

Mary Alice Ebnet passed away surrounded by family after a short, but courageous, battle with pancreatic cancer in New Richland, MN on September 29, 2025 at the age of 82.

Mary was born October 26, 1942 to Eugene and Victoria (Dulas) Wilder near Wells, MN. She attended school in Wells and went on to beauty school to become a hairdresser.

At a dance in Mankato, she met the man she would eventually marry and raise a family with. Mary married LaVoy Ebnet on February 7, 1961 and moved to a farm near New Richland, MN. Here is where they raised their 4 children, farmed the land, raised sheep, and milked dairy cows. Going to the National Sheep Show and Sales turned into annual family vacations.

After Mary and LaVoy sold the farm, Mary worked at Viking Woodcraft and Austin Mutual Insurance in Waseca, MN and then at One Stop in New Richland. Mary was a caregiver, through and through. She coordinated the Red Cross blood drives in town, was famous for her pies, pumpkin shaped sugar cookies with orange Kool Aid frosting, chicken noodle soup, and caramels, helped with flowers at the Garden Club, quilted with the ladies at church, and was honored in 2017 as co-Grand Marshal of Farm & City Days with her good friend, Rick Schultz.

Mary is survived by her husband, LaVoy Ebnet, their four children: Carmen (Kevin) O'Regan of Shakopee, MN, their children; Christopher O'Regan, Ryan O'Regan; Vianna (James) Bohlen of Owatonna, MN, their children and grandchildren; Anthony (Tiffany) Bohlen, Lukas & Tate, Afton Breezer, Quinn, and foreign exchange granddaughter Annika (Marcel) Staats, Janis; Rob (Linda) Ebnet of Waseca, MN, their children; Chris Steck (Miranda Kimbro), Michael Steck, Morgan Ebnet; Michael Ebnet, his children; Brady Ebnet, Anna (Declan) Thompson, Colby Ebnet; and foreign exchange daughter Susi Rothe (Gerwin) of Germany/Austria. Mary is also survived by her brother Jeff Wilder of Chester, MN, sister Julie (Dan) Sonnek of Mankato, MN, and in-laws Carol Wilder, Bethel Bentley, Doris (John) Krause, Genelle (Bill) Hinchley, Bruce (Kaye) Ebnet, Gordon (Brenda) Ebnet, Gary (Jana) Ebnet, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother Marlene and Donald Wilder, and in-laws Victor & Edna Ebnet, Beverly (Ebnet) Hinchley, Bob Bentley.

Memorials will be donated to the Geneva Cancer Auction Inc, American Red Cross, and the Meals On Wheels program through the New Richland Care Center.

A funeral service will take place at St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at 12:00 PM with a visitation prior beginning at 9:00 AM. Pastor Scott Williams will be the officiant. Interment will be at St. Peter Cemetery in New Richland, MN, following the service. A light lunch will follow.

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09/30/2025

Congratulations to Lori on her retirement! 🎉
Lori served as our AfterCare Coordinator and is kicking her retirement off with a month cruise! 🚢

We wish you the best Lori, you have been an amazing asset to the team. We will miss you!

Thank you The Elbow Room for the rolls 😋

09/29/2025

Joan Heitmeyer

Joan Wilma Heitmeyer, 83, went home to be with her Savior on September 27, 2025, while with her family, at home in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Joan was the youngest daughter of William and Minnie (Te Slaa) Kroese and was born on August 20, 1942, in their family farmhouse, located near Hull and Sioux Center, Iowa. After graduating from Western Christian High School in Hull, she married her high school sweetheart Junior Heitmeyer. They were married in the Hull Christian Reformed Church on July 25, 1961. Their first home was in Ritter, Iowa, which consisted of a Farmers Elevator and three small homes. Her husband Junior worked at the Ritter Farmers Elevator and assisted his father on their family farm. Leading up to this, Joan worked in Sheldon, Iowa, sewing zippers into blue jeans. Three of her greatest joys, were her three sons, Daniel (1962), Robert (1966), and James (1970), all born while they lived in their Ritter home.

After the birth of James, the family moved to Marble Rock, Iowa, where her husband became the manager of the Farmers Elevator there. Later, the family would move to Hollandale, Minnesota, after her husband became the manager of the Farmers Elevator in Oakland, Minnesota.

Joan thrived in Hollandale. She was graced with many friends and was very active in the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church and the Hollandale Christian School. In church, she actively assisted in Sunday school, Calvinettes, and numerous church functions and responsibilities. She was blessed with a gifted voice and often sang in her church, as well as other churches. Likewise, she poured her heart into the Hollandale Christian School, and its many functions. This included many years of playing significant roles with the school’s food booth, at the Freeborn County Fair.

Later in life, Junior and Joan moved to Albert Lea, where she was a charter member of Crossroads Church. She served in many capacities, including being a member of the church board for more than 10 years, as well as being

part of various committees and campaigns. She was very passionate about community outreach and enjoyed working tirelessly with others in the church, to advance God’s kingdom.

Joan will be remembered for always glorifying God in all she did. Mom never tired of trying her best to champion her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mom held herself to the highest of standards in all aspects of life. Mom used every moment, of everyday, to support her family, her friends, and her community. Mom came from humble beginnings and lived a humble life of service.

Joan is survived by her sister Hester; husband, Junior; three children, Daniel, Robert (Amy), and James; five grandchildren, David (Keila), Steven (Tristen), Kaylin (Mark), Brianna (Danny), and Alaina (Riley); as well as four great-grandchildren, Holland, Haxton, Kala, and Mia.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents (William & Minnie) brother (Charles), and sister (Verna).

A celebration of life will be held at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 10, 2025; visitation will be held one hour prior.

Memorials may be directed to Crossroads Church, Youth for Christ, and/or the Hollandale Christian School.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service.Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product.Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.

View Joan Heitmeyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/26/2025

Meet two of our funeral directors Mr. Juan and Ms. Martaé!
They are showcasing fingerprint jewelry and memory glass items today!

🎈 Open House Event 10-2pm TODAY! 🎈
https://fb.me/e/58sFT2t1P?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/26/2025

Marvin Miller

Marvin Walter Miller, 88, of Albert Lea, passed away September 23, 2025. Marvin was born and raised in Truman, Minnesota on the family farm by his parents, Walter and Elsie Miller.

He graduated in 1954 and served in the Navy for two years. He then moved to Albert Lea, where he married his high school sweetheart Joanne Smith on February 14, 1960. They raised two children, Brad and Beth. Marvin and Joanne celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Because Marvin could fix anything, he found his career as a mechanic. He spent 29 years at Bauer Built in Albert Lea as a front-end alignment specialist. Outside of work, he could be found working tirelessly in his yard cultivating tomatoes, gathering the many acorns, black walnuts, and horse chestnuts to keep his lawn perfectly manicured. He enjoyed the challenge of 5000 and 2000 piece puzzles. He built two grandfather clocks from blueprints, a mantel clock, and a hand crafted desk. At Christmas, he enjoyed making caramel corn and other special treats which were his grandchildren's and neighbors favorites. Along with these activities you could always find Marvin helping family, neighbors, and his church with numerous projects.

Marvin was a member of the First Baptist Church/Bridge Community Church where he was an Elder, a Deacon and served on several boards. He had a kind spirit with a servants heart. His love for the Lord was displayed by a willingness to help anyone and see the best in everyone.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Joanne, son Bradley (Jodi) Miller and their children Alexandria (Erik) Lindstrom, Dayton (Kate) Miller, Collin (Taylor) Miller and Gabrielle Miller, great grandchildren Pax, Mila, Abel and Violet, daughter Bethany (Tom) Sawina and his children Brandon Sawina and Brooke (Jake) Marolt; siblings Evelyn (Charles) Voss, Irene (Orville) Deling, and Randy (Pamela) Miller; along with many extended family members and close friends.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Miller, and infant sister Laurel Kay Miller.

A memorial service will be held to remember Marvin on Tuesday, September 30th at Bridge Community Church, 2016 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007, beginning at 2 PM, with a one hour visitation prior.

View Marvin Miller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/26/2025

Mary Chase/Hunt

Mary Chase/Hunt, 75, passed away on July 29, 2025 in Austin, Minnesota. Born on October 6, 1949, in Albert Lea to Shirley and Van Chase, she grew up on the west side of town with lots of kids in a new neighborhood that sprang up from a corn field. She attended Sibley Elementary School and was a Girl Scout. Dad Chase was her assistant leader and Girl Scout cookie chairperson. Mary met many of her good friends at Southwest Junior High School. She retained these special friendships throughout high school and beyond.

Mary played clarinet from 6th grade through her senior year at Albert Lea High School. While she was in the Albert Lea High School Band, the band was invited to march in Mason City’s annual North Iowa Band Festival which was a great honor. She, along with her high school friends, enthusiastically supported their friends who had formed the musical group, “The Things To Come.” The band, which had won top honors in a national competition, was enthusiastically welcomed back to Albert Lea. Following high school graduation in 1968, Mary attended Faribault Area Vocational and Technical School for a 1-year program. She later became involved in the Albert Lea Community Band.

Growing up in the Chase kitchen, Mary served as Dad Chase’s “sous chef” when friends were invited to the house for special meals. This experience bolstered her passion for cooking and baking. The family spent vacations in the Duluth/Superior/ North Shore area, and made attending the Minnesota State Fair the highlight of their summer. Mary learned how to can fruits and vegetables from Mom Chase, working around a hot water bath which was a big deal at the time.

Artistically, Mary drew, painted, stitched huck toweling, crocheted a number of masterpieces, did counted cross-stitch and created stained glass art. In 2024, she was awarded a blue ribbon for a painting that was submitted by The Cedars of Austin to the Mower County Fair. Musically, Mary amassed an extensive collection of LP albums recorded by her favorite musical artists, and she attended various concerts along the way.

Mary worked as a graphic artist for two Albert Lea businesses, worked at the YMCA/YWCA when it opened in 1972, worked as a cook, and most recently worked at McDonald’s where she earned her Diamond Jo’s “fun money.”

Mary met Rodney in March of 1979 at Church Offset. They were married on March 14, 1980. During their marriage, Mary and Rodney traveled and took in a variety of sights, attended the 1985 Baseball All-Star Game in Minneapolis, were Minnesota Twins weekend ticket holders, and they annually enjoyed the Minnesota State Fair.

Mary was a huge fan of Diamond Jo’s Casino, Mystic Lake Casino, and she made a number of trips to Las Vegas to take in its casino scene as well. She would have a blast with Rodney and friends, yet did her best to stick to her guns in terms of spending only what she had intended to spend.

Rodney’s backyard gardens were prolific with flowers and vegetables. Mary’s amazing culinary skills turned their vegetables into summer meal treasures. Mary and Rodney’s love for cats never wavered. Rodney estimates that they adopted at least a dozen cats over the years. Their feline brood brought them great joy.

Mary and Rodney marked their most recent anniversary ( #45) when they enjoyed a special meal together at St. Mark’s Living on March 14 of this year.

Mary is survived by her husband, Rodney Hunt, sister, Nancy Roth, nephew, Tom Roth (Kellee), niece, Katie Roth (Spencer Wirth-Davis), great-nephew, Henry, in- laws, Julie Hunt, Jeffrey Hunt, Jonathon Hunt and Russel Hunt, and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Van Chase, grandparents, Alice and Charley (Irvin) Andersen and Helen and John Chase, brother-in-law, Steve Roth, and in-laws Mary Hunt and Leo Hunt.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mary will take place on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at St. Mark’s Living (Chapel), 400 15th Avenue SW, Austin, MN 55912. Friends and relatives who would like to share memories of Mary during the gathering will be welcome to do so. A reception, featuring birthday cake for what would have been Mary’s 76th birthday, will follow.

Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Freeborn County, P. O. Box 423, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Rodney would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff at St. Mark’s Living for providing professional care, and for sharing their friendship and love with Mary. A heartfelt thank-you as well to the staff at Mayo Clinic Hospice.

View Mary Chase/Hunt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/26/2025

Vendors are here and the flow is moving!
Stop in for FREEBIES and treats!
💐 Addie's Floral & Gifts
🪨 Create A Legacy In Stone
🇺🇸 Freeborn County Veterans Office
🍪 Superior Foods and Catering

09/26/2025

Terry Ringoen

Terry LeRoy Ringoen, 80, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, with his family by his side.

Born in Albert Lea, Terry was the son of the late Donald and Mary (Madson) Ringoen and grew up in a close-knit family as the third of four children. He attended Emmons School and from an early age, he carried with him a kind heart, gentle spirit, and an easy-going nature that made him a friend to all.

On August 13, 1987, Terry married Jeanette “Nettie” Stieglbauer. Terry never missed an anniversary or a chance to mark a special occasion with a thoughtful card. Together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and family.

Terry worked for many years at Wilson Foods and later Viracon, where his dedication and hard work were deeply valued. Outside of work, he found joy in the outdoors, especially in hunting. His favorite memory was of his prize deer, “Bucky,” proudly mounted as a reminder of his time in the woods.

Terry was an active member of the Albert Lea Eagle Club, FOE 2258, and the Albert Lea Moose Lodge #1703. Always one to bring a smile, he was a member of the Albert Lea Clown Troupe, delighting children and families at parades. At home, he could often be found in his man-cave watching Westerns or out mowing the lawn; a task he once made even more memorable by falling asleep mid-ride.

He will be remembered most for his gentle humor, his love of laughter, and the way he made others feel at ease. His legacy is one of kindness, warmth, and the joy he brought to the lives of those around him.

Those left to cherish Terry’s memory include his beloved wife, Jeanette “Nettie” Ringoen; brother, Richard (Coral) Ringoen; children, Larry, Patty, Paul Abrego; granddaughter, Andrea (Joe) Perron and their two children; nephews, Lyndon Johnson, Jeremy (Lyndsey) Ringoen, and Treavor Ringoen; nieces, Deb (J.B) Akemann, Lori (Scott) Melom, and Nicky (TJ) Cole; numerous great nieces and nephews; many extended family members; and countless friends.

In addition to his parents, Donald Ringoen and Mary (Arnold) Norby; a brother, Duane Ringoen; a sister, Sharon (Don) Johnson; and a nephew, Todd Johnson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, with Pastor Mary Fiel officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00–11:00AM prior to the service. Burial will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Good Samaritan Society and Mayo Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Terry. They also extend a heartfelt thank you to their “angel nurse”, Sam, who did so much to make Terry comfortable.

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