Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes

03/31/2026

Earling Kenneth Opsahl

Earling Kenneth Opsahl, 97, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on March 30, 2026, at home with his family.

Earling was born on a farm near Mabel, Minnesota, on March 9, 1929, to Roy and Ida (Nelson) Opsahl. At the age of 12, his family moved to Austin. He attended Austin Central High School until the 8th grade, when he left school to help his family. He worked at Kinsman Nursery, Gildners, and was an over-the-road truck driver. In 1951, he was called to service in the Korean War. As a private, he trained as a mechanic at the Eta Jima Specialist School, completed his GED, and advanced to the rank of corporal in the Army’s 702nd Tank Battalion. After his return from service, he worked as a school bus driver for Pikes Bus Co. and as a machinist for the City of Austin. He retired from the city in 1982.

Earling met Martha Scofield through his sister, Gladys. They were married on November 6, 1955, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with four daughters (Earl’s Girls), Marsha, Connie, Susan, and Roseanne; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Earling was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church for many years, where he served as an usher, Sunday School teacher to over 200 eighth graders, and was a founding member of the weekly prayer group. His devotion to faith and service was observed in how he lived his life as an example to others. Throughout his life he shared the following blessing with family and friends, “The good Lord loves you all. Keep your hands in his hands when you walk every day because he loves you very much.”

Earling was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ida Opsahl; brothers, Raymond, Milford, and LeRoy; sisters, Rosie, Ethel, Verna Otterness, Norma Johnson, and Gladys Opsahl; and great-grandson, Henry Sammann.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; daughters, Marsha (Dan) Wilson, Connie (Freddy) Tsui, Susan (Todd) Peterson, Roseanne (Steve) Dahlgren; grandchildren, Rebecca Toov, Nathan Wilson, Katie Ferrell, Sonia Carver, Maria Ehlmquist-Tsui, Lydia Lindley, Aimee Renner, Hannah Sammann; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Elmer Opsahl; sister, Idella Bailey; and sister-in-law, Carol Opsahl.

The family would like to thank Earling’s many guardian angels, especially Yvette Guerra, who have supported him during this time.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Memorials are preferred to the Wee Learning Center, Salvation Army, or The Hormel Institute. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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03/31/2026

Zetta Marie Simpson

Zetta Marie Simpson, age 99, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Truman Senior Living in Truman, Minnesota. Zetta was born on April 15, 1926, to Leroy and Sarah (Knutson) Dixon in Lyle, Minnesota. Zetta attended high school in Austin before working for Hormel for three years. There, she met the love of her life, Robert Simpson, and the couple married on January 7, 1947, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin. Their union was blessed with three children. As a dedicated homemaker, Zetta contributed to the family farm and lovingly cared for animals. She was known for her nurturing spirit, often caring for her aunts and uncles, and she had a passion for bird and squirrel watching. Zetta also enjoyed gardening, collecting butterflies, and was an avid reader.

Survivors include her children, Dale (Barb) Simpson of Truman, Minnesota, Karen (John) Mentz of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Shirlee (Lon) Mast of Denison, Texas; grandchildren, Bruel (Mindy), Delight (Justin), Juel, Daniel, David (Sara), Christopher (Bevin O’Brien), and Robin; great-grandchildren, Dalton, Levi, Hailey, Hannah, Joslin, Michael, Foster, Alex, Zoe, and Sophie. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and her siblings.

A memorial service for Zetta will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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03/31/2026

03/28/2026

Not sure where to start as you create a one-of-a-kind final tribute for a loved one? In this blog, you will read about 7 tried and true elements of the funeral and how you can personalize each one to craft a meaningful final goodbye for someone dearly loved.

When planning a funeral, consider including these 7 elements to create an experience that brings healing and meaningful significance.

03/24/2026

Jerome Max Jakobson

Jerome Max Jakobson, age 82, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin, Minnesota. Jerome was born to Arlo and Marion (Christiansen) Jakobson on January 6, 1944, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He graduated from Albert Lea High School and furthered his education by earning an associate’s degree in accounting from Mankato. He retired from his career in accounting at Fabricated Wood Products in Owatonna, where he dedicated many years. On February 6, 1965, Jerome married Linda Holmes at First Baptist Church in Blooming Prairie, and together they raised six children. Jerome was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church. Throughout his life he was very involved in ministry, he served as a deacon, taught Sunday School, and directed music. He also served on the board at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie. Jerome enjoyed attending auctions and was known for his passion for woodworking, as well as his impressive collection of tools from Sears.

Survivors include his children, Connie (Mike) Frazier, Jerry (Cassandra) Jakobson, Wendy (Darrick) Schewe, Scott Jakobson, Robyn (Kyle) Thompson, and Heidi (Shawn) Brown; 24 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Marion Jakobson; wife, Linda; and sisters, Sharon Bowen and Mary Kay Jakobson.

A funeral service for Jerome will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Blooming Prairie. The visitation will take place from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Blooming Prairie City Cemetery. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

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03/24/2026

Ella Rita Kohn

Ella Rita Kohn, age 89, of Hollandale, Minnesota, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, at her home. Ella was born August 6, 1936, in Preston, Minnesota, the daughter of Rollie and Marie (Mangan) Arnold. She graduated from Spring Valley High School and dedicated 22 years of her life to the Albert Lea Clinic, where she worked as a medical records clerk. On April 14, 1956, Ella married Laurence Kohn at St. Ignatuis Catholic Church in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with five children. Ella loved spending time outdoors, enjoying gardening, fishing, and camping. She fondly remembered fixing up the back of a pickup to serve as a camper. Her love for travel took her on memorable trips, including a cruise to Hawaii aboard an old battleship and visits to Florida and New England. Ella also enjoyed making sure everybody was always fed, dancing, playing cards with friends, crocheting, and knitting.

Survivors include her husband, Laurence Kohn of Hollandale, Minnesota; children, Larry Kohn of Hollandale, Daniel (Julie) Kohn of Hollandale, Mary (Jim) Gulbrandson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Thomas (Jean) Kohn of Cascade, Montana, and Laurita (Jeff) Welbes of Excelsior Spring, Missouri; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rollie and Marie Arnold; father and mother-in-law, Herman and Laura Kohn; grandson, Justin Kohn; great-grandsons, Lawson Kohn and Austin Kohn; sisters-in-law, Betty Thompson and Lois Holets; and brother-in-law, Wendell Kohn.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ella will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota, with Father Thien Nguyen officiating. The visitation will take place one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Geneva, Minnesota. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Ella Rita Kohn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/21/2026

Every funeral is different, so how can you know what guidelines you’re expected to follow? Even if you don't know what to expect at a service, you can show respect to family and friends by following these 9 general funeral etiquette guidelines. Read the article below to learn more.

When you attend a funeral, how do you know what guidelines to follow? Read this article to learn about funeral etiquette.

03/20/2026

Myrwood Andrus Bagne

Myrwood Andrus Bagne, age 94, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna, Minnesota. Myrwood was born on June 16, 1931, in Waseca, Minnesota, to Ernest and Florence (Anderson) Bagne. On July 6, 1952, he was united in marriage to Helen Ruth Anderson at Vista Lutheran Church. Myrwood graduated from St. Olaf College in 1952 and was ordained at Luther Seminary in 1956. He dedicated his life to ministry, serving as a Lutheran minister at United and Dell Lutheran Church in Frost, Christ the King Lutheran in White Bear Lake, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. He also held the position of Chaplain at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin and provided interim ministry at several churches, including St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church in Elma, Iowa, Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Austin, and Deer Creek Lutheran in Carpenter, Iowa. In addition to his pastoral work, Myrwood was a lifelong farmer, tending to the family farms in Waseca County that have been in the family since the mid-1800s. He was passionate about photography, travel, history, classical music, reading, and trains. Myrwood held a special interest in genealogy, particularly his Scandinavian heritage, and was an active member of the Sons of Norway and the Vesterheim Museum.

Myrwood was a pastor and a farmer who sowed seeds in souls and soil.

Survivors include his two daughters, Kristin and Karen and their spouses; and two grandsons, William and Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Helen.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan in Albert Lea, St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin, Birchwood Cottages and Ecumen Hospice in Owatonna.

A funeral service for Myrwood will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Vista Lutheran Church Cemetery, New Richland, Minnesota. Memorials are preferred to St. Olaf College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Luther Seminary, or Habitat for Humanity. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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03/20/2026

The long days of winter are coming to a close, and the activities of spring are on the horizon. What are you most looking forward to in the new season?

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Did you know that wearing green started because of a legend that the color makes you invisible to mischievous leprechauns? What fun facts do you know about St. Patrick's Day?

03/17/2026

Doris Virginia Samuelson

Doris V. Samuelson, age 97, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie. Doris Virginia Hanson was born on December 10, 1928, in Austin, Minnesota, to Aldine and Aura (Berg) Hanson. She was raised on the family farm near Blooming Prairie. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Doris graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1946. She then attended and graduated from business school in Mankato. Doris worked in San Diego, California, and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

On May 4, 1963, Doris was united in marriage to Rolyn Erling Samuelson at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. After marriage, Doris and Rolyn lived in Dodge Center and Rochester, Minnesota. The couple raised their five daughters in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. During this time, Doris worked for West Central Community Action. In 2017 she moved back to Blooming Prairie and enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. She loved to travel and spent a lot of time reading and doing crossword puzzles. Doris was an active member of United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, Dorcas Society, the ULCW, and later joined the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Study Club. More than anything, Doris was very proud of her grandchildren.

Doris is survived by her five daughters, Kathleen Samuelson, Carol Samuelson, Sandra (Peter) Roverud, Karen (Jason) Isgrig, and Amy (Todd) Haigh; ten grandchildren, Caleb, Ethan, Gabriel (fiancée Lauren), Joshua (Anna), Ashley, Jesse (Kaitlyn), Tyler, Noah (Alissa), Samuel, and Summer; great-grandson, Henry; sisters-in-law, Gloria Hanson, Austra Hanson, Glendra Tuller; brother-in-law, David (Carol) Samuelson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aldine and Aura; husband, Rolyn; sister, Lorna Hanson; and brothers, Kasper (Norma) Hanson, Lyle (Evelyn) Hanson, Norman “Luther” Hanson, and Dale Hanson.

The memorial service for Doris will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. An interment will be held at a later date in Ness Cemetery, Elbow Lake, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie or Ness Cemetery in Elbow Lake. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements.

To view the livestream of Doris' service, please click the link below:

facebook.com/firstlutheranbp

View Doris Virginia Samuelson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.