http://www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com/

Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association, 100 North Avenue, Echo, MN (2026)

05/22/2026

The funeral service for Marilyn Kletscher, 86, of Vesta, MN, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vesta. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at the Vesta Cemetery.

Marilyn Louise (Knudson) Kletscher was born to Arnold and Stella (Aspelund) at St. James Hospital on August 9, 1939. She was baptized and confirmed at Albion Lutheran Church in rural St. James. Marilyn attended rural Brown County School and Comfrey High School, where she graduated in 1957. She attended Mankato Commercial College before working at the Blue Earth County Court House in Mankato for the Supervisor of Assessments from April 1958 to August 1961. Marilyn was united in marriage to Harold Kletscher on August 19, 1961, at Albion Lutheran Church. They moved to their lifelong home in Vesta and started a family. She loved time with family, crocheting, reading, flowers, gardening, and birds - especially cardinals. Harold and Marilyn were janitors for St. John’s Lutheran Church for 23 years, where she also taught Sunday School, and was a member of the choir, Ladies Guild, and Altar Guild. She also served as an election judge and enjoyed attending craft club.

On May 21, 2026, Marilyn passed away at her home at the age of 86. She is survived by her children Jeff Kletscher of Floodwood, Dawn Tietz of Morgan, Tim (Susie) Kletscher of Benson, and daughter-in-law Erin Kletscher of Vesta; grandchildren Megan (Nate) Zabel, Lucas Tietz, Amber Tietz, Becca Tietz, Kegan Tietz, Eric Hoium, Elle Kletscher, and Callie Kletscher; great grandchildren Serena, Holly, Gus, Quinn, and Tatum; siblings Shirley Kettner, Glennys (Murnice) Sell, and Warren (Judy) Knudson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, son Randy, son-in-law Rich Tietz, and many other relatives.

Blessed be her memory.

05/12/2026

The memorial service commemorating the life of Arleigh Belling, 69, of Olivia, formerly of Hanley Falls, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home in Echo, MN. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the service, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Wood Lake.

Arleigh Ludwig Belling was born on July 10, 1956, in Clarkfield, MN, to Ludwig and Adeline (Ziegler) Belling. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wood Lake. Arleigh graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1975. He served in the U.S. National Guard. He attended the Canby Vocational Technical School for Auto Mechanics and had a lifelong fondness for classic cars. Arleigh worked as an assembler at Plews in Granite Falls.
After that company closed, he worked for Norcraft in Cottonwood.
Arleigh enjoyed connecting with people at community gatherings. He enjoyed town festivals, especially the Wood Lake Fair. He also looked forward to the annual Goltz family reunions. Recently, due to health problems, he had been living at the Olivia Restorative Therapy and Nursing Home.

Arleigh died on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Olivia Hospital in Olivia, MN. He is survived by his siblings Linda (Larry) Schmidt of Tacoma, WA, Leonard (Debbie) Belling of Ridgefield, WA, Donna Slettedahl of Marshall, Alona Gottschalk of Sioux Falls, SD, Allen Belling of Sioux Falls, SD, nieces, nephews, relatives and good friends Rich and Linda Hagen, Douglas and Barbara Hagen and John and Terri Thostenson, all of Hanley Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

05/11/2026

The funeral service for Melvin Henriksen, 92, of Vesta, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vesta. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. before the service at the church. Interment with military honors will be at the Vesta Cemetery followed by a meal at the church.

Melvin George Henriksen was born on his family farm in rural Vesta to George and Blondina (Jordan) Henriksen on January 25, 1934. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member. Melvin attended Country School District 54 through the eighth grade. He worked on the family farm until he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Army in 1956, taking his oath of enlistment in St. Paul. He then went to basic training in Fort Hood, TX, then on to Fort Sill, OK, where he trained as a survey specialist. During this time, he spent 3 months at West Point, NY, familiarizing cadets in artillery. Melvin was honorably discharged in March 1958, he returned to the family farm.

On July 29, 1959, Melvin and Louise Paluck were united in marriage. They purchased a farm 4 ½ miles southeast of Vesta. He served on the Vesta Cemetery Board for many years. Melvin and Louise were blessed with 6 children: Daniel, Jeanelle, Jolene, Lynn, Jergen, and Sonja.

Through the years Melvin enjoyed spending time with his family. He traveled with his wife and children. He enjoyed going to Montana with his son, grandsons, and son-in-law to hunt deer and geese while listening to music along the way, as well as hunting deer at their hunting shack. With his grandsons, he built chopper bikes from old bikes he collected. Melvin also made endless bird houses, nativity mangers, mushrooms designed from old trees, and barb wire art.

Our family tradition in the spring was to go to the Minnesota River to find the first Mayflower in bloom. He enjoyed watching 30+ painted turtles laying eggs each spring, evening sunsets, and eating Lutefisk, oyster stew and suet pudding. Often with the help of grandkids, he loved cutting down trees and splitting wood. He also coached the Vesta Girls softball team for 8 years.
Melvin died on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Parkview Senior Living in Belview. He is survived by his wife Louise of Vesta; children Daniel (Jolene) Henriksen of Vesta, Jeanelle (Gregory) Stepan of St. Cloud, Jolene (Daniel) Bergner of Chaska, Lynn (James) Flesch of St. Paul, and Sonja (Kelly) McGivern of Rosemount; grandchildren Samuel Henriksen, Clair Schroepfer, Jenna Irlbeck, Joseph Stepan, Spencer Stepan, Leo Stepan, Thomas Bergner, William Bergner, Elizabeth Rossini, Timothy Flesch, Michael Flesch, Kristina McGivern, Mariah Offerdahl, and Charles McGivern; 27 great-grandchildren; sisters Gladys Beadell and Pearl Ville; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Blondina, son Jergen in 1983, and sisters Vera Sylte and Doris Penske.
*Melvin’s Casket was built by his son Daniel*

04/19/2026

The funeral service for Kenneth “Ken” Rikke, 85, of Belview, formerly of Echo, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls, MN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Sunset Funeral Home in Echo. Visitation will continue on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Kenneth Ronald Rikke was born on February 7, 1941, in Vesta, MN, to Kenneth “Sam” and Luella (Maasch) Rikke. In 1948, he and his family moved to Hanley Falls where he attended fifth through twelfth grade. Ken was baptized as a baby in Vesta and was confirmed and an active member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls.

In 1959, he married Carol Ann Engel. The couple had three sons Brad Alan (Donna) from Boulder, CO, Brian Kenneth (Amie) from Vesta and Kevin Lee from Denver, CO, as well as grandchildren Luke, David, Rebecca and Derek and great-grandchildren Austin, Joshua, Blossom, Charlie and Lex.

Ken and Carol spent several years in California and most of their married lives around Hanley Falls, MN. Ken was self-employed and operated a road grading and gravel hauling/maintenance business for 30 years.

Ken died on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. He is survived by his wife, Carol, three sons, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and sisters Shirley Gordon, Joyce Wright, Linda Rikke and Pam Rikke. He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Luella and sisters Judy and Collette.

04/19/2026

The service commemorating the life of James “Jim” King, 64, of Wood Lake, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Wood Lake United Methodist Church in Wood Lake, MN. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

James Ernest “Jim” King was born on December 26, 1961, in Sioux Falls, SD, the youngest of seven children born to Nancy and Fred King. After moving to Robbinsdale and the passing of his mother, the family moved to Mazeppa where Jim spent his youth on the river, exploring and learning many life lessons. He gained another mother when his father remarried to Arnelda. Jim helped his parents as they owned and operated the Ponderosa Supper Club and Camp Ground.

After graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Army and proudly served our country. He always had a great many stories about his life. After his discharge, he acquired a motorcycle and rode it back to Minnesota. Jim and his brothers Fred and John owned and operated King’s Construction. Jim was married to Colette King and to this union were born children Katrina, Daniel and Mitchell.
Jim later worked for Minnegasco until his retirement. Jim was very talented. He helped many people get their heat going in the winter and AC going in the summer. He enjoyed time with his customers and he was proud that he could help them. On October 6, 2001, he married his wife, April and three more children joined the family.
His greatest love was his family. He was a great father and grandfather and a friend to anyone who would let him hear their story. He had a lifelong love affair with anything with an engine from remote controlled airplanes to Jeeps, boats and snowmobiles. He treasured his time in the Chippewa National Forest. Starting with his father and brothers, the tradition of time spent here continued with his own boys. He also enjoyed camping during the summer with his family. In his retirement, Jim and April enjoyed travelling across the country. He enjoyed teaching his trade to his children and mentoring them as well.

Jim passed away in the early hours of April 17, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife, April, of Wood Lake, children Katrina (Lacey) King of Maple Plain, Daniel King of Minneapolis, Mitchell (Sidra) King of Waconia, Jesse (Amanda) Warnke of Porter, Amber (Shawn) Jensen of Zumbrota, Caitlin (Tyler) Warren of Wood Lake, grandchildren Eleanor Warnke-Beilby, Charlotte Warnke-Beilby, Franklin Warren, Kaitlynn Jensen, Nicholas Jensen, Brooke Jensen; siblings Alice (Pat) Marsh of Rochester, Sue King of Bovey, Barb (Gary) Lind of Bovey, Mary King of Minneapolis, sisters-in-law Thelma Gomes of Hendricks, Dawn (Ray) Heinonen of St. Michael, Suzanne Brougham of Coldwater, MI, Kris King of Dayton; and many adored nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Nancy King, step-mother Arnie King, brothers John and Fred King and brother-in-law Roger Gomes

04/16/2026

The Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association wishes to express gratitude to Kris Slettedahl for more than 25 years of service. Thank you Kris and enjoy retirement! Kris was recently recognized by the Board of Directors at the 2026 annual meeting.

04/08/2026

Notice of Annual Meeting of
Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the members of Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Sunset Funeral Home in Echo, Minnesota.
The purpose of the meeting will be as follows:
1- Approve the minutes of the previous Annual Meeting
2- Presentation of Reports
3- Election of directors
4- Such other business as may properly come before the meeting
Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association
By: Quinn M. Horvath
Manager

04/04/2026

Mass of Christian Burial for Robert “Bob” Zwach, 73, of Milroy, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Milroy.

Robert Steven Zwach was born on June 1, 1952, in Tracy, MN. He was the oldest of six children born to Robert Edward and Doris Cecelia (Halfmann) Zwach. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Bob graduated from Milroy Public School and Canby Vo-Tech for Production Agriculture. He farmed with his dad from 1970 raising grain, hogs and cattle. Soon after, Bob met the love of his life, Debra Lynn Rudenick. On July 26th, 1975, the couple were married. To this union two children were born; Amanda “Mandy” Mary and Matthew Robert. Later, son-in-law Michael was added and a grandson Maxwell “Max” Robert. Bob was a stabilizing force for his family.

Bob and Deb enjoyed dancing, going for rides on their Harley or in their Duster, and going out to eat. They were known at every café and restaurant in the area, going for breakfast and also for supper most nights. With their family, they enjoyed playing Crazy 8, cracking silly jokes, four-wheeler rides, and watching Caitlin Clark play basketball. Bob’s eyes lit up every time his grandson, Max, entered the room. He enjoyed teaching Max about combining, playing pool, and golfing.

Bob loved his community and saw the value in doing business locally. He was always willing to help anyone in need and enjoyed his time holding many positions on various committees: Charger member and President of the Milroy Lion’s Club; Knights of Columbus member, President of FCAM Elevator Board; and Brandy Friday President for over 30 years; bringing over 120 members together.

Bob was cheerful, charismatic, and never late for anything in his life. He had his mom’s steadiness and his father’s silly nature. Bob kept a huge list of many birthdays and as a special treat, he would call the person of their special day and sing them the rubber ducky song. He also surprised friends and neighbors with fresh sweet corn delivered to their door.

Bob loved farming and watching the crops grow. He was proud to be on the original Zwach farm in Gales Township and proud of his Zwach Heritage. After his father retired from farming in 1990, he farmed with his brother, Tim. After being diagnosed with glioblastoma, Bob led his family through this devastating situation with wisdom, humor, and endless hugs. During his treatment, he continued to work on the farm; digging the fields and combining corn through the 2025 season. Bob was also able to enjoy his friends at golf league that last year.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Bob died on April 3, 2026, at Prairie Home Hospice Lockwood House in Marshall with his family surrounding him. We sang rubber ducky for him on this day.
He is survived by his wife, Deb, daughter Mandy (Michael) Weaklend, son Matthew, grandson Max Weaklend, brother Tim (Suzann) Zwach, sisters Lori (Pat) Dolan, Renee Zwach, Peg (Greg) Schmoll, Colleen Zwach (Jeff Seeman), brother-in-law Wayne (Jan) Rudenick, sisters-in-law Pam Maasch, Paula Lockhart, and Ann Rudenick and mother-in-law Mary Rudenick.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Doris, father-in-law Russell Rudenick, brother-in-law Dean Rudenick, and niece Jenny Rudenick.

11/24/2025

Mass of Christian Burial for Nicholas “Nick” Guetter, Jr., 85, of Wabasso, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso. A livestream and recording of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the church, with a Knights of Columbus rosary beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

Nicholas Robert Guetter, Jr., was born on December 29, 1939, in Wabasso, to Nicholas Sr. and Mildred (Boever) Guetter. He attended St. Anne’s Catholic School, graduating in 1958. Nick then attended Dunwoody Vocational School in Minneapolis. After meeting Ann Tutewohl at a dance, the couple was married on June 22, 1963, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosemount. They lived in Bloomington until moving to Wabasso in 1975. Nick was a hard worker, first in the auto repair industry, then as an owner of a gas station and convenience store. He was also very involved in the Wabasso community, including as an active member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, the Wabasso Lions Club, and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus just to mention a few.

Nick loved time spent with friends and family. He and Ann took many trips, including memorable ones to Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Ireland, and the Holy Land. Nick enjoyed all sports, both watching and sponsoring teams. He truly enjoyed sponsoring the Wabasso fast pitch softball team, and he was recently inducted into the Minnesota State Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. He earned the nickname “Big Guy,” which followed him long past his softball career. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events as often as he could. Nick also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his children and grandchildren at the family cabin and in Canada. He could often be seen riding around town in his side by side.

Nick died on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his wife Ann of 62 years of Wabasso; children Tom (Kelly) Guetter of Redwood Falls, Bob (Polly) Guetter of Miltona, and Pam (John) Hendrickson of Alexandria; grandchildren Kelsey (Cody) Rose, Bob Jr. (Kaitlin) Guetter, Colin (Jill) Guetter, Cheyenne Hendrickson, Carter (Morgan Franklin) Guetter, and Andrew (Sarah Anderson) Hendrickson; great-grandchildren Kaylee, Chloe, and Kelby Rose, Wyatt and baby-to-be Guetter, and Theo Hendrickson; siblings Louie Guetter, Lawrence (Leslie) Guetter, Mary Frericks, and Mike (Louise) Guetter; as well as many other relatives and friends. Nick was preceded in death by his parents Nick Sr. and Mildred Guetter, brother Eugene Guetter, and brother-in-law Ralph Frericks.

11/23/2025

Delores Mae Hogen, 93, of Springfield, formerly of Lucan, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at St. John’s Nursing Home in Springfield. Mass of Christian Burial for Delores will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Lucan. A livestream and recording of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Sunset Funeral Home in Wabasso with a prayer service at 6:00. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cemetery in Lucan.

Delores was born on May 1, 1932, in Aldrich, MN, to Louis and Helen Erkel, the youngest of 4 siblings. She grew up in Lamberton, graduating from Lamberton High School in 1950. On February 19, 1955, she was united in marriage to James Hogen at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lamberton. To this union three children were born. Delores was a stay-at-home mom raising her 3 three boys. Later in life she worked at State Bank of Lucan until her retirement. Delores was very active in the community of Lucan and at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandma. Her home cooked meals and baking made every family gathering special.

Delores is survived by her children Brian (Julie) of Springfield, Brad (Joy) of Pequot Lakes, Barry (Rebecca) of Golden Valley; grandchildren Ryne (Nicole) of Sartell, Kelsea of Maple Grove, Jennifer (Cody) of West Fargo, Megan (Erik) of Woodbury, Rachel (Andrew) of Inwood, WV and Isaac of Minneapolis; and one great-grandchild Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, and her 3 siblings Clifford, Howard, and Donald Erkel.

The family would like to express their gratitude to staff at St. John’s Nursing Home in Springfield and the staff at Allina Hospital in New Ulm.

Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association

05/22/2026

05/12/2026

05/11/2026

04/19/2026

04/19/2026

04/16/2026

04/08/2026

04/04/2026

11/24/2025

11/23/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category