Miller-Carlin Funeral Home

09/29/2025

GARY RALPH WELLE

Gary Welle, age 71 of Albany, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025. He was a resident at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany since April 2022. Gary Ralph Welle was born at the St. Cloud Hospital on October 14, 1953, to Ervin and Audrey (Obermiller) Welle and grew up in Albany along with his siblings. Gary was born deaf and attended the School for the Deaf in Faribault, MN, from age 5 through high school. After graduating, he worked in the mail room at Litton Mfg. in Plymouth for many years, and later at Briggs and Morgan Law Firm in Minneapolis. He also worked part-time in vending and concessions for sports events at the Excel Center and Target Center. Gary loved sports, including the MN Twins, MN Vikings, NDSU Bison football, and golfing with friends and family in Albany. Gary retired in May 2018 after a fall at work and two hip replacement surgeries. Becoming disabled, he moved to assisted living at Dellwood Gardens in St. Paul and later moved to The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center Senior Living. After living at The Sanctuary, he was in long-term care at Maranatha Presbyterian Home in Brooklyn Center. Then he moved to Mother of Mercy Senior Living in Albany. Gary was a good friend to many and was deeply loved by his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease, joke, and laugh

Gary is survived by siblings, Patrick Welle (Patricia) in Shoreview, Judy Thalacker in Edwards, MO, Linda Bennett (Rick) in St. Michael, Mark Welle (Sue Borgert) in St. Joseph, and Mary Welle in Spokane, WA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Audrey Welle, brother, John Welle, sister-in-law, Sandy Welle, and infant sister, Mary.

He will be cremated and buried with his parents in the St. Joseph Church Cemetery in Waite Park.

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09/29/2025

JEROME LEO YOUNG

The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Jerome Young, age 90 of Holdingford, will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 1st, at the Church of All Saints - Saint Mary in Holdingford. Burial will be in the Arban Cemetery. Jerome died on Sunday at Cura of Melrose. There will be a visitation from 4-8:00 PM on Tuesday and again from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM on Wednesday at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Holdingford. Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.
Jerome was born June 1, 1935, to Edward and Theresa (Lange) Young. He grew up on the family farm, where he became the fourth generation to farm. Jerome met Darlene Zabinski at a dance in St. Cloud, and it was love at first sight. The two were married on February 20, 1962, at St. John Cantius Church in St. Cloud, and they farmed together where they raised their 7 children. Jerome was very active at his home parish in Arban, MN, where he was in the choir, served mass, and became a trustee. He served the parish, completing any and every task that came his way. After completing the 8th grade, he graduated from “Arban University” before attending Holdingford High School. For over 25 years, Jerome and Darlene volunteered at Albany Pioneer Days, sharing the Arban history. Jerome was on the Holding Township board for over 35 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jerome enjoyed his Sunday drives, admiring the surrounding farmland, usually ending up at the DQ with a vanilla cone. Jerome was a social person who loved to visit family and friends, and he enjoyed a good game of cards. Jerome will be remembered not only for the love of his wife of 63 years, 7 amazing children, and many grandchildren, but also for his zest for bringing joy and laughter to all and any he encountered. He was a member of the Church of All Saints - Saint Mary in Holdingford.

Jerome is survived by his wife, Darlene, his children, Theresa (Mark) Beutz, Albany; Kenneth (Sandra) Young, St. Stephen; Kevin (Beth) Young, Avon; Joan (Peter) Neu, Becker; Marlene (Jeff) Panek, Hanover; Judy (Joey) Opatz, Holdingford; 19 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, LeRoy Young, his infant sister, Jeanette Young, his daughter, Janice Pauly, and his great-granddaughter, Norah Pauly.

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09/22/2025

RAMONA "MONA" (WELLE) SCHNEIDER

Mass of Christian burial for Ramona Schneider, age 85, of Albany, will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Seven Dolars Catholic Church in Albany. Visitation held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00PM and again from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM before mass at the church on Friday. Ramona passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 19, 2025.

Ramona was born on March 29, 1940, in Spring Hill, Minnesota, to Peter and Isabelle (Heinen) Welle. She grew up in Spring Hill, attended school in Melrose, and graduated high school from St. Benedict’s (St. Joseph, MN). Ramona then studied at St. Benedict’s Convent with the intention of becoming a nun. Prior to taking her final vows, she ultimately chose to return home to be with her family.

On April 11, 1964, she married Ambrose “Amby” Schneider, and together they built a life full of love, hard work, and devotion to family. In 1974, Ramona and Amby opened Amby’s Foods in Albany, which they proudly owned and operated for 40 years, until retiring in 2014. Through the store, she touched countless lives in the community, but her greatest joy and most cherished accomplishment was her family.

Ramona will be remembered as an extremely hard-working woman who gave her all to both her family and her community. She was unselfish and generous, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her quiet acts of kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

She was a dedicated member of the Legion Auxiliary and active in various church organizations. Her faith, kindness, and generosity were evident in all she did.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Amby; her sons, Brian (Karla) Schneider and Kurt (Anne Kent) Schneider; her grandchildren, Kate, Kasy, Cole (Meghan), and Kaiya Schneider, Erin, Olivia, and Logan Harren; and her brother, Herbert (Rosie) Welle.

Ramona is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Lorraine, Victoria, Donald, infant brother John, and Earl; and her beloved grandson, Cody Schneider.

Her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in all who knew her. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mother of Mercy in Albany and the Moments Hospice team for their compassionate care and support.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/ramona-welle-schneider

09/02/2025

MARY ELLEN GAIL

In Loving Memory
Mary Ellen Kisker Gail
July 7, 1943 – August 30, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Mary Gail of Avon, Minnesota. Mary peacefully left us on August 30, 2025. She was born in Farley, Missouri, on the family farm to William John Kisker and Olga Elizabeth (Scholipp Kisker) Tollner on July 7, 1943. She moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, as a child. Mary is a graduate of Leavenworth High School Class of 1961. She became a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Leavenworth and married Anthony “Tony” Joseph Gail on August 10, 1963.

Mary and Tony were both employed by the VA Hospital throughout their careers, which took them and their family to Kansas, Missouri, California, South Dakota, Texas, and finally, Minnesota. In retirement, they owned a dairy farm north of Albany in the 1980s and Neighbor’s BBQ in Avon in the early 2000s.

Throughout their life together, Mary and Tony formed lasting friendships that became like family. Mary had a servant’s heart, volunteering throughout her life. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She loved her sorority sisters in Beta Sigma Phi, being a member for over 40 years since October of 1983. With them, she shared much love and laughter as they served the community together. Mary’s favorite flower was the yellow rose, representing her sorority, Texas, and her favorite color. She loved music, especially Elvis singing gospel songs. Those close to her will always remember her warmth, wit, and genuine kindness.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Tony, her parents, brothers Eugene Kisker and John Kisker, both of Leavenworth, KS. She is survived by her sisters, Charlotte (Robert) Klinkenberg of Tonganoxie, KS, and Elizabeth Schmidling of Colorado Springs, CO, Sister-in-law Charlotte (Don) Aaron of Leavenworth, KS, Brother-in-law Bill (Virginia) Klasinski of Overland Park, KS, daughter, Pam (Michael) Heinen of Cold Spring, MN, her sons: Scott Gail of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Charles (Kara) Gail of Cottage Grove, MN, and James Gail of Crystal, MN. Additionally, Mary is survived by several nieces and nephews as well as her 7 grandchildren- Alyssa, Taylor, Ethan, Christian, Caden, Giana, Sophia; step grandchildren Amelia and Abraham; Annika and Magnus- grandchildren in her heart. Mary had 5 great-grandchildren. They all were truly the light of her life.

We will celebrate Mary’s life in Minnesota on Friday, September 5th, at Miller Carlin Funeral Home in Albany, MN, from 4-7 pm. Her mass of Christian burial and internment, together with Tony, will take place in Leavenworth, KS.

Mary will forever be in our hearts. She is now at peace in the hands of God.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/mary-gail

08/30/2025

08/25/2025

BRUCE MELVIN LODEWYK

Bruce was born in Bay City, MI, to Dutch and Marion Lodewyk on May 13, 1939. He graduated from Bay City High School in 1957, Central Michigan University in 1961, and Michigan State University in 1965. After a brief position as a schoolteacher in Wheeling, WV, he returned to Michigan State to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Social Work. His career took him from Flint, MI, to San Diego, CA, and finally to St. Cloud, MN, where he was in private practice for over 40 years, serving countless families throughout St. Cloud. He married his soul mate on October 26, 1968, in Swartz Creek, MI, and they celebrated over 56 years of marriage together. Bruce died on August 20, 2025, of complications following a heart attack.

From feeding a homeless man on a park bench to playing UNO with his grandchildren, Bruce enjoyed all the simple things of daily life. He lived life with a “larger than life” attitude, taking time throughout his day to meet people right where they were. He cared deeply about how people were doing and listened to people with compassion and caring. He loved fishing with his friends and family at his cabin on Woman Lake, traveling “on the road again,” drinking coffee with EVERYONE, calling up long lost friends (and all his best friends), and asking Alexa to play his favorite songs. He loved malted milkshakes, dogs, riding on his pontoon with a fishing pole in his hand, Michigan State basketball (Go Sparty!), pulling practical jokes, and anything with chocolate or peanuts.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Bourke, and his sister Gretchen. Bruce is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Aimee Lodewyk Meyer (Tom) of Durham, NC, son Brent Lodewyk (Kim) of McFarland, WI, four grandchildren, Anna Meyer (Dylan), Justin Meyer, Ella Lodewyk, Katerina Lodewyk, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a boat load of close friends.

A “Final Happy Hour” will be held at 4 pm at Miller-Carlin Funeral Home at 3013 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud, on Saturday, September 20, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charity Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club of Central Minnesota, and the Anna Marie Alliance Center for Family Peace.

View Bruce Melvin Lodewyk's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/22/2025

RORY LEE LOLKUS

Rory Lee Lolkus was born on November 12, 1965, in Adrian, Minnesota, to “Casey” Cornelius and “Sis” Cecelia (Balstad) Lolkus. From the very beginning, Rory faced life with special challenges but lived his life trying to brighten the days of everyone around him. Always ready with a joke, a wide smile, or a story from his childhood, his joyful spirit touched family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to know him.

A proud 1984 graduate of Slayton High School and an awarded Special Olympian, Rory spent most of his life living at home with his parents, who provided him with unwavering love and unmatched care. Together, they made homes in Chandler, Pipestone, and St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Rory’s happiest moments were often the simplest: a lively game of Skip-Bo or Scrabble, tuning into his favorite game shows, reminiscing about days gone by, or celebrating even the smallest “jackpots” on his hand-held slot machine. He was always patient with everyone—at least until 3:00 p.m., when he would promptly ask if it was time for his daily Pepsi. His jokes and smiles endeared him to many—whether he was pulling out his trick lighter, handing someone a shocking book, or surprising them with another mischievous prank, Rory kept people on their toes with a language all his own.

In earlier years, Rory found joy in crochet and latch hook projects, fishing trips, pool time, Wii bowling victories, and offering family members hand and foot massages. No matter what he was doing, he had a way of trying to fill ordinary moments with a smile and a joke or a story.

Above all, Rory was a man of kindness. He wished no ill will on anyone and left a lasting example of patience, humor, and love. His family and friends will miss him deeply, but the laughter and smile he brought into the world will live on in every memory.

Rory passed away on August 20, 2025, at his assisted living home in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He is survived by his parents; siblings Ralo (Jennie), Ryan (Tricia), and Robyn (Steve Bright); nieces and nephews Brandon (Emmie), Ashlee (James Sherrill), Cole, Carter, Keegan, and Morgan; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Henrietta (Bandstra) Lolkus; maternal grandparents, Olaf and Florence (Ricord) Balstad; and several other beloved family members.

In keeping with Rory’s spirit, his family asks that he be remembered not with flowers or gifts, but with a moment of kindness extended to someone with special needs.

The family will honor Rory with a private celebration of life. Burial will take place at a later date in Chandler, Minnesota.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/rory-lolkus

08/07/2025

SCOTT MICHAEL KOBYLINSKI

Scott Michael Kobylinski, 48, of Holdingford, MN, passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Scott was a 1995 graduate of Elk River High School.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Sylvester Kobylinski; maternal grandparents, Elting “Bud” and Mary Headley; and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his daughter Gina Kobylinski and granddaughter Estelle; his grandmother Laverne Kobylinski; parents Michael and Monica Kobylinski, of Holdingford, MN and Deborah and David Hedburg of Princeton, MN; siblings Daniel Hedburg, Carrie (Matthew) Albers, and Melissa (Nathan) Clark; nieces and nephews Hannah (Liam) Wertz, Isaac and Marlee Kogut, Emma, Sara, and Eliza Clark, Lola, Kacey, and Colter Hedburg; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and cherished friends.

The family is grateful for your love and prayers.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/scott-kobylinski

07/31/2025

OWEN A. NANNESTAD

Owen A. Nannestad passed away on July 25, 2025, at River Oaks in Watertown. He was born on August 19, 1964, to Rolf and Judith “Macie” (Hoppe) Nannestad.

He is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather, and grandparents.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes in Albany, MN, with burial to follow at Seven Dolors Parish Cemetery.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/owen-nannestad

07/25/2025

JEROME LOUIS KETTNER

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jerome Louis Kettner, age 91, will be 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at St. Mary’s Help of Christian’s Church in St. Augusta. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, from 4-7 PM, and after 9:30 AM on Thursday, also at the church. Jerome passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, surrounded by his family at Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Augusta.

Jerome was born on June 18, 1934, in Springfield, MN, to Anastasia (Gores) and Louis
Kettner. Jerome grew up in Springfield, only leaving the area to enter into the Army during the Korean conflict. It was during this time that he met Rita Kenning, whom he married on June 25, 1960, in St. Augusta, MN. Together, they made their home in St. Augusta and raised their ten children: Francis (Nancy), Martin (Sharon), Gregory and Paul Kettner, Theresa (Gary) Boeckmann, Margaret (Kent) Orth, Ann Dorn, Dolores (Andy) Theis, Catherine (John) Murray, and Veronica (Duane) Noggle. Jerome also had 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, whom he adored with all his heart.

Following his discharge from the military, Jerome entered the plumbing profession as a journeyman. It was a profession that he took great pride in. Even during his retirement, he would pick up small jobs for family and friends. In addition to his full-time job, Jerome often helped with maintenance at his church and the parish cemetery. He was willing and happy to help anyone, at any time when the need arose, which he did often.

When Jerome had free time, he enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune as well as the News. After Rush Limbaugh passed away, “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show" took his place, keeping Jerome updated on current events. Jerome also enjoyed conversations with friends over coffee, likely discussing the current events that he had recently learned of. It was during these times with friends and family that Jerome’s quick-witted sense of humor was shown. He could put a smile on anyone’s face. He enjoyed filling his free time with his ‘Grand-Dog’ Mac and his ‘Grand-Cat’ Gizmo. Mac was with him to the end.
Jerome is survived by his wife, Rita, his ten children, 15 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Eldoris Schumacher and Elizabeth Johnson, as well as his sister-in-law, Diane Kenning, and brothers-in-law, Rob Warfield and Brother Lawrence Kenning.

Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Myron Schumacher, Steve Johnson, Joe Kenning, and Walter Kenning. He is also preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Irene Warfield, as well as his son-in-law, Michael Dorn.

The family would like to thank Quiet Oaks for their amazing care for both Jerome and his family. In lieu of flowers, Jerome’s family would like donations to Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Augusta.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/jerome-kettner

07/25/2025

CAROL MAE EARLES

Carol M. Earles (Koeplin), age 87, of Sartell, MN, passed away July 23, 2025. Carol was born on August 16, 1937, in Millerville to Edmond and Dorothy (Kapphahn) Koeplin. She was a graduate of Cathedral High School, class of 1955.

Survived by loving husband, Larry Earles; children Brian May, Brenda (Donald) DeRosier, Timothy (Louise) May, Scott (Kimberly) May, and Jeffrey (Jennifer) May; grandchildren, BreAnne, Tristine, Justin, Mitchell, Andrew, Stephen, Abby, Isaac, Sophie, Alyssa, and Ashley; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Devin, Kasey, Destiny, Seth, Connor, Wyatt, Lucy, Lucas, Eloise; great-great grandchildren, Finnley and Everly. Preceded in death by first husband, Victor C. May; parents, Edmond Koeplin and Dorothea Koeplin (Kapphahn), and siblings Gerald Koeplin and Lucille Fowler (Koeplin)

Mass of Christian Burial on July 28, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Parish, located at 219 2nd Street North, Sartell, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.

Luncheon to follow.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/carol-earles

07/21/2025

MICHELE D. BUSCH

Michele D. Busch, of Foley, was born August 9th, 1950, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, to Keith and Viola (Grundmeyer) Heidemann. Michele spent her first few years of grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Iberia before moving to her childhood home in South St. Paul, where she attended Immanuel Lutheran through 8th grade and graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1968.

After high school, Michele met the love of her life and soulmate, Byron. A few months later, Byron's draft card was pulled, and he was deployed to Korea as an MP. They corresponded by letter, and in 1969, at the age of 19, Michele flew to Tokyo, Japan, where they were engaged during Byron's R&R. They married on July 24th, 1971, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in South St. Paul. They lived in Highland Park, then Michigan's Upper Peninsula, before settling in Glenwood, Minnesota, where they had 2 children. In 1990, they moved to St. Cloud, where they raised their family, and in 2022, they moved to Foley, where they remained close to her son and his family until her death.

Michele began volunteering at the Coborn Cancer Healing Center after beating breast cancer, and she remained on the volunteer staff for the next 20 years. Her caring and compassionate nature made her a rock to countless patients over the years, and she was the face of hope and strength to many. Her favorite saying, "Every day's a blessing", will ring on in the hearts of those she loved and cared for, and those who loved and cared for her.

In August 2024, Michele began her battle with endometrial cancer, and her warrior spirit carried her through 6 rounds of chemo until she was declared in remission last March. Unfortunately, bone pain began a few months later, and bone metastases were detected in late May. Michele underwent procedures at the Mayo Clinic to help relieve pain and began chemotherapy in June, but the disease had proved too aggressive. She spent her final hours in the care of incredible nursing and hospice staff at Quiet Oaks Hospice, and went home to be with her Savior just before 5 am on Thursday, July 17th. Her family will never say she died of cancer; rather, she beat death when she passed through the gates of Heaven.

Michele is survived by her beloved husband, Byron, of Foley; her children, Kimberley (Mark) Lakosky of Chanhassen, and Cedric (Kelli) Busch of Foley; her grandchildren, Dathan, Taryn, Bennett, Zack, and Alex; her brother, Richard "Dick" (Noni) Heidemann of Burnsville, her sister Eileen (Tom) Spreeeman of Hudson, WI, and their children and spouses. She also leaves behind her dear Survivor Sisters, countless cousins, friends, and extended family members in both Minnesota and Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation in honor of Michele's life will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd from 4-7 pm at Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, located at 3013 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, with a funeral service the following afternoon, Thursday, July 24th at 2 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, located at 2555 Clearwater Rd. in St. Cloud.

Her family welcomes all to attend both the visitation and funeral service, and would like to ask those in attendance to acknowledge that July 24th would have been Byron and Michele's 54th wedding anniversary.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/michele-busch