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Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association, 100 North Avenue, Echo, MN (2025)

11/07/2025

The funeral service for Phyllis Miller, 83, of Wood Lake, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Posen Township. Visitation will be Monday, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Tuesday, one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Interment will follow the service at the church cemetery.

Phyllis Lenore (Hanson) Miller was born on her grandparents Norman and Christi Lecy family farm in Sioux Agency Township, Yellow Medicine County, on September 21, 1942 to Philip and Annabelle (LaVien) Hanson. She was baptized and confirmed at Rock Valle Lutheran Church North of Echo and maintained lifelong fond memories of the church. As a child, she and her family lived in Boyd until moving back to Echo in 1952 where she graduated from Echo High School. Phyllis worked for a time for the Echo Dental Clinic. On November 18, 1961, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donald Miller, at Rock Valle Lutheran Church north of Echo. The couple farmed until 1987 when they moved to Vesta. They owned and operated the Vesta Café for 12 years, then moved to Wood Lake. Phyllis worked for North Star Insurance Company until her retirement.

Phyllis had a kind and gentle spirit. She loved kids and even taught kindergarten at the St. Luke’s Parochial School for a year after her marriage. She was an active member of St. Luke’s and participated with the funeral committee and was Treasurer of Ladies’ Aid. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and other organizations. Phyllis was an excellent cook and had a great sense of humor. She lived at the Parkwood Apartments for a time, then due to health reasons moved to the Parkview Senior Living.

Phyllis died on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Parkview Senior Living in Belview, MN. She is survived by her children Connie (Doug) House of Cottonwood and Kent Miller of Holmen, WI; grandchildren Thomas (Jenay) House, Kimberly Becker, Kayla (Ryan) Fromm and Joshua (April) Forer; great-grandchildren Caroline, William, and Jack House; Kinsley and Kylie Becker; Nolan, Tate and Madden Fromm; and Kaylee, Blake and Maya Forer; sister LeAnn (Dwight) Kurtz; sisters-in-law Kathy (Lanny) Boelter and Donna (Michael) Hagen, brother-in-law Roger (Jan) Boelter and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, sister Katie Kraber, brother Noel Hanson and sister-in-law Diane Boelter.

Memorials Preferred to the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Ladies’ Aid.

10/16/2025

The funeral service for Tyler “Eugene” Sander, 94, of Belview, will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Belview. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow at Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Belview.

Tyler “Eugene” Sander was born on August 2, 1931, in Swedes Forest Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, to Tyler and Emma (Grannes) Sander. Eugene attended District 10 country school in Swedes Forest Township, then graduated from Belview High School in 1949. Eugene farmed until he was 21, when he was drafted into the United States Army. He was an atomic veteran stationed in Fort Sill, OK, involved with the Grabel Event at Frenchman’s Flat, NV. Eugene served in the Army Artillery from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. On June 16, 1955, Eugene was united in marriage to Margaret Inez McCarty, and the couple moved to Belview in 1956. He worked in farm drainage and surveying for over 60 years, including many years as co-owner of Sander Brothers. He also was a county ditch inspector for 24 years. Eugene also served as a firefighter for 20 years and a member of the American Legion for over 65 years.

Eugene enjoyed spending time with family and friends. This included giving life lessons to his grandchildren, time in the valley with family, and visiting with employees after work. He played cards with friends every morning at the Cenex gas station, as well as in whist tournaments. Eugene also had a special relationship with his neighbor, Brian Danielson. Eugene had many “adopted children” who are thankful for his influence. Eugene also enjoyed genealogy and taking photos of family. He liked to hunt, both animals and agate, and the family spent lots of time on camping trips and at the lake.

Eugene died on Saturday, October 11, 2025, surrounded by his family at his residence in Belview, under the care of CentraCare Hospice. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Sander; daughters Vicky (Marvin) Kuehn of Redwood Falls, Cheri Fern of St. Cloud, Rose Jackson (Michael) of Belview, and Mary (Tim) Schwaegerl of Brookings, SD; daughter-in-law Kathy Sander of Redwood Falls; son-in-law Doug Arnold of Brandon; 16 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Robert Sander, daughter Patty Arnold, grandson Brandon Sander, great-grandson Jaden Sander, siblings Orris Sander, Alvan Sander, and Amy Werner, and in-laws Nellie Sander, LaVonne Sander, Robert Werner, and Bruce Huntemann.
The family of Eugene would like to thank his medical team for the wonderful care he received at the end of his life.

10/01/2025

A graveside family service for Dana Luepke, 46, of Maple Grove, MN, will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Echo Cemetery.

Dana Jo (Wall) Luepke was born on October 5, 1979, in Benson, MN, to George and Linda (Fath) Wall. She grew up in Benson and graduated from Benson High School. Dana graduated from Continental University and worked in the field of Human Resources. On October 21, 2017, she was united in marriage to John Luepke. The couple blended two families and made their home in Maple Grove, MN. She was endlessly supportive and passionate about her family and friends. Dana loved cooking and caring for her family, home, and helping prepare her children for college and adult life. She passionately spent hours planning the family road trips and following their children’s activities.

Dana joined hands with Christ unexpectedly on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Maple Grove. She is survived by her husband, John Luepke, children Lynnea, Adeline, Bria, Lillian and Julia, parents George and Linda Wall; siblings Dan (Jessica) Wall and Carrie (Tom) Hoffman, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Though she is gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts.

08/21/2025

The funeral service for Richard “Dick” Timm, 87, of Wood Lake, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Posen Township. Visitation will be Sunday, August 24, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue on Monday one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will follow the service at St. Luke’s Church Cemetery.

Richard Lyle Timm was born on October 6, 1937, in Wood Lake, MN, to Gerhardt and Elda (Bode) Timm. He grew up in Wood Lake and graduated from Wood Lake High School in 1955. Dick enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force in different places including Germany, Belgium and Spain. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Wood Lake. On June 22, 1962, he was united in marriage to Carol McLagan. The couple farmed and raised their family in Wood Lake. After retirement, Dick continued helping others farm and drove truck for the Schwerin Trucking.
Dick enjoyed camping, golfing, bowling and travelling. He restored a couple of old pick-ups among other things. He was proud of his service in the Air Force and served in the U.S. American Legion. Dick was dedicated to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. He was an active member and tended to many tasks and projects at the church.

Richard died unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Wood Lake, children Christine (Garrie) Renneke of Wood Lake, Rick (Stacy) Timm of White, SD, Shelly (Tim) Bahn of Wood Lake; grandchildren Brandon Renneke (Brandi), Carter Timm, Payton Timm (Taylor), Trenton (Sierra) Bahn, great-granddaughter Stella, Destiny (Stone) Irvine, great-granddaughter Aurora expected October; siblings Marjean Naab of Belview, Cliff (Carol) Timm of Villard, MN, Elaine Just (Bill), of Annandale, sister-in-law Judy (Floyd) Kumerow of Wabasso, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol (Don) Muenchow, brothers-in-law Orlean Naab and Dallas Just and brother-in-law Charles McLagen.

08/17/2025

A private, family funeral service honoring the life of Thomas “Tom” Schmidt, 72, of Cottonwood, will take place at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood. A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the church. He will be interred with military honors at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Cottonwood.

Thomas Rae Schmidt was born on November 15, 1952 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to LeRoy and Donna (Olson) Schmidt and grew up on a farm south of Wood Lake. Tom was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in rural Wood Lake, attended St. Luke’s Parochial School through 8th grade, and graduated from Wood Lake High School in 1970. After graduating from high school, he worked in the Twin Cities for a period of time and then joined the Navy. Following his service in the military, he returned to Wood Lake to help on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Nancy Fenger in 1974. To this union was born four children Jeff, James, Jon and Tami. Tom married Rhoda Meschke (Laechelt) on June 15, 1996 and they made their home in Cottonwood. Tom’s work career included livestock and grain farming, working at Taylor Lumber, Preuss Farms, Norcraft Companies, Furst-McNess Company and HoffCo. He also worked as a self-employed carpenter and self-employed truck driver (FCE and ADM). Tom loved spending time in conversation with members of the community and those he would meet during their weekend outings. He was a great historian for the family, remembering family history and relationships that many didn’t. Tom was blessed to have his four children and their families living in the same community and cherished the times they could get together.
Tom died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in the Twin Cities following a medical emergency. He is survived by his wife Rhoda; children Jeff (India) Schmidt and their children Easton and Jaela; James Schmidt (Melanie Handeland) and daughter Grace; Jon (Alicia) Schmidt and their children Breckin and Briggs; and Tami (Nathan) Lange and their children Mya, Kace and McKyla, all residing in the Cottonwood area. He is also survived by siblings Keith (Bonnie) Schmidt of Winsted, Larry (Linda) Schmidt of Tacoma, WA, Bonnie (Doug) Morey of Olympia, WA, Susan (Mike) Nordquist of Missoula, MT, Sharon (Kevin) Twomey of Miami, FL, Brad (Pat) Schmidt of Casa Grande, AZ, Greg (Melinda) Schmidt of Wood Lake, and Julie (Ron) Schlenner of Clarkfield. In addition, he is survived by Rhoda’s family Miriam (Larry) Schuler of Granite Falls, Jim (Pam) Laechelt of Eden Prairie, Rachel (Mark) Burgess of Madison Lake and many other relatives and friends. He also leaves behind his “kitty companions” Buddy, Millie and Toby. Tom was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Donna Schmidt, parents-in-law Wilfred and Clara Laechelt and grandson Caiden Schmidt in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent payable to Christ Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 166, Cottonwood, MN 56229

08/13/2025

A graveside service with military honors for Eugene Chapman, 98, of Bloomington, formerly of Echo, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Echo Cemetery.

Eugene died of natural causes at his residence in Bloomington, MN, on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.

08/12/2025

A Celebration of Life service will be held for on Saturday August 16th 2025 from 1:00-2:00 PM, burial from 2:00-3:00pm, luncheon reception from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at St. Mary's Church, 249 East 4th Street, Cottonwood, MN 56229. We invite all who knew and loved Gavin to join us in remembering his remarkable life and legacy.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gavin R. Barooah of Ledgewood, New Jersey, on November 28, 2024, at the age of 19. Gavin's sudden departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Gavin was born on October 27, 2005, in Denville, New Jersey, to Himal and Shanda (Baune) Barooah. He graduated from Roxbury High School in 2024, where he made a lasting impact on both his peers and his community.

Known for his vibrant personality, he had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. His heart was big, his smile perpetual, and his spirit contagious. Gavin's love and support for those around him left a lasting impact on all who knew him. At just 19, he had already touched so many lives - not just as a gifted ice hockey player and captain, but as a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Although Gavin’s physical presence is no longer with us, his memory will live on forever in our hearts.

Gavin is survived by his loving parents, Himal and Shanda (Baune) Barooah; his brothers, Brandon and Ethan Barooah, and his sister-in-law, Jane (Spitnale) Barooah; his grandmother, Debra (Baune) Jones; his uncle, Rumon Barooah, and his wife, Joysree Barooah; his aunt, Pomee Barooah; his aunt, Brittny Volmer, and her husband, Cody Volmer; his uncle, Lance Jones, and his wife Chemroen Jones; as well as several cousins, friends, and teammates who will carry his memory with them always.

With heartfelt gratitude, The Barooah Family.

07/23/2025

Brian Hoffman, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, while under hospice care at the Renville Nursing Home. He has now joined his beloved wife, Mary, who preceded him in death just five months earlier.

Brian was born on November 7, 1945, in Renville County, Minnesota, to Adrian and Margaret Hoffman. He was the youngest of four boys, growing up on the family farm south of Danube alongside his brothers Adrian Jr., Ronald, and Warren.

After graduating from high school, Brian worked installing X-ray machines, a job that took him between Minneapolis and St. Louis. Following the death of his father in 1997, he returned home to farm the land he was raised on and drove truck during the sugar beet harvest—a job he took pride in.

On May 30, 1997, Brian married Mary Jacobs Koop, and together they made their home in the Sacred Heart area. The two enjoyed simple pleasures, especially dining out—Chinese and Mexican restaurants were among their favorites.

Farming and trucking were constants throughout Brian’s life, particularly when it involved John Deere equipment. However, nothing brought him more joy in his later years than visits from his grandson, Adrian, whose presence always lifted his spirits.

Brian is survived by his son, Matthew Hoffman (Benita Patulay), and grandson Adrian Hoffman, all of Wentzville, Missouri, as well as his brother-in-law, Paul “Buck” Jacobs of Montevideo.

In accordance with Brian’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. His cremated remains will be laid to rest with his wife, Mary, at Watson Cemetery in Watson, Minnesota.

07/22/2025

The funeral service for Bradley Ommen, 72, of Echo, MN, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Echo. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will take place at the Echo Cemetery in Echo, MN.

Bradley Lester Ommen was born on February 27, 1953, in Tracy, MN, to Lester and Delores (Luepke) Ommen. He grew up on a farm near Brandt, SD, attended a one room country school and graduated from Clear Lake High School. Bradley graduated from Canby Vocational Technical School for Welding. He worked in Big Stone, MN and Sioux Falls, SD, before moving to Echo, MN. Bradley owned and operated his own welding business in addition to working in Granite Falls for Victor Fluid and later Granite Fluid Power. In 1982, he was united in marriage to Sheryl Weiss at Peace Lutheran Church in Echo. To this union were born children Stacey and Corey.

Bradley was a talented artist. He enjoyed drawing, metal sculpture work (including the wings in the back of this church), and creative activities with his grandchildren, having had the opportunity of living with them and his daughter for the past couple of months. In addition, Brad was also a longtime volunteer with the Echo Fire Department.

Bradley died on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, MN, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by his children Stacey (Chris) Maske of Prior Lake, Corey Ommen of Becker, MN; grandchildren Dylan, Maddie and Crew Maske; siblings Juanita Ommen of Aberdeen, SD, Linda Rasmus of Chelsea, SD, Diane (Bob) Carda of Chelsea, SD, Gordon (Jerilynn) Ommen of White Bear Lake, MN, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Sheryl.

06/25/2025

Funeral service for Gerald Rodney Lamprecht, 86, of Wabasso MN will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Wabasso at 10:00 am with public visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Cemetery following the service. Upon conclusion of the graveside service, a luncheon will be served at the church.

Gerald Rodney Lamprecht, known as Gerry, was born in Redwood Falls on March 19, 1939 to Albert and Adehlia (Wendt) Lamprecht. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. After graduating from Wabasso High School in 1957, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves serving for 6 years. He enrolled in the Mankato Vocational School with the goal to be a skilled worker in an auto body shop. In due time he realized his heart was in farming alongside his father Albert Lamprecht and younger brother Rollie Lamprecht.

He married Barbara Mell on July 19, 1975 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. They lived on the home farm place, and Gerry continued with crop farming and managing a large chicken egg laying operation.

Farming successfully for many years, Gerry continued earning recognition with awards for high yields of corn and soybeans. He took pride with meticulous care to maintain picture perfect, weed free fields. He took care to mow roadside ditches and the areas around the home farm place buildings.

Over his lifetime, Gerry was committed to his faith in God and to St. Matthew’s Church. He faithfully served as the Sunday School Secretary Treasurer for almost 40 years and continued actively to serve on the St. Matthew’s Cemetery board until he passed away.

Gerry was called to his Eternal Home on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall MN surrounded by family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Adehlia Lamprecht; brother Ralston “Rollie” Lamprecht; a premature infant son Jeffrey Allen Lamprecht.

Gerry is survived by his wife Barbara Lamprecht; daughter Amanda “Mandy” Lamprecht Boucek (Martin), children William and Charlotte of Marshall MN; one sister Gloria Lamprecht of Bloomington MN; sisters-in-law Deb (Greg) Serbus of Redwood Falls MN, Linda Hennen and Dan Wycoff of Spirit Lake IA; brother-in-law Rich (Deb) Mell of Brandon SD; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

06/10/2025

Mass of Christian Burial for Gerald Anthony Guetter, 85, of Wabasso, MN will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Public visitation will take place Friday, June 13, 2025 at St. Anne’s from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 3:45 p.m. and a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday morning one hour prior to the funeral mass. Burial will take place at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery following the service. Upon conclusion of the graveside service a luncheon will be provided at church.

Gerald Anthony Guetter was born on December 11, 1939 to John and Armella (Baune) Guetter in Wabasso, MN. He grew up on a farm south of Wabasso and was baptized and confirmed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church where he also served as an altar boy. Gerald attended St. Anne’s Catholic School graduating from high school in the spring of 1957. Upon graduation he began his career working on the family farm. It was shortly after this time Gerald married his high school sweetheart Bernice Pohlen on May 7, 1960 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church.

Gerald and Bernice raised their family on a farm east of Wabasso. Gerald loved his time working on the farm surrounded by his family. His favorite time working on the farm was when he was milking cows.

Gerald loved to be outside. He could often be found hunting and fishing, or golfing and playing softball. Gerald was a longtime softball um lovingly known as “Pops”. He had fun trapshooting at the Redwood Sportsman’s club for many years.

Gerald passed away peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Bernice Guetter; Jeffrey (Donna) Guetter, Lisa (Jim) Heiling, Keith (Deanna) Guetter, Mary Sue (Brian) Fischer; grandchildren Sherri (Jake) Thoennes, Trista (Jared) Hovendick, Joshua (Crystal) Guetter, Zachary (Kari) Heiling, Cassandra (David) Sprow, Colton Guetter, McKenzie (Dalton) Taylor, Jaxon Fischer; 13 great-grandchildren; 7 brothers and 2 sisters; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Gerald is preceded in his death by his parents John and Armella; sister Lavonne Bernardy.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to St. Anne’s

Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association

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