Miller-Carlin Funeral Home

10/30/2025

Leo Mathew Skudlarek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Sterling Park Nursing Home in Waite Park, Minnesota. He was born on July 31, 1940, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Frank and Adella Skudlarek.

After attending Holdingford High School, Leo served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962, spending much of his service in North Africa. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home and enrolled at St. Cloud Technical School, where he studied computers.

Leo began his career at Honeywell before joining Widmer Construction in Minnetrista, Minnesota, where he worked for many years. From 1992 to 2014, he took great pride in serving as a driver for more than twenty films produced in Minnesota, including Grumpy Old Men, The Mighty Ducks, A Serious Man, and A Prairie Home Companion.

Sober since 1986, Leo often credited his recovery and lasting strength to New Beginnings in Waverly and the support of his AA community.

He was an enthusiast of Corvettes and had a particular passion for cutting grass on the grounds of the Albany Pioneer Club.

Leo is survived by his siblings: William OSB, Mary (Les) Weigelt, Margaret (Leo) Vos, Patricia (Tom) Jurgenson, Tom (Mary), and Mark; as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Louise (Alphonse) Lehner.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 3, at the Camp Ripley Chapel near Little Falls, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and the Mass at noon. Interment will follow at the Minnesota State Veterans’ Cemetery, Little Falls. Please note that all adults must show a driver’s license to enter Camp Ripley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Albany Pioneer Club.

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10/27/2025

MYRON J. AHLE

An abbreviated prayer service to bless the life of Myron J. Ahle will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 3 PM, at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home located at 3013 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56301. Myron Ahle passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Maplewood, Minnesota. Arrangements are entrusted to Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes in St. Cloud.

Born June 23, 1937, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to John and Olivia (Cora Shellum) Ahle, Myron grew up playing basketball and developing the lifelong love of sports that would shape his career. He earned his B.S. in History, Health, and Physical Education from St. Cloud State University in 1960 and later his M.S. in Social Studies from Bemidji State University in 1973.

In 1961, he married Myrna Niemann in Armstrong, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Myron began his teaching and coaching career in Browns Valley, Minnesota, where his track team won the conference championship in 1962. Later that year, he joined the Little Falls School District, teaching Social Studies and coaching basketball before founding the school’s cross-country program, which he led for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1997. Myron was inducted into the Little Falls Flyer Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Minnesota Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2020.

Beyond the classroom, Myron served as Community Services Director, expanding youth recreation and education programs and establishing partnerships that benefited generations of students. He was active in Scouting, serving as both Cubmaster and Scoutmaster of Troop 51 in Little Falls. Both of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Myron received recognition from the Central Minnesota Scout Council and the Minnesota DNR for his dedication to youth and outdoor education.

A respected civic leader, Myron, served on the Little Falls City Council and the Planning Commission, and he helped launch the community’s first economic-development program.

In retirement, he and Myrna enjoyed life on Lake Alexander and winters in Florida, where he served as president of his community association and co-chaired the golf committee. He cherished time with his family, his runners, and friends on the lake and in the woods at his hunting cabin near Longville.

Memorials are preferred to the Little Falls Flyer Athletic Boosters.

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10/27/2025

BERTHA ILGEN

Albany – The Mass of Christian Burial for Bertha Applonia (Wolbeck) Ilgen, age 74, of Albany (formerly of Paynesville), will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Church of St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville, MN. Visitation will be held the night before, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Albany. There will also be visitation for one hour prior to the Mass, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the church in Paynesville. Interment will be held at St. Anthony Cemetery in Regal.
Bertha passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta after a courageous battle with cancer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes – Albany.
Bertha was born on December 6, 1950, in Melrose, the daughter of Bernard and Sophie (Straub) Wolbeck. Bertha was united in marriage to Harlan Ilgen on July 3, 1971, in Swanville. Their union was blessed with two children.
Bertha worked alongside her husband as turkey farmers for many years. She and her husband contributed to their community as mail carriers and paper deliverers for the Paynesville Press for many years. She and Harlan proudly wore out many S10 trucks over the years while delivering papers. Additionally, she worked at the recycling center in Paynesville, always bringing her strong work ethic and cheerful spirit to every job she undertook.
Bertha loved following her children’s and grandchildren’s sports. She enjoyed playing cards—especially Crazy Rummy, and Hand and Foot Canasta. She also found joy in gardening and admiring hummingbirds. The color blue was her favorite, and her favorite flower, the rose, was often reflected in her surroundings. Bertha also loved embroidery, cooking, and canning, and she was famous for her signature sausage pot pie stew and creamy cucumbers. She cherished time spent fishing and ice fishing with Harlan and Brian, proudly cleaning all the fish they caught. Some of her happiest moments were those shared with their beloved golden retriever, Charlie, and being surrounded by family, friends and laughter. She also enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows, including Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med., Law & Order, and her beloved soap operas The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless.
Bertha will always be remembered by her children, Brian (Nikki) Ilgen of Willmar and Brenda (Herman) Wuebkers of Holdingford; four grandchildren, Casey, Kaitlin, Samantha (Alex), and Carter; sisters, Mary Roering, Rose Moore, and Patty Hollermann; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Harlan (2020); her parents, Bernard and Sophie (Straub) Wolbeck; and her siblings, Janet Guenther, Robert Wolbeck, and LeRoy Wolbeck.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Quiet Oaks Hospice House and its staff for the genuine love, compassion, and care they provided to Bertha and her family.

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10/22/2025

GENROSE "GENNY" THERESA UTSCH

The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Genrose "Genny" Utsch, age 100 of Albany, will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 28, at the Church of Seven Dolors in Albany. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Genrose died Tuesday at the Mother of Mercy Campus of Care. There will be a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Genrose was born January 25, 1925, in New Munich to Joseph and Rose (Nathe) Frieler. She married Elmer Utsch on June 4, 1946, in New Munich. The couple lived on Watab Lake, where they farmed for a year and a half before moving to a farm in Avon Hills. In 1966, they built a home on their land on Quaker Road, where they lived until retiring and moving to Albany in 2014. Genrose worked for the St. Benedict Monastery as a housekeeper and then as a cook for the Mother of Mercy Campus of Care and finally, as a cook at the Albany Hospital. Genrose was also a Shaklee distributor for many years. Genrose loved her family and friends; she would spend a few hours each day walking with her neighbors. She was an avid quilter, and she embroidered hundreds of dish towels over the years. She was a member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, the St. Matilda's Mission Group, and the Seven Dolors Christian Mothers.

Genrose is survived by her children: Ronald (Brenda) Utsch, Albany; Judy (Donald) Kociemba, Avon; and Lloyd (Kathy) Utsch, Eagan. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Elmer in 2019, and her brothers and sisters, Edwin Frieler, John Frieler, Paul Frieler, Marie Neff, Martin Frieler, Clarence Frieler, Luella Richter, and Bernard Frieler.

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10/16/2025

ALAN ROBERT MILLER

Alan Robert Miller, 72 years of age, fought Myelodysplastic Syndrome (a rare blood cancer) for a year before he lost the battle at St. Cloud Hospital on October 9, 2025.

He graduated from Albany High School in 1971. Alan enjoyed life, working on the farm, camping, and traveling. His hobbies included fishing, boating, creating hand-carved fish which earned ribbons at the MN State Fair, and his handmade sea kayak.

Alan is survived by his wife, Cathleen T. Miller; two sons; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Bryan Miller and Kim (Tara) Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanore and William Miller, and his wife, Catherine M. (Schleper) Miller.

Alan requested no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be planned for Spring 2026.

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10/14/2025

KATHLEEN "KATHY" VIOLET

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Violet, age 83, St. Joseph (formerly of Columbia Heights), passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at 12:40 a.m., surrounded by her daughters and wrapped in love.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph, MN, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls at 2 PM on Tuesday, October 21.

Born on July 8, 1942, in Duluth, Minnesota, Kathy then moved with her family to Columbia Heights, where she spent her childhood and graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1960.
She attended the University of Minnesota for a year before pursuing her dream of adventure as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines. One of her fondest memories from that time was traveling to Paris with her mother.

On July 25, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Gerald (Jerry) Violet. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion, raising two daughters, Michele and Stacey.
After a time, Kathy and Jerry returned to Columbia Heights to raise their family in the community they loved.

Kathy found her calling as an Early Childhood Special Education paraprofessional, where her compassion and kindness shone brightly. She was a devoted and nurturing presence in the lives of countless children and families.

The purchase of a family cabin on Little Rock Lake created lasting memories and an unbreakable bond between Kathy, Jerry, their children, and their grandchildren. That love of family led them to retire in St. Joseph, Minnesota, to be closer to those they cherished most.

She will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife, faithful friend, and a woman who gave of herself wholeheartedly. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald (Jerry), parents John (Jack) and Alice Downey, and brother Michael.

Kathy is survived by her daughters, Michele (Tim Hennagir) and Stacey (Keith Jacobs), grandchildren, Seth (Naomi) Hennagir, Hollie Hennagir (Chrys), and Madison Klaphake (Joe); great-grandchild Rosalina Hennagir; siblings, nieces, nephews, close friends, and countless former colleagues and community members who will miss her deeply.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Quiet Oaks Hospice House for the extraordinary care and compassion they provided to Kathy in her final days. The kindness, dignity, and peace she experienced there were everything we had hoped for, and more. It was a profound comfort to know she was surrounded by such gentle and loving hands.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and support they provided throughout Kathy’s final year. Their dedicated team — including nurses, CNAs, the social worker, the pastor, the music and massage therapists — all brought comfort, dignity, and peace not only to Kathy, but also to her loved ones. Their presence helped make her stay in the nursing home safer and more manageable, offering guidance, compassion, and skilled care as we navigated the many challenges of this past year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kathy’s name to Quiet Oaks Hospice House (5537 Galaxy Road, St. Cloud, MN 56301) to support their ongoing mission of compassionate end-of-life care.

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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.

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