Jeffery Michaelis
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeff Michaelis at the age of 52, from Bloomington, Minnesota, on March 3, 2024. Born on March 10, 1971, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jeff spent the majority of his life in Bloomington, MN, dedicating over 20 years of service to the TSA at MSP Airport. Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard “Bernie” Michaelis & Linda Michaelis. Sadly, his beloved wife, Heather Michaelis, also passed away on March 5, 2024. Their deep love ensured they would be together again. He is survived by his brother, Thomas “Tom” Michaelis (Lisa Stuart) of Greenville, SC, niece Megan Hazelton (Matt) of Hillsdale, MI, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and Heather’s family. Jeff had a deep passion for movies and music. He poured his heart into reviewing movies and hosting a weekly podcast, The Cinema Judge. He was also an avid Minnesota sports fan and cherished his visits to the State Fair. The void left by Jeff’s absence will be deeply felt by all who had the honor of knowing his vibrant personality and unwavering belief in the goodness of others. A Celebration of Life Service will be held to honor Jeff & Heather at the Bloomington Fireman’s Softball Tournament, an event they attended every summer. The family welcomes all who wish to join in sharing memories. Celebration of Life: Valley View Playfields (Field #2 – past right field) Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 1-4 PM. 9000 Portland Ave. Bloomington, MN 55420


Linda Mae Michaelis (Hoyhtya)
Age 77, of Eden Prairie, MN. Linda passed away 4/27/22. She battled dementia for several years. Preceded in death by parents Bill & Edna Hoyhtya of Rolla, ND. Survived by two sons, Tom (Lisa) of Eden Prairie, MN & Jeff (Heather) of Bloomington, MN; granddaughter Megan (Matt) & great-grandkids Cady, Max & Clara of Hillsdale, MI; sisters Helen (Dick) Gailfus of Bloomington, MN; Judy (Harold) Kilts of Andover, MN; brother Jim (Pat) Hoyhtya of Fraser, CO.



Barbara Janelle Byman (Juntunen)
   Barbara Janelle Byman was born in Rolla, North Dakota to Reno and Marian Juntunen on September 23rd, 1950. She was raised on a farm east of town and spent her childhood years helping with farm chores while attending public school. Barb graduated from high school in 1968 and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota for work. Later that same year, she met Lawrence Byman at the wedding of Steve and Judy Byman where Lawrence was the best man and Barb sang a solo. Later, Barb moved to Seattle to look for work and Lawrence moved there as well to attend the University of Washington. During this time, Barb and Lawrence began to become friends. In 1971, Lawrence was drafted into the Army and sent to Korea for 18 months of service. After his discharge in 1972, Lawrence began working at the hospital and he and Barb became reacquainted and soon began courting. Lawrence returned to his university studies in January of 1974 and married Barb on June 29th, 1974. 
Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Angela Hänninen (Jouni) of Tikkakoski, Finland and Joanna Davis (Andrew) of Longview, Washington, and five sons, Phillip (Cortney) of Castle Rock, Washington, Kenneth (Ann) of Silt, Colorado, Kevin (Kelly) of Wasilla, Alaska, Travis (Sara) of Cokato, Minnesota, and Joshua (Melanie) of Sebeka, Minnesota. 
Barb enjoyed music though playing piano and organ and singing. She willingly accompanied family members and others in musical arrangements. She was actively involved in church music projects including musical programs, editing and writing songs. Along with her husband, they organized a project to set up a bell choir for the church youth. She also spent many hours reading books for personal pleasure and loved spending time reading kid’s books to her grandchildren. Barb was talented in her sewing abilities. In her later life, she actively sewed handmade gifts for others. She loved spending time with her family and loved ones and always had time to listen. Her warm and gentle approach touched many hearts and will be missed by many. 
Barb passed away unexpectedly at St. John Medical Center on June 12th, 2021, at the age of 70. She is survived by her husband of nearly 47 years, Lawrence Byman of Longview, Washington, her two daughters and five sons, 48 grandchildren, and three sisters: Carole Groff, Marlene Lake, and Loraine Kumpula (Gordon). 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reno and Marian Juntunen, her in-laws, Eino and Miriam Byman, and two brothers-in-law, Gene Groff and Rodney Lake. 
Personal faith was most important to Barb as a lifelong member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church..

Ronald Otto Wayne Neva
   Ronald Otto Wayne Neva Born June 4th, 1934 in Perth, ND. Died November 9, 2020. He resided in Prior Lake, MN, formerly of Pengilly, MN. Ronald spent his career working as a mechanic/machinist and retired from Hibbing Taconite Company in 1997 after 22 years. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, strong work ethic, compassion, and willingness to help others in need, especially his family. He loved the Lord and didn’t hesitate to share his testimony and beliefs with others. He enjoyed discussing the bible, politics, construction and various topics. He had fun playing scrabble, and spent much of his time reading, doing crosswords and engaging on Facebook. On Monday November 9th 2020 Ronald, age 86, went peacefully in his sleep to be with his Savior after a brief battle with cancer. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Sara LaRaee Neva (Ferguson), and his children, Valerie, Wayne (Janell), Bryan (Ofelia), LeAnn (Roque), Todd (Kristin). His generosity and sense of humor is remembered by his 9 grandchildren (Adam, Micah, Jacob, Joshua, Bryan Jr, Liselle, Luis, Sara, and Isaac) and 2 great grandchildren (Stacey and Zane). He is preceded in death by his parents (Wayne and Anna) and 3 sisters (Evelyn Horn, Inez Horn and Helen Worthington). He leaves behind his friend and brother, Fred Neva, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was proud to serve in the Army as a Korean Veteran and will be laid to rest with a private family ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN on November 19th, 2020.

Shirley Jean Tedlock Doucette
   Shirley was born in Cherokee County, Kansas to Gladys Starrett Tedlock and Thurman Tedlock. Like her parents before her, Shirley became a teacher and taught English at the high school level. She was very active socially and belonged to a women’s professional society that was, back then, referenced as a “sorority”. She enjoyed tennis and golf and drove around in a little yellow convertible she purchased from her aunt’s and uncle’s car dealership. Prior to teaching, Shirley briefly did secretarial/administrative work in Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon and later for the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. In the days shortly before Shirley passed, Steven (her son) and Suzanne (her daughter) spent many hours at her bedside, reading aloud seven months of love letters Shirley and her future husband, Robert Herman Doucette, wrote back and forth throughout their courtship. The almost-daily letters were sweet and innocent, reminiscent of a time when the commitment of love and marriage was forever - and indeed it was for them: fifty-three years at the time of Bob’s passing in 2009. Shirley and Bob initially met on a “double-date”, but were partnered on said date with other people. Bob, who was just a social acquaintance of his date, asked her if she’d mind if he were to ask Shirley out and she said that would be fine. And so the love story begins... Bob had just finished his service with the Air Force. Like Bob, Shirley too was raised an only child which was rather unusual in those days and it was quickly apparent they craved one another’s company. On March 25, 1955, Shirley and Bob were married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bob, an electronic tech, then earned his Associates Degree from Santa Monica City College and they were hooked on California as their forever home. Steven was born in 1957, followed by Suzanne in 1958. The family enjoyed time on the beautiful beaches and jaunts in the camper on weekends, along with returning to Wichita for family visits most summers (which included fierce card games called “Bolivia” played with partners and three decks of cards). When Suzanne and Steven were ten and eleven, the family expanded their travels and took an entire summer to drive across the nation, visiting historic sights. From then on, travel was in their blood for good. In 1979, Bob and Shirley moved to the opposite side of the world where they would live in Saudi Arabia, working for Aramco, for the next six years. Steven, Suzanne, and Shirley’s widowed mother, Gladys, would join them in Saudi and launch off on travels throughout the world. At Shirley’s bedside, Steven and Suzanne recently played the audio tapes of the family chattering away in the car as they toured Europe together long ago. Trips also included India, Egypt, Nepal, Japan, Israel, and Australia, to name a few. Bob was the catalyst (and fearless driver in any country) for these grand adventures and Shirley and her mother were the amazingly vivid writers who recorded them in great detail. Shirley and Bob were both huge readers and were greatly feared as a twosome in Trivial Pursuit. Bob had a lock on science, history and geography while Shirley dominated in art and literature. They both were life-long learners with great respect for education. Historically, Shirley was known to pause during lively family debates to correct any spoken errors in grammar - and Suzanne and Steven certainly have put those corrections to good use as they are both teachers themselves. Upon returning to the states from Saudi Arabia, Shirley and Bob took positions at California State University at Long Beach. At the age of 97, Gladys finally accepted their invitation to move out to California and everyone was then able to enjoy family night dinners and play cards or Trivial Pursuit on a regular basis. Gladys passed away at age 100 in 2002 and Bob passed seven years later. Shirley continued to live in the family home before then moving to a lovely assisted living residence in Huntington Beach, very near both Steven and Suzanne who delighted in taking her out regularly for dining and scenic car rides along the coast. With the progression of Alzheimer’s, Shirley eventually moved to Newport Beach (still just moments away from her children) where she received dedicated memory care in a beautiful, brand-new facility and became known as the “founding resident”. Shirley was able to attend all family holidays in Suzanne’s home (as there is an elevator) until the last year of her life. At that point, celebrations continued at her memory residence and Suzanne’s dogs, Zoey and Bee, naturally visited as well, eager to be held and petted by Shirley. As a child, and always, Shirley loved animals. There was no greater love for Shirley in life than her family. She and Bob were dedicated providers who loved their children and parents beyond words. Shirley was loved by care givers who will remember her as funny and sweet. We, her children, will love her and miss her with all our hearts forever. We are privileged to have had a mother who loved us with all her heart. Our mother gave us life and together, with our dad, showed us the world. In Remembrance Suzanne and Steven.

Darren Groff
   Darren Groff, age 49, of Shakopee, passed away Nov. 28, 2016. Preceded in death by father, Gene. Survived by mother, Carole; sister, Cheryl Storm; one niece; 6 nephews; uncles; aunts; cousins and friends.

Gene Groff
   Eugene Groff, (Gene) Age 79 of Bloomington, passed away June 28, 2016. Preceded in death by parents, Christian and Erna Groff. Survived by wife of 54 years, Carole (Juntunen); children, Darren Groff and Cheryl Storm; grandchildren, Ashley (Greg) Oolman, Max, Jacob, Christian, William, Nelson and Martin; great grandson, 2 week old Ernest; sister, Audrey Groff.

Claudia Trottier
   Claudia J. Trottier passed away November 13, 2013. She was born on October 12, 1944 in Rolla, ND to Heino and Vieno (Juntunen) Herrala. She was raised in Rolla and attended school there, graduating from Rolla High School in 1963. Claudia worked as a secretary at the William Langer Jewel Bearing Plant in Rolla for nearly 40 years before retiring.
   Claudia was united in marriage to William Trottier on October 7, 1965 at her parent’s home in Rolla. Together they raised four children, Barry, Carrie, Jamie and Janelle. Claudia loved the time that she spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She adored her family time and time spent with her honorary grandchildren, Michael and Maddie Bartholomew. Claudia enjoyed crocheting, working on puzzles and reading. She will be lovingly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, brother, and many extended family members and friends.
   Claudia is survived by her husband of 48 years, William Trottier of Rolla, ND; children, Barry (Candy) Trottier of Westhope, ND, Carrie Ebel of Mobridge, SD, Jamie Trottier of Fort Scott, KS, and Janelle (Bert) Trottier of Aberdeen, SD; nine grandchildren, Keshia Trottier, Jordan Trottier, Eric Trottier, Kaylie Trottier, Ryan Ebel, Briana Ebel, Jalissa DeCoteau, Gage Wilson, and Tateyn Wilson; four great grandchildren, Marston, Rylee, Paislee, and Brielle; sister Bonnie (Lyman) Bercier of Rolla, ND; brother, William (JoAnn) Juntunen of Phoenix, AZ; and sister’s-in-law, Yvonne (Robert) DeMers of Dunseith, ND and Mary (Darrell) Laducer of Belcourt, ND.
   She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Beverly Jasper, and her nephews Todd Bercier and Curtis Juntunen.
   Claudia is buried at the Finnish Cemetery north of Perth, ND.


Reno Juntunen
   Reno Delvin Juntunen, age 90, of Menahga, passed away October 1, 2012 after a brief illness at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, Minnesota.
   Reno was born to Charles and Olga (Carlson) Juntunen on July 22, 1922 on a farm near Rolla, North Dakota. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1940. He was united in marriage to Marian Herrala on November 6, 1941. This union was blessed with four daughters: Carole, Marlene, Loraine, and Barbara. Reno and Marian farmed for 41 years near Hansboro, North Dakota. After retiring in 1982, they moved to Menahga. Marian passed away in 2010. Reno was a loving father and diligent farmer. In retirement he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and yard work. He also enjoyed doing maintenance work at their church and camp facilities. He and Marian always enjoyed hosting meals and overnight visitors in their home. He was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga.
   Reno is survived by daughters Carole (Gene) Groff of Bloomington, Marlene Lake of Menahga, Loraine (Gordon) Kumpula of Loretto, and Barbara (Lawrence) Byman of Longview, Washington; 26 grandchildren, 105 great-grandchildren; two sisters Hazel Koistinen of Sturgis, South Dakota, Helen (Gerald) Halvorson of Bellevue, Washington; two brothers Melvin (Betty) Juntunen and Dale (Linda) Juntunen both of Rolla, North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marian, one sister Eileen Herrala, four brothers Carlo, Roy, Fred, and Clarence; son-in-law Rodney Lake; grandson Lannon Lake; and great-granddaughter Jessica Alajoki.
   Friends may call at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 and one and one half hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga. Interment services will be held at the Balmi Cemetery.

Duane Herrala
   Duane Herrala passed away March 27, 2012 at the age of 81. Born on his grandparents' farm near Hansboro, ND on April 27, 1930, Duane was raised on the family farm and attended Rolla High School, graduating in 1947. After high school, he attended the University of North Dakota for one year and graduated from Minot State Teacher's College. He spent two years in the Air Force as an Educational Specialist, discharged honorably as 2nd Lieutenant. Marrying Aileen Fagerlund in 1953, Duane was superintendent of Hansboro Public School. In 1955, Duane, Aileen and their newborn son, Brett, moved to Marysville, California where Duane continued his teaching career in both the Marysville and Grimes schools. Upon his father's death in 1958, the family returned to the farm in North Dakota, farming until 1963, when Duane accepted the position of Elementary Principal with Rolla Public Schools.
   In 1968, he moved to Grand Forks and began working for Kem Temple of the Shrine as Executive Secretary, retiring in 1980.
   Duane and Aileen moved to Apache Junction, Arizona after retirement and enjoyed 31 years together in the desert. Duane especially loved hiking and the Superstition Mountains as well as landscaping and desert gardening. They returned to Lake Upsilon, North Dakota every summer.
   Duane was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 58 years, Aileen, son Brett and companion Loree Lovdahl and daughter Kathleen. Duane is also survived by loving grandchildren Lyndsay Trader, Cara (Eric) Mehr, Ricky Fields and Tommy Fields.
   Funeral Services April 11, 10:30 a.m., Presbyterian Church of Rolla, ND. Burial Rolla Community Cemetery immediately following.
   Visitation April 10, 5-7 p.m. at Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.
   Memorials can be directed to Shrine Hospitals for Children c/o Kem Shriners, P.O. Box 5268, Grand Forks, ND 58206 OR to Presbyterian Church of Rolla, 101 N.E. 1st St., Rolla, ND 58367.

Theron Horn Sr.
Theron Horn Sr. Age 81 of Maple Grove, passed away April 28, 2011. Preceded in death by wife, Evelyn. Survived by children, Theron Jr. (Cynthia), Susan (Randy) McPherson, Revé (Craig) Levang, Rebecca (Steve) Donaldson, Steven (Dana) Horn and Nancy (Andrew) Raatz; 19 grandchildren; 1 great- grandchild; brother, David Horn; sisters, Annabelle Patrick, Hulda Kay Dondelinger & Cena Stoltz; uncle and brother-in-law, Daniel Horn; other relatives and many friends. Theron was a graduate of Pillager High School, Dunwoody Institute and Brush Hill University. He was the founder and partner of Midwest Screw Products. Theron put his trust in Jesus Christ; his love for the Lord was evident in how he lived his life. He leaves a legacy for family and friends.

Veino Herrala
Vieno Herrala, age 97 of Rolla, ND passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 in the Rolette Community Care Center, Rolette, ND. Vieno Lydia Herrala, better know as “Grandma Herrala”, was born on February 1, 1913 in Perth, ND to Peter and Ida (Aho) Juntunen. She attended school and was raised in the Perth area as a child. Her parents owned the General Store in Perth. Heino Herrala’s family were neighbors with the Juntunen’s in Perth. After receiving a “Valentine” from Heino their courtship began. She was united in marriage to Heino Herrala on December 21, 1929 in Perth. Together they had two children, Claudia and Bonnie. The also raised a niece and nephew, Beverly and William, from the ages of 2 & 4. In 1950, Vieno and Heino moved to Rolla, where they resided throughout the years. Vieno cooked at the Rolla School for a period of time. However, her passion was babysitting. “Grandma Herrala” babysat for numerous families in Rolette County. Many years ago, it was not uncommon for Grandma to have 18 kids in her home at one time. She loved to cook homemade meals and bake for her “children” and their parents. Her specialty was buttermilk pancakes from scratch, which the children requested at least once a week. Grandma babysat for 50+ years. She retired from babysitting at the age of 91. Grandma was an avid reader and would often be found listening to the news on KEYA Radio. She routinely supported KEYA at their annual fundraiser membership drive. She was also a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church. She will be lovingly missed by all of her family and friends.
Vieno is survived by her daughters, Claudia (William) Trottier of Rolla and Bonnie )Lyman) Bercier of Rolla; son, William (JoAnn) Juntunen of Lake Upsilon; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild.
Vieno was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Beverly Jasper, brothers, Edwin, Nestor, William and Wilfred; and grandchildren Todd Bercier (see below) and Curtis Juntunen.

Todd Bercier
Obituary: Minot Daily News.
Oct. 28, 1966-Sept. 18, 2010.
Todd Mathew Bercier, 43, Rolla, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, near Belcourt of injuries suffered in a construction accident. He was born Oct. 28, 1966, to Lyman and Bonnie Bercier in Rolla. He married Brenda Laducer Sept. 23, 1989, in Belcourt. He enlisted in the N.D. Army National Guard in 1989 and was discharged in April 2009. Survivors: wife; son, Joshua, Rolla; daughters, Kasie Bercier and McKenzie Bercier, both Rolla; parents, Rolla; sisters, Brenda Martell, Chrissy Thompson, Cherie Bercier and Jo Jo Bercier, all Rolla; brother, Travis, Rolla.

Marian Juntunen
Bessie Marian Juntunen, age 86, of Menahga, MN died May 29, 2010 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga. Marian was born and raised on a farm near Perth, ND, the youngest of eleven children born to Otto and Lydia (Koski) Herrala on January 27, 1924. She attended Monroe country school grades one through eight and helped with house and farm chores along with her siblings.She was united in marriage to Reno Juntunen on November 6, 1941 at her parents’ farm home in Towner County, ND. Four daughters were born to them: Carole, Marlene, Loraine, and Barbara. Reno and Marian were grain farmers near Hansboro, ND. After retiring in 1982, they moved to Menahga, closer to their children, where they have since lived. Marian returned to school later in life to earn her GED in 1989.Marian was a loving mother and grandmother, who enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sewing and handwork. She was a faithful farm wife who took care of all the household duties along with yard work and helping her husband with field chores whenever needed. In retirement they traveled, and she enjoyed a lifetime hobby of making quilts. She and Reno always enjoyed entertaining family and friends for meals and overnight visits and happily welcomed drop in visitors. She was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga. Marian is survived by her husband, Reno Juntunen of Menahga; four daughters, Carole (Gene) Groff of Bloomington, MN; Marlene Lake of Wolf Lake, MN; Loraine (Gordon) Kumpula of Loretto, MN; Barbara (Lawrence) Byman of Longview, WA; twenty-six grandchildren and eighty-six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Lydia Herrala; sisters, Anna, Melma, Aune, Edna and Senia; brothers, Henry, Heino, Alfred, Otto and David, son-in-law Rodney Lake and grandson Lannon Lake.