Joel Gary Erickson, DC, age 60, of Montgomery, died doing what he loved best, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Sturgis, South Dakota.  Joel was born on August 28, 1963, in Montevideo, MN, to Gary and Noreen (Capistran) Erickson.  He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1982 and attended the Diesel Mechanics program at Willmar Vocational School followed by working at Dean Machinery Caterpillar in Kansas City, MO.

I can recall a number of naughty things I have done over my earlier childhood years when left to my own devices. Usually, these instances of mischief would come from being with the company of another friend in the same boat. Both of the following stories come from about the same age period of about 12 years old or so — give or take a year or two. It’s been about 30 years since then so forgive me if I don’t remember.
 
Flame broiled

Attributable to American Legion Department of Minnesota’s 10th District Commander Kristy Janigo and Department Service Officer Ray Kane
 
Thieves are working aggressively to steal from veterans, veteran service organizations, veteran nonprofits and government agencies that work with veterans.
It’s a numbers game. If they get one success out of 100 attempts, that’s worth their efforts. Don’t fall prey to their predator tactics.

Rita Ann Halloran, 87, of Minnetonka, MN, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief illness. Rita was born on January 11, 1937, at home on the family farm, outside Kilkenny, MN, to John and Cecilia (Shaughnessy) Cashin.
Rita was a devoted family person and her friends and family gave her much joy and happiness. She was always physically active and enjoyed traveling (Ireland 3 times), reading, and politics. She was open to new ideas and was a life-long learner.

Susan Mary (Kreger) Williams,  age 71, of Green Isle, MN, left this earth to join her heavenly father on August 2, 2024, while surrounded by her family. Sue was born on May 20, 1953, in Arlington, MN, to Jim and Mary Ann Kreger and was the second of five children.

Roman Leonard Jindra, age 76, of Montgomery, passed away on July 14, 2024, at his home.
Roman was born on November 2, 1947, to Leonard and Margie (Hruby) Jindra. He was a graduate of Montgomery-Lonsdale High School. Roman was united in marriage to Betty Walters on June 23, 1973, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Roman worked as a very faithful custodian for St. John Church in Montgomery.

Betty Jean Jindra, age 72, of Montgomery, passed away on July 14, 2024, at her home.
Betty was born on November 25, 1951, to Harold and Katie (Burma) Walters. She was a graduate of Montgomery-Lonsdale High School. Betty was united in marriage to Roman Jindra on June 23, 1973, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Betty worked at Walmart in Faribault.
Betty loved visiting with everyone, going to garage sales, being generous to her friends and family, being one to help you if you had a need, and bragging about her daughter and grandkids.

Larry V. Braun, age 69, of Roseville,  passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 19, 2024.  He was born and educated in Montgomery, Minnesota, and was an outstanding athlete at MHS.  The rest of his life was spent at various locations with the last being in Roseville, MN.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Irma (Harmeyer) Braun; beloved dog, Charlie.

Barbara Jean Gieseke, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and into the loving arms of Jesus, on July 25, 2024. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, nurse, caregiver, and follower of the Lord.

Neysa Anderson was crowned the 2024 Kolocky Queen for the Kolacky Days 90th festival this Friday evening, July 26. The remainder of Kolacky Days royalty were also crowned as 1st Princess Olivia Skluzacek, and 2nd Princess and Miss Congeniality Tayla Kline. They have taken their place and will be seen over the next two days of Kolacky Days festivities, including the Grand Parade on Sunday at noon along 1st Street in Montgomery!

Another three-game week for the Mallards, with only one DRS League game left before playoffs, going 1-2 on the week with an overall record of 13-10-1 and 9-8 in the league. The Mallards are just one game away from securing a spot in the top six of league standings, earning a bye into Region 3C playoffs, beginning Sunday. August 4.
Montgomery Mallards 2, Belle Plaine Tigers 1

William Robert Hanek, age 86, of Montgomery, died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at The Emeralds at Faribault. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 1, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with Father George Grafsky officiating. Interment will be held Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery. Military honors will be provided by the Montgomery area Veterans Honor Guard.

Marlys Annette Benolken, age 83, of New Prague, formerly of Lonsdale, died peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, July 22, 2024, at her home at Praha Village.  Marlys was born on September 22, 1940, in Fargo, North Dakota, to James A. and Catherine M. (Kreyer) Stage.  She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, attending Holy Name Catholic School from kindergarten through graduation from high school.  Once Marlys had raised her five children, Marlys entered the work force, serving as an administrative assistant for Rice County Corrections for 15 years.

Scott Pelava, owner of Lonsdale Auto Works, was chosen as the 2024 grand marshal for Lonsdale Community Days, happening on Saturday, August 10.
Pelava opened Lonsdale Auto Works in 2005, providing service to the Lonsdale area for 19 years so far. He has been an active member of the Lonsdale Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC), serving two terms on the board of directors for them. Chamber Executive Director Shanna Gutzke-Kopp says that he has been “constructively working with staff, committee members & business leaders.”

The Kolacky Days medallion has been found by the reigning royalty themselves. It was located at the Montgomery City Hall. The Kolacky Queen and her princesses spent time each day since the first clue given on Monday to locate it. Full information will be published in the print issue of The Messenger on August 1.
Look for The Messenger on newsstands starting Wednesday afternoon with a special 12-page section dedicated to Kolacky Days and all of its happenings!

The armed man who prompted sheriff’s deputies and police to shut down Interstate Highway 35 near Faribault Sunday, July 21, for nearly five hours allegedly had drugs in his vehicle, paraphernalia and equipment for packaging drugs.
The incident began at 2:52 p.m. and ended shortly after 7 p.m.