LARRY HOWARD BEACH

December 8, 1945 April 3, 2023

Larry Howard Beach was born in Richland, Wash. on December 8, 1945. His life started with a strong spirit and many challenges. He was abandoned at birth by his mother and was rescued from the hospital by his grandparents Howard P. Beach and Leonie Beatrice Fraser Beach of Colorado. They would later adopt him and provide a home.

spent his younger years in Morrison, Colo. where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and survival skills. The mountains were his happy place. He loved exploring, hunting, fishing, and watching wildlife. He excelled academically and in athletics while in school. He loved to learn and develop new skills. He was an accomplished woodworker and noted for his beautiful tables, chairs, among other items. He was proud of his heritage which included accomplished carpenters, machinists, and blacksmiths.

Larry could build anything as shown by the beautiful arch to the fire pit on his property and the pigeon lofts, which leads to Larry’s greatest love – pigeons. He started working with pigeons that were caught wild in his youth and developed into a passion he carried until his death. He raised many different varieties of pigeons for show and won awards locally and nationally. He was a highly respected pigeon breeder. Larry’s professional career started at a young age with many opportunities to work on the farms and ranches of his aunts and uncles. This provided an independent spirit, strong work ethic and never-say-die attitude.

He worked as a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Jefferson County Colorado office. Later he moved to Sleepy Eye where he worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Brown County Road and Bridge Department.

He loved telling stories of plowing people out during the notorious Minnesota blizzards. Larry retired from Brown County and felt the call of the mountains. He returned to the Rocky Mountains to live out his remaining years in the shadow of mountain peaks, clear streams, and pine trees.

Larry had a great love for The Boy Scouts of America and the youth he was involved with. Many are the stories of the escapades of the young men at jamborees and campouts. Luckily, he survived them all and helped many young men grow with strong values and survival skills. He held many leadership positions from pack leader to District Commissioner. Larry was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and LaRue enjoyed the years of working with the single adults of the area.

Larry married Kathy Brooks when he was 18 and welcomed two daughters, Lorry Lynn and Christy, to share their home in Colorado. Larry and Kathy later divorced. He married Mary Lu Ginn and they were blessed with a son and daughter, Joshua and Kelly. The family lived in Sleepy Eye where they shared great family adventures. Mary and Larry later divorced, and he married LaRue Whittier who he remained with until his death.

Larry loved his family and celebrated their successes and cried at their pain and suffering. Larry loved the United States of America and proudly served in the United States Navy.

Larry passed away peacefully at his home in Rigby, Idaho after a battle with heart and lung disease, then Covid. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. He is survived by his wife, LaRue (Rigby, Idaho); children: Lorry Lynn Beach, Jeana Beach, Joshua (Jeana) Beach, Kelly Beach; grandchildren: Allen Frederickson (Chelsea), Katelyn Beach (Kristin), Devin Malecek (Paula); great-grandchildren: Dakota, Piper, Sage, Kaden. Funeral Service will be held on April 11, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 71 N 3700 E, Rigby, Idaho. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on the day of the service. The service begins at 11 a.m. The burial is at Annis Little Butte Cemetery following the service. A Memorial Service will be held later in Sleepy Eye.

James “Jim” Widmer, Sr., age 68, of New Ulm passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at his home in New Ulm surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. Burial will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Springfield.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes – North Chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm.

Livestreaming of the Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2023 on Minnesota Valley Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ramona Widmer of New Ulm; daughters, Melanie Meinert (fiancé, Jeremy Braun), Shaina Widmer (fiancé, Isaac Gieseke), Breanna Widmer; son, Jim (Michele) Widmer, Jr.; five grandchildren, Aaron (Jed) Hanson, Garrett Nicholls, Jasmine Widmer (Brady Zupfer), Hailey Meinert (Colten Havemeier), Anden Braun; three great grandchildren, Everette, Wade, Myles; brothers, Gary and Gene Widmer; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred “Wimpy” and Mildred “Milly” Widmer; father-in-law, Don Wiese; and brother-in-law, Doug Wiese.

James Kevin Widmer, Sr. was born June 19, 1954 to Wilfred and Mildred (Suess) Widmer in Springfield. He attended school in Springfield and began his 45-year long career with AMPI in New Ulm. On October 27, 1995, Jim was united in marriage to Ramona Wiese in New Ulm. The couple continued to raise their family in New Ulm until Jim retired from AMPI. In his free time, Jim enjoyed playing pool, softball, and going golfing. Above all else, Jim loved spending time with his family the most. Whether it was traveling to the Bahamas, going to a Vikings game, or watching the kids’ or grandkids’ sporting events, Jim loved going to them all and getting to be with everyone as much as possible. Although he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Marjorie Ann Davis Simon, age 92 and a longtime resident of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2023, at Divine Providence Home. A visitation will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. A funeral service will be held Monday, March 27, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service. Pastor Tom Drury will be the officiant. Interment will be held at Fort Ridgely Cemetery in Fairfax. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Marge was born on December 14, 1930, and her parents were Clarence “Olie” and Clara Davis of Sanborn, MN. She married William “Bill” Simon on December 19, 1948, and they made their home on a farm north of Sleepy Eye where they raised their nine children. Marge was known for her huge garden and being a great cook. Jams, pies, fresh bread, and holiday meals made her kitchen a popular gathering place for family and friends.

She had a love for her farm animals including pygmy goats, dogs, cats, calves, and her appaloosa horses. She and Bill enjoyed taking their horses on trail rides, wagon trains and riding in the Black Hills. Marge enjoyed family time with Bill, her children, and grandchildren as well as time with her sisters.

Marge was a woman of faith and strong moral convictions who was fearless to take a stand for what she believed. She took part in local advocacy for the pro-life movement. She had a heart for serving others as evidenced by adoption, foster care, caring for her children and family. In her mid-50s she graduated from LPN nursing school and worked many years at the Springfield Hospital. Marge was generous with her time and resources.

Marge is survived by her children, Eugenie Simon, Scott Simon, Tamara Watson, Mitchell Simon, Kallan Anderson, Martin Simon, Keiron Simon, and Kylie Carlson and along with their spouses; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Roberta Duroe; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Simon; son, Derk Simon; parents, Clarence and Clara Davis; siblings, Warren Davis, Elmer Davis, Patricia Kirkpatrick, and Marilyn Sly; and parents-in-law, Elmer and Nellie Simon.

Marge will be dearly missed but those who share her faith in Jesus Christ are rejoicing with her that she is now home with Jesus.

Julio Beltran, age 81 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota went to be with his heavenly father and late wife Juanita on January 15, 2023.

Julio was born in Starr, TX on April 12, 1941, to Luciana Hernandez Beltran & Pablo Beltran. In adulthood, Julio moved to Minnesota and married Juanita Garcia on July 5, 1963, in Norman MN. Together, they raised six children. Julio was a hardworking man who proudly worked at Del Monte in Sleepy Eye for over 25 years.

As a compassionate member of the church and the community, Julio lived and breathed a charitable heart. Those that knew him, will remember his smile and kindness towards everyone he met. Julio was a caring neighbor, and could be found sharing candy with local kids, donating to those in need, or chatting with anyone he’d known for five minutes or five years. He made sure everyone felt seen and loved, and gave back wherever he saw a need.

Julio was a dedicated father, and his family meant everything to him. He loved all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply, and was exceedingly proud of all of their accomplishments.

Julio is survived by his children and their spouses, Fernando (Janie) Beltran of Merrimack, NH, Leticia Beltran of Fort Worth, TX, Belinda Beltran of Las Cruces, NM, Ana Beltran-Turbes (Christopher) of Hanska, MN, and Julio Beltran Jr. (Linda) of Pharr, TX; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister, Evangelina B. Yandell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Juanita Beltran; sisters, Refugia B. Alvarez, Guadalupe B. Rosales, Paulita B. Rodriguez, and Socorro Beltran; and brothers, Pedro and Guadalupe Beltran.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye with meal to follow at the Sleepy Eye Event Center afterwards. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Raymond A. Walter Jr, age 75, of New Ulm, died Monday, March 13, 2023 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, with Father Mark Steffl celebrating the mass. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH CHAPEL in New Ulm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlene; daughter, Teresa (Brian) Aschenbrenner of Sleepy Eye; son, Ricky Walter of Sleepy Eye; three grandchildren, Scott (Emily) Walter, Steven Walter, and McKayla (Devlyn) Louks; great-grandchild, Wynn Walter; brother, Richard (Denise) Walter; and a brother-in-law, Jim (Sharyl) Fischer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Donna Fischer and Shirley Wendt; and brothers-in-law, Steven Beranek and Roger Gunneson.

Raymond Arnold Walter Jr. was born on May 22, 1947 in Springfield, MN to Raymond & Adeline (Eckstein) Walter. He graduated from Springfield High School in. On December 9, 1967, Ray was united in marriage to Marlene Gunneson in Sleepy Eye. He was employed at AUI, and after he retired, he worked at Walmart and Fort Ridgley State Park. Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to Jackpot, golfing, playing cards, baking, building remote control airplanes, and watching the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild. Most of all, Ray loved going fishing with his grandkids and spending time with his family.

Milton Larsen, 93, passed away Sunday, March 5 at 11:37am, peacefully in his sleep, as his daughters held his hands. He had lived with heart disease for several years. He was born June 3, 1929, the first boy, and the 5th child of seven children, to Jens and Luella Larsen in Morgan, MN. Milton grew up on the Larsen Family Farm which was 3 miles south of Morgan, MN. When he was 14 years old, his father died from cancer. Milton and his siblings took over farming the 160 acres. Milton married Ardis Friton from Sleepy Eye in 1953. He served in the army 1954-1956. Their first child, Lynette was born in 1954 (Thomas Koehl, Minneapolis, MN), Daniel was born in 1955 (Debra Kramer, wife of 38 years passed away in 2016, St Paul, MN).

In 1956, upon finishing the service to his country, Milt, and Ardis, and their two children, returned to farming. In 1959 Polly (Jon Lewis, Denver, CO) was born. In 1960 there was Gwendolyn (Kevin Cummings, New Berlin, WI), and in 1963 the baby, Marlene Larsen (Milwaukee, WI) arrived.

Milton, Ardis, and their five children farmed from 1957-1968. After 11 years of farming and a few years of losing crops to drought, flooding, and hail, Milton decided to quit farming and went to school in Minneapolis. He thought he would try to get job in the modern world of the new computer technology and hoped it would be more lucrative and stable than farming. He was way ahead of his time and ended up landing a job in Milwaukee, WI. This transition required a long period of time away from family while training in New York. In 1968 he moved his family from Morgan, MN to Milwaukee, WI.

Milton has thirteen grandchildren, six (soon to be seven) grandchildren-in-law and six great-grandchildren. Milton is also survived by two sisters, Bernice (and her husband Donald DeLeeuw in Cosmos, MN) and Gladys Otto (Redwood Falls, MN). Milton is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Jens and Luella Larsen, three of his sisters and their husbands, Florence and Donald Dickmeier (Franklin, MN), Eunice and Joseph Hale (Marshall, MN), and Vivian and Lloyd Maude (Rapid City, SD). His brother, Wilton Larsen (Morgan, MN) and Gladys Otto’s husband, Bud Otto (Morgan, MN), also passed away.

On the Friton side, those that have passed away would be Ardis’ mom and dad, Palmyre and Edmund Friton. Her sister Avis and husband Vernon Buckmeier (Fairmont, MN) and her brother, Paul Friton (Sleepy Eye, MN) who was married to Joy (Graham). Joy still survives.

Milton loved playing baseball. We learned through many stories told and retold, that our dad was quite a baseball player. His bigger claim to fame was his skill at pitching horseshoes. He started pitching at about 10 years old on the farm. He was an avid, competitive horseshoe pitcher through all his life up through his eighties. In 1981, he won the Championship in the World Horseshoe Tournament class N1 with a large fan base rooting for ringers!

Last October, Milton and Ardis Larsen celebrated 69 years of marriage. They shared a love that was precious and everlasting. What a testimony and a witness for us kids.

Milton Larsen was a wonderful man. Hard working, humble, honest, you could count on him. He was great fun and above all very loving. May all your pitches now be ringers.

Heavenly Father, we ask for your mercy and grace for Milton as he begins his journey into eternal life. Please bring him into your loving arms and grant him peace and rest. We also pray for those who are left behind, that they would find comfort and hope in your presence and the promise of seeing their loved one again. Amen.”

Milton’s life will be celebrated April 1, 2023, at Sturm Funeral Home, 301 3^rd Ave SW, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085. Visitation will begin from 11-12 with a service to follow at 12:00. Reception will be held at Faith United Methodist Church at 1:30. Faith United Methodist Church is located at 321 1^st Ave S, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085. Interment will be at Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye, MN.

Milton loved farming and baseball so in lieu of flowers please send donations made out to Cedar Mountain-FFA or Cedar Mountain-summer rec to support their baseball program. Send donations to Gwen Cummings at 21890 W Tolbert Dr, New Berlin, WI 53146.  She will take care to deliver them.

Mary B. Sellner, age 79 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on March 7, 2023, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and it will continue one hour prior to the service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 11:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with Father Mark Steffl officiating. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Mary Bertha (Seidl) Sellner was born on March 15, 1943, to Edmund and Alvina (Hacker) Seidl in Sleepy Eye. On June 2, 1960, Mary was united in marriage to Dennis Sellner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and they were blessed with two children. They raised their family on a farm where Mary was no stranger to hard work. She loved all that came with farming from driving tractor to bailing to hauling corn. She was content in her flower and vegetable gardens. A homemaker at heart, Mary was known for being an absolutely fantastic cook who was always prepared for company to stop over during mealtimes. Her cooking skills helped promote her husband’s seed business. Being a social person, Mary loved people and worked at a variety of jobs where she could be with others and help out.

Dancing, antiquing, and going to garage sales were activities Mary enjoyed. She loved to find a bargain and resell it for an even better one. In addition, Mary was quite an artist when it came to drawing which is a talent that began when she was a little girl. She and Dennis were members of the Minnesota Drifter Motorcycle Club and they looked forward to spending two weeks every summer riding motorcycle with others. She loved her family, and all of her dogs, especially her dog Sushi, wholeheartedly and will be missed beyond measure.

Mary is survived by her children, Steven (Joleen) Sellner and Chris (Matt) Steffen; grandchildren, Lee (Melissa) Sellner, Bryan (Amanda) Sellner, Bobbi Hauth (special friend Jason Schwandner), and Stephanie (Andy) Fromm; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Carson, Levi, Bryar, Bode, Harley, Landon, David, Cheyanne, and James.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Alvina Seidl and her husband, Dennis.

Florian “Doyle” Sellner passed away peacefully at his home in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the age of 79.  He spent his final days surrounded by his family.   A visitation will be held Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance in Sleepy Eye.

Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 13, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Mark Steffl officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Florian “Doyle” Joseph Sellner was born on August 9, 1943, in Sleepy Eye, MN to Edward and Mathilda “Tillie” (Seidl) Sellner. He was the 12th of 15 children. He attended school District 44 in Leavenworth Township as well as St. Mary’s School until the 10th grade. Doyle served in the Army National Guard from January 13, 1965 to January 12, 1971.

Doyle married Patricia Duscher on September 3, 1966. For 32 years, he worked for A.M.P.I., first hauling milk before working in their warehouse and cold storage facilities as a forklift operator until retirement in 2005. After retirement, he worked many years with his nephew, Eugene, at the Sleepy Eye Car Wash.

Doyle was an avid bowler in Sleepy Eye for 50+ years. He also played softball in Sleepy Eye and New Ulm for many years, retiring from the sport at the age of 50.  He loved the sport of football and his number one team, the Vikings! Doyle collected baseball caps, loved listening to old time polka music, and had a knack for always being right. He could often be found spending time with the guys at Louie’s shop and Hardees. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.

Generosity came easy to Doyle and he was always willing to lend a helping hand for anyone. Doyle especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He made many sacrifices for his family and was always present with unconditional love. Spending time with his eight grandchildren brought him no greater joy and he made every effort to attend all his grandkids sporting events. Doyle truly was the very best husband, father, and grandfather. Blessed be his memory.

Doyle is survived by his wife, Patricia Sellner; their three children, Lisa (Thomas) Zuhlsdorf, Michael (Teresa) Sellner,  and Jenny Huiras (fiance, Aron Rannow); grandchildren, Jared Zuhlsdorf, Aaron Zuhlsdorf, Collin Huiras, Mikaela Sellner, Christopher Huiras, Taryn Sellner, Courtney Huiras, and Nora Rannow; sisters, Phyllis Westman, Joyce (Gary) Berg, and Beatrice (Tom) Koop; brothers-in-law, Jim Stimpert and Ronald Duscher; and sisters-in-law, Helen Sellner, Sandy Sellner, Sister Marya Duscher, O.S.B., Barbara Holmes, and Joleen Krueger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Millie (Lyle) Baker, Leona (Vernon) Platz, Rita (Christ) Seifert, Patricia (Ray) Seifert, Melania (Delmar) Meyer, Mary Ann (Marlin) Rodewald, Rosella Stimpert, and Delbert Westman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddie (Bernice) Sellner, Ray Sellner, Paul Sellner and Larry “Louie” Sellner; father and mother-in-law, James and LuVerne Duscher; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Linda (Robert) Reineke, Rick Krueger, Vickie Duscher, and Lori Duscher.

Marian Vesta (Murphy) Pyan, age 94, passed away on February 28th, 2023 at her home.Marian was born November 10, 1928 in Sleepy Eye, MN to Vesta and James Murphy. Her grade and high school years were spent in Sleepy Eye. She met her future husband Doug, through his sister, after he had returned from the Pacific War. They married on a very cold January 22nd, 1948.

With Doug’s job with Hormel, they lived in Austin and Redwood Falls before settling in St Peter in January 1956. They immediately became active in the Church of St Peter and logged many hours of service to the church. Most notably Marian led or co-led the church’s Funeral Luncheon committee for over fifty years, serving about 1000 meals. She also supported the local baseball teams by running concession stands and cheering of course too. Her interests included playing bridge, summer vacations with family and with the Hoffmann family too and reading. She enjoyed visits to casinos with friends, in Minnesota and other states too. Marian was a friend to so many around the city. Perhaps her most cherished personal honor was when she was crowned Queen of St Patrick’s Day in 1996.

Marian is survived by children: Reeny Blank, St Joseph Mn, Steve, Minneapolis, Kate Martin, Wyandotte MI and Dan (Karin) Stewartville, Mn.; 10 Grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Aridis ( Clete ) Shroepher; one sister-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Doug; son Jeff; sons-in-Law: Ron Blank and Gary Martin; sisters: Ruth, Harriet, and Jean; and brother Dan.

Visitation services are on Sunday March 12th from 3:00-6:00 P.M at the Saint Peter Funeral Home
and a funeral Mass on Monday March 13th at the Church of St Peter at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 10-11 am. To view a complete obituary, leave a condolence or view the service livestream visit her obituary at www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com.