All Obituaries

  Forrest P. Sawyer, age 96, of Winona, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020, at Sauer Health Care. He was born on September 26, 1923, in Clear Lake, IA, to Edward and Vera Sawyer, and proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War ll.  Forry was united in marriage with Ruth M. Vondrashek on April 12, 1942, and they enjoyed over 70 years of marriage until Ruth’s passing on February 21, 2013. He was employed as a sheet metal worker until his...

  On July 4, 2020, Darrel George Kramer’s life on earth ended after a courageous battle with cancer. He was diagnosed on August 5, 2019, and was only given weeks to months to live.  In true Darrel fashion, he went out with a bang on Independence Day, and far exceeded the time he was given, never choosing to take to easy road.  His last breath was taken at Whitewater Health Services at the age of 68.  Darrel was the fifth child born to Henry and Delores Kramer on...

  Michael George Cada, age 75, of Winona, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at his home, with his wife and children by his side. He was born on April 10, 1945, in La Crosse, WI, to George and Helen (Knapik) Cada, and was a graduate of Cotter High School.  Michael honorably served his country with the United States Army and the National Guard, and he was a member of the American Legion. Michael was employed with Dunn/Mathy Construction, and was...

  Dorothy Rick died unexpectedly of a hemorrhagic stroke on June 23, 2020, in Winona, MN. Born and raised in Winona, she was a lifelong member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Until the end of her life, Dorothy stayed active and independent, with the support of neighbors, getting around the city she loved using her preferred mode of transportation – her bicycle. Dorothy will be remembered for her genuine smile, many friendships, unique flair, and bouquet of color in her...

  Wendy A. Frisch, age 52, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020, of Glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.  She was born on March 14, 1968, in Minneapolis, MN, to Gary and Darlene Pollard.  Wendy was a graduate of Winona Senior High School.  She completed her Associate Degree at Winona State University, obtained her Cosmetology license, and was proficient in sign language.  Wendy enjoyed her profession working with the developmentally delayed as...

  Our dear Lorna Jean (Moger) Betsinger died at home in Pickwick, MN with her loved ones, at the age of 80 on Sunday, June 21, 2020. Lorna was born to Carl and Gladys (Knutson) Moger on August 13, 1939 in Lanesburo, MN.  She attended Highland Rural Element School and graduated from Lanesburo High School in 1957. She married W. Gene Betsinger (High School Sweethearts) at Highland Lutheran Church on June 4, 1958.  Gene was serving in the U.S. Navy and they were stationed in...

  William G. Becker, age 85, of Wilson, MN, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 17, 1934, in Winona, to Oliver and Florence (Stephens) Becker. Bill was united in marriage with Gladys M. Mueller on September 19, 1953, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilson, and she preceded him in death on January 29, 2018.  Bill was a member of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was...

  Richard Harry Drazkowski, age 82, of Winona, passed away peacefully in the care of family at his home on Thursday June 18, 2020 in Winona, Minn.  Rich was born April 27, 1938, in Winona, the seventh of ten children to Stanley and Florence (Paine) Drazkowski. He was united in marriage to Betty Jean Stueve on August 1, 1959, at St. Martin’s Church in Winona, and they were married for 52 years until her death in 2011.  Together they raised two children, Kathryn Marie...

  Mitchell N. Hale, Jr., age 32, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at his home unexpectedly, due to congestive heart failure.  He was born on April 16, 1988, in Winona, to Mitchell and Lisa (Stephans) Hale, Sr. Mitch lived in Winona all his life working for local companies, most recently at WinCraft. He was an avid fan of the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers.  He also enjoyed gaming with his brother, Chris, for hours and hours, and spending time with his family...

  Helen Baker, age 93, of Winona, passed away on June 13, 2020, at Lake Winona Manor, where she had been a resident since August 2019. Helen was born on February 19, 1927, in Peterson, Minnesota, to Alfred and Gladys Nation, and was the eldest of 8 children. On February 1, 1947, Helen married Arthur Baker, and together they raised 7 children. They farmed in the Lewiston area for many years and then settled in Winona.  While in Winona, Helen worked at Brach’s Candy factory...