Aganetha Redecop Obituary
Aganetha Redecop, nee Penner, age 56, of Winkler, passed away on December 25, 2025 at Boundary Trails Health Centre. She is survived by her husband Peter, 2 daughters, Lucy (Jeff) Buhler, Selena Redecop, 1 son Micheal Redecop, and 3 grand children. 


Donations can be made to help family with expenses. ​

Sharon K. Sullivan, age 77 of Minto, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Sharon Berlin was born March 22, 1948 in Fargo, ND, the daughter of the late Jerome and Lillian (Sullivan) Berlin. She grew up in Lisbon for a short time before moving to Grand Forks. She attended school in Grand Forks and later attended the Moorhead Area Vocational and Technical Institute. In 1986 she met Charlie Hermann and the couple made their home in Georgetown, MN for many years before moving to Grand Forks in 2001 and then Minto in 2005.
Sharon enjoyed gardening, canning, mowing the lawn, raising animals and spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. She was an Avon Representative for 20 years and loved serving her community and making sure they had everything they loved.
She is survived by the love of her life, Charlie Hermann, Minto, ND; children: Cheri Skavlem and Michael Skavlem; five grandchildren: Brandon Wald, Jaydn Rosell, Chelsey Skavlem, Kara Skavlem and Britney Skavlem; six great grandchildren: Tyler, Bradley, Lily,Sage, Leon and Kase; her brothers: Mike Berlin and Steven Berlin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Jerome Berlin, Lillian Berlin and brother Jim Berlin.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Minto, ND in the spring.

Marilyn Susan (Augustin) Hall passed away peacefully surrounded by all her children and her loving husband of 50 years, Warren, on December 22, 2025.
Marilyn Augustin was born on July 8, 1952 in Grand Forks, ND to Milton and Esther (Schulz) Augustin. She was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Crystal, ND on August 17, 1952. She was later confirmed at St. John’s on June 19, 1966. Marilyn’s faith was lifelong and in her last days with us her trust in Jesus brought her peace.
Marilyn graduated from Valley High School in 1970. After high school she began nursing studies at the University of North Dakota. She was an active member of Delta Zeta where she made many life-long friends. She graduated from UND in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
On January 4, 1975, Marilyn married Warren Hall. They made their home in Hoople and celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. They worked on many house projects together. Marilyn helped Warren on the farm by driving potato truck, picking up parts, and giving rides between fields. Warren and Marilyn were blessed with five children and Marilyn was a diligent and caring mother to them.
Marilyn’s true calling was one of faithful service to others. As a nurse, she cared for many patients throughout her career. As a mother, she worked tirelessly to support all of her children’s diverse interests. She volunteered at church, school activities, and also as a 4-H leader.
She had many hobbies and interests. She loved making quilts and appliques, and most items were given as gifts or donations. She also loved flower gardening and baking. Her cookies were legendary among her children and their friends. She enjoyed snowmobiling with her family and especially with Warren. Marilyn started riding snowmobile at the beginning of her marriage to Warren and they enjoyed many adventures including their last snowmobiling trip in the winter of 2025.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Warren; her five children, Julie (Eric) Hall-den Boer, Sarah Hall, Kevin (Amy) Hall, Alicia (Brian) Harstad, Laura (Jonathan) Rieger; seven grandchildren, William, Margret, Jonah, Axel, Violet, Ivan, and Barrett; her siblings, Lee (Lesley) Augustin, and Jane (Dick) Horner. Marilyn is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all who were touched by her caring and love. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Esther Augustin; and her nephew, Jeffery Augustin.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church of Hoople, ND. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 5:00-7:00 PM. A prayer service will be held at 7:00. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Hoople City Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sanford Health Foundation for the Roger Maris Cancer Center, HIA Hospice, or Pregnancy Help Center in Park River, ND.
An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com. The funeral will be recorded and available on the website as well.

Phyllis May Colvin


On December 22, 2025, with family by her side, Phyllis May Colvin (née Hooper), beloved wife of Fred Colvin, passed away peacefully at Boyne Lodge. Although living with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease for over a decade, Phyllis remained an inspiration to us all, forever instilling the importance of love and life.


The daughter of Margaret and Browning Hooper of Sperling, Man., Phyllis was born on July 31, 1950, in Carman. Phyllis was raised on the family farm and completed her schooling at Sperling School and Carman Collegiate and subsequently worked in numerous offices in Winnipeg prior to her marriage to Fred on August 3, 1974. Phyllis and Fred lived and raised their family in Souris, Man.; Redcliffe, Australia; Elm Creek, Man.; Morden, Man.; and Carman, Man. For many years, Phyllis was a stay-at-home mom and also worked in office roles and in nursery and elementary schools as a learning assistant.


Phyllis is survived by her husband, Fred, and their four children: Caddie and Patrick Crampton (Wrenly, Josie, and Auden); Brooke and Justyn Pisa (Rhodes and Vaughn); Andrew and Mélissa Tovar Colvin (Esmé and Florin); and Grant and Rebecca Colvin (Lula and Hooper); and, of course, her faithful comfort dog, Poppy. She is also survived by her sister Lois and Bernard Lecuyer; her brother Gary Hooper and Barb Doerksen; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Elaine Ganske, Lynda and Doug Michie, and Judy Hooper, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.


Phyllis was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Glen Hooper; her brother-in-law, Raymond Ganske; and her parents-in-law, Carm and Vera Colvin.
Phyllis was a beautiful person, both inside and out. She loved her family and loved to have fun. Her endearing laugh will never be forgotten. She enjoyed shopping for antiques and decorating her home with her “unique” finds. Philly May was forever tidying, but when she finally relaxed, she loved to read, watch a good movie while cuddling with Poppy, or sit with her favourite people, listening to music around a campfire. Her love and the lessons she taught her children will carry on for generations. She taught us all the importance of hugging each other and always saying, “I love you.”


The family would like to thank the devoted staff at Boyne Lodge for the wonderful care Phyllis received over the past three and a half years, as well as the Home Care staff who supported her for several years prior to her moving to the lodge.


A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boyne Lodge Campus Charity, Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, or a charity of one’s choice.

Elroy Ordean Brandvold, age 80, of Edinburg, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by his family.
Born on July 28, 1945, in Grafton, North Dakota, to parents Edroy and Ann (Rystad) Brandvold, Elroy lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and the community he loved. In 1963, he entered Wahpeton College of Science before being drafted to the United States Army, where he served as a military policeman and earned recognition as a National Defense Service Medal recipient and earned a sharpshooter badge.
On June 20, 1969, he married Vera Olafson at Gardar Lutheran Church. They had four children.
Life on the family farm was spent raising small grains, beef cattle and later dairy cattle. Following his years in agriculture, Elroy spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator.
In retirement Elroy loved to tinker in his garage. He made many bird houses that can be seen around town and enjoyed keeping the yard green and looking good. He was a fan of UND hockey, old TV westerns, gardening, driving the golf cart or Model-A Ford. A favorite activity was keeping an eye on the grandkids activities.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vera Brandvold; son Chad Brandvold (wife Toni) and their daughters Kennedy and Hannah of Wyoming, MN; son Reed Brandvold of Minneapolis, MN; Son Ross Brandvold of Newport Beach, CA; daughter Jana Gudmundson (husband Chad) and their daughter Allison and son Adley of Mountain, ND; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.
Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, Edroy and Ann Brandvold; In-laws Johannes and Valgerdur Olafson; sister Mona Jean Harvey (Tom); brother Burvette Brandvold (Gloria); sister Colleen Shanahan (John); sister Audrey Bigwood (Lyle).
Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Edinburg, North Dakota, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 30, 2025.
Elroy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Jacob J. Penner
May 21, 1945 - December 20, 2025


Jacob J. Penner, husband, father and grandfather was called home to his eternal resting place at the age of 80 years on December 20, 2025.


Jacob was born in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua Mexico on May 21, 1945, to Jacob and Helena (Sawatsky) Penner. He spent his childhood in Mexico. He immigrated to Canada at the age of 10 along with his family.


Dad and Mom (Helena Neudorf) met and got married in Coaldale Alberta on June 19, 1966. They were married for 59 years.


Jacob leaves behind his wife and two sons, Jake (Lynda) and Elwin James and his two grandchildren, Sabrianne and Maxime Penner. He also leaves behind his four brothers and five sisters as well as many nieces and nephews.


Jacob was predeceased by his parents and an infant sister.


Jacob worked as a truck driver for many years. He also was a talented welder. He had a passion for antique tractors and in his retirement took great pride in gardening and creating woodwork and metal projects. He loved travelling with his motorcycle. He liked camping, boating, fishing and travelling.


A special thank you to everyone that came out to support our family with so much love and prayers.


Funeral Service
Saturday, December 27, 2025
2:00 PM
Winkler Sommerfeld Mennonite Church
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."
-- Psalm 23:1-3

Obituary of Helen Friesen
 (nee Janzen)


Helen Friesen (nee Janzen) was born on March 7, 1935, to her parents Abram P. and Anna (nee Neudorf) Janzen. She was the youngest of nine children.


Mom was raised in Blumenfeld and attended school there. She also spent a few of her growing-up years living in Thornhill, where her parents farmed. During this time, she attended Orange Hill School and had many fond memories of time spent with family, friends, and neighbors there.


On June 10, 1956, Mom married Isaac D. Friesen. She devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother to their five children and to supporting their family. In 1959, they moved to Haskett, where Dad worked on a turkey farm. In the spring of 1963, they farmed briefly in Wakopa while living with her brothers, Abe and Jake Janzen by Cartwright, Manitoba. In the fall of 1964, they sold that farm and moved to a farm at Tisdale, near Killarney, where they lived until 1975. Their five children were born during these years.


In 1975, they had the opportunity to purchase Isaac’s home place south of Morden. They made their home there and enjoyed a beautiful yard and garden filled with many fruit trees. Mom lived there until Dad’s passing on January 2nd, 2012. That spring, the farm was sold, and Mom moved to Oak West Estates in Morden. She greatly enjoyed her time there—visiting with friends, taking them to church and medical appointments, and volunteering at the thrift store.


As Mom’s short-term memory began to decline, she moved to Tabor Home on October 26, 2023, where she remained until her passing on December 19, 2025.


Mom’s faith was an important part of her life. She trusted in the Lord through times of joy and hardship and lived out her faith through quiet service, kindness, and prayer. She prayed faithfully for many people and ministries, setting Tuesdays apart to pray for her family. She enjoyed listening to radio ministries and reading Christian magazines, which she was always eager to share. She loved spending time with her grandchildren—reading to them, singing lullabies, and reciting poems. We take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved husband, and resting in the presence of her Savior.


She was predeceased by her beloved husband Isaac; four brothers, Peter (Elizabeth), Abe (Helen), John (Tina), and Jake Janzen; four sisters, Annie (Gus) Westfall, Tina (Abe) Hildebrand, Susie (Jacob) Suderman, and Mary (John) Warkentin; and brother- and sister-in-law Dave and Tina Friesen, and Dave and Anne Peters.


She is survived by her three daughters, Joanne (Henry) Penner, Laura (Dave) Fehr, and Roxie (Jerry) Doerksen; and two sons, Randy (Heather, nee Klassen) and Bob (Anna, nee Krahn); 14 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.


She is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law Henry and Helen Gerbrand, and sister-in-law Tina Janzen.
She is lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.


We, as a family, are grateful for the compassionate care of the staff at Tabor Home during her time there, and for the love and support of our family, friends, and church communities.

Robert Henry Nickel of Winkler gently and peacefully passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025. Robert was born in Winkler on June 30, 1957, to Henry and Elma Nickel. Robert grew up near Plum Coulee, spent most of his adult years in B.C., and then returned to Winkler in more recent years where he very much enjoyed reconnecting with family and his childhood friends, also making a good number of new ones.


Mentored by his dad, Robert was introduced to work in the excavating and trenching trade, which got him jobs first in Winnipeg, then Edmonton, and finally with BC Hydro. Upon his return to Winkler, Robert spent some years as custodian at Garden Valley Collegiate, his alma mater. Having an adventurous spirit, Robert forever dreamt of being on the road. Much of this he fulfilled riding his motorcycle, but also near the end of his working life he acted on this dream when he took on a trucking stint that took him all over western Canada and into the USA. He found this to be a vocation fraught with danger, especially winter in the mountains, but the fascinating characters he met along the way more than made up for it. The interruptions of COVID on the trucking industry brought this adventure to an end, which freed Robert up to be the primary companion for his mother during the COVID years, which he tackled with absolute devotion and then continued as her cook and caregiver through her remaining years. His love of cooking and caring for others was then directed toward his very dear friends at Lions Manor, his home.


A gifted storyteller, Robert had a knack for coloring just about any encounter with people into a book-worthy story. In his many travels he collected a most intriguing and diverse cast of characters which he skillfully wove into his numerous anecdotes, sharing these enthusiastically with family and friends. This extended to the children in his life, each one of whom he wholly adored. Without a doubt children, there was a story he cherished and told about each and every one of you. All listeners to these stories would be captivated by Robert's exuberant, unique laugh and his own enjoyment in the telling. Robert was very much encouraged to document his stories which he was reluctant to do but we know of one that was in fact published in a popular magazine. A number of his human rights advocacy articles were also published in local papers in B.C.


Robert had diverse interests from motorcycles, vintage machines, tractors in particular, first rock and roll and then country folk music, both in which he was exceptionally knowledgeable, fishing, caregiving, and of course his love of children, friends, and people in general. He was keen to volunteer where he could and particularly enjoyed helping out at the Threshermen's Museum, participating in parades, and cooking for his friends at the outdoor gatherings at the Lions Manor.


As a child, Robert attended Sunday School at the Plum Coulee Sommerfeld Mennonite Church and then the Church of God through his teenage years. As a boy he enthusiastically participated in Boys League at the Plum Coulee Bergthaler Mennonite Church. These past years he enjoyed the services at the Buhler Centre in Winkler. Recently he experienced a renewed zest for his faith and was very much looking forward to going to his heavenly home.


Robert will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his sisters: Judy Nickel, Irene and Rob Patterson, Janet and Harold Pauls, Grace Nickel and Michael Zajac; his brother Jim Nickel and Candice McDiarmid; his nieces and nephews: Angela and Nathan Gerbrandt, Julia and Brad Minnis, Richard and Mandi Pauls, John Patterson and Rachael Thorleifson, Jeffrey Pauls, Joseph Nickel; and great-nieces and great-nephews: Taylor and Lauren Minnis, Zachary, James and Riley Gerbrandt, Jacob and Cooper Pauls; Uncle John Wiebe and Aunt Helen Wiebe, Aunt Kathy Loewen; many cousins; many, many friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Elma Nickel.


The family thanks the wonderful doctors and staff at Boundary Trails Health Centre who provided Robert and the family with the most compassionate care and support. Southern Manitoba is blessed to have such quality professionals. A special thank you also for all who visited Robert during his hospital stay and to the very helpful team at the Wiebe’s Funeral Home in Winkler.


The family is immensely grateful to all at the Harvest Christian Fellowship (Plum Coulee) who have been most generous in making our funeral arrangements happen during this busy Christmas season.


A funeral service will be held at the Harvest Christian Fellowship in Plum Coulee, Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with interment at the Weidenfeld Cemetery prior to the funeral at 12:30. Donations in memory of Robert may be made to Katie Cares Cottage.

Calista Franzmann Obituary

​Franzmann, Calista Ina (née Braden)


April 17, 1933 – December 17, 2025


With her sons by her side, our Mum, Grandma, and Great-Grandma passed away peacefully at Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Don (Katherine), Jamie (Ev), Terry (Sandy), Mona (Dave), and Charlene; her grandchildren: Krista (Chris), Trevor (Melissa), Josh (Amber), Niki, Samantha (Dorian), Randy, Kristen, Matthew, Dana (Josie), Hailey (Wyatt), and Travis (Shayla); her great-grandchildren: Nathan, Gracie, Riley, TJ, Kennedy, Charlie, Braxton, Selene, and Clover; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Calista was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Herbert C. Franzmann, and her sisters, Iris Atkinson and Bunnie Muhly.


Born on April 17, 1933, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, to James Nelson Braden and Elizabeth Ann Braden (née Watkins), Calista grew up on a farm near Poplar Point. She attended West Poplar Point School from Grades 1–9 and East Poplar Point School for Grades 10–11. After high school, she completed Normal School and earned her teaching certificate. She taught Grades 1–8 at Webster School in Fannystelle, Manitoba. While living in Fannystelle, she boarded with the Underwood family, where she met Herb. While dating, they enjoyed going to shows and rehearsing for a play they both appeared in, “The Darling Brats.” After a brief courtship, Herb and Cal married on her parent’s front lawn on the sunny evening of July 9, 1952. Together, they farmed and began raising their family until 1959, when Herb’s work took them to Beausejour, followed by Winnipeg, Ottawa and Saskatoon. Upon Herb’s retirement, they returned to Manitoba to be closer to family, living first in Winnipeg and later settling in Carman.


Calista found great joy in being a homemaker and in raising her three boys and two girls. She was an exceptional cook and baker, and family gatherings were always anticipated for her delicious meals. Her grandchildren will attest that Grandma made the very best strawberry jam. She excelled at knitting and crocheting, keeping the family warm in sweaters and well supplied with dishcloths, and ensuring each grandchild had a cherished afghan. Always present and active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, she watched countless hockey, baseball, and curling games. A talented sewer, she created doll clothes, Christmas dresses, and figure skating outfits for the girls, and she served as a Brownie leader. Wherever she lived, Calista was an engaged community member. Watching Herb and Cal square and round dance—perfectly coordinated in their attire—was truly a delight. She enjoyed gardening, reading, puzzles, bowling, carpet bowling, shuffleboard, and visiting with family and her many friends. Calista loved camping; although she travelled across Canada and the United States, her favourite camping spot was Hecla Island in Manitoba.


The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Meadowoods community for their outings, friendship, and support over the 11 years Calista resided there after Herb’s passing. They would also like to thank the staff at Boyne Lodge for their compassionate care of our mum and grandma over the past few months.


A funeral service will be held at Carman United Church on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.


In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice, as Calista supported many causes.

Johan E. Klassen, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather was called home to his eternal resting place at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 1 day on December 17, 2025, at Carman Memorial Hospital.


Dad was born in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua Mexico on September 16, 1945, to Abraham and Helena (Enns) Klassen. Dad spent his childhood in Mexico. He was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ on May 29, 1966, at the Old Colony Mennonite church in Mexico by Heinrich Dyck.


Dad and Mom (Margaretha Rempel Klassen) got married in Mexico on September 25, 1966. They were married for 59 years, 2 months, and 22 days. They lived in Mexico until May 24,1981, then, they immigrated to Manitoba to try and make a better life for themselves and the family.


Dad and Mom had eight children, five daughters and three sons. Margaret (Henry), Helen (Henry), Tina (Juan), Betty (Matt), Jake (Sara), Juan (Carrie), Abe, Annie (Jacob).


He was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished Papa to 25 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, one of whom passed away in infancy.


Dad was predeceased by His parents, 2 brothers, 4 sisters, 3 brother in-laws and 1 great grand daughter.


Dad worked on the farm for many years and in his retirement took great pride in gardening and creating unique woodwork and metal projects. He taught us children the value of having a great work ethic and a passion for music. He enjoyed playing the harmonica, his accordion, listening to gospel songs including Spanish music that he grew up with.


Dad underwent open heart surgery in 2014 and In the past few years Dad suffered from Dementia including multiple strokes. In the last year his health increasingly declined enduring a great deal of suffering including Aspiration Pneumonia in the last days of his life.


Johan will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and especially by his loving wife Margaretha.


A special thank you to Wiebe Funeral Home and Bishop John Wiebe, the ministerial, song leaders and serving group. A big thank you to everyone that came out to support our family with so much love and prayers.