This page is dedicated to the memory of the past members of Subase Pearl Harbor Detachment 716 who are no longer with us. Our heart’s are heavy with their passing. They will be forever missed.Lord, we ask you to look over all our Shipmates. And when it’s time to add them to this page, we ask you to take them into your Loving Grace.To our friends and shipmates who are Still On Patrol….Fair Winds and Following Seas.
MM2 Lowel E. MannMM2 Lowel E. Mann was assigned to Subase Pearl Detachment 716 at its conception in 1977, and became a Plank Owner in one the finest reserve units in Naval Reserve history. He served his unit with true Navy pride. Mann’s unselfish, dedicated service to his Unit, the United States Navy and his Country reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest standards of the United States Navy.
HT1 Steven Allen BalsisHT1 Steven Allen Balsis was attached to Subase Pearl Detachment 716 for many years and served his Unit and fellow Shipmates with Pride. His dedicated service was truly an asset to his Unit, the United States Navy and his Country. God had another purpose for Steve as He took him from our presence at an early age. He will be forever missed.
MSC Joseph KorbichkaMSC Joseph Korbichka, a Subase Pearl Detachment 716 Shipmate passed away some years ago. Little information about this Shipmate is available. He is now with our other “Lost Shipmates”, who await the reunion with their friends and Shipmates of Subase Pearl Harbor someday.
MRC Robert Russell Lien MRC Robert Russell Lien came aboard Subase Pearl Det 716 in the mid 1980’s and was affiliated with the unit until it was disbanded in the late 1990’s. He was a Machinist Mate in the Navy and a Machinist in the civilian world. He loved his work and was said to have been a “Cracker Jack Machinist”. He made Chief Petty Officer while serving with Subase. Bob was Loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be forever missed.
EN1 Lachlan M. Noren EN1 Lachlan Noren affiliated with Subase in the late 70’s and left the unit in May of 1980 ending his naval career with over 30 years of naval service. Lachlan served his country during WWII and The Korean War. EN1 Noren started his naval career in 1943 as a Corpsman and changed his rate to Engineman in 1958 due to his civilian career. EN1 Noren’s navel experience was a real asset to Subase. He was thought highly of by his shipmates. Lachlan passed away at the age of 84 and was buried with full honors in the Ft. Snelling Cemetery. For more information about EN1 Noren’s Navy career click here.
EMC(SS) Bueford CarlsonEMC(SS) Bueford (Beef) Carlson passed away on 07 Oct 2009. He was a member of Subase in the early years and possibly a ‘Plank Owner’ but not confirmed. Beef joins our other shipmates whose time on this earth has passed them by. He will be missed and forever remembered by his friends and shipmates of Subase. Beef was a proud member of the fraternity of those who proudly wore the Dolphins and joins his fellow submariners in their eternal patrol.
MMC James R. HarrenJames was born Sept. 17, 1945 in Rice to Anton & Agnes (Diederich) Harren. He married Elaine Chapman on Nov. 6, 1971 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. James enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1964 and was on active duty for 2 years, active reserves for 26 years before retiring as Chief Machinist Mate in 1992. James was a mechanical draftsman for DCI for 33 years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an active member of NERA (Naval Enlisted Reserve Association). He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, traveling, and movies.
HTCS Arthur Rentmeester
Rentmeester, Arthur J. Jr. Died peacefully, yet unexpectedly, at home of natural causes on September 6, 2011. He was 62 years young. A celebration of life will be held at Tanglewood Golf Club, located at 11801 Brayton Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, from 5:30 to 9 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011. He was born on February 26, 1949 in Oneida, Wisconsin. He left Wisconsin at 19 to join the Navy. He served in Viet Nam and Desert Storm. He transferred to Alaska in January of 1995, where he retired as a Senior Chief with almost 30 years of service. He went to work as a metal fabricator for BC Excavating, where he was employed until his passing. He had a degree in business, but preferred working with his hands. He belonged to the Newport, MN Masonic Lodge and the Osmond Shrine, also of Minnesota. He enjoyed working with wood and metal found object sculptures, which were displayed at several Anchorage area galleries. He was an honorable man, a mentor, best friend, husband, grandfather and father. He has set the bar for those that come after. He was loved and respected by many. He was a gentle giant and heaven’s gates stood open for him. He is survived by his wife and best friend, De Rentmeester of Anchorage, AK; sisters, Mary Ann Motquin and Patricia Rattle, both of Wisconsin; daughters, Heather Rentmeester Weldon of Anchorage, AK, Kellie Zych (Dan) of Fridley, MN; son, Kraig Blair of Richfield, MN; grandchildren, Andrew Weldon and Emily Weldon of Anchorage, AK, Jason Nodean, Danny Zych, Melodie Dennison, Kayla Grabowski, Aleah Blair, Thomas Blair, Joe Zych (grandson by marriage) and great-grandson, Lucas Zelman, all of Minnesota. Flowers can be sent to Tanglewood Golf Club. Arrangements were entrusted to Legacy Funeral Home, Kehl’s Chapel.
FC1 Steven Phillip Doerfler Doerfler, Steven Phillip age 54, of Mpls, passed away Mar 6, 2012. Preceded in death by father, Richard P.; siblings, Richard M. and Jeannie. Survived by mother, Carolyn; siblings, Christine (Fred) Aboge, Veronica (Gary) Peterson, Sheri (Greg) Marcellus, Renée Schissel, Luana (Carl) Reed and Bruno (Lisa) Doerfler; Joseph and many relatives and friends.Steve entered the Navy in 1979. His extensive Navy career included the following duty stations:USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) (7th fleet Amphibious Force Flag Ship).Fire Control Technician A schoolFire Control MK-15 CIWS & MK 86 weapon systemYeoman A SchoolUSS Callaghan (DDG-994)USS Reeves (CG-24)Subase Pearl Det 716Steve received 4 honorable discharges during his career and the following citations and awards:Good conduct medalHumanitarian service medal for Rescuing Vietnamese Refugees.Armed forces expeditionary medal3 battle “E” efficiency medals6 Oversea service ribbons2 Sea Service deployment ribbonsUS Coast Guard special operations ribbonLetter of appreciations, (don’t remember the name but it was a special China-US relations medal he has here).Letter of appreciation from USS Callaghan (DDG-994)American Legion to honor the fallen veterans.Letter of appreciation in July 1991 from SIMA San Diego for leading a team to “Teardown & Refurbish” CIWS Systems, resulting in “Greatly accelerating SIMA’s Mission”In Reserves at Subase he performed multiple honor guard ceremonies for churches, VFW.He was also a Big Time Partier that other radical partiers would have been proud of.He always loved God and had a massive heart for helping others. Others came first and then him all the time.He volunteered for Lead Instructor duty at Subase Pearl. He LOVED Subase with all his heart and felt proud to be a DET 716 member.The funeral services were held at Camp Ripley on 15 March 2012 with full honors.
EMC James Rey Nordstrom EMC James Rey Nordsrtom A friend and fellow shipmate of Subase Pearl Harbor Det. 716 died March 14, 2017 from Vascular Dementia. He had been in a bad way some time now and was unable to know anything that was going on aaround him. The Lord took him home. He will be missed by all who knew him.To him I say RIP my friend you are releaved, Rest your oars, We have the watch.Here is his obituary: Nordstrom, James R. age 69, of Burnsville, passed away on March 14, 2017. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Nordstrom; father, Reynold Nordstrom; step mother, Margaret Nordstrom-Letson, and step brother, James Letson. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; children, Molly (Jason) Urbanski, and Kristofer Nordstrom; grandchildren, Tucker and Tanner; siblings, Kathy “Sis” (Ray) Wald and Michael (Mary) Nordstrom; step siblings, Jeanette Forbes, Michael (Nancy) Letson, and Dennis (Rosalie) Letson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Friday, March 17, 2017 at Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road E., with a visitation on Thursday (3/16) from 4-8 PM at the White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave S., Burnsville (952-894-5080) and 1 hr. prior to Mass at church. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cem. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. “I love you Dad” Love, Kristofer Condolences.
Born 2/14/44 in Vancouver WA to Martin W. Opem and Gertrude Opem; baptised St. James Church, Vancouver WA Died 5/2/17 at home in the presence of his wife of 52 years – Johnelle 2 Brothers: Father Anthony Opem and Robert Opem (wife Gayly) Spouse – Johnelle – Met at Northern College in Aberdeen SD – Married 8-14-65 2 Children – Jackie and Martin daughter in law (whom he loved like a daughter) Tiffany Grand Children: Trey, John, Katie, Brittany, Rebecca, Ben, Jeff, Brandon, Mathew Pets: dogs Bear & Frosty; cats Morris & Pricilla Graduated from Central High School in 1962 Retired from NSP/Xcel Energy after 34 years of working in corporate mgmt and production Joined the US Navy – October 19, 1963. 7 1/2 years of active duty. Joined the reserves in the early 1980 and was stationed at Subbase Pearl Harbor and enjoyed many trips to Hawaii. Was appointed to the rate of Master Chief Machinist’s Mate in 1994. Martin was the only one in the Country who made Master Chief that year and quickly advanced up the ranks of chief. He retired in 1996. Received numerous commodations and awards during his Naval Career Nominated for Meritorious Unit Citation (M.U.C.) Awarded Top Gun Certificate of Achievement for 100% Letters of Appreciation Nominated for Sailor of the Year, Region 16 Selected Reserve Sailor of the Year (1986) Reserve Sailor of the Quarter (1986) Reserve Good Conduct Good Conduct National Defense Medal Navy Armed Forces Reserve Medal Meritorious Unit Commedation Good Conduct Navel Reserve Meirtorious Service (2 bronze stars) National Defense Service Medal (2 awards) Navy and Marine Achievement Medal Graduated: Bachelor of Science from the College of Education, The University of Minnesota with distinction 1980 Master of Business Administration from College of St. Thomas 1990 Mayor of New Hope, MN 2004-2008 Martin enjoyed life especially spending time with his family and friends. He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their many activities: Skating, swimming, softball, many, many concerts (choir, orchestra, band). Worked with the Cub and Boy Scouts helping his grandchildren build pinewood derby cars and bird houses. He was very proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments and enjoyed showing them how to use power tools and sneaking them candy and soda. He was a deligent life guard every summer watching over his grandchildren swimming in his pool in New Hope. Highly intelligent man who shared his words of wisdom with all he knew, family, friends, colleges, strangers :). He was a man of strong faith who was active in his church as both a litergical and eucharistic minister. Martin moved to Big Lake Twsp to a house that allowed him more mobility as he struggled with Parkinson. Martin was diagnosided with Large B-Cell lympoma in Jan 2017. Martin always enjoyed a challenge. A final thought and dedication: “Master Chief we relieve you, rest your oars for we have the watch.”
Donald Ulbricht
October 1, 1936 – July 24, 2020
Don Ulbricht
Visitation
Tuesday, July 28, 202010:00 – 11:00 AM
Mueller-Bies Funeral Home
2130 N. Dale St., Roseville
Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
11:00 AM
Mueller-Bies Funeral Home
2130 N. Dale St., Roseville
Donald Ulbricht, 83, passed away on July 24, 2020 due to complications with multiple myeloma and dementia. Don was born in St. Paul, MN, and attended Wilson High School, graduating in 1954. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and rose through the ranks retiring as a Chief Petty Officer after 41 years of service. He married the love of his life, Donna Kelley, in 1960 and raised four children in the Twin Cities area. Don worked various jobs throughout his life, most notably at the U.S. Bureau of Mines for over 25 years, and owning two hardware stores. Not doing well with idle time he started another career as a bus driver for First Student where he entertained kids with jokes and magic tricks. He spent his free time running marathons, completing woodwork projects, obtaining his captain’s license and traveling the world. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Pine Island in Lake Vermillion. After retiring, Don and Donna spent winters in Hawaii, living on a boat in the Honolulu harbor for ten years, and then in their Honolulu condo. Don is survived by Donna, his loving wife of 60 years; daughters, Kathleen Wehking, Kelly (Dave) Wosika, and Karla (Jim) Reetz; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Hirt and Ruth Blomster; sister-in-law, Gloria Ulbricht; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul G. and Myrtle; brother, Paul J.; son, Robert and great-grandson, Devon Thomas.Funeral service 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 28 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME – ROSEVILLE, 2130 N. Dale St. @ County Rd B. Visitation at the funeral home from 10-11 AM Tuesday.Aloha or casual attire preferred.In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Fairview Hospice or donor’s choice
Jerome “Jerry” Jeffrey Hietala
( December 22, 1942 – October 01, 2021 )
Jerome “Jerry” Hietala, Sr., age 78, of New Ulm died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.
A private graveside service will be held in the New Ulm City Cemetery, Soldier’s Rest Section with pastor Timothy Anderson officiating. The New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard will provide full military honors. A celebration of life will be held at a later date
Jerry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Pauline Hietala of New Ulm; sons, Jeff (Kitty) Hietala of New Ulm, and Andy Hietala of Black Hawk, Colorado; granddaughters Megan and Abby Hietala; his sister Sandra (Jim) Hietala Thompson of San Jose, California; his sister-in-law Nancy Krueger of Anoka; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ivy Hietala.
Jerome Jeffrey “Jerry” Hietala, Sr. was born December 22, 1942 to Ralph and Ivy (Hepola) Hietala in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from Monroe High School in St. Paul, enlisted in the Navy and proudly served for 12 years – four as an enlistee and eight in the reserves. Jerry moved to New Ulm in 1969 where he met the love of his life, Pauline. The two married on January 17, 1970 in New Ulm and raised two sons, Jeff and Andy. Jerry worked for more than 30 years at 3M in New Ulm as an electronics technician and programmer. He also taught night classes in electronics at 3M. In his retirement, he drove a school bus for several years and enjoyed his interactions with the kids, who referred to his bus as “the rock and roll bus.” Jerry had a passion for motorcycles. He raced flat track for many of his younger years and continued to ride for enjoyment his whole life. Jerry was a genius when it came to anything with an engine and wheels. He could take apart and put back together a motorcycle with his eyes closed. He passed that love and knowledge of repairing machines on to both his sons. He loved to work with wood. He could take something like an old kitchen table that anyone else would have given up on and refurbish it to a brand-new state. Following retirement, he maintained his aptitude for electrical work and was an enthusiastic participant in many projects, especially when it gave him the opportunity to teach the skills to others. Jerry loved the farm place that he and Pauline shared with many animals over the years including horses, dogs, cats and one ornery goat that only liked Jerry. He loved to get up in the morning and look for the next project whether it was clearing trails on which to ride his Trail 70 or building a unique cage for his granddaughter’s pet in his workshop. He also loved music, a passion which he passed on to his sons and granddaughters. Jerry could often be found playing the piano or the acoustic guitar. Jerry was immensely proud of his granddaughters and attended every sporting event, concert and play they were in throughout their school years.
Jerry left this world peacefully after a short, hard-fought battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Gary Hovind
July 12, 1941 to April 5, 2022
Gary passed away quietly at home per his request. He also requested no services. We who knew Gary understand this well of him. He never wanted to put anyone out. Gary always went about his business quietly without a lot of fanfare. Yet he had a caring for all of us.
Gary was born in Minneapolis. Joined the Army while going to school at the University of Minnesota. He later switched to the Navy in 1964. He eventually joined us in Subase Pearl Det 716, its believed he is a plank owner in the unit. As most of us, he enjoyed our trips to Pearl Harbor.
Gary did volunteer work at the Air Force Service Center in his quiet way, even after contracting Leukemia and getting treatment for it for five years. In his struggle he did what he always did-his best he could.
Gary is interred at Fort Snelling (April 8th), in section 22. It’s the same section that Jim Nordstrom is laid to rest in. Pay him a visit if get a chance.
If you want to give to something in Gary’s name, or just give, Julie said maybe to Christian Radio, wctsradio.com. Address is Central Seminary 900 Forestview Lane, Plymouth, MN 55441, Phone 763-417-8270. She said Gary enjoyed listening to it. Or, to a Cancer research fund, especially for children. That could be to St Jude’s or even down at the U of M-they do a great job researching cancer there. Also, Gary gave blood all his life, till he could not. A blood donation would be another way to full fill a wish Gary would have liked.
Phillip Melby
Thursday, December 3rd, 1942 – Thursday, January 27th, 2022
https://kozlakradulovich.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/4844138/Melby-Phillip/index.php
Obituary for Phillip Ronald Melby
Age 79 of Maple Grove. Preceded in death by son, Michael Melby; mother, Elizabeth Vollmer; father, Kenneth Melby; brother, James Melby. Survived by loving wife of 59 years, Mary Melby; son, Jeff Melby (Joel Cates); daughter, Ann Hedlund (Troy Hedlund); daughter-in-law, Liz Melby; grandchildren, Ryan, Ellie & Alex Hedlund, Joseph, Samuel & Amanda Melby.
Phil grew up in Minneapolis with his mom and brother (Jim). Sadly he lost his dad when he was just 4 years old. He served proudly in the US Navy for four years and an additional 16 years in the reserves. Phil worked as a Pipefitter and was a member of Local 539. He met his wife Mary when they were just 15 years old and were married for 59 years. They had 3 wonderful children and 6 beautiful grandchildren. Sadly, they lost their oldest child, Mike 4 years ago to cancer. The couple enjoyed traveling together worldwide. He and Mary enjoyed wintering in Nevada for 17 years. Phil did beautiful woodworking (as seen in the pictures), he also enjoyed making stained glass (pictures) and golfing. He lived for his family and will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Phil’s life will be held at Kozlak-Radulovich Maple Grove Chapel (13745 Reimer Dr.) on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior and reception to follow. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Also, in lieu of donations/flowers please honor Phil by playing a round of golf, having a drink, or sharing a favorite memory.
William (Bill) Lord
Bill passed away June 2nd, 2020. Bill suffered from brain cancer. He will be forever missed by all of us for all he did on this site. None of us can ever replicate what he did here. Bill served in Subase Det 716 throughtout the 80’s and early 90’s. His committment to his shipmates can never be questioned.Bill’s family quietly laid him to rest at Fort Snelling with full military honors in the brief, but moving ceremony. Some of us had the previlege of being there that day.
Kurt E. Castle
April 24, 1958 – November 9, 2020
Visitation:
Monday, November 23rd, 2020 – 3:00PM to 7:00PM
Celebration of Life
Parkway Pines
N10005 State Hwy. 73
Greenwood, WI, 54437Services:
There will be no services.Full Obituary KURT E. CASTLE, age 62, of Greenwood, WI, passed away unexpectedly at Marshfield Medical Center on Monday, November 9, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at Parkway Pines on Hwy 73, in Greenwood, on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 3pm to 7pm.
Kurt Edward Castle was born on April 24, 1958 in Bemidji, MN, the son of Raymond H. and Dorothy J. (Gillie) Castle. Kurt was raised in Northern Minnesota where he helped his family build Castle Highlands Golf Course, an 18-Hole Championship Course, from the ground-up. Kurt played a pivotal role in both the construction and operation for many years. After graduating from Bemidji High School in 1976, Kurt continued to work at Castle Highlands until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 28, 1977.
He was united in marriage to Linda L. Siggens on December 27, 1980 in Groton, CT. In March of 1982, Kurt re-enlisted into the U.S. Navy and moved to Bangor-Poulsbo, WA until March of 1988. Kurt moved back to Bemidji while he continued to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserves and worked for several electrical companies. In 1991, he moved to Lake Nebagamon, WI where he started his life-long career, as an electrical technician, at Enbridge Energy (Lakehead Pipeline Co.) station in Superior, WI. Kurt then transferred to Greenwood, WI where he continued to work for Enbridge Energy at the station in Owen, WI, where he retired in January 2018. Kurt retired from the Naval Reserves as a Chief Petty Officer.
Kurt had many interests but especially enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, rebuilding custom St. Croix fishing rods, trapping, archery, and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was known to be an exciting storyteller.
Kurt was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Post #238, the Greenwood Lions Club, the Black River Bowman’s Club in Greenwood & Withee and Meadowview Golf Course in Owen.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Linda, of Greenwood; his children: Karlie (Roger) Samuels of New Richmond, WI, Douglas (Amber) Castle of Farmington, MN, Matthew (Bethany) Castle of White, GA; his 7 grandchildren; his brother: Bradley (Renae) Castle of Shevlin, MN; his mother: Dorothy Jean of Bemidji, MN; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Kimball, Edward A. Age 80. Born 5/20/38, passed away 2/28/19. Grew up in NE Minneapolis, graduated from Edison High School, enlisted in the Navy and was accepted into the Submarine Service. Following his four-year tour of duty, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn (Toft), graduated from St. Cloud State with a degree in Education and taught in Minneapolis for many years, owned Kimball Construction, was active in his church, and was a Mason. Ed was proud to serve in the Navy for 40 years both on active duty and in the reserves, retiring as a Commander. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, golf, woodworking, traveling and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an awesome & loving dad & grandpa (“Buddy”). Preceded in death by parents, Pardon and Henrietta Kimball; siblings Donald, Mary, Muriel, Paul, JoAnn, Alice, and Sandra. Survived by Carolyn; children, Charlotte (Dave) Steinke, Angela Goetzke, and Jonathan (Kimberly) Kimball; grandchildren Andrew and Samantha Goetzke, Megan and Molly Kimball, and Abby Steinke; great-grandson Elijah Goetzke; companion, Marlene Lawson, and many other loving relatives and friends. Memorial Service 11am Thursday March 7th at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, visitation one hour prior. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Minnesota Masonic Home or other charity. Washburn-McReavy.com
Charles L. Towne, ”Chuck”
September 18, 1957 – April 14, 2022
Charles L. Towne, “Chuck”, age 64, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at his home.
Chuck was born September 18, 1957 in Aurora, IL to Charles and Delpha ( Brueggeman) Towne. He was the oldest of 3 siblings, Faith Fowler (Steve), Russell and Ted. Chuck attended 2 yrs at Cedar Lake Academy in Michigan, and then moved to Apopka, Florida during his high school years. After putting himself through 4 years of private HS, he enlisted in the Navy from 1978-1988. He spent much of his Navy years on the Kitty Hawk and the pluck, touring Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. His rank at time of retirement was a BMC (Boatswain Mate Chief). He spent 8 years active duty and 2 years in the reserves. He was stationed in San Diego and did some reserve time in Hawaii. Chuck was very proud of his service years and the years spent in the Navy.
He moved to Minnesota in 1986, and married Jacci on December 28,2007 after being together for 15 years prior. He was a job supervisor for 23 years at Diversified Construction. He had a strong work ethic and put his heart and soul into every job he did. He was a perfectionist. Chuck loved the outdoors. Bow hunting and ice fishing were at the top of his list, and other outdoor activities he enjoyed throughout life were dirt biking and mountain biking. Chuck and Jacci spent a lot weekends camping and horseback riding the last few years. They loved to kayak and spending time on the lake. His hobbies were endless: wood working, wood art, wood carving, leather work, axe and knife collector, axe throwing. He was always creating and trying something new.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Jacci; daughters and son, Lauren (Ben) Styba, Eva Towne (fiancé, Adam Brown), Pete (Ashley) Towne, Erin Baudoin, and Sara Webster; grand children, Violet and Alice, Elliot, Chance, Luke and Amos, Jason and Dylan, Kali and Jaydan; father, Charles L. Towne, II;siblings, Faith (Steve) Fowler, Russell Towne and Ted Towne. Chuckwas preceded in death by his mother, Delpha E. (Brueggeman) Towne; brothers-in-law, Russell Ferron and Kevin Ferron.
Visitation Friday, April 22, 2022, from 1-3 PM, followed by Celebration of Chuck’s Life at 3 PM, all at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Avenue East, Shakopee, MN, 952-445-2755. Private family intermentwith fullmilitary honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
Denny Siemers
Published May 08, 2023 at 3:53 PM
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On March 5, 2023, Dennis Clarence Siemers passed from this world. His energy & passion seemed boundless. Denny lead or participated in several organizations that promoted family & civil rights, affordable housing, community outreach, & promoting credit unions.
An extrovert driven toward entrepreneurship & service, he was born Feb 27,1953 in Crosby, MN in a snowstorm to (alleged bootleggers turned) family resort owners, who lost & rebuilt everything twice, while facing several family tragedies.
A loving father, he was Sailor of The Year (on more than once occasion in the US Navy. He lived in the Twin Cities through the ‘80s & ‘90s. His last 20+ years spent burning the midnight oil as the CEO of Town & Country Credit Union in Harlan, IA. He earned the name “Mr. Christmas” for his jubilant laugh and by creating dazzling community light displays. Many recount the meaningful ways his private generosity touched their lives.
He was preceded in death by parents Kenneth & Hazel Siemers, sister Tammy, brothers David Barthelemy & Richard (Jerry) Siemers. Survived by son Ryan (Megan) Siemers, grandchildren Nora & Connor, former wife Nancy Siemers & siblings, Nancy Kokesh, Linda McGillis, Glenda (Mike) Murphy, Doug Siemers, Patti (Rick) Baillif, & Sharon (Daryl) Hanson, & dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, & hundreds of close friends.
A celebration of life will be on May 26 for MN family & friends in Milaca at Gorecki Community Center (in Recreation Park) at 10AM. Picnic style food & festivities to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please share a new story about your life with a loved one. Then make a donation to Shelby County Community Outreach.
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