Month: July 2020

Bruce Allen Mjoen, 73, a longtime Crookston, MN resident, passed away Monday evening, April 6, 2020, in the Villa St. Vincent with his loving family at his side.

Bruce was born at Valley City, ND on November 29, 1946, the oldest of 3 children of the union of Gordon R. and Betty Mae (Schulz) Mjoen. Gordon managed several S & L Stores throughout the region and spent time in several cities before coming to Crookston in 1960. Bruce graduated from Crookston’s Central High School with the Class of 1964. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard on January 27, 1964 and received his honorable discharge on January 26, 1970. In late 1964 he began working for Piggly Wiggly in Fargo, and on July 24, 1965 was united in marriage to Marlys Rae Johnston at the First Presbyterian Church in Crookston. Bruce was later transferred by Piggly Wiggly to Minot, ND. He and Marlys returned to Crookston in early 1966 with their infant daughter, Robin. Darin and Dustin would later be born in Crookston. For the next few years Bruce was employed at the Red Owl Store and later Woolworth’s. In 1968 he enrolled at the University of Minnesota Technical College in Crookston, earning an Associate degree in Marketing Management in 1970. He then accepted a sales position with Keebler Cookies before assuming management of the Viking Bar & Lounge. In 1972 Bruce and Marlys purchased the local Montgomery Ward Catalog Agency. From 1975 through 1980 they expanded their business to include a clothing store known as Dustin’s For Men. After selling Montgomery Ward in 1983, Bruce began his career in automotive sales with Nelson Motors, which later became known as Crookston Motors. In 2007 he began employment in the same capacity with Brost Chevrolet. While he retired in December of 2011, he continued to remain available to his clientele. In March of this year Bruce made his 4,365th sale; truly a remarkable and very successful career.

Bruce was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a former Elder and Deacon. Additionally, he was a great supporter of the Blue Line Club, United Way, UMC Teambackers, and Pirate Boosters, and held memberships in Eagles Aerie #873, American Legion Post #20, the Crookston Chamber of Commerce, Crookston Colonels, was past-president of the Retail Merchants’ Association, a former shareholder and longtime member of Minakwa Golf Club, and a former member of the Elks Lodge. Over the years Bruce and Marlys enjoyed traveling throughout the country and spending part of the winter in Gold Canyon, AZ. Family and friends’ activities included attending stock car races, golfing, playing racquetball and pickle ball, and snowmobiling. Attending UND Fighting Sioux Hockey games was a highlight, and Bruce and Marlys especially enjoyed the Hall of Fame game in Las Vegas with their sons in 2018.

Bruce was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in May of 2019. Marlys and the family joined him as together they united to fight the dreaded illness for as long as possible. Throughout, Bruce remained hopeful and positive; and was an inspiration to caregivers, fellow chemo patients, and friends alike. Bruce loved his daughter and sons and was so proud of all their accomplishments.  He wouldn’t miss any of his grandchildren’s school activities and his great-grandchildren thought “Grandpa Bruce” was the best.

Grateful to have shared in Bruce’s life is Marlys, his beloved wife, best friend, and adventure partner for over 54 years; their 3 children and spouses: Robin and Jim Reitmeier of Crookston, MN, Darin and Dawn Mjoen of Savage, MN, and Dustin and Laurie Mjoen of Moorhead, MN; 6 grandchildren, Kristi (Erik) Griffin of Crookston, Jackie (Brandon) Otway of Grand Rapids, MN, Kelly (Michael) Beiswenger of Crookston, Madelyn Mjoen, a student at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, Sydney Mjoen, a student at UND, Grand Forks, and Luc Mjoen, a Senior at Moorhead High School; 2 step-grandchildren, Cassie Sumers (Ashley Blanchard) of Moorhead, and Joe (Molly) Sumers of Moorhead; 3 great-grandchildren: Lily and Evelyn Griffin, and Noah Otway; and 4 step-greatgrandchildren: Joe, Julianna, Maddox, and Maggie Sumers. He also leaves a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Howard Reitmeier of Lewiston, ID; brother, Scott Mjoen of Crookston; 2 aunts, Elva Jean Pederson of San Marcos, CA and Mary Meras of Cameron Park, CA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Roger Janssen of Crookston; sister-in-law, Patty Johnston of Sussex, WI; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and a host of friends.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents: Gordon and Betty Mjoen; sister-in-law, Linda Mjoen; nephew, Eric Reitmeier; parents-in-law, Joseph and Sara Johnston; brother-in-law, Elwood Johnston; and nephew, Michael Anthony Johnston. Blessed be the memory of Bruce Allen Mjoen.

Bruce’s life will be honored at a Memorial Service to be held at the Crookston Sports Center at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, July 28, 2020 with Trey Everett, Celebrant. Visitation will be Monday, July 27, from 5-7:00 pm at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service and Sharing of Memories. Visitation will also be at the Sports Center for one hour prior to the funeral. Social distancing will be observed at both services and masks are definitely recommended. Please be advised that after the family is seated, seating for friends will be limited to 50 at the Funeral Home and 250 at the Sports Center. To view the service in real-time, shortly before 2:00 pm on July 28th please login on your streaming device (desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or ipad) to https://perkinsmediagroup.com/bvslivestream/ or connect through the link on the Stenshoel-Houske website and opening to Bruce’s obituary. Inurnment will take place in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston, with Military Honors provided by the Minnesota National Guard Honors Team of Moorhead, and the Crookston Veterans Council.

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Erwin Arthur “Mike” Reitmeier, 87, a lifelong Crookston MN farmer, passed away early Sunday morning, March 29, 2020, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND, of injuries received from a fall at his home Saturday.

Mike was born on the family farm in Lowell Township near Crookston on September 7, 1932, the son of Edward H. and Ida (Wentzel) Reitmeier. He was the seventh son of the seventh son. Mike was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended a nearby country school to the 8^th grade. His high school years were spent at Fisher High School where he graduated with the Class of 1949. He then began farming. On September 26, 1953 Mike was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Preisen, who would become not only his wife but his best friend for the next fifty-one years. The ceremony took place at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Crookston. Mike entered the US Army on June 15, 1954 and following basic training was stationed in Germany as a crane operator with the 547^th Engineering Battalion. He would later serve as a radio operator with the 552^nd Engineering Company until ending his tour of duty and returning to Fort Sheridan, Illinois. For his service to his country he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation (Germany) Medal, Marksmanship Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. He received his honorable discharge on March 28, 1956, and joined Barb and their firstborn son, Michael, as they settled into life on their Lowell Township farmstead. Their marriage would continue to be blessed in the coming years by two precious daughters, Mari Beth and Lori.

Mike enjoyed having his son work with him on the farm during the 1970s. He was a longtime member of the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers’ Association and was a former president of the Sugar Beet Haulers’ Board. He was also a past-president of Crookston’s Cenex Board and held memberships in Crookston American Legion Post #20 and VFW Post #1902. As a devoted member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Mike served on the church council for several years and was a former president of the congregation. Mike and Barb, affectionately known as “BJ”, looked forward to spending time each summer at Arneson’s Rocky Point on Lake of the Woods. Sadly, Barb passed away quite unexpectedly of a heart attack on February 25, 2005. Their son, Michael, was reunited with his mother on September 14, 2012, after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Later in life, Mike enjoyed the companionship and love of his fiancé, Joan Clemenson of Crookston. Illness would take Joan to her heavenly home on January 3, 2012.

Part of being born as a son of Edward and Ida was exclusive membership in “the band of brothers”; seven boys who enjoyed a lifetime of each other’s company, whether it be fishing on Lake of the Woods or deer hunting in the Beltrami Island Forest. For the “boys” the much-anticipated deer hunt meant weeks of pre-planning; a week or so of the hunt itself; and then the fun of an entire winter spent gathering to relive the hunt and tell stories. Their great shared pride would come over the years as sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons were admitted to the annual ritual. And now the Band is back together!

Bowling was a favorite pastime of Mike’s as he participated in the Farmer’s League and with BJ in the Thursday evening Mixed Doubles League. He was also an avid card player. Mari Beth and Lori often recalled how much their Dad loved shooting skunks that wandered into the yard, or even if they just came close to the yard. Some of Mike’s out-buildings, the deck, and a wooden fence all had bullet holes attesting to his enthusiasm for the necessary task. A special memory shared by Lori, “Dad taught me how to fix anything, to tackle any project no matter how big or small, and to never be afraid of trying or doing anything. But most of all, he gave me my faith.” Mike will be very sadly missed by all who were part of his life.

Loving family members include Mike’s two daughters, a partner, and a son-in-law, Mari Beth Reitmeier and Mary Ann Hehr of Fargo, ND, and Lori Jean and Randy Wolff of East Grand Forks, MN; six grandchildren: Alison Haskell and husband, Brad, of Lewiston, ID, Heidi Waits and husband, Bryce, of Lolo, MT, Britta Hehr of Tioga, ND, Chelsea Hehr of Fargo, Cody Wolff and Erin Wolff of East Grand Forks; four great-grandchildren, Ryker and Ava Waits and Kenneth and Annika Moberg; sister-in-law, Joyce Reitmeier of the Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, MN; members of Barb’s family; and Joan Clemenson’s family including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings.

In addition to his wife, Barb; son, Michael; and fiancé, Joan; Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ida Reitmeier; parents-in-law, Bessie Rudd and Alferd Preisen; and siblings: Meda (Mike) Buness, Arnold Reitmeier (Millie Regeimbal), Willard (Grace) Reitmeier, Edward (Lucille) Reitmeier Sr., Marvin (Aldores) Reitmeier, Lloyd (Audrey) Reitmeier, and Ernest Reitmeier; a niece, Pauline Reitmeier; and nephew, Ron Reitmeier. May God bless their memories and the memory of Erwin “Mike” Reitmeier.

The funeral service honoring the life of Mike Reitmeier will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will take place at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service including the sharing of memories of Mike. COVID-19 restrictions in effect on those dates will be observed with social distancing and masks recommended. A complimentary mask will be available if you do not have one. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Minnesota National Guard Honors Team, Moorhead, and the Crookston Veterans Council. Special thanks go out to Mike’s caregivers, Stephen and Barbara Erickson, and Trudy Smith. Memorials may be given in Mike’s name to Our Savior’s School.

www.stenshoelhouske.com