This week, our community said goodbye to arguably one of the most influential and respected faith leaders in decades here in Dodge County, certainly in my lifetime. Someone my family loved dearly - Pastor Curtis Johnson. Pastor Johnson took on the call to minister at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson in 1961, a church that quickly grew into the largest congregation in the county while I was growing up in the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

Minnesota Senator Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, is one of the latest victims of COVID-19.
Sparks reported on Monday that after experiencing flu-like symptoms, he tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 8.
“The week of Oct. 5, I began to feel unwell and experience flu-like symptoms leading to my decision to voluntarily quarantine,” Sparks said. “After consulting with my doctor, I was tested for COVID-19 on Oct. 8.”

I’m growing weary of the conflicting political polls offered up nationally, yard signs that scream for attention in the neighborhoods, political ads on television, social media and newscasters who are more opinion-caster than they are objective purveyors of news.
I’d rather focus on local folks.

Duane Arthur Kuhlmann, the “Colonel” joined his beloved bride, Dorothy, in heaven September 23. He was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully at home.
Duane was born Dec. 15, 1923 in Northwood, Iowa to Jenny Messenger Kuhlmann and Sophus Kuhlmann.   Duane and his three younger brothers Hugh, Kenneth and Lyle were raised in Byron, where Sophus and Jenny owned and operated the local grain elevator business.

Helen was born on Sept. 28, 1926 in Rochester to Fred and Alma Schoenfelder. She was raised in Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School in 1944.
On Oct. 22, 1944 she was married to Ward H. McIntire. They resided in Rochester with their three daughters, Barbara, Susan and Terry. She worked for the Mayo Clinic for 24 years before retiring.

Fred William Spading, 92, longtime resident of Kasson, passed away on Sept. 22, 2020 surrounded by family and next to his beloved wife of 68 years, Lorraine Spading (Parkin).
Fred was born to Harold and Mabel (Tillotson) Spading on April 19, 1928, in New Haven Township, Minn. He graduated from Pine Island High School in 1946 where he played with unmatched skill and strength as right guard on the football team.

Rev. Curtis Hubert Johnson, age 88, died on Oct. 10, 2020 of congestive heart failure at his home at The Waters on Mayowood Road in Rochester.
Johnson was born Nov. 29, 1931 in Lanesboro, to Peter and Maria (Jensson) Johnson. He was baptized on Nov. 29, 1931 into the family of God.