Pearl Oeltjenbruns, 94, Claremont

Pearl Twylla Oeltjenbruns, age 94, of Claremont, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna. 

She was born on Dec. 14, 1931, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of the late George and Laura (Bye) Henkle.

Pearl was united in marriage to William Oeltjenbruns on Aug. 6, 1988, in Mantorville and moved onto his farm outside of Claremont. The couple would travel to Canterbury Downs to race the horses they cared for on the farm. Pearl enjoyed time with William at the cabin in northern Minnesota, reading, watching movies, visiting casinos in Iowa and Minnesota, and feeding the barn cats.

She is survived by her children: Barth "Skip" (Connie) Ackerson, Terry (Brad) Krueger-Rekow, George (Virginia) Ackerson, and Jennelle Buhr; stepdaughter, Bonnie Schmoll; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and her supportive friends, Debbie and Marvin Spindler.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William; son, Wally; stepson, Brent Oeltjenbruns; stepson-in-law, Phillip Schmoll; brothers: Gene, Howard, Robert Sr., Jerry Sr., James, and infant, Paul; and sister, Darlyce Davidson.

Pearl’s family and friends would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Pearl will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Claremont following the luncheon at the funeral home.