Carol Mae Laier, age 87, of Taylors Falls, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, peacefully at home with her family by her side. Carol was born Sept. 19, 1937, to Harold and Marian Anderson of Centuria, Wisconsin, the oldest of two children. Carol took on responsibilities beyond her years at age 13 when she began caring for her mother who suffered from multiple sclerosis. Carol attended Deer Lake and Maple Grove country grade schools and graduated from Saint Croix Falls High School in 1955. After high school she attended the Saint Croix Falls Teachers’ College and received [...]

  Steven Paul Williams, 63, of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. Steve was born on May 24, 1961, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to parents, Paul and Patricia Williams. He moved to Balsam Lake when he was 17 years old and attended Unity High School. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Laura (Reed) Williams, his wife of 41 years. Steve served in the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard. Steve was well-known by all and a pillar of the Balsam Lake community. He led and planned [...]

Beverly “Bev” Proulx died peacefully from heart disease at Lindstrom Senior Living in Lindstrom on Jan. 3, 2025. Known as Mrs. Proulx to generations of students in North Branch (1964–72) and Rush City (1972–98) public schools, Bev taught high school and advanced-placement English, coached speech, and directed theater programs. She was known for her high standards, compassion, sense of humor, and unwavering advocacy for her students of all backgrounds and abilities. After retiring from the classroom, Bev found a new vocation in textile arts, including the design, making, and historic preservation of quilts as a distinctive art of women across [...]

  Fay West (Hanson), age 91, died peacefully at Good Samaritan in Maplewood, Minnesota, on Jan. 24, 2025. She was born on Sept. 16, 1933, in Barron, Wisconsin, to parents Helmer Hanson and Lillian Myers. Fay grew up in Luck, Wisconsin, along with her sister Donna Lange. Fay was close with her sister. It made her very happy when in their later years they were able to live across the hall from each other. Family was everything to her and she loved attending all the many family functions. A few years after graduating high school she married Don Roach and [...]

Maylene Trudeau, age 75, of Amery, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. Maylene was born on Feb. 17, 1949, in Webster, Wisconsin, to Francis “Butch” and Aleene (McPheeters) O’Brien. She grew up in Webster, graduating from Webster High School in 1967. After high school, Maylene moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she began working at Univac and met Wallace Trudeau. Maylene and Wally were married in 1971 and later moved to Wisconsin where they raised their two children, Chad and Natalie. After moving to Wisconsin, Maylene started working at Dynatronix, where she [...]

Barbara Claire Pelle, 83, of Frederic, Wisconsin, was called home by Jesus on Feb. 8, 2025, to spend eternity with Him. Barbara was born Sept. 28, 1941, to Vern and Sylvia (Hendricks) Larson and was raised in Superior, Wisconsin. While growing up, she enjoyed spending time at the cabin and at the family homestead farm on Pine Lake near Luck. After graduating from Superior Central High School, Barbara moved with her parents and sisters to California where she met the love of her life and was married a year later. After 16 years in California, Barbara was drawn back to her [...]

  Jeffrey Phillip Butler, passed away on Jan. 31, 2025. After a brief illness, Jeff passed peacefully comforted by family and friends. Jeff was born on Aug. 20, 1952 in Frederic, Wisconsin to Phillip and Mary Jane Butler. Jeff Butler, a proud Army veteran and an avid outdoorsman, dedicated his life to helping fellow veterans heal through nature-based experiences. His passion for canoeing, hunting, fishing, and gathering around a campfire provided countless veterans an opportunity for peace, camaraderie, renewal, and sobriety. He is survived by siblings and many friends. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Minneapolis VA Medical Center - [...]