Bradley James Friesen, 44, formerly of International Falls, Minn., and currently of Blaine, Minn., was tragically called home Dec. 22, 2014, from injuries sustained Dec. 17.
Brad was born in International Falls on Sept. 21, 1970, to Lloyd “Bud” and Regina (Tomczak) Friesen.
He was raised in International Falls and graduated from Falls High School in 1989.
Brad married Michelle Rofinot on Nov. 20, 1999.
Brad and Michelle lived in Duluth, Minn., from 1994 until 2002 and moved to Blaine in 2002.
He spent most of his life as a private investigator but was currently attending college in Thief River Falls for a career change in (Drone) Imagery Analysis. He was so excited about this field and it was likely to be a major move to Texas.
Brad enjoyed spending his weekends cooking, grilling and was known for his BBQ creation “Fat Pig” Sauce, which was his hobby. This hobby will carry on in his honor by his family and friends.
Brad was also a huge sports fan and extremely dedicated to his Minnesota teams (Go Vikes).
Summers were filled with entertaining on The Big Easy and fishing on Rainy Lake with his brothers and friends.
He was a devoted and loving husband and father. Brad was such a huge presence in our lives. The laughter and wit he brought to us can never be replaced.
A husband, father, son, uncle and cousin, family meant everything to Brad.
He is also very missed by his three rescue love bugs, Penny, Scooby and Buddy.
Brad was preceded in death by his father and niece, Kimmy Morin.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughters, Alexis and Paige; sister, Debbie; brothers, Bob and Brian; nephew, Tyler; and numerous loving uncles, aunts and cousins.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, International Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be preferred to Borderland Humane Society (150 Cedar Road, International Falls, MN 56649) or North Star Hospice (2716 Crescent Drive, Suite 1, International Falls, MN 56649) in Brad’s memory.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
Mabel Cantrell, age 89, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., formerly of rural Waubun, Minn., died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at Essentia Oak Crossing, Detroit Lakes, under care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Mabel J. Bellanger was born in International Falls, Minn., on Feb. 21, 1925, the daughter of Emma Goodwin and John Bellanger.
She grew up and graduated from high school in International Falls. Following graduation, she began working at Mando/Boise Cascade.
In 1952, Mabel was united in marriage to Christopher Cantrell Jr. in International Falls.
The couple remained in International Falls, where they were both employed at the Boise Cascade steam plant.
They were blessed with one child, Chris Cantrell and then later with one grandchild, Cade Johnson.
After their retirement, Chris and Mabel made their home in Hot Springs, Ark., and enjoyed traveling to Arizona. In 1989, they moved to South Twin Lake, located east of Waubun, to spend their retirement years.
Chris passed away in December of 2010 and Mabel relocated to Winchester Apartments in Detroit Lakes in 2011. Due to declining health, Mabel moved to Oak Crossing last year.
In addition to traveling, Mabel enjoyed spending time outdoors. She liked camping, fishing and hunting.
She was a member of Church of the Nazarene in International Falls and later attended Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush.
Mabel is survived by a son, Chris (Kayla) Cantrell of Dilworth, Minn.; a grandson, Cade Johnson of International Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Christopher; and three siblings, Ted, Evelyn and Louise.
A memorial service led by Pastor Julie Malone was was conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, Minn., with a time of gathering one hour prior.
Burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minn.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen and Winger, Minn.
Michael Savard, of Phoenix, Ariz., passed Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, peacefully at his home with his family by his side. He was 71.
Michael was born May 2, 1943, in International Falls, Minn., and was a longtime resident in Arizona.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mildred Savard; and his sister, Christine Porter.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy, of Phoenix; two daughters, Cyndi Bush (Mike) and Heather Savard of Phoenix; sister, Susan Savard (Joel Hase) of International Falls; step children, Vicky Vos of Phoenix, Debra Vos of Bussey, Iowa, Lori Kreykes (Loren) of Pleasantville, Iowa, Rick Vos of Bussey, and Daniel Vos (Catie) of Spencer, Iowa. He also leaves 16 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
He enjoyed working in his shop, traveling, and volunteering for the City of Phoenix’s ACE program through the police department.
He also treasured his time hanging out with his friends and loved ones.
The family is deeply grateful for all of the love and support given to Michael during his journey.
A reception will take place in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to MD Anderson Cancer Center, American Diabetes Association or Hospice of the Valley.
Graveside services and a reception will be conducted in International Falls in late spring. Details will be published at a later time.
Jean A. (Eide) Hanson, passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, at Avamere Memory Unit in St. Helens, Ore.
Jean was born in Littlefork, Minn., on July 10, 1934, to Clarence and Mildred Eide.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Mildred Eide; her husband, Pedar Sjolsvold; her husband, Michael Newman; her husband, Richard Hanson; sister, Amy; and brother, Leo.
She is survived by her children, Thelma, Daniel and Lourie, as well as grandchildren Brandy, J, Britta, Peter, George and John. She is also survived by brothers, Perry and Peter, and sisters, Barbara and Connie. In addition, Jean is survived by her stepdaughter/caregiver, Debbie Mortenson and her children Troy, Janet and Michael.
Jean will be laid to rest beside her husband Richard in Mentor, Minn.
Former Littlefork resident Doris Hair, 84, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015.
She was born Oct. 3, 1930.
Survivors include her daughter, Della Oien and sons, Robert Jr. “Bob” (Judy), Richard (Debbie), Rodney (Margie) and Randy (Jodie).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sr.
Memorial services will take place at a later date.
