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Obituaries

Most Recent Northfield Deaths—June 24, 2013

Here are the most recent people to pass away in Northfield or who had ties to Northfield.

Here are the most recent people to pass away in Northfield or who had ties to Northfield:

Alyssa Simonson, 13

Alyssa Simonson, age 13 of Northfield, passed away suddenly Thursday, June 20, 2013 at her home. Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, June 26, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with burial at the Valley Grove Cemetery of rural Nerstrand. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-8:00 pm at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield and at the Church on Wednesday 1 hour prior to Services.

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Alyssa is survived by her parents Troy Simonson of Northfield and Laura Simonson of Farmington; sisters Sarah Simonson, Emily Simonson, Josephine Simonson and Kaylee Wierson; brothers Hunter and Ashton Simonson all of Northfield; grandparents Sandra Simonson of Fort Meyers, FL, Lenny Simonson of Nerstrand, Richard Wierson of Northfield, and Mary Wierson of Farmington; aunts Niki Carlson of Faribault and Tanja Thompson of Ft Meyers, FL; and by many cousins and other relatives.

A complete obituary will follow.

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Funeral arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.


David Rodgers, 20

David Patrick Rodgers was born March 15, 1993, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to Kevin and Nanette (Lynch) Rodgers. He was baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Shakopee and at the age of three moved with his family to Seville, Ohio. In 1999, along with his new little brother Adam, the family returned to Minnesota, living in Northfield. David attended Sibley School, Northfield Middle School and Northfield High School, graduating in 2011. During high school, amongst other things, David was active in RALIE, varsity wrestling and football, as an umpire for little league and as a coach with Northfield Community Ed. He was currently in his sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

David was passionate about his family, his friends, juggling, sports and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His kindness showed in his work with autistic students and his desire to always be inclusive with people, not exclusive. He was loving known as his mom’s “protector” and his family and friends will truly miss the joy he brought to their lives.

Survivors include his parents, Kevin and Nan of Northfield; his brother, Adam; his grandparents, Ron and Judy Rodgers of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; his aunts and uncle: Penny and Ray Perorazio of East Liverpool, Ohio, Robbin Blewitt of East Liverpool, Lynn Birk of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Patrick and Tracy Lynch, his aunt Carrie Ward and his uncle Randy Birk.

David passed away unexpectedly on Friday evening, April 19, 2013, in Eau Claire, at the age of 20.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, June 28, 2013, at Emmaus Church in Northfield with Rev. Will Healy officiating. Music will be provided by Craig Wasner and Rob Ryden. Honorary Pall Bearers are Adam Rodgers, Thomas DeSutter, Blake Finger, Ryan Fitz, Ben Johnson, Alex Karan, Copper Schultz and Nate Thomas. Visitation will be 3-7PM Thursday, June 27, 2003, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to the David Rodgers’ Scholarship at Northfield High School or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com


Joanne Kay Anderson, 65

Joanne Kay (Née Anderson) Anderson, age 65 of Mpls, MN. After a tough struggle with health issues resulting from lung cancer and heart disease, Joanne's strong spirit let her go peacefully on June 15, 2013. Born and raised in Northfield MN, 1965 graduate of Nfld HS. Preceded in death by her parents, Ruby& Harold Anderson; husband, Neil Anderson; granddaughter, Helena; and sister, Shirley Gould. Survived by children, Margo (Ben) Herbert, Mark Anderson, and Mitchell (Alicia) Anderson; grandchildren, Mark Jr., Shannon, Daisy, Alex, Michael, and Amaris; brother, Vern Tonsager; sisters, Darlene Endres and Roxanne Judkin; and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Friday 5 PM at BRADSHAW (McDivitt- Hauge), 3131 Minnehaha Ave. So. Visitation two hours prior at BRADSHAW. Bradshaw 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South 612-724-3621


Roy Grow, 71

Roy Grow, age 71 of Northfield and long time professor at Carleton College, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2013 at his home. Memorial Services will be held at 9:45 am Friday, June 21st at Skinner Memorial Chapel on the Carleton College Campus. A reception will follow the Service.

Roy Grow is survived by his wife Mary Lewis Grow; son Lewis Grow and wife Meredith Champlin of Beijing, China; sister Sandra (Henry) Brawner of Charleston, SC; and brother Richard (Carol) Grow of Berkeley, CA.

Arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.


James Molkenbur, 70

James Richard Molkenbur was born on April 4, 1943, in Crookston, Minnesota to Robert and Frances (Browne) Molkenbur. He moved to St. Paul as a toddler and remained there until his marriage to Sandra Achartz in 1969. The couple moved to Northfield in 1976 and there they raised their three daughters Catherine, Andrea, and Tami.

Jim was especially proud of his military service. He was a flight dispatcher in the Air Force, rising to the rank of Sergeant prior to being honorably discharged in 1967. His time in England and his varied travels provided material for many a story.

Jim was a twenty-nine year employee of Fairway Foods, until he was forced to retire due to Parkinson’s disease. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 503 and a dedicated union man.

Jim actively participated in the Minnesota DFL at both the county and state levels. He served in various capacities on different committees and campaigns. He was fond of telling his daughters, “If you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain!”

Jim loved traveling, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. He visited all 50 states and 43 state capitals, in addition to 12 countries. Photographs from his many trips are among the treasures he leaves behind.

His hobbies reflected his love of transportation. He was an avid model railroader and a member of both the Northfield Model Railroad Club and the Soo Line Historical Society. He collected model planes and airline schedules.

In Jim’s adult life, he battled many health issues including leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and the congestive heart failure which took him from us. Even when he was at his sickest, he never failed to delight in being “Grandpa Jim” to Ellie, Annie, Mason, and Nora.

Jim’s story ended on Sunday evening, June 16, 2013, in Northfield, as the combination of his medical issues proved too great. Although gone from us now, he lives on in our hearts and memories.

Those left to treasure his memory include his wife Sandy; his daughters, Catherine Molkenbur-Newman (David) of Framingham, Massachusetts; Andrea (Bruce) Dibble of Solon, Iowa; and Tami Molkenbur of St. Paul; his beloved grandchildren, Ellie and Annie Newman, and Mason and Nora Dibble; his sister Mary of St. Paul, and his brother John (Donna) of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents. A special thank you to the staff of Daisy Lane at Three Links for the kindness and care shown to him.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:30AM, Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. John Quam officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Visitation will be 4-7PM Monday, July 1, 2013, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorials are preferred to the Three Links Care Center Bus Fund.

Arrangements are pending with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. www.northfieldfuneral.com

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