RESTING IN JESUS

Rev 21:4 – “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  

Crowell, Pr. Frederick Eli

Pastor Fred Crowell ministered through the Adventist Church for decades.  He had served as a pastor and a conference departmental director.  On October 28, 2020, the Conference received word from Pastor Tyson Kahler in our Detroit Lakes district informing us that Pastor Fred passed away that afternoon.  Many of us had received encouragement from him through his compassion, steadiness, and good-natured sense of humor.  He was serving as pastor in the Detroit Lakes district when he decided to retire a couple of years ago.  He will be fondly remembered.  “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”  (Revelation 14:13 KJV) 

Daniels, Eric Dane

Eric Dane Daniels was born in Pipestone, Minnesota to Dan and Sandra (Johnson) Daniels on May 18, 1992. He was the firstborn grandchild of both his maternal and paternal grandparents, so he quickly captured their hearts.  At the age of three, Eric’s family moved from Pipestone to Rochester, MN. Eric made new friends in the neighborhood, started grade school and became a member of the Rochester Boychoir. He had a beautiful voice, and sang his first solo, “Angels We Have Heard on High” at the age of five. Six years later, his family moved to Garretson, South Dakota. Next was a move to Hutchinson MN, where he had the opportunity to make many great memories with his extended family there. Another move took him to Gentry, AR. While in eighth grade, he went to the state level of the National Geography Bee. He was also an active member of the Pathfinder  Bible Bowl team and earned the privilege of going to the finals in Colorado. It was during the years in Arkansas, that Eric developed an interest in paintball and became an avid paintball player. He enjoyed making his paintball videos and sharing them on YouTube. Eric also attended Maplewood Academy for several years and enjoyed playing his baritone horn in the band and singing in the select singing group called Choraliers.  In July of 2007, Eric and his family moved to Detroit Lakes. Eric called this his home. He started Eric and Dad’s Paintball Sports. He also earned his CNA license and worked with his father at St. Mary’s Nursing Home. The residents appreciated his caring spirit and the interest he took in them. He always loved history, so he enjoyed listening to their stories. After graduating with his GED, he decided to get his truck driving license. He attended school in Missouri and then began traveling all over the United States. He had many interesting tales of his journeys. Eric was a gifted writer as well as a storyteller. In January 2016, he went to Union College in Lincoln NE. He started out in Elementary Education but eventually chose a career in business. He earned an Associate of Science in Accounting and an A.S. in Business Administration and would have graduated on May 10, 2020. Eric passed away on May 7, 2020. The autopsy report showed no apparent illness or trauma. He just took his last breath and was gone. Eric is preceded in death by his grandparents, Edwin and Betty Daniels and an infant aunt, Michelle Daniels. He is survived by his parents; younger sister Elizabeth; grandparents Sharon and Ivan Johnson; aunt and uncle Rebecca and Brent Johnson, as well as many beloved friends and family members.

Dickie, David

David “Dave” Dickie died peacefully, at the age of 84, on Thursday, Sept 19, 2019, at Prairie Meadows (Rose Court) in Kasson, where he was under hospice care after having Parkinson’s for the last 8 years. He was born March 29, 1935, to Merlyn and Hazel (St. Louis) Dickie in St. Peter. His parents were a farm family and during his elementary school days he lived in Kasota, Eagle Lake and West Concord. Dave graduated from high school at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, in 1953.  On October 16, 1960, Dave married Shirley Faulhaber and they were married for 58 years.  Throughout their marriage they lived in Washington, Florida and Minnesota. Dave was primarily self-employed as a painter and interior decorator, home builder, and founder and owner of Dickie Equipment Company in Auburndale Florida, which was eventually moved to Dodge Center. He also owned apartment buildings in Dodge Center and Claremont. In later business years, Dave also refurbished and sold concrete trucks and built tanning hide drums for the meat packing industry.  He enjoyed animals and raised sheep, paint horses, miniature donkeys and exotic animals. He had a special love of southern gospel and Christian music. He could play piano, organ, trombone and marimba. He also sang in the Owatonna Seventh-day Adventist church choir where he was a member.  Dave is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters Shari (Rick) Welsh and Susan (Dan) Welsh; grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brothers Ronald (Peggy) Dickie and Stephen (Donna) Dickie; brothers-in-law Nathan Walters and Robert (Pat) Faulhaber; and many nieces and  nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister, Carol Walters. Memorials can be directed toward Parkinson’s research.

Ekrem, Doris

Doris Ekrem. b. Apr. 4,1926, d. Oct.18, 2020. Doris passed away from COVID-19 at the age of 94. She was the oldest member of the Minnetonka SDA Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, and a granddaughter. She is survived by her sons Martin (Myra) and Dennis (Sher); three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

George, Lloyd

Lloyd George was born on July 27, 1927 and passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. He was a resident of Duluth, Minnesota at the time of his passing. He graduated from La Harpe High School and then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was married to Delores and was a long-time member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Hamilton, Ursula (Polensky)

Ursula S Hamilton (Polensky), born February 18, 1944 in Breslau, Silesia, Germany. Passed away May 17, 2020, Glasco, Kansas.  Preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, son and stepson. Survived by her son Alexander, brother Siegfried Polensky, granddaughters, Samantha and Kimberly Hamilton, stepdaughter Denise and stepchildren Nathan, John, Eddie, Victoria, Brian. As well as nieces and nephews.  She was an active member of the Northbrook Church, Minnesota and the Salina Church in Kansas. Graduated from Maplewood Academy and Union College with a degree in Nursing.

Hume, Albasha

Albasha Hume. A Twin Cities medical specialist who "had a passion and zeal for life that was infectious" died recently after being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the facility for which he worked.  Dr. Albasha Hume, a program manager of specialty services at Open Cities Health Center in St. Paul, died June 14, approximately one month after being diagnosed with the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. "His passion for community and public health fueled his work and desire to help others," OCHC said in a Facebook tribute to Hume. "He served as the Men’s Health Director and, along with his work as a MNSure Navigator, directly impacted countless lives. His dedication and commitment left a lasting impact, especially in the African community where he was a shining light of hope and inspiration."  Hume's colleagues told KARE 11 that he began feeling ill on May 12, and within days he was hospitalized and on a ventilator.  "Those lucky enough to know him or even meet him for a brief moment, can say that his laughter was infectious, his demeanor always welcoming and his charisma unparalleled," OCHC said.  "He had an unforgettable smile and vibrant youthful appearance. We’d often ask him what his secret was. He’d just smile and say 'have a banana' [SIC]. Al had a joyful spirit and often spoke about his family and homeland, Tanzania."  An online fundraiser is seeking to generate up to $40,000 to help make his wish of being buried in Tanzania a reality

By Joe Nelson, KARE 11 News

Johnson, Jennifer

Jennifer Lynn Lehmann was born on July 26, 1971 in Fargo, North Dakota to parents Gerold and Ann (Stickney) Lehmann. Growing up  on the family farm Jennifer enjoyed riding and driving horses with her grandpa and father. She graduated from  the Wadena High School Class of 1989. Afterward, she attended Moorhead and St. Cloud Technical Colleges. She was employed with Hallmark in Alexandria before moving to Fargo. She was employed with AmeriPride  for 23 years.  She enjoyed camping, watching and feeding birds, flowers, collecting angels and four-leaf clover, and her cat. On July 11, 2020, Jennifer, 48, passed away at her home in Fargo, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Forrest and Mildred Lehmann and Tom and Ruth Stickney; and her nephew, Chase. Jennifer is survived by her husband, Mark; parents, Jerry and Ann (Stickney) Lehmann; parents-in-law, Holger and Marion Johnson; stepdaughter, Jade (Shawn) Gilmore; brothers, Bradley (Heather) Lehmann, Alan (Danette) Lehmann; nephews and a niece; and numerous other family and friends.

Kabambe, Francis

Francis Kabambe. It is with a heavy heart we announce the death of our member and brother in Christ, Elder Francis Kabambe who slept in the Lord at the twilight of Wednesday August 26, 2020. He was a faithful member of Minneapolis First SDA Church, a strong believer and a joyous man that we will miss dearly.  Please remember his wife our Sister Elder Chimuka Kabambe, his children Cathrine (Namakau), KK, Titi, Tebuho, Nalukui(Michigan), Trevor(Michigan), and all the other siblings and family members in prayer.  A memorial service is being planned and will be communicated.  Due to COVID-19 there will not be any physical visitation, you are encouraged to reach out to the family via phone.  The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Nyangau, Dr. Moses Makori

Moses Nyangau was born on January 10, 1956,  in South Mugirango, Boige lacation, Ekona Village. Moses was the eldest son among 6 brothers and 4 sisters to his father the late Nemwel Nyangau and Janes Nyaboke who were strong believers in higher learning, and Adventist education. Moses attended  Kamagambo, Spicer Memorial College in India and finally Andrews University in Michigan. As a child, he attended Nyatwoni Primary School from 1965 to 1971, then secondary school at Kamagambo High School from 1972 to 1975. After completing his secondary education at Kamagambo in 1975, Moses began his working life as a teacher, his first and true passion. He briefly served at Nyangweta Secondary School as a Math and Chemistry teacher. After 2 years of teaching, he left Kenya for India in 1977 to pursue further studies. Initially enrolling at Spicer Memorial College, he later transferred to Jabalpur University where he completed his first degree. He then transitioned to the University of Poona, where he completed his first Master’s degree in Accounting in 1983. Soon after returning to Kenya, Moses married his bride of 35 years Grace Bonareri on October 6th 1985. Their first-born son Duncan Nyabicha was born, soon after followed by Doreen Kerubo (Miriam). For the next 10 years the family resided in Nairobi, Kenya. On Christmas day 1996, he and his family relocated to the campus of Andrew University in Berrien Springs, Michigan USA where he embarked on his second Master’s in Business Administration. Within an exact calendar year on Christmas day 1997, the Makori family relocated to Minnesota. After 35 years of professional work in accounting, he retired from the United States Postal Service in 2018. In 2018 he earned his Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in Advanced Accounting. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Adjunct Professor at The Kenya College of Accounting. He is remembered fondly by his wife, Grace; son Duncan and daughter Doreen-Miriam; his mother Janes Nyangau and brother Agnes. He was preceded in death by Dishon, Miriam, and Lazarus.

Rabens, Neil Walter

Neil W. Rabens, age 90, died peacefully in his home on May 18, 2020. His wife Darlene was close by his side.  Neil was born on June 27, 1929 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Fred and Sigrid (Rennerfeldt) Rabens. He graduated from Harding High School in 1947, and then was drafted into the Korean War where he served as a medic in an evacuation hospital. Later, he took a job in the orderly’s office at Anker Hospital (now Regions) in St. Paul and worked as an ambulance attendant for Ramsey County. It was at Anker Hospital that he met an LPN, Darlene Mae Adams. He married Darlene on April 21, 1959 in Northwood, Iowa. Unfortunately, their first child, Charlie, passed away at only 2 weeks of a congenital heart condition. They welcomed a healthy son, Michael John, born in 1962, and later a daughter, Marcie Theresa, in 1964. Neil’s next job brought them back to St. Paul, where he worked for Guyer Company as an artist and designer of toys and games. While at Guyer Co., Neil invented the spinner/colored mat game Twister with his partner Charles Foley. Game industries’ giant Milton Bradley snatched up the game, and when Twister went on the market it soon became a national best seller, an American classic, and still popular today!  In 1966, the Rabens family moved to Burnsville, MN, where another boy, Martin Lee, was born in May of 1967. In the early 1970’s, Neil & Darlene responded to the call of God and became Christians. Neil started selling Christian books from door to door, and since his assigned sales territory was farther north in Minnesota, the family sold their Burnsville home and moved to the Mora area in 1976. Providence led them to become foster parents, and one little red-haired girl named Eva they fostered from the time she was 13 months until she was 3. Eva bonded to Neil and Darlene, and they adopted Eva Sigrid on her 3rd birthday -- August 11, 1981.  CETA sponsored Neil to drive to night classes in St. Paul to learn sign painting techniques. Neil then started his own area business called “Neil’s Signs & Designs”, for which he painted custom signs and created cartoon logos and murals. He was also an accomplished author and a musician. Neil worked at the Kanabec History Center for 14 years, before he finally retired.  Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Sigrid Rabens; his brother, Fritz; and his sisters, Georgene, Helen, and Vivian. He is survived by his wife Darlene of Mora, MN, his son Michael (Amy) Rabens of Kuwait City, Kuwait; daughter Marcie (David) Maddox of Sartell, MN; son Martin with partner Kearston of Wallingford, CT; daughter Eva of North Branch, MN and fiancée Kyle, along with many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was a faithful member of the Cambridge Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Refugia, Junnette Tayko

Junnette Tayko Refugia, 62, Flandreau, South Dakota, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center. Junnette was born on June 8, 1958 in Siaton, Negros Oriental Philippines to Dionesio Palador and Cecilia Tayko and adopted by Bautista Tayko and Catalina Villamil. Junnette attended East Visayan Academy in Cebu, Philippines and later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Mountain View College in Buludnon, Philippines. She was a member of the graduating class of 1979 who referred to themselves as the “Icons.” The Icons would move to all corners of the world, but still managed to stay close, including a recent reunion cruise in the Caribbean. To this day, her classmates continue to refer to her as the “Nightingale.” While working in Saudi Arabia, Junnette gave birth to her only child and her most prized possession, her daughter Karen. Junnette and Karen later moved to the United States, including stops in Bakersfield CA, McAllen TX and finally in Flandreau South Dakota, which she would call home for the next 20 years. Junnette became a staple and matriarch of the Flandreau Filipino community where she was greatly loved and referred to by all as “Ate Junnette” or “Mama Karen.” She will forever be remembered by her family and friends for her selflessness, her sense of humor, and her extreme devotion to the Word of God. She remained positive and optimistic through all of her health issues while working as a nurse at Riverview Manor in Flandreau and supporting her daughter Karen. Junnette recently became a Grandmother to three beautiful boys. She felt so blessed by the Lord that she was able to meet them, even though she was taken from them far too soon. Her family and friends are comforted that she is no longer in pain, and that she was ready to be with the Lord, whenever her day should come.  She is survived by her daughter Karen Werner (Ryan), and her grandsons Giles Werner, Harrison Werner,  Theodore Werner, sister Jubilee Gaje, nephew Gheddy Gaje, niece Gelden Gaje and her brothers Mishael Tayko and Dionesio Tayko. Junnette is preceded in death by her parents Bautista Tayko and Catalina Villamil, her sister Violeta Tayrus and brother James Tayko.

Thompson Furst, Connie

Connie Thompson Furst was born May 18, 1950 in Fargo, North Dakota, the daughter of Kermit and Jean (Madsen) Harmon. She passed away September 22, 2020 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo.  She grew up and attended school in Fargo, graduating from North High School in 1968. As a child, Connie traveled with her family due to her parents’ involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  On March 28, 1970 she was united to Harland Thompson in the Methodist church in Fargo, North Dakota. They made their home in eastern South Dakota living in the communities of Watertown, Milbank, and Summit. In 1990 the family moved to Detroit lakes and Connie was very active with Pathfinders Youth Group. She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary and helped organize veteran events with Harland.  Connie was the secretary at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Detroit Lakes, and served on boards over the years.  She enjoyed all things outdoors; birdwatching, flower gardening and taking her family on nature walks. She baked, canned, crocheted, and knitted hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for the kids. Connie taught piano lessons and was in her second generation teaching the kids of her first students. Connie collected postcards at a young age with her mother and collected stamps with her father.  On December 16, 2018 she married Robert Furst. Connie’s parents purchased a place in Arizona in 1990, and several trips were made to Arizona over the years.  Connie volunteered in family history and geology.  Connie is survived by her husband Robert “Bob” Furst; children: Kim (Mike) Meyer, Kristine (USA LTC (R) Alex) James, Reade (Rachel Mays) Thompson; grandchildren: Michael Botzet, Cole James, Kenneth Thompson, Brianne Forman, Kari Meyer,  Bryant James and her parents Kermit and Jean Harmon.  Connie was preceded in death her husband, Harland Thompson in 2012; a sister in infancy Debbie.  The family is requesting memorials to be sent to DAVA unit 31 as both Connie and Harland were life members.