Obituaries - Nov. 30, 2018

Harold C. Cole

Harold C. “Hal” Cole, 98, of New London, died on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at the Grace Living Community of GlenOaks in New London. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Burial was at Lebanon Cemetery in New London. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

He was blessed with an enduring faith in the Lord who now welcomes him home. Hal’s positive attitude and caring spirit will live on in all whose lives were touched by him.

Harold was born on Sept. 9, 1920, in rural Hanley Falls, to parents Hannah and Lewis Cole. Following high school, he attended the University of Minnesota and the MN School of Business. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, where he attained the rank of Ensign, and served in the Philippines until 1946. While on leave he married Phyllis Tollefson, of Granite Falls, in 1945. To this union his children Autumn Vicki Cole and Lewis John Cole were born. Sadly, daughter Nancy Jean Cole passed away at ten months from the Asian Flu in 1959.

Hal started his banking career in Montevideo, and then became president of Murray County State Bank in Slayton, from 1954-1962. His family moved to New London in 1962 after he and Phyllis purchased the First State Bank (now United MN Bank). They also opened Cole’s Real Estate and New London Insurance Agency. After selling the bank in 1974, he remained on the board of directors until retiring at age 86, after 60 years in the banking business.

Over his lifetime, Harold was a member and officer of numerous organizations including the Kiwanis, Lions, Toastmasters, American Legion, New London Improvement Association, as well as his home churches. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Other civic accomplishments include assisting in establishing the Little Crow Golf Course, GlenOaks Care Center, Peaceful Hills Mobile Home Park, and Cole’s Island View. He and Phyllis were proud to be honored as Grand Marshals in New London in 1993.

Hal went through life with a positive approach to life and cheerful personality. He was kind, caring, and a joy to be around. His personal motto was “helping others is what life is all about.” He was known for telling many Norwegian jokes and for his great sense of humor.

In their retirement years, Hal and Phyl spent winters in Pahrump, Nev., where they enjoyed golfing, playing cards and being outdoors. They also enjoyed the times they spent helping son Lewis during his farming years. Grandsons Joshua and Christopher also brought much joy to their lives. Special trips to visit daughter Autumn and husband Phil were also a highlight. Hal especially appreciated time conversing with friend Harold Young and other former bank employees, Joyce, Bev and Ruth.

Hal was known for his remarkable memory and fine storytelling, especially of years past. He often shared these stories at the annual Cole reunions, Tollefson cousin reunions, and while visiting with caring niece Arlys Jensen and her husband Don. More recently, he loved the time spent with his great-grandsons, Finley, age 3, and Bennett, age 1.

Hal was ever so grateful for the deep friendship and many joyful times he shared with his special friend Phyllis Tompt during the past ten years, as she brightened his life immensely.

Harold is survived by his devoted children, Autumn Vicki Cole (Phil Hyde) of Ely and Lewis John Cole of New London; grandsons, Joshua Cole and Christopher (Kalie) Cole; great-grandsons, Finley and Bennett Cole; former daughter-in-law, Michelle Cole; special niece, Arlys (Don) Jensen; cousin, Sandy (Bob) Fagen; and many other relatives and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Phyllis in 1998; infant daughter, Nancy; and ten siblings.

Clinton D. Long

Clinton David Long, 67, of Orr, passed away on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Nov. 29 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orr. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

He is survived by his mother, Marion Long; brother, Tom (Judy) Long; sister-in-law, Diane Long; five nephews; and ten great-nieces and great-nephews.

Michelle M. Weisinger

Michelle M. Cummings Weisinger, 59, of Aurora, formerly of Ely, passed away on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

She is survived by her children, Tracy Weisinger of Aurora, Carrie Weisinger of Ely, Eric Weisinger of Aurora, Jason Weisinger of St. Cloud, Becky (Tom) Meador of Ely, Jessica (Cody) Fredenburg of Ely and Keith Weisinger of Chisholm; 11 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nancy M. Olson

Nancy M. Keseley Olson, 82, of Embarrass, died on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in the Edgewood Vista Senior Living Community. A memorial service was held on Monday, Nov. 26 in Bauman’s Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Embarrass Cemetery.

She is survived by her children, Sharon (Lavern) Kompelien of Embarrass and Kris (Janice) Olson of Pine River; grandchildren, Kathy (Chris) Johnson of Gilbert, Stephanie (Paul) Petersen and Heather (Jorge) Pacheco, both of Otsego; great-grandchildren, Brian Heikkila, Henry Heikkila, Louis Johnson, Persephoney Petersen, Arianna Petersen, Koen Petersen and Jazmin Pacheco; siblings, John (Diane) Keseley of Terrebonne, Ore., Fran (Ray) Richmond of Maupin, Ore., and David (Laray) George of Independence, Ore.; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.