Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Clark and Helen (Foose) Vier. Steph grew up in River Falls until sixth grade when her family moved to Afton. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1994, then moved to Spooner. Steph was married to Wayne Schultz Jr. for a little over a year until he died tragically. She worked for several years at Holiday, Beaver Manufacturing, and Becky’s. Steph worked with the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher/jailer for 11 years prior to her death from Cancer. After a lengthy courtship, she was married in Shell Lake on August 10, 2013, to Lee Gramberg. Steph loved animals of all kinds, especially horses, which she has always had. She was a talented cook and baker and was active in her community including FFA and 4-H. Steph tended to take care of others before herself, and was generous with her time, energy, and resources. Her children are Danielle Kuechle of Rice Lake, Austin Schultz of Shell Lake, and Tyler Gramberg of Springbrook.
Memorials & Honors
Peggy Jane Thompson, age 75 of River Falls, Wisconsin passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on December 21, 2021 at the Comforts of Home in River Falls. Peggy was born on January 7, 1946 in Frederic Wisconsin to William and Irene Matz. She attended and graduated from Frederic High School. After graduation, Peggy moved to Minneapolis and worked at the First National Bank of Minneapolis. She married Albert Woods in September of 1964. They were blessed with their daughter, Samantha, in April of 1968. Peggy later married Wayne Thompson in June of 1973 and became a stepmother to four children, Bryan, Craig, Tracy and Karri. Peggy and Wayne enjoyed many years together going to their lake home and traveling until Wayne’s death in 2012. Peggy retired from the First National Bank of River Falls in August 2014. After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering and assisting at her daughter’s cake shop when needed. She also loved to play cards, read, attend bible study at her church and bake cookies and lemon bars for her family. Spending time with friends and family was such a blessing to her.
Peggy will remain in the hearts of her children, Bryan (Michele) Thompson, Craig (Julie) Thompson, Tracy (Chad) Larson, Karri (Keith) Van Dell and Samantha (Michael) Cain. Grandchildren, Jeremy Thompson, Zachary (Sarah) Toland, Kyle (Michaela) Thompson, Kevin (Brittany) Thompson, Bailey (David) Toland Dressler, Heidi (Mason) Wilhelmy, Katie Thompson, Miranda Van Dell, Emma Van Dell, Gabrielle Van Dell and Lexi Larson. Great Grandchildren, Darla Thompson, Clara Thompson, Linden Thompson, Murphy Wilhelmy, Jack Toland and Zoey Para. Siblings, Carol (Ken) Nelson, Judy Hagert, Richard Matz, Faye (Bob) Tietz, Michael (Mary) Matz, sister in-law Sonja Rutcosky and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents William and Irene Matz, beloved husband Wayne Thompson, grandson Joshua Thompson, brother and sister in-law Gary and Carol Matz and brother in-law John Hagert.

Peggy Thompson
Read moreSo the doctor congratulates you on the birth your beautiful healthy baby girl. At that moment in time you cannot possibly be more filled with pride and joy.
She grows. Two weeks into her second grade school year, you escort her into her classroom because for some reason, that morning, she needed you by her side. In high school, you leave work early because she forgot her track shoes and the bus is about to leave the school parking lot. As a young adult you pick her up, stalled along side the interstate on a cold winter night, because she ran out of gas – again. You look back on this time and smile because you know, “She needs me.”
Then the day comes when this beautiful, mature, young woman has to make the difficult call to her Mother, and inform her Mother that she has been diagnosed with cancer. What do you do? You run out and buy pink breast cancer t-shirts for everyone in the family . . . because you realize that picking out which pink t-shirt you will buy seems to be the only thing left in your world over which you have any control.
You watch this joy of your life empower herself, making hard choices only she can make. You sit with her at the chemo clinic and watch as she calmly addresses the Christmas cards she plans to send. You accompany her as she picks out hats and scarves to keep her “mellon” warm over the approaching winter. But most poignantly, you admire her as she manages the fears and uncertainties of her 6 year-old daughter and 9 year-old son. As she assures them everything will be fine. That she will be fine. It is at this point that the swell of pride you felt when she was first born, becomes just a flicker of what you now feel toward this amazing woman now facing you.
Steffani has challenged all of this without complaint, without self-pity, and without letting her cancer define her life. She has continued her work for children with autism, obtained her master’s degree, participated in the Angel’s Foundation fashion show, three times, and volunteered with Rhinos. She is now a seven year survivor. It is to this woman that Brian and I want to honor, pay tribute and share with the rest of you. We love you Steffani.

In HONOR of Steffani Falardeaux
Read moreTJ was born in Baldwin, Wisconsin on December 9, 1983, the son of Tracy and Trudy (Larson) Helgeson. He graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School in 2002 and UW-Eau Claire in 2006 with a B.S. in Biology. He began his career as a park ranger for the US Army Corp of Engineers at the Eau Galle Recreation Area and continued as a Wetland Technician with Graham Environmental Services of Spring Valley, and finally as a Water Resource Specialist for the Coon Creek Watershed District in Blaine, Minn. On July 16, 2010 TJ married the love of his life Renee (Cutsforth). They welcomed two beautiful children, Kadyn Steven in 2012, and Blakely Faith in 2015. He was a loving husband and father who always put his family first. TJ was an avid hunter, fisherman, taxidermist and nature photographer. He was a sports fanatic and often joked his blood ran “green and gold.” He will be remembered by loved ones for his smile, endless humor, strong will and the lessons he taught us all along his journey. TJ will be admired for his love of family, friends, and God.

In Memory of TJ Helgeson
Read moreBorn in Waseca, MN in 1963 to Margie and Tom James. The family then moved to Belle Plaine, MN where Tony would grow up. Tony loved sports from an early age, in high school he was a three-sport athlete lettering in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Earning all-conference awards in Football and Baseball. After high school, Tony attended Minnesota State Mankato, or the “Harvard of the Midwest” if you asked him. He graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Tony would soon bid farewell to Minnesota and move west to Colorado where he worked in sales and explored every aspect the state had to offer. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, adventuring and meeting new people over the years he lived there. Out of college he worked in sales for the City Pages and spent years working in insurance and real estate. However, his passion for the outdoors led him to starting his own business, James Landscaping. Being his own boss, working outside, and the ability to be creative were all things he cherished. This also allowed him to reserve time in the fall to be in the woods hiking, fishing, and hunting. After moving back and meeting his first wife Lora, the two soon after settled down in Minnesota to start their family. They had their first son Dylan and a few years later their second child Abby. They moved to Wisconsin where he lived out the rest of his life in the home he built. His kids were his life and he worked hard to show them how fun life can be. Tony was devoted to his family and always supported them during their life. He was their biggest fan in sports, education and anything they chose to pursue. When his kids were young, he helped coach their sports and took part in helping in any way he could. He knew when to be a parent and when to a be friend, and he was exceptional at both. Tony was a true outdoorsman and took advantage of everything the Midwest had to offer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. He loved being outside. If he could, he would be out in the woods hiking or cutting wood all the time. He knew so much about the forest, knowledge only obtainable from spending years in it. It didn’t matter rain, snow, or storm. Nothing was keeping him away. He was very comfortable being uncomfortable. Outside of the woods Tony was very active. Tony was a pool shark like no other. He never turned down a game and never let anyone win easily. He didn’t want to play 1 or 2 games, he wanted to play 10 or 12. When it came to sports, he was a true renaissance man. When he was younger, he always came back to Belle Plaine to play town team baseball. When he was older his passion transitioned to slow pitch softball. He never stopped playing sports, and he never stopped being active. He met his wife Lisa in 2017 and survived by her love, support and devotion to him. She was a wife, friend, caregiver, and partner in crime. She never gave up on him even when the times were tough. Tony was a husband, a father, a son, a friend, a coach, and so much more. He was always there for people who needed help and would give the shirt off his back for those he cared about. Those who got close with him knew how big he could open his heart. From his jokes, his confidence, his smile, his laugh, his hugs, his advice, and his spirit. He is truly missed.

In Memory of Tony James
Read moreMike Prine was a young man struck down by cancer in 1991. He was 22. Mike’s nickname to all of us was “Rhino”. He graduated from River Falls High School in 1986. Mike was loved by many and a group of his friends played softball in his memory under the name “Rhino’s” for a number of years and raised money to hand out to other people we knew dealing with cancer. Once that group began to get too old for the softball diamonds, they relinquished bats for golf clubs. Since that time, an annual Rhino’s Golf Tournament has taken place on the Friday of River Falls Days to always remember our friend and brother, Rhino. This tournament alone now brings in about $40,000 per year in annual revenue to help our community members. The Rhino’s Foundation, the organization started in his memory, helps people in Western Wisconsin with direct cash donations and gift cards at our local cancer centers.

In Memory of Mike “Rhino” Prine
Read moreMother of the Original Rhino, Mike “Rhino” Prine. Colleen loved her Green Bay Packers, animals, country music, puzzles, and of course her friends and family. She was always thinking of others; that is why so many people love her. She was also quick to have a witty response, and make people laugh. You couldn’t help but to smile and laugh with her. Colleen worked for 22 years at the River Falls State Bank, where many people considered her to be their favorite teller. Prior to this she worked at Sears for many years. Throughout this time, she met many lifelong friends.

In Memory of Colleen Prine
Read moreBrian Olson, also known as “Ole” or “Big Boy” was a very kind and generous guy. He showed his incredible faith and strength of character during his almost five year battle with Stage IV colon cancer. At just 39 years old, he left behind his wife Amy & his young son Finn. Brian was loved by his family and a huge amount of friends and co-workers from Courage St. Croix in Stillwater. He loved hockey, softball, golf, bowling & fishing. He will be remembered for many things, but especially his huge heart and his incredible sense of humor.

In Memory of Brian Olson
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In Memory of George Schmit
Read moreSharon was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on March 20, 1944. She was hand picked to be raised by Arthur C. and Helen E. (Schwoch) Thoreson. She graduated from Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Wis., in 1962. Sharon was married to Robert (Bob) Marlow Bruesewitz (Fall Creek, Wis.) Nov. 3, 1962, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wis. They were married 53 years. As a young child, Sharon was very active in her church community, Sharon worked in the insurance business for the St. Paul Companies before becoming a legal secretary for many different law firms and ending her working career at Prestwick Golf Course where she was loved by everyone. She enjoyed traveling, with her favorite trip being to Hawaii for her and Robert’s 50th Anniversary. She also enjoyed shopping, sightseeing, movies, and reading. She loved spending time with her four children, their spouses and her five grandchildren. She was involved in the Hospital Auxiliary and Tuesday Club, which she loved, because she loved to be around people. She was survived by her spouse, Robert; sons, Keith (Tracy), Kevin and Kent (Tamara); daughter, Kim; and her five grandchildren who were the love of her life, Danny, Polly, Kaitlyn, Kenzie and Parker. Most recently she welcomed another granddaughter when Danny married Kelsey. She is also survived by her amazing extended family and lifelong friends.

In Memory of Sharon LaVerne Bruesewitz
Read moreEric Jeffrey “Red” Bjerstedt, a lifelong River Falls resident, lost to a courageous 18-month battle with brain cancer. He was 51. Eric was a devoted family man, auto mechanic, avid outdoorsman, classic car enthusiast, and Green Bay Packer fan. He attended River Falls public schools and graduated from River Falls High School in 1980. Eric, a redhead, was his mother’s “go to kid” whom she said never whined or found no task too daunting. He grew up working in his father’s auto mechanic shop, “Bob and Dick’s Garage,” along Highway 35 in River Falls. After his parents retired, Eric opened shop in 1998 at the same location under the name “Red’s Repair” a successful business he ran until weakened by cancer in 2012. “Red” had many loyal customers who appreciated his skill and honest dealings. Eric married Susan Wilcoxson of rural Hudson. They celebrated 25 years of humor, love & commitment. A devoted family man, Eric was a friend, father and boss to Maxwell. He was proud and honored to share his trade with the next generation. When daughter Leah was diagnosed with Autism at age 2, Eric embraced the challenges, taking repeat Disney family trips because of the joy it brought his daughter. He also rigged up the “Shaggin Wagon,” camper that enabled great outdoor fun for the whole family. Eric loved classic cars, including his favorite a 1976 white Trans Am, and collected old Cockshutt tractors. He once handled the sale of a car to the King of Morocco. He was a social guy with a knack for making you feel valued. His friends and family returned their friendship with building a ramp, helping with meals & remaining committed to the bond they all shared as cancer took its toll.

In Memory of Eric “Red” Bjerstedt
Read moreThe Weasel, a resident of North St. Paul, graduated from White Bear High School in 1982 and Saint John’s University in 1986 with a Degree in Physics. Although Scott was lost to a tragic accident, and not cancer, the Friends of the Weasel organization donates to the Rhino’s Foundation each year to support our cause and memorialize him on our website and at our events. He was a friend of Rhino’s volunteer, Keith Van Dell. His favorite band was KISS followed closely by Ted Nugent. Scott was an Organ Donor through LifeSource and his heart and many other organs were passed on to help others live and heal. His friends and family are very proud of Scott for doing this. Clearly the recipients are very thankful. He is recognized electronically in the new “Hall of Donors” at Regions Hospital. Friends of The Weasel run a charity golf tournament every year in White Bear Lake that donates all proceeds to LifeSource. The recipient of his heart has attended the tournament to honor Scott on more than one occasion.

In Memory of Scott “The Weasel” Houle
Read moreNeal was a graduate of Drake Law School and a huge fan of Husker Du. Most importantly, he was a trusted friend to those close to him and always fun to hang out with. Nothing made Neal happier than music. This picture depicts Neal saying something very smart and waiting patiently for you to figure it out. John and Cindy Baker honor his memory every year.

In Memory of Neal Freese
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In Memory of Robert & Deborah Lehman
Read moreIn respectful Honor of the Memory of our Mother, Loey Johnson. May all of our combined support assist in defeating cancer. MJ’s Sales and Service (Matt & Stephanie Johnson & the Johnson Family).

In Memory of Loey Johnson
Read moren respectful Honor of the Memory of our Brother Joey Johnson. May all of our combined support assist in defeating cancer. MJ’s Sales and Service (Matt & Stephanie Johnson & the Johnson Family).

In Memory of Joey Johnson
Read moreDavid Dean Knott was born on July 19, 1938, to Harry and Bess Knott. He lived in River Falls all his life and loved it. He graduated from River Falls High School and UWRF, and spent two years in the National Guard in Ft. Lewis in Washington State. He worked in the family business, Melgard Monument Company, on and off through his growing up years and became a co-owner with his parents, which he, as of late, co-owned with his son, Korey. He married Kathryn (Anderson) in 1964 and they had two sons: Kevin and Korey. He enjoyed family, summers at Balsam Lake, fishing, tennis, Boy Scouts and hockey. He was a Mason and a Shriner. He was a life-long member at Ezekiel Lutheran Church and devoted almost 50 years to being an usher. He also enjoyed the Prime Time group. In his later years, he looked forward to cruises, Arizona and hiking. Recently, he loved being a grandpa to his only granddaughter, Zoey. David passed peacefully during a courageous battle with cancer.

In Memory of David Knott
Read moreDerrick was a graduate of the River Falls High School Class of 1986 and was a good friend of the Rhino. He was born in Saint Paul, MN and lived in River Falls his entire life. Derrick served our country with Honor for over 22 years in the Air Force. He joined in 1991 and was the first Minnesota National Guardsman to become a member of the Phoenix Ravens (#333), an Elite Air Force Security Forces unit trained in anti-terrorism. He participated in many operations fighting terrorism, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Anaconda, and Enduring Freedom. He was also involved in many humanitarian efforts including Operation Joint Guard, Operation Coronet Oak, and Operation Panama Airlift. In 2003 he transferred to the Minnesota National Guard Headquarters and was a part of the Minnesota Counter Narcotics Task Force. He worked in this area in many different capacities until his retirement in 2013. His love of the military was only surpassed by his love for his family. His wife Jessica, son DJ (Derrick John II), daughter Brittani, grandson Aiden, mother Mary, and father Larry will miss him forever, like his many many friends. He had a great sense of humor and his laughter was contagious. His smile will never be forgotten.

In Memory of Derrick John Schmitt
Read moreTimothy Darwin Bredahl, age 50, of River Falls, WI passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 8, 2017, at his residence. He was born on November 13, 1966 in River Falls to Darwin and Margaret (Sather) Bredahl. He was a graduate of River Falls High School in 1985, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1988-1993. Tim graduated from University of California – Santa Barbara College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He worked as a credit manager for many years, most recently at McKesson. Tim was an avid Packer and Badger fan. He loved being with people, especially other Wisconsin sports fans. Tim would love to see all family and friends proudly wearing Packer or Badger apparel. Tim was hilarious, fun to be with and was loved by many.

In Memory of Tim Bredahl
Read moreFor those that knew Diane they knew her greatest passion was her family. Nothing gave her greater happiness than a house full of kids, grandkids, siblings, and her nieces and nephews. She thoroughly loved spending time on Big McKenzie Lake at the cabin in Spooner, WI. Pontoon rides, tubing, celebrating the holidays, and her well-known scavenger hunts made trips to the cabin most eventful. She always looked forward to Wednesdays as that was “Grandma Day” which usually meant going somewhere fun for the day and to eat. One of her more memorable trips was taking her entire family of 17 to Disney World. She relished time spent with friends shopping for clothes she couldn’t live without or dcor she thought would be cute at home. Diane loved life. Her quest for others happiness and her own positivity will be forever missed. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she did not let that define her life. She said she would never have traded off the cancer as it gave her a better appreciation of her life, family, and friends. She lived by example. Diane will forever live in our hearts.

In Memory of Diane Mulhollam
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