Obituaries

Nov. 21, 1963 - Nov. 17, 2024

Margery M. Henselin was called to her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at her home in Rochester, MN.

March 5, 1937 - Nov. 13, 2024

Oct. 18, 2023

Sister Avis Schons, 85, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minnesota, died at Assisi Heights on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Avis Elizabeth Schons was born on June 27, 1939, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Leo and Mary (Cote) Schons. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1957, received the name of Sister Leon, and made perpetual vows in 1960. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minnesota, in 1971 and her Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation from Holy Names College, Oakland, California, in 1988. Sister Avis served in various roles throughout her career, including 16 years as an elementary teacher in Minnesota and Maryland (1960-1976). She worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota (1976-77) before teaching English at Colegio Santa Francisca Romana, Bogotá, Colombia (1978-1987). She later served in Pastoral Ministry at the Diocese of Chulucanas, Piura, Peru (1989-1990) and as Program Director at Catholic Charities, Vista, California (1990-2000). Sister Avis also served as Associate Minister of Congregational Leadership at Assisi Heights (2000-2006), Central Minister for Incorporation/Franciscan Life Teams (2004-2006), and Channel One, Rochester (2007-2008). She retired in 2009 and volunteered at Assisi Heights Ministries after moving there in 2017. Survivors of Sister Avis Schons include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 67 years; her brother, John Schons; and sister Alice Dudley. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Bernard, William, and Kenneth Schons; and two sisters, Ruth Molitor, and Elaine Ruppert. A Resurrection Liturgy will be held at Assisi Heights at 11:00 am, Thursday, November 21, 2024. The burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. To view the funeral via live stream, go to www.rochesterfranciscan.org. Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

Dennis K. “Denny” Clark, 67, of Rochester Minnesota, died peacefully Sunday November 17th, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at the Homestead at Rochester in Rochester, MN.

Former Rochester resident, Ben William McKnight, 75, died peacefully at his home in Port Angeles, WA, on October 9. Ben, - Mayo High Class of 67, lived most of his adult life in northern Wisconsin and in Duluth, where, as a signmaker his artistry earned him several national awards. He is survived by his wife, Nancy A. McKnight (Port Angeles WA); a son, William R. McKnight II, and a granddaughter, Isabelle (Belgrade MT); and a sister, Romayne Thompson (Rochester MN). He was preceded in death by his parents, William R. and Maxine M. McKnight; a brother, Richard H. McKnight; and a sister, Patricia G. Grittner.

Nov. 10, 1942 - Nov. 7, 2024

Aug. 24, 1930 - Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 8, 1924 - Nov. 8, 2024

Norma Footh died peacefully in her Madonna Towers apartment, surrounded by her three children on November 13, 2024.

Lynn Marie Stolp, 69 of Rochester, MN joyfully went home to her Jesus on Sunday, November 10, 2024. She spent her final days at home surrounded by loving family.

Trudy Jo Friedl, 67, of La Crescent, died on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Sparta. Trudy was born on February 1, 1957 to Donald and Audrey (Schultz)

December 23, 1959- October 28, 2024

The Rev. Dr. Paul Andrew Baker, 80, died November 3, 2024 at Cascade Creek Memory Care after a struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was born January 26, 1944 at Camp LeJeune, NC. to career marine John & Helen Baker and baptized at the base chapel. The family settled in Tucson, AZ in 1950 where Paul entered First Grade. At age 15 he was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Tucson. His education continued through graduation from Rincon High School and B.A. degree from the University of Arizona. Paul taught 6th Grade for one year in Douglas, AZ, before entering Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. There he met and married an elementary teacher, Evelyn Cherland.

Sept. 3, 1940 - Nov. 11, 2024