Emblom Brenny Funeral Service

11/07/2026

Leona Ann Burton

Leona Ann Burton, 91 year old resident of Hopkins, MN, formerly of Little Falls, passed away on Thursday, November 5th at The Glenn in Hopkins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 16th at 11:30 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Falls with Father David Maciej officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the service on Monday, November 16th at the church. The burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Little Falls. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the following: Mary of Lourdes Catholic Schools: 208 West Broadway Avenue, Little Falls, MN 56345 or CHI Hospice: 815 2nd Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.

Leona Zetah was born on October 19, 1935 in Todd County to the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Wagner) Zetah. She grew up in Todd County with her siblings, Duane, Urban, Doris, Sr. Donna and Millie. She attended and graduated from St. Francis High School in Little Falls with the class of 1953. Leona Zetah was united in marriage to Gail Burton on October 19, 1954 at St. Michael’s Parish in Motley, MN. The couple made their home in Little Falls. Throughout her life she worked the following jobs: as a secretary at an insurance office in Wadena, MN, as a bookkeeper for Andy Revering Accounting in Little Falls and in the Radiology Department at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls. They enjoyed their 61 years of marriage. She especially enjoyed the many road trips she and her husband, Gail, made throughout the United States. Leona enjoyed sewing, crafts, baking reading and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Mary of Lourdes School Board, and St. Mary’s Parish Council. She volunteered at St. Otto’s Care Center, Faith in Action and St. Gabriel’s Hospital. Leona was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, where she was a member of the Christian Mother’s. In her retirement years her faith was important to her and she continued as a lector and sacristan at The Glenn in Hopkins.

Left to cherish her memory are her, children, Mary Burton of Plymouth, MN, Meg Simmonds of Little Falls, MN, Gail Jr. (Lora) Burton of Pocatello, ID, Donna (David) Fritz of Redmond, OR, Tom (Gina) Burton of Sherwood, OR, Hope (Jerry) Karolevitz of Brooklyn Park, MN, Ann Burton of C**n Rapids, MN, Laura Lawrence of Plymouth, MN, Jennifer Kallemeyn Shakopee, MN; 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great- great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gail Burton; daughter, Kristie Burton; siblings, Doris Mitchell, Sr. Donna Zetha, Millie Forester, Duane and Urban Zetah and a son-in-law, Roy Kallemeyn.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Leona.

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11/06/2026

Alvina Mae Kadus

In Loving Memory

Alvina Mae Kadus, 89 year old resident of Pillager, MN, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Alvina was born on August 10, 1937 to August and Bertha Peterson) Berglund. Alvina married Robert Lewis Kadus on August 24, 1955. She moved to their dairy farm in Pillager, MN in 1972. Alvina was loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Alvina is survived by her children, Robert (Shelly) Kadus, Nancy (Steve) Goligowski, Karen (Albert) Disterhaupt, Brenda (Jeff Pietz) Kadus, Connie ( Andrew) Badgerow many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one sister and one brother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Michael; parents and three brothers.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Alvina.

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11/06/2026

Jennifer Ann Bollig

Jennifer Ann Bollig, 53 year old resident of Little Falls, passed away on Sunday, November 1 at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls. A celebration of life for Jennifer will be held on Wednesday, November 11 from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls.

Jennifer was born on October 1st, 1973, to parents Carol Boyce and James “Jim” Dremler in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. She was reunited in marriage to David Williams. Jennifer enjoyed rock picking, especially for agates and going to bingo with her mom and friends. She deeply loved her daughters and grandchildren. Jennifer has never missed celebrating a birthday or Holiday with her children or grandchildren. Jen had such an appreciation for her family and friends that helped her along the way when her health was declining. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

Left to cherish Jennifer’s memory are her parents, Carol Boyce and James Dremler; daughters, Caitlyn Andrews, Carlee Bollig, Kia Anderson; stepson, Kolby Tabatt; brother, Josh Dremler; sister, Jamie Dremler- Wood; grandchildren, Jace, Kinzlee, Blaine.

Jennifer is preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and June Bollig, Gene and Ruby Dremler; Stepdad, David Boyce; stepmom, Patti Dremler; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Jennifer.

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11/05/2026

Roger Rybaski

Roger Rybaski, 83 year old resident of Pierz, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 4th at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 11th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 10th and from 9:30-10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, November 11th all visitation times will be held at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN. A Knights of Columbus Office of the Dead prayer at 7:00 P.M followed by Parish Prayers at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Roger was born on November 9, 1942, in Argyle, Minnesota, to Frank and Victoria Rybaski. It was in Argyle that he developed the values of hard work, resilience, and community connection that would guide him throughout his life. On December 15, 1973, he married his beloved Janice Gryskiewicz at Assumption Catholic Church in Florian, MN. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home for their cherished children: Rachael, Gabriel, Michael, and Angeline. In 1988, they embraced new adventures by relocating to Pierz, where Roger continued to extend his warmth to family and friends. Throughout his diverse career, Roger wore many hats—from farming and truck driving to serving as a beloved bus driver for the Pierz school district. His passion for photography also flourished, leading him to become the proud owner of "Forever Still Photography," where he captured the joyful moments of life that he cherished deeply. Roger’s enthusiasm extended to the great outdoors, as he was an avid deer hunter, master gardener, and ice fisherman—the latter, particularly during memorable trips to Lake of the Woods. Known affectionately as “Roger Rabbit” by neighborhood children, he unhesitatingly shared the fruits of his garden, further exemplifying his generous spirit. A faithful member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and an active participant in the Knights of Columbus and because of his love for Jesus, Roger touched lives with his kindness and good humor. He celebrated family vacations—dear to his heart—fondly referred to as “Business Trips,” and his love for polka music filled the air with joy and laughter.

Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Janice; their loving children, Rachael (Jeremy) Hanson, Gabriel Rybaski, Michael (Amy) Rybaski, and Angeline (Jason) McDuffee; his brother, Frank (Janene) Rybaski. his treasured grandchildren, Nichole Shaffer, Kylie McDuffee, Samantha Rybaski, Alex Rybaski, Carter Rybaski, Katelynn Rybaski, and Erin Rybaski; and a great-grandson, Sawyer Douglas Wright.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Roger Gryskiewicz, and his nephews, Jeremy Rybaski and Ryan Gryskiewicz.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Roger.

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11/02/2026

From all of us at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service. Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you!

10/30/2026

Tonya Kohler

Tonya Kohler, 57, of Little Falls, passed away at her home. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Tonya Lynn Kohler was born February 25, 1969, in Moses Lake, Washington, to Helen Messer. She grew up in Glenn Ullin and Halliday, ND, graduating from Halliday High School before making Little Falls, MN, her home in 1997.

Tonya held her children as her greatest accomplishment; she raised Jake, Elliot, Levi, and Mia on 90's movies and salads without lettuce. She loved classic rock, concerts, her many plants, ice fishing, snow angels, and camping with Al at Blacksmith Lake. She always had time for thrift stores, she loved anything that sparkled, and she fed wild animals until they were pets. Tonya was generous without keeping count and funny without trying. Her life was never easy, but she always made it sweet.

She is survived by her significant other, Eric Kulus; children, Jake Hoffman, Elliot Kohler, Levi Hoffman, and Mia Hoffman; grandchildren, Claire, Lewis, Margot, and Oscar; and siblings, Melissa Kohler, Sara Holland, Jayme Kohler, and Joe Kohler.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Messer, and siblings, Jeff Kohler and Dawn Kohler-Marey.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Tonya.

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10/30/2026

Happy Birthday, Alexa!
From your Emblom Brenny Family.
🎉🎂🥳

10/29/2026

Jean "Jeanie" Cottew

Jean “Jeanie” Cottew passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, with family by her side. She was born on January 11, 1941, to Carl and Adeline Schlichting in the family home in Little Falls, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood.

Jean met the love of her life, Larry Cottew, when he was home on leave in 1957. The two were married on March 19, 1960, beginning a life together centered on family, hard work, and lasting memories. They eventually settled in Dayton, Minnesota, where they raised their five children. Later, they retired to the Whitefish Chain, where they had built a cabin and spent many cherished years enjoying the lake life together.

Jean took great pride in being a homemaker, devoting herself to her family and the home they shared. Whatever she did, she approached with dedication, care, and a desire to do things well.

Jeanie had a passion for gardening, canning, and decorating. This eventually blossomed into a love of quilting. What began as an interest became a remarkable talent and a true labor of love. Jean was a perfectionist in the very best sense of the word. She took her time, carefully planning each quilt and thoughtfully carrying out every detail. She never rushed the process, believing that things were worth doing right. Her patience, precision, and attention to detail made her an exceptional quilter.

Her greatest creations were often those made for the people she loved most. Jean made graduation quilts for each of her 17 grandchildren, giving every one of them something unique and lasting to treasure. She also donated many quilts to support local charity organizations. If you were fortunate enough to receive one of Jean’s quilts, you knew it was more than a blanket. It was a piece of her heart, stitched into every detail and made with a love that would last for generations.

Jean’s legacy lives on in the family she and Larry built, the traditions she created, and the beautiful things she made with her hands and her heart.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Larry; her five children, Becky (Marvin) Yackel, Craig (Toyie) Cottew, Pam Scholefield, Michelle (Steve) Style, and Jeff (Missy) Cottew; her siblings, Paul (Diane) Schlichting, Loraine (Frank) Benson, Kate (Dave) Eckman and Julie Brill; sister-in-law, Janel Schlichting; her 17 grandchildren; and her 18 great-grandchildren and one more joining the family this week.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Adeline Schlichting; her brothers, Larry (Julie) Schlichting, Jim (Sue) Schlichting, Charlie Schlichting, and Bobby Schlichting, along with her brother-in-law, Jim Brill.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2 at 11:00 A.M. at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the service. The burial will take place at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Royalton.

View Jean "Jeanie" Cottew's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/29/2026

Grief has many challenges. What are good coping mechanisms that you use for your grief challenges?

10/28/2026

This is very normal feeling when grieving. The memories come often!