Virgil Christensen, age 94, formerly of Luverne, Minnesota, died peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Society – The Lodge at Prairie Creek in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne, Minnesota. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com
Virgil Joseph Christensen was born on September 20, 1927, to Roy and Blanche (Anderson) Christensen in Kossuth County, Iowa.  In 1930 the Christensen family moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where Virgil was raised and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1945. He spent a brief time in the United States Navy before receiving a medical discharge. Virgil then returned home and enrolled in Northern State University in Aberdeen.
On June 1, 1947, Virgil was united in marriage to Beverly Wood at First Baptist Church in Aberdeen. The couple moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Virgil continued his college education, graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1950 with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering.
Virgil and Beverly moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to start their family and career. Virgil worked for a consulting firm until 1955, at which time Virgil was employed by Rolph Construction. In 1958 Virgil, Beverly and their children relocated to Luverne, Minnesota, and founded The Christensen Corporation in 1960. Virgil was the developer and builder of many buildings throughout southwest Minnesota and surrounding areas in Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Virgil attended First Baptist Church while living in Luverne. He gave back to the Luverne community in many capacities throughout his years as a resident, including as a volunteer firefighter and county commissioner. He had a deep sense of appreciation for and gratitude to the Luverne community.
Virgil and Beverly enjoyed going to their cabin at Lake Sarah and their home in Maui, Hawaii, and traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Virgil was very talented and enjoyed woodcarving, woodturning and creating stained glass creations in his workshop in Luverne.
In 2013 Virgil and Beverly returned to Sioux Falls and resided at The Lodge at Prairie Creek. Virgil enjoyed his Prairie Creek community and continued his woodworking and glasswork there. Beverly passed away on December 22, 2016.
On Saturday, March 19, 2022, Virgil died peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society – The Lodge at Prairie Creek, Sioux Falls at the age of 94 years, 5 months, and 29 days.
Virgil was well-respected, innovative, and a man of his word. Although he was very accomplished in his career and hobbies, he was most proud of his children who were all with him at the time of his death.
Virgil is lovingly remembered by his seven children, Carol Christensen and her husband, Adolfo Gallego of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Paula Christensen of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, David Christensen and his partner, Duane Hardy, of Bagley, Minnesota, Carla Casanova and her husband, Mike, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jolene Ver Steeg and her husband, Bruce, of Lone Tree, Colorado, Jayne Christensen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Mark Christensen of Fort Collins, Colorado; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Al Kundert of Pierre, South Dakota.
Virgil was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Beverly; his parents; a sister, Beverly Kundert; and two brothers, Cleo Christensen and Gerald Christensen.
All memorials will be given to the Beverly and Virgil Christensen Scholarship of the Luverne Dollars for Scholars.
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Col. Donald W. Lafrenz, age 83, of Luverne, Minnesota, died Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Funeral service will be Friday, March 25, at 11 a.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To view Don’s life tribute video or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Col. Donald Wayne Lafrenz was born on March 5, 1939, to Henry and Martha (Meins) Lafrenz in Springwater Township of Rock County, Minnesota. At a young age, the family moved to a farm northwest of Luverne, Minnesota. Don attended District 8 Country School through the eighth grade. During his youth, Don was involved in the FFA and 4-H programs and received the 4-H Grand Champion Steer and Gilt State Champions. Don graduated from Luverne High School in 1958.
As his father’s health declined, Don remained at home to help his father on the farm. Don fell into love with auctioneering after going to the sale barn with his dad for many years. So much so, that Don went to Reisch’s School for Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, graduating in December 1959 earning the title Col. Donald W Lafrenz. He returned home after completing the course and began his life of farming and auctioneering. He owned and operated Lafrenz Auction Service for 55 years.
On February 14, 1960, Don married Patricia Letcher at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. The couple first bought a house and moved it onto Don’s parents’ farm. They moved to various other farms until settling for 16 years on a farm near Hardwick, Minnesota. At this time they joined Zion Lutheran Church and Don coached the church softball team as they had back-to-back state runner-up finishes in the middle ’70s.
In 1989 the couple moved to Luverne. Throughout his life Don farmed along with auctioneering. Later in life, he worked part time at Engebretson-Hartquist Funeral Home.  Following that, Don enjoyed helping his son, Darin, build a day care in Larchwood, Iowa.
Watching and cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events was his pride and joy. Don also enjoyed going to auctions, antique stores and loved going to toy shows. You could always find Don tinkering and restoring old John Deere toy tractors and equipment. He couldn’t wait for the Toy Farmer magazine to arrive so he could read it front to back, and then take a long nap in his chair. He also enjoyed restoring furniture, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, and NASCAR from his love of racing his hobby stock at Huset’s Speedway.
In late 2021, Don began having health issues. On Friday, March 18, 2022 he died peacefully, with his wife by his side, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 83 years and 13 days.
Don is lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Pat; four sons, Wayne (Deb) of Parkersburg, Iowa, Doug of Hardwick, Minnesota, Darin of Larchwood, Iowa, and Waylon of Moscow, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Brandon (Carrie), Bree (Blake), Jesse (Whitney), Spencer, Trevor, Tysen and Courteney; 12 great-grandchildren: Avery, Taylor, Harlie, Lila, Georgia, Morgan, Rylee, Ella, Evan, Braxton, Ava and Alexander; special friends, Mike and Jolene Cronin; special cousin, Wanda; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving daughter-in-law, Judie; parents, Henry and Martha; and brother, Dwight.
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Marvin Frederick Klooster, 91, Adrian, died Monday, March 14, 2022, at the Sanford Luverne Hospital in Luverne.
A funeral service was Saturday, March 19, at Adrian United Methodist Church in Adrian. Burial with military honors followed at Adrian Cemetery.
Marvin Klooster was born July 17, 1930, to Herman and Tillie Klooster at the family farm outside of Adrian. He attended and graduated from Adrian Public School.
Shortly after graduation, Marvin enlisted in the Army National Guard. He fought with the 2nd infantry division in the Korean War, where he was shot in the chest by enemy fire. His life was saved by the pocket Bible and ammunition clip he carried in his chest pocket. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Award for his service. After his military service, he drove a semitrailer for his brother, Richard Klooster.
He married Ramona Peterson in October of 1956. Together they built a house in Adrian and lived there until 1964 when they purchased a farm south of Adrian. Marvin and Ramona raised two sons, Kevin and Kenny, on the farm. They milked cows, raised hogs, grew crops and enjoyed family, friends and fun. Marvin continued to farm and drive road grader until his retirement in 1993.
Marvin enjoyed hosting the Fourth of July festivities including a fireworks display at the family farm. He also enjoyed bowling, card club and fishing with his church family.
Marvin and Ramona loved to travel. Their travels included the continental United States, Hawaii, a cruise to the Caribbean and Germany.
He loved his family and farm. He worked hard and enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
He is survived by his two sons, Kevin Klooster (Gwen Mulder) of Adrian and Kenneth (Jill) Klooster of St. Peter; grandsons Cody Klooster, Kory Klooster, Chandler Klooster and Cameron Klooster; many nieces and nephews and other family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ramona Klooster; his parents; his brothers, John (Mary) Klooster, Richard (Marge) Klooster and Melvin (Angie) Klooster; and his sisters, Gesina (Vernon) Baumgard and Ann Klooster.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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Joyce Mulder, age 86, of Luverne, Minnesota, died on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 27, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home – Luverne Chapel. Funeral service will be held Monday, March 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Luverne with burial to follow at Maplewood Cemetery.  To sign an online registry and view a life history, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Joyce Mulder was born July 24, 1935 in Adrian, Minnesota, to Ben and Tina (Tjepkes) Rust. She attended elementary school at Magnolia public school and transferred in eighth grade to Adrian Public School. She graduated from Adrian High School in 1952 at the age of seventeen. After graduation, Joyce moved to Oklahoma where she met and married her first husband, Lee Jepson. The couple was married in 1959 and moved to Connecticut where they were blessed with their daughter, Cindy. In 1968, after Lee’s untimely death, Joyce and Cindy moved back home to be closer to family.
On a Sunday morning after a church service at the United Methodist Church in Luverne, Joyce Rust Jepson and her daughter met a widower farmer/auctioneer by the name of Duane Mulder and his nine-year-old daughter. They immediately recognized each other as grade schoolmates. After a short conversation, Duane suggested that they should go to Sioux Falls for a noon meal. After the noon meal they decided to go to the zoo with their two girls. It did not take long for a relationship to develop. Both knew they wanted a family for their girls and themselves. They were married on October 17, 1975, and never looked back, concentrating on raising their girls and running the farm and auction business. They were an inseparable couple, generally if you saw one, you would see the other. Over the years, Joyce was always beside her auctioneer husband clerking auctions be it 95 degrees or subzero temperatures. Over the 40 plus years she clerked thousands of auctions and settled them out as well. She took the required real estate education, and became a real estate salesperson in Duane’s real estate firm. She sold numerous homes and acreages to many satisfied customers. Joyce was never a person to complain or say a bad word about anyone. She kept a strong faith, taught Sunday school, and was active in the church activities. Duane and Joyce were Sunday School Counselors for a number of years. Throughout the years they never hired a baby sitter. Evenings and weekends were family time with their girls. They might go to town in the evening for a root beer float, go fishing after chores, play a game of pinochle, or go camping and fishing with their girls on weekends. Joyce loved the holidays and planned far in advance for Christmas. She hosted the Auction Company Christmas party for years. Joyce was a past president of the Minnesota State Auctioneers Auxiliary and past president of the Luverne Eagles Club Auxiliary. During the last several years, Duane kept her at home and was her caregiver as a lung disease ravaged her body. While at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne, Joyce went to be with her Lord on March 17, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Duane; daughters, Cindy (Dale) Reverts, and Lori (Jim) Von Holtum; grandchildren, Micheal (Christine) Reverts, Amanda (Adam) Breheny, Matthew (Stephanie) Reverts, J.J. (Jacob) (Amy) Von Holtum, and Adam Von Holtum; great grandchildren, Tanner Reverts, Olivia Reverts, Dominic Breheny, Bailey Breheny, Hannah Breheny, Rhyan Von Holtum, Dax Von Holtum, and Tate Von Holtum; brother Melvin (Dorothy) Rust; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her first husband, Lee Jepson; parents Ben and Tina Rust; sister Dolores Dreesen; and brother Marvin Rust.
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Patricia Aning, 62, Luverne, died Friday, March 18, 2022.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne and also one hour prior to the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Burial will follow in the Luverne Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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Question: Why do all of the Teslas I see in Minnesota lack the required front license plate?  I see lots of other all-electric vehicles from other manufacturers and they all have a front plate. I know several people who have collector cars, and they all complain that they have to use a front plate, but I have yet to see a Tesla with one.
Answer: Teslas are required to have a front license plate in Minnesota. This is a common equipment violation. Minnesota State Statute (M.S.S.) 169.79 states: “No person shall operate, drive or park a motor vehicle on any roadway unless the vehicle is registered in accordance with the laws of this state and has the license plates or permit confirming that valid registration or operating authority has been obtained.”
Vehicles that are allowed to display only one license plate include motorcycles, a dealer’s vehicle or vehicle in-transit, classic car, collector car or a vehicle that is of model year 1972 or earlier that is not registered as a collector vehicle and is used for general transportation purpose.
License plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. They cannot be displayed in the front windshield or rear window. The plates must be securely mounted and displayed horizontally with the identifying numbers and letters visible. License plates issued to vehicles must also display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of each plate.
The plate must be unobstructed and free from grease, dust or other blurring material (dirt, mud, snow, etc.) so the lettering is visible at all times. It is unlawful to cover assigned letters and numbers or the name of the state of origin with any material, including any clear or colorless material that affects the plate’s visibility or reflectivity. This also includes license plate brackets that block the state of issuance and tabs.
Why do we have two license plates? First and foremost, it is the law in Minnesota M.S.S. 169.79. From a law enforcement perspective it is safer to have two plates for several reasons:
•If an officer needs to run vehicle information they can get the plate information from the front or rear of the vehicle.
•It makes a suspect vehicle easier to identify if it is encountered from the front or the rear.
•If a suspect vehicle is backed into a parking spot, it is more easily identified.
•Identifying a suspect in a crime (from surveillance images) is easier with front and back plates.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at Statue 169.791 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

Luverne sophomore hockey goalie Tyler Arends received the High School Hobey Baker Memorial Award for his performance on and off the ice this past hockey season.
Candidates for a High School Hobey Baker Award are selected by their coaches, based on coachability, strength of character, integrity, commitment, teamwork, community leadership and outstanding sportsmanship.
Luverne Head Coach Phil Paquette shared his nomination information with the Star Herald Tuesday.
“Tyler was the lone goaltender for the Luverne Cardinals during the 2021-2022 hockey season. There was no backup for him and no solid backup plan in the event that he would be unable to play. Tyler never missed a day all season,” Paquette wrote.
“He battled his way each and every day even when dealing with illness or injury; he was there for us without complaint. Tyler suffered a hamstring injury during the middle of the season and worked hard to get healthy and strengthen that muscle. He was able to recover from that injury and has now finished the 2021-2022 season playing all games while making save after save.”
Arends received the Big South Conference honorable mention award as one of the top goalies in the conference.
“Tyler's coachability, accountability, relentless determination, and selfless commitment to our team made him a deserving nominee for the Hobey Baker Award. I look forward to two more hockey seasons with him on the net.”
Arends’s season statistics: games played 27, wins 16, losses 11, total shots 856, total saves 773, goals allowed 83, goals allowed average 3.16, save percentage .903, shutouts 3.
According to information from the Hobey Baker Award committee, “Adversity builds character, and character builds excellence. Character makes the game better.”

Hills-Beaver Creek High School senior Kenadie Fick was named to the 2022 Red Rock Conference All-Conference Team.
Teammate sophomore Lanae Elbers received honorable mention.
The Lady Pates ended the 2021-22 season with a 11-5 record, tied for second with Edgerton High School.
Southwest Christian, Edgerton, led the conference with a 16-0 record and received four selections on the all-conference team with two honorable mentions.
Red Rock Central has two all-conference and two honorable mention players, followed by Edgerton and Heron Lake-Okabena with two all-conference players and one honorable mention.
Mountain Lake Area Comfrey, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, and Adrian-Ellsworth each had one all-conference and one honorable mention member, and Murray County Central had one all-conference player.

Luverne High School junior Gannon Ahrendt was named to the 2022 Big South Conference All-Conference list for this boys’ basketball season.
Ahrendt was one of 10 athletes from the West Division making the All-Conference list.
Luverne went 2-10 in the West Conference led by 10-2 Marshall High School.
Redwood Valley had three all-conference athletes, Marshall two all-conference, Pipestone Area two all-conference and three honorable mentions, Jackson County Central one all-conference and one honorable mention, Worthington one all-conference and one honorable mention, and Windom Area one all-conference.