Ryker Johnson became one of Minnesota’s youngest wastewater operators when he earned his Class D license at age 18. 

Working two summers at the clean-water plant in his hometown of Luverne inspired him to pursue the career. 

Carol Hadler, age 81 of Hills, Minn., died Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. 

Visitation was one hour prior to the service on Monday, July 20, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. 

Monica R. Braa, age 69, of Luverne, Minn., passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. 

Robert Israel, age 89, of Luverne, died Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at his home. 

A memorial mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, July 31, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne, officiated by Fr. Joshua Miller. 

Glenn Vander Poel, age 69, of Pipestone, Minn., passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone. 

The last time we considered 2 Samuel 11:1–2, we focused on the negligence of David’s kingly duty. While the kings went out to battle in the springtime, King David went about doing nothing. 

St. Catherine Catholic Church 

203 E. Brown St., Luverne 

St. Catherine Ph. 507-283-8502 

www.stscl.org 

Father Joshua Miller, Pastor 

The Luverne Redbirds captured two home wins in the past week, beating the Brandon Belugas 9-8 in an exhibition game July 17 and taking down the Jackson Bull 3-2 July 19.

The Luverne Junior Legion Red team went 1-1 in the Junior Legion Sub-State Tournament in the past week to stay alive in elimination bracket play.

Luverne fell 13-9 to St. Clair in the first round of the sub-state tournament Sunday, July 19, in Ruthton.