Roger Hyatt

Roger Nels Hyatt, 77, of Brainerd, decided to take a well-earned rest on Thursday, October 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Born September 13, 1948, to Leonard and Regina Hyatt, Roger was a lifelong Brainerd guy who knew the value of hard work, a good laugh, and a well-timed eye roll.

In approximately 1969, Roger went to Alaska to fight forest fires and he often spoke of his time there. One of his first jobs was to help build rock cutting machines for a company in Rothsay. He spent many years at Potlatch as a machinist and in shipping as a loader & fill-in foreman. After Potlatch closed, he hauled potatoes for Olsen’s Farms in Ottertail for 18 years.

Roger was an Eagle through and through — a dedicated member for 48 years and part of the foundation of Aerie #287. He held every officer position there, as well as at District 3 and the Minnesota State Aerie, serving as Trustee, Guard (inside and out), Conductor, Chaplain, Vice-President, President, and Jr. Past Worthy President. If there was a title, Roger wore it proudly — and usually with a grin.

Outside of his Eagle duties, Roger enjoyed hunting — especially deer and elk — and looked forward to annual camping trips with his family, which almost always involved some unforgettable “apple antics.” He took great pride in perfecting his injection recipes for deep-fried turkeys and hog roasts, making sure no gathering went underfed or unentertained.

Above all, Roger was a great dad and a cherished grandpa. He will be missed by the love of his life for the past 44 years, Carolyn; children, Stacy Hyatt Dosh and Jeff Hyatt; stepchildren, Laurie Johnston, Randy (Heidi) Kassulker, and Jim Kassulker; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild (and maybe a couple on the way!); and sisters, Nancy Clark, Mary Jo Hyatt, and Bonnie Yager.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Karen Brehmer, Donald Hyatt, Patricia Harfield, and an infant sibling; grandson, Charlie Kassulker; and great-granddaughter, Raella Gilbert.

A Celebration honoring Roger’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Eagle’s Club (his home away from home) in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather starting at 11 a.m. and stay for lunch and stories after — and yes, Roger would insist you stay.

For the full obituary, click here.

2025 NCRC

We are just one month away from our North Central Regional Conference! This year, it will be held in Alexandria, Minnesota at the Runestone Club #3063 September 12-14, 2025. The weekend is packed with food, fun, fraternalism and learning! If you would like to enter the Ritual Competition, please contact Mary Lee at rmlee@arvig.net by August 30th.

Friday September 12th
Golf Outing

– Nordic Trails Golf Course
– $60 for 18 holes and cart
– 9am registration, 10am start
– Contact Becky K (763-458-2565) or Scott L (320-491-9133) to sign up
Receiver Training
– Registration starts at 8am, class at 9am
– Lunch break around 11:30am/12pm. 
– This class is for all current receivers and it would benefit all local and state officers to attend and/or any member looking to learn more and keep updated.   You do NOT have to become a receiver to take the class.  The Grand wants all current receivers to take it for all the new information and updates. To register, please contact Debra Henry: dhenry@foe.com
Registration
– 3:00–9:00 p.m. $20.00
Friday Specials: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
– Pork Chop Dinner $13.00
– Sirloin Steak Dinner $13.00
– NY Strip Steak Dinner $17.00
– with potato, vegetable and roll
Past Regional Presidents
– Social Hour: 5:30–6:30 p.m. with Cheese and Crackers
– Banquet: 6:30 p.m. Stuffed Chicken Thighs, Ham, Mashed Potato, Corn, Bun and Dessert $25.00
Entertainment – 8:00-12:00 pm Cimeron

Saturday September 13th
7:00-11:00 a.m. Ritual Competition (time depends on number of entrants)
8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Registration $20.00
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Rolls, Juice and Coffee – Free Will Offering
9:00 – 2:30 p.m. Joint Opening Welcome and Meeting
1:00 p.m. Lunch Break: Hamburger Bar and chips $8.00
3:00 p.m. Minnesota State Aerie Officers Meeting (at club) Lower Dining
3:00 p.m. Minnesota State Auxiliary Officers Meeting (at club) Lower Meeting
Main Level
5:30-8:00 p.m. Dinner Special – Taco Bar
Lower Level
5:30-6:30 p.m. Social Hour: Cheese and Crackers
6:30 p.m. Banquet: Sliced Beef, Cheesy Hashbrowns, California Blend, Bun, and Dessert $25.00
Main Level
8:30-12:30 pm Entertainment – Mid-Flight

Sunday September 14th
8:00 -9:00 a.m. Rolls, Juice and Coffee – Free Will Offering
Also, a $5 Breakfast option
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Aerie and Auxiliary Joint Meeting
11:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Social Hour (lunch available)

Welcome to the Regional Conference September 12-14, 2025 • Alexandria, MN

We welcome all to join us in Alexandria for a weekend of learning and enjoyment. Our Regional Presidents, Larry Gilge, Jamestown, ND and Mary Lee, Detroit Lakes welcome you to the 2025 North Central Regional Conference.

Grand Aerie & Auxiliary Representatives

FRIDAY, SEPTEBMER 12, 2025
Pre-Registration 3PM to 9PM
Dinner 5:30-7:30PM
Past North Central Regionals President’s Banquet

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
Registration 8AM-9AM
Breakfast 8AM-9AM
JOINT OPENING • 9-10AM
Opening Prayer Larry Swiers, MN Aerie Chaplain

Presentation of Flags

Pledge of Allegience ND Conductor Dan Vannurden

Welcome to Alexandria
Introduction of Grand and State Officers Remarks

Auxiliary Training
Governing – Judy Spencer and Maureen Malz

Volunteering
Sue Johnson and Tandra Landman

Togetherness/Equality
Angel Opdahl and Joan Lubitz

Obligation/Ritual
Peggy Walters and Ralph Hilgemann

Aerie Training – Stop the Leak
Terry Lubitz and Greg Anderson

Work Together
Tina and Jim Giesen

Lend A Hand
Marion (Weasel) Henry and Tina Haugen

Lunch 1PM

Grants and Charities
Cindy Gilge and Debra Henry

Aerie
Compliance Updates Creighton Thurman and John Tobie

MediationConflict Resolution
John Tobie and Creighton Thurman

Closing Prayer
Minnesota Chaplain Tina Giesen

Dinner 5:30-8PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025
Breakfast 8AM-9AM

Opening Prayer
Peggy Walters

Pledge of Allegiance
Jeff Allen

Future Site Selection for North Central Conference Final Remarks from Grand Representatives

Closing Remarks
Larry Gilge and Mary Lee

Closing Prayer
Tina Giesen

Thank you Alexandria for your outstanding efforts and hospitality in providing a wonderful home for this conference. Thank you Brothers and Sisters for actively participating, attending and for being part of the program this year.

Grand Worthy President Dave Wooster
Grand Madam President Rebecca Pelkey

June Callier

It is with sadness we share that June Callier passed away Saturday April 12, 2025. She served as State Madam President from 2004 – 2005. Visitation will be held Thursday April 17, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with the service starting at 11 am. There will be a luncheon at the Rochester Eagles following the service. We will update once the full obituary has been released.

Location of Visitation and Service: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home: 1105 12th Street South East, Rochester, MN 55904

June Carolyn Callier, 84, of Rochester, Mn, died Saturday April 12, 2025, at home.

June was born July 8, 1940, in Franklin Country, FL to Clayton and Maxine (Williamson) Coker.  June graduated Port St. Joe High School in 1958 and went on to attend Florida State University at Jacksonville.  There she meets a Navy man and married the love of her life Bob Callier on October 10, 1958. The following year the couple moved to Rochester, MN.  During her time June worked for the Mayo Clinic, Crenlo Inc, then back to Mayo and retired from there.

During the 50s & 60s June gave birth to four sons Robert, Chris, Rick, and Joe. June lost her third son Rick to a house fire in April of 1982.

June helped in forming the Ladies Auxiliary for the Rochester Eagles club and became one of their first President’s. She stayed active with the Eagles and later became State President of the Ladies Auxiliary.  June stayed active with the Eagles until her health started to fail her.

June loved her Minnesota Twins! The years with Blyleven, Puckett, and Viola. Her excitement would get to the point of not being contained and the things she would say to the TV.

She is survived by three of her sons Robert, Chris, and Joe; 2 grandchildren Elizabeth and Richard; her three great grandchildren; and one brother Less Coker.

June was preceded in death by her son Rick; her husband Bob Sr; and two brothers and sisters.

June requested to be cremated.  A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 17 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, with a luncheon at the Eagles club after.

Obituary

Pam Thiner

Pamela Jean Thiner, age 74 of Rock Rapids, IA died Friday, December 13, 2024 at her residence. Pam’s struggles with her health are now over and she is at peace.  She served as Past State Madam President from 2003 – 2004 and North Central Regional President 2019 – 2020. Pam was an Eagle member since February 1980.  As of right now, there is no service planned however there will be a celebration of life at a later date to be announced.  Any cards can be sent to Joe and family at:
2659 120TH ST
ROCK RAPIDS, IA 51246

https://www.jurrensfuneralhome.com/obituaries/pamela-thiner

North Central Regional Conference 2024

The conference will be held next week in Valley City, ND on Saturday September 14 through Sunday September 15. There are many events you can attend throughout the extended weekend and there is still plenty of time to register.

Receiver Training: Thursday September 12
Golf Outing: Friday September 13
Ritual Competition: Contact Jeff or Debra Henry to register
Jeff Henry jeffh@hickorytech.net
Debra Henry dhenry@foe.com
Joint Meetings: Saturday September 14 – Sunday September 15

GMP Mary Gutierrez Visits Minnesota

Mary Gutierrez, Grand Madam President from Santa Fe, New Mexico #2811, will be visiting Minnesota auxiliaries Thursday August 22 – Monday August 26, 2024. Places include: Owatonna, St. Cloud, and Roseau/Warroad. Attending any of these events is fun and you should if you are able. For the full schedule and ways to RSVP for any events, please see the flyers below.

2024 State Convention Golf Outing

The Annual State Convention Golf Outing will be held on Tuesday June 11th, 2024 @ 12pm. The course is Green Lea Golf Course located at 101 E Richway Dr. in Albert Lea. Price is $65 per person; 4 person scramble; teams to be drawn at the course before tee-off. Please arrive by 11:30am.

Please RSVP by Friday June 7th to
Becky Korsunsky
bogeygirl73@gmail.com
(763)458-2565
or
Pete Skalicky
midwest55049@gmail.com
(507)390-4588

Longest drive, closest to the pin, and long putt contests!

Darrell “Papa” Spencer

Darrell “Papa” Spencer left this world May 3, 2024, to reunite in heaven with his parents; Georgia and Archie, four brothers; Allen, Jimmy, Gary, and Glen, mother and father-in-law; Meta and Arnold Mann, brother-in-law; Darrel “Butch” Mann, sister-in-law; Donna Mann, special cousins; Bud and Anna Lou Thompson, along with many other friends. 

Papa made his arrival on August 19, 1936, at a birthing home near Maxbass, North Dakota where he grew up and attended school until he joined the US Army. Stationed in Iceland, he started his career as a diesel mechanic.  After receiving an honorable discharge, he moved to Lake Crystal, Minnesota and eventually settled in the North Mankato area with his wife Judy of almost 42 years. Papa worked as a diesel mechanic for several companies but after a triple bypass heart surgery he retired from True Value where he had worked for 12 years having started at age 65, the time most people retire. While working full time he and his wife Judy owned and operated “Happy Cooker Catering Service” where they roasted hogs and turkeys for over 27 years.  

Papa enjoyed traveling. He liked going to district, state, regional, and international Eagle conventions/conferences and cherished the many camping trips he went on with friends and family. He was extremely proud of being a member of Mankato Aerie 269 for 44 years having attained the positions of local, district and Minnesota State Worthy President which he attained a year before his body started to slow down after many years of hard work. He was also a member of North Mankato American Legion 518 and former member of the Moose and the Masons. 

Papa also enjoyed hunting. He looked forward to his time up north each year deer hunting with Dick Henry and the guys and getting into their “sock” while playing cards. He had a bucket wish come true when his son, Steve, and his father-in-law, Dan, went elk hunting in Montana.  

Papa was very proud of his many collectable John Deere tractors and was thrilled when he was able to go to Waterloo, Iowa with family to the John Deere plant and museum.  

Furthermore, Papa enjoyed watching his westerns, Mash, and the Vikings where he coached from his recliner. 

Papa loved the eight kids in his blended family: Rick, Lois, Paul, Cindy (Robert) Jones, Steve (Bridget), Tricia (Pat) Tobin, Kara (Greg) Pipes, Tim Anderson and special daughter Gina Farchette. He was proud to tell everyone he had twenty-three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Marlene Spencer, Zobie Spencer, Bev Raimann, and brother-in-law Don Mann. 

We are so grateful for all our family’s help during this time and for our dear friends John and Janelle Cedergren, Earl and Sharon Taylor, his Happy Chef Friday Breakfast cronies, and Eagle special friends Ed and Linda Connell, Ron and Maureen Malz, Bruce and Cindy Meyer and many more who without their support and encouragement he would have never been able to attain the privilege of being the 2022–2023 Minnesota State Worthy President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. 

We are also grateful for all the Mankato Clinic staff over the past years and the Mayo Hospice nurses who, along with children and grandchildren, were with us in the last stages of his life. 

If you would like to say your “see ya laters” face-to-face, visitation will be at Northview Funeral Home Thursday, May 9th from 4:00pm-7:00pm with a viewing from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Final farewell service begins at 11:00am on Friday, May 10th at Messiah Lutheran Church with visitation prior from 10:00am-11:00am. Burial will be held at Woodland Hills Cemetery followed by a celebration of Papas life at the Mankato Eagles Club.  

His “Papaisms” will be missed by all. “PAPA – YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU!!!” 

https://www.mankatomortuary.com/obituaries/darrell-spencer

2024 State Golf Tournament

St. James Aerie & Auxiliary #3420 would like to invite you to the annual State Golf Tournament. This year it will be held on Saturday August 24th and Sunday August 25th, 2024. It’s a 150 acre- 18 hole- Par 72 golf course with a NEW full-service bar and grill.  It has a challenging track along the Watonwan River with beautiful scenery to enjoy a tranquil round of golf.

Saturday Front Nine Qualifying Round
TEE TIMES BLOCKED FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL NOON
FRONT ROUND SCORECARD MUST BE TURNED IN BY 4:00 PM
YOU MUST CALL FOR YOUR TEE TIME- 507-942-7484 (Refer to the Eagles)
Kitchen will be open at the St. James Eagles Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
Rivers Edge Grill at Golf Course open 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m on Saturday
And 8:00am to 8:00pm on Sunday    

Sunday 8:00 AM Shotgun Start  – 18 Holes
TOURNAMENT ROUND                                                                 $70.00
STATE ENTRY FEE                                                                          $15.00
TOTAL TOURNAMENT COST                                                        $85.00

GOLF THE BACK NINE ON SATURDAY FOR AN ADDITIONAL $15.00

TOTAL COST INCLUDING BACK NINE OPTION                        $100.00

*** Cart is included in all pricing
*** There will be a separate Ladies Flight

For convenience:  Please pay with cash or check, all fees will be handled by the St. James Eagles Members at the Golf Course – Must present Eagles Membership Card for admission.

Any questions, call ED CONNELL – 507-236-1036 or email edandlindac@outlook.com

The St. James Golf Course is located off Highway 60 between St. James and Madelia. (77818 Hwy 60 East)

2024 Eagles Fifth District Cancer Telethon

Join the longest locally run telethon in the United States. Our mission is to raise funds in support of cancer research and the fight against cancer. Together we can make a difference! The 70th annual Eagles Fifth District Cancer Telethon will be held on January 12-14, 2024 in Rochester, MN. More information below.