Gary S. Miller

Gary Miller, age 64, of Alexandria, died on Sunday, April 11, 2021.  Memorial service will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021, 10:30 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with visitation from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.  The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend.  CDC guidelines of wearing masks and social distancing will be followed. 

I have just been informed that the Alexandria Eagles Aerie #3063 will also live stream the memorial for those whom can’t gain entry to Anderson Funeral Home.

View more information here.

Vance Peters

Vance’s story is not measured by the time he spent on Earth, but rather the way in which he lived his life. He was a man that was full of life and he loved spending time with his family and friends. Vance was a genuine, loyal, and compassionate man that left a lasting and meaningful impression on the people he met. His laugh and smile were as big as his heart, and he had a way of warming the room with his magnetic personality that made everyone feel welcome no matter who they were. 

Vance enjoyed living the adventures of his life with his wife Sherry, children, and grandchildren. Some of his favorite things to do included cooking with Sherry ( but we all know Grandmas was always better), camping, traveling and exploring, participating in Eagles events, and watching Vikings games which may have included one too many Ziggy Zoggys.

Vance held many titles throughout his lifetime in his career, the eagles, and his family, all of which he held with the greatest pride and honor. From supervisor positions at work to Past State President at the Eagles, the titles of loving husband, father, and PAPA were his proudest. He was a brilliant man who loved learning and a wonderful example. In everything he did, he believed in people helping people and his life was an example of that. He would always give without expecting anything in return.

Vance was inspiring, and was extremely liked by all who had the honor and the privilege of getting to know him. He treasured every memory made, he used everyday to teach those who would listen and learn something new whenever he had the chance. Vance truly had a heart of gold. His free spirited nature and generosity was a treasure we will all hold very dear to our hearts. 

Until we meet again.

DAY-OOO!

Vance is survived by his wife Sherry Peters; daughter Chelsey (Lief) and Nancy (Brian), son Jeremy (Renae); 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren, Coltyn, Brynley, Oaklee; sisters Sue (Scott) and Rena; brother, Scott and many uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.

Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Fern Peters; grandson, Jaden and mother-in-law, Nancy Preston.

Obituary for Vance Peters

North Central Regional Conference 2020

**UPDATE** The official program is now available to view. The North Central Regional Conference will be held September 18 – 20, 2020 in Valley City, North Dakota #2192. We welcome all to join us for a weekend of learning and fraternalism. For the full agenda, please click on the file below.

GWPE Dave Smith’s Visit

Grand Worthy President Elect Dave Smith will be visiting Minnesota in August. Here is the itinerary while in town and a helpful information sheet.

He will be visiting August 18th – 23rd, 2020. Aeries of visitation include Crookston, Brainerd, New Brighton, and Faribault. Our Minnesota contacts during his visit are WSP Randy Beggs and Incoming NCRP John Batchelder.

Marlene Porter

Marlene D. Porter, age 81, of Raymond, passed away Thursday morning, June 18, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.  Memorials to honor Marlene’s life may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  http://www.petersonbrothers.com

Marlene Dorothy Porter was born on November 3, 1938, in Renville, Minnesota, the daughter of Martin and Eleanora (Hermerding) Tepfer.  She grew up in the Renville and Willmar communities and graduated from Willmar High School in 1956.  On October 11, 1958, Marlene was united in marriage to Vernon Dell Porter.  They made their home in Willmar before moving to New London in 1972 and to Raymond in 1993.  Marlene worked as a secretary at Glen Oaks, Iverson Engineering, Peterson Bus Company and the Willmar School District.  She and Vern also managed the city campground in Sauk Centre for many years.  Marlene was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and was active with the F.O.E. Auxiliary, serving as a past MN State Madam President.  Her hobbies included camping, fishing and crafts.  Since 2010, Marlene has resided at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon of Willmar; three children, Glen (and Becky) Porter of Andover, Vicki (and Rob) Smith of Willmar and Gary Porter of New London; and three grandchildren, Jared, Jacob and Shania Porter; besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Dell in 1979; two sisters, Eleanore and Ruth; and one brother, Dale.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marlene Dorothy (Tepfer) Porter, please visit our floral store.

George Ziebol

George Frederick Ziebol, at age 87, returned to his Father in Heaven on Saturday, May 23, 2020. He was at home with his sweet wife at his side. George was born on December 2, 1932, to George and Huldabelle Ziebol in St. Cloud, MN. He later moved to Farr West, Utah.

He was married to Jeanette Jost for 40 years. They had 6 children. After her passing, in 1996, he married Katie Malan. Where he loved her 2 boys like his own.  This wonderful relationship, we know, will be continued in the hereafter, when we are all together again.

George graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School and then went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree. He worked for Northern States Power Co. in MN. as a credit manager for 34 years.

This man was a patriot! He loved and believed in the traditions of our country. George took that love and served in the U.S. Navy, from 1950-54. George served on the USS Knapp during the Korean War and remained there until the end of his tour. He recently was selected for, and went on, the Utah Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

He was a 63-year member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #622 St. Cloud, MN., and later became the International Grand Worthy President; the highest honor in the organization. George supported all of their charities and goals, and believed in their motto of “Liberty, Truth, Justice, and Equality for all Mankind”. He was very well liked, and knew people throughout the U.S. and Canada.

He was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his church family and was a member of the Westwood Ward. He enjoyed listening to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square each Sunday morning. He came to know, and have a better understanding of Jesus Christ, and that through our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, our family is eternal.

This great man will always be remembered for having an infectious smile, and a big heart with tons of room for even more love and friendship. He entertained us through his silly jokes, songs he would sing, and his lack of a good “poker face”, while we were playing cards. He loved barbequing steaks, golfing, fishing, and monitoring the weather and news. His sense of humor and teasing character made people smile.

George is survived by his wife, Katie; their blended children: Deborah Folsom, Pharr, Texas; Joe (Karin) Ziebol, Sartell, MN.; Fred (Colleen) Ziebol, Battle Lake, MN.; Mike (Maryann) Ziebol, McComb, Mississippi; Deanna (Brent) Stoeckel, St. Cloud MN.; Rob (Jan) Checketts, Plain City, Utah; Dave (Stephanie) Dixon, North Ogden, Utah. His sister Gretchen Farrington, St. Cloud MN. 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanette, 5 siblings, sons Billy and Rick, grandson Rocky, and great-granddaughter Haven.

Out of respect for the current health crisis and George’s wishes, no services will be held.

We would like to give our very special thanks to our Intermountain Hospice team Amber, Lori, Anna Marie, Cassie, and Launi. Dr. Bilal Aijaz, cardiologist at Intermountain Health Group.  We would also like to thank the EMT’s and firefighters at the Weber County Station #61 in Farr West, UT. You guys are awesome!

Although we can no longer see you with our eyes, we will feel you forever in our hearts.

A message from GWP Ron Malz

Brothers & Sisters,

Over the last few weeks, the problems faced by the Fraternal Order of Eagles due to the coronavirus have been unprecedented.

We entered March strongly on pace for our second consecutive year of Net Gain, then – suddenly – things came to a screeching halt. Our Aeries closed, we were unable to recruit and initiate new members and several of the annual events we all look forward to were unable to take place.

It has been a struggle not being able to hit the road and see my fellow Eagles in action, raising money for charity and promoting the true spirit of fraternalism. However, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to shine through and many of our communities are returning to at least a small bit of normalcy.

Now is the time for us to take charge and help our communities, our neighbors and our fellow Eagle Brothers and Sisters. As your Grand Worthy President, I want to help you lead that charge. If your Aerie is permitted to open and would like to host a visitation, please contact the Grand Worthy President’s Office at gwp@foe.com.

It would be an honor to come meet with your current and prospective members and begin setting a course that leads the F.O.E. forward through the wake of this pandemic.

I would also like to encourage our Aeries to reach out to our existing members who are struggling during these difficult times. Lend a helping hand when possible, whether it’s through donations of money, food, clothing, providing a warm meal, paying their dues for the upcoming year or simply reaching out to let them know you care. We are all family and it’s important that we support each other through these tremendously trying times.

I know this path hasn’t been easy, but we will continue to fight, like we always do, and we will emerge on the other side stronger than ever, ready to show the world why Eagles will forever be People Helping People.

God bless all of you and I hope to see you along the Eagle trail very soon!

Fraternally,

Ron Malz
Grand Worthy President