Vivian Cooper

officiating.  Interment will follow at Borgholm Cemetery near Bock.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  Music will be provided by Cheryl Bailey.  Casketbearers will include Russell Rutowski, Brian Cooper, Scott Cooper, Jason Cooper, Michael Coffelt, Matt Coffelt and Katrina Coffelt.  Arr. Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home of Milaca.

Vivian Alice Cooper was born August 23, 1925 in Kingston, MN to Ernest and Lola (Henderson) Huro.  She grew up in Kimball and later moved with her family to Gladstone.  Vivian graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1943.  She was united in marriage to John Cooper on November 6, 1945 in St. Paul.  John and Vivian made their home in St. Paul for many years.  They moved to Bock in 1972 and they farmed for several years.  Vivian was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Bock where she was active in the quilting circle.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, knitting, fishing and traveling.  Vivian loved spending time at the family cabin on Ann Lake.  She died on Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Fairview Northland Regional Hospital in Princeton.

She is survived by children, Shirley Coffelt of Le Sueur, Thomas (Karyl) of St. Paul, Sally Coffelt and special friend Randy Hunt of St. Paul, Barbara (Cory) Sanders of Sweeney, TX, Kenneth of Bock and Donald of Ogilvie;  nine grandchildren;  six great-grandchildren;  brothers, Clarence Huro of Pine City, Lawrence Huro of IL, Duane Huro of TN and Norman Huro of Nashwauk;  also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents;  husband, John in 2000;  sisters, Dorothy, Marian and Lois and brothers, Wendell and Robert.

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•Question:  The Minnesota Twins are strengthening their hold on the worst record in the majors. It’s been suggested that if the team continues down this path the jobs of manager Ron Gardenhire and some of his coaches could be in jeopardy. What do you think?.

-Dorr: Given that the organization has been one that seems loyal to its employees, I don’t think the firing of Gardenhire is imminent. If they pick a fall guy, as organizations often do, it may be hitting coach Joe Vavra. I’ve not been a big Gardenhire fan through the years but I don’t think he will get fired, unless the Twins keep playing the way they have for the next two or three more weeks. I don’t understand why the team let Luke Hughes get away and kept Sean Burroughs. Nor do I understand the need for three catchers when the team is hitting so poorly. Calling up Drew Butera was a wasted move. When I watched R. A.. Dickey (4-1 for the Mets) throw a shutout for eight innings Sunday I wondered, again, why he couldn’t make the team here.  I also watched Joe Mauer take a 3-1 pitch Sunday for a strike as Jamey Carroll got thrown out trying to steal. Mauer, almost arrogantly, reached down to unbuckle his shin guard, acting like he had gotten a walk, instead of swinging. I have no idea if Bryce Harper, the 19-year-old prospect for Washington, will be a star. But he got a game-winning hit by swinging at a pitch on the outside corner and driving it with a man on base. Mauer usually takes that pitch. I am so sick of watching Minnesota hitters take fastballs, get behind on the count, and then having to swing at a borderline pitch. Mauer (1 for his last 20 at that point), in his third at-bat Monday night, took two strikes and then swung at an outside pitch, pulled it and hit one of his many four-hoppers for an out. I gave up after the seventh inning Monday night to write answers to Gary’s questions.

-Marxhausen: Gardenhire has done numerous things with the Twins and has become a fan favorite over the past decade, but at what point is it enough and time to move on with a different manager? I have a hard time blaming Gardenhire for everything that has occurred over the past three years, resulting in a worse record each year. If anyone is to blame, it is the Pohlads and general manager Terry Ryan. The Pohlads, after a dismal 2011 season marked by injuries and poor play, scratched some big contracts from the team and decided to fill only where needed with sub-par contract dealings. Josh Willingham was a great replacement for Michael Cuddyer, but what about replacing the losses of Delmon Young, Jason Kubel and Jim Thome? Besides Carl Pavano, when have the Twins attempted to get a big name pitcher? I cannot place the blame solely on Gardenhire because there are more people responsible for the Twins’ record besides the manager.

-Larson:  If the misery continues, and it will, some heads will be chopped, starting with pitching coach Rick Anderson. He’s had three-plus seasons to work with the current starting pitchers and all have regressed. Maybe, these pitchers just don’t have it. That could be argued but you would think at least one or two would’ve have shown some progress.

Mention the Twins on the street or in a bar and you’ll get biting, sarcastic remarks. Mention former Minnesota idol Joe Mauer or former folk hero Gardenhire and you’ll get the same. Gardy is starting to look like a befuddled old man when he lumbers out to the mound, with no more spark or solutions to offer. Ownership wants fans in the seats and it might just take a new hand filling out the lineup card to do that.

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•Question:  A story in the Monday, May 7 Minneapolis StarTribune pointed out that so far this season the Twins are averaging about 5,000 fans less per game than in their first two Aprils at Target Field. The story also said ticket scalpers are “struggling to unload their gobs of tickets.”  Has the shine of the new field already worn off, with fans now basing their attendance on the team’s performance?

-Dorr: Many of the fans who attended the first year, and then much of the second year, were there just to be a part of the scene. That was obvious by the fact that they disappeared for many innings during the games, preferring, instead, to eat and drink in the corridors and restaurants instead of watching the game. They weren’t real baseball fans. And now that it’s not the “in” place to be at this time, those fans are staying home. It’ll get worse if the team continues to play poorly and the weather doesn’t improve on this nine-game home stand. And Monday night Joe Mauer was mired deep in a slump, Josh Willingham was sick, and Justin Morneau was on the DL. Sound at all like 2011?

-Marxhausen: Target Field is a very beautiful structure and still beams whenever the sun is shining brightly. It has been completely modernized for an outdoor ball park and is an instant fan favorite. Target Field is a beautiful monument that puts the Metrodome to shame for being considered a baseball field. Attendance is going to dwindle when the once optimistic fans are finding reasons not to go. My reaction at the beginning of the season was to make it to a game or two before the Twins were in contention for the worst record in baseball. Being a Twins fan can be very frustrating, especially when you witness them keel over or put up little to zero runs a game while giving up five or more. After a while, it becomes embarrassing to wear Twins gear out in public because of the images the team is reflecting.

-Larson:  I predicted this was coming before Target Field even opened but I figured it would take a little longer before the lure of “outdoor baseball” wore off and fans began to demand “winning outdoor baseball.” Fans were told by the Pohlads that the new stadium would result in more revenue which would result in top notch talent being brought in. Fans were looking for big moves after last season’s disaster and that didn’t happen. The team has only itself to blame for the attendance drop.

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•Question:  How about some true or false questions?

-Dorr:

-The Twins will surpass their 99 losses last season and finish with 100 or more this year. False – I think. Or am I just hoping?

-A Twins player will hit 20 or more home runs. True, if Josh Willingham can hit some homers on the road.

-A Twins pitcher will win 10 or more games. True. Someone – I don’t know who – will somehow get to 10 wins.

-Joe Mauer will bat over .300. Likely true. But will he drive in any runs?

-Drew Butera will bat over .150. In the minors or the majors? Let’s go with True.

-Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another has a shot at the Triple Crown. False. But wouldn’t it be a great story?

-The Miami Heat will win the NBA playoffs. I can’t name more than a few teams who are in the playoffs but I’ll go with true.

-Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0), who defeated Miguel Cotto via a unanimous decision for the WBA middleweight title last Saturday, is the best fighter in boxing. True. Who else is there?

-Marxhausen:

-The Twins will surpass their 99 losses last season and finish with 100 or more this year. True. Believe it or not, this team is struggling more than last season and has yet to even find one starting pitcher who can consistently make it past a couple innings.

-A Twins player will hit 20 or more home runs. True. I still feel that Josh Willingham has what it takes to make it to 20.

-A Twins pitcher will win 10 or more games. True, but only just 10. Carl Pavano has what it takes to be that pitcher who controls a majority of the game to hold on for a win. After a while the Twins will get sick of losing and try to rally at some point, boosting Pavano to a 10-win season.

-Joe Mauer will bat over .300. False. I like Mauer and his smooth swing. He has patience and a good eye for the ball. The only way he will finish with a .300 average, though, is if he works it back up to the .300 mark and goes on the inactive roster the rest of the season.

-Drew Butera will bat over .150.  False. Ryan Doumit has taken most of the back-up catcher playing time and will continue to do that when Mauer is not behind the plate. Butera could possibly reach the .150 mark if he plays around 10-15 games and gets on a roll.

-Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another has a shot at the Triple Crown. False. Although the question is that I’ll Have Another has a shot at the Triple Crown which is hypothetically true because I’ll Have Another won the first of three, but there are a lot of horses out there with better odds that I see disrupting I’ll Have Another’s chance at the Triple Crown.

-The Miami Heat will win the NBA playoffs. True. Right now the only teams I see beating the Heat are the Spurs or the Thunder. The Spurs seem to be the better matchup of the two for the Heat because they meet the physicality of the Heat in each position whereas the Thunder will come up short.

-Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0), who defeated Miguel Cotto via a unanimous decision for the WBA middleweight title last Saturday, is the best fighter in boxing. False. To be the best you have to beat the best. There is a lot of hype behind the fight, but until Mayweather and Pacquiao finally go head-to-head, neither can be called the best fighter in boxing.

-Larson:

-The Twins will surpass their 99 losses last season and finish with 100 or more this year. True. How about 102? The Twins will be facing pretty much a better team in every game the rest of the season.

-A Twins player will hit 20 or more home runs. False. Josh Willingham will finish with 18. No one else will have more than 12.

-A Twins pitcher will win 10 or more games. False. The only way is if that pitcher isn’t presently on the roster.

-Joe Mauer will bat over .300. True. Put Joe at .303.

-Drew Butera will bat over .150. True. Put Drew at .156.

-Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another has a shot at the Triple Crown. False. The competition is too close for one horse to win all three races this year.

-The Miami Heat will win the NBA playoffs. False. Miami will find a way to lose in the finals against either San Antonio or Oklahoma City. And, either of those two might just be better than the Heat.

-Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0), who defeated Miguel Cotto via a unanimous decision for the WBA middleweight title last Saturday, is the best fighter in boxing. True. Holding titles at five different weights makes him No. 1.

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Do you have an opinion on any of this week’s questions? Do you agree or disagree with the sportswriters? Let us know by sending an e-mail to editor.millelacscotimes@ecm-inc.com or a note to Mille Lacs County Times, 225 S.W. 2nd St. Milaca, MN 56353. Or comment online.

The Wolves had everything clicking as they topped the Flyers 9-7 and 9-6.

The first game was a continuation of a game started, then rained out at Little Falls April 21. That game was picked up in the bottom of the fourth inning, with Milaca leading 9-4. The Flyers added two runs in the fourth inning and another in the fifth.

Senior right-hander Ashley Johnson notched the victory, allowing six hits while walking six and striking out 10. She struck out the side in the seventh inning.

Junior Sadie Hunt paced Milaca’s 12-hit offense as she cracked a double and a single and drove in three runs. Senior Kymee Nelsen and junior Sara Warren each had two singles.

In the regularly-scheduled game Monday, the Wolves broke a 6-6 tie by scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Sophomore Natalie Bernard was 4-for-4, with a triple, double and two singles while Nelsen was 3-4, with two doubles and a single. Hunt and senior Jessica Sikkink each went 3-4 and ninth-graders Alex Ploeger and Kristina Loegering each had two singles.

Nelsen drove in three runs while Hunt drove in two.

“We really put on a hitting performance,” said Milaca Coach Randy Johnson. “We made great contact.”

Johnson claimed her second victory of the day as she allowed seven hits and one walk while striking out 5.

“Ashley pitched great against a powerful Little Falls lineup,” said coach Johnson.

Milaca defeated Zimmerman 8-3 Wednesday, May 2, at Zimmerman in a game that was suspended because of rain the previous day, with no score after two innings. The Wolves broke the game open May 2 by scoring six runs in the third inning and two more in the fourth.

Senior Anna Swanson led a 10-hit attack with four singles while Bernard had a double and a single.

Bernard was injured in a play at home plate.

Johnson pitched the win, allowing 10 hits and three walks while striking out seven.

On Thursday, May 3, the Wolves trimmed Foley 9-1 at Foley as Johnson pitched a four-hitter, striking out 13 while walking three.

Loegering’s double led Milaca’s five-hit offense.

Milaca was able to take advantage of nine Falcon errors.

On Friday, Mora continued to roll as it stopped the Wolves 11-1 at Mora. The Mustangs ended the game by the 10-run rule as they scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Milaca, 8-4 overall and 6-3 in GRC games, is at St. Cloud Cathedral today (Thursday) at 4:15 p.m. The Wolves end regular-season play at home against Ogilvie Tuesday, May 15, at 4:30.

Sub-section play begins Friday, May 18.

The races were held at Milaca’s trail system west of Recreation Park, which is where the events finished.

The course, especially the 10K route, was wet and muddy following last week’s rainfall and offered a challenge. But, the competitors seemed to handle things well.

“The mud and water wasn’t too bad, not like the first time I ran in 2009 when the water was thigh high,” said Mary Krauel, who won the women’s division in the 10K. “The biggest challenge was going through all the mud.”

Krauel posted a time of 46:16. The Milaca physical-education instructor won the women’s division in 48:44 in 2010. She was second last year.

“I’ve been training for a marathon this year and that really helped,” said the 29-year-old Krauel.

Krauel also credited second-place finisher Heidi Schroeder, 23, of Milaca for pushing her to the end. Schroeder was second in 46:21.

“Heidi was running right by me to the finish,” said Krauel. “Heidi is a great runner and we were neck and neck the last 100 yards. It could have gone either way.”

Valerie Noyce, 32, of St. Cloud was third in 49:37, Lindsey Molstad, 35, of Duluth was fourth in 50:17 and Leah Popp, 31, of Rice was fifth in 51:44.

Milaca High School sophomore Cameron Sundberg took time off from his track schedule and won the men’s 10K in 40:18.

“The course wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be,” said Sundberg, 16, who competes in the 1,600-meter run and 3,200 in the spring and cross country in the fall. “It was a challenge but I felt good. I felt I ran a good race.”

Chris Lofgren, 28, of St. Paul was second in 40:35 while Douglas Hegley, 50, of Minneapolis was third in 43:36, Scott Niemela, 48, of Pequot Lakes was fourth in 44:07 and Travis Bukosky, 31, of Princeton was fifth in 44:31.

In the two-mile run, 14-year-old Levi Hunt of Milaca won the boys division in 15:25. Austen Reichel of Cambridge was a close second in 15:27 as the two battled for first right to the finish line.

Joe Berg, 11, of Milaca was third in 16:19, Alec Reichel, 11, of Princeton was fourth in 16:20 and Daniel Moonen, 16, of Ostego was fifth in 17:33.

Rachel Peterson, 14, of Milaca won the girls two-mile in 18:39, with nine-year-old Jackie Kragt of Milaca placing second in 18:55. Olivia Westling, nine, of Milaca was third in 19:16, Isabel Shotenbauer, also nine, of Milaca was fourth in 19:17 and Beth Leuwenke, 30, of Elk River was fifth in 19:20.

William "Bill" Goslinga

William Goslinga was born on May 21,1956 in Princeton, Minnesota, the youngest child of Ted and Angeline (Brinks) Goslinga. Bill graduated from Milaca High School in 1975. He farmed on the home place until his father’s death in 1984. Bill was united in marriage to Kay Jaworski on July 5, 1984 in Estes Park, Colorado. They made their home in Milaca, Minnesota until 1987, when they moved to the farm where Bill was born and raised, and where his heart always remained. Bill worked in construction to make a living but farming was his life, and a good life it was, raising his family on a
farm with pigs and cows, ducks and geese, goats and chickens, and always a faithful dog. He loved people, and was grateful for old friends and new.
Bill was a loving husband and father, and his family was everything to him. Bill spent the last seven years dealing with ALS, but throughout it all he was able to keep his quick wit, his dignity, and his faith. Bill always had hope for tomorrow, and finally his greatest hope was realized, waking up in the arms of our Lord the morning of May 8th, 2012.

He is survived by his wife Kay, children Brian of Thief River Falls and Jill and Thomas of Minneapolis, and siblings Carol and James Kragt of Pease, Eileen and Steven Nikolas of Blaine, Dorothy and Brad Wood of the Dominican Republic, Marly and Brad Jenson of Elk River, and John
and Barbara Goslinga of Milaca. He is also survived by many loving and devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

“Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.”
While we are mourning his death. Bill’s parents and other loved ones who’ve gone before him are rejoicing to meet him again.

Lesley Toth

In observance of National Teachers Appreciation Week, May 7-11, I thought it appropriate to pay tribute to some of the amazing educators Milaca has offered during the past few decades.

These teachers, some of whom have retired, while others  still work wonders in the classroom, have inspired excellence, encouraged learning and when needed (in my case, often) prodded compliance.

The earliest memories I have of my time at Milaca Public Schools is a few flashes from second grade. Teacher Donna Olson laid the groundwork for me in addition, subtraction, reading more than a paragraph at a time and writing letters. She’s still at it for today’s second-graders.

I’ll never forget my fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Johnson, who read us thrillers like “Goosebumps,” and sparked my interest in the scary, gross and supernatural literature genres. I hope fourth-graders today are still saving up their auction bucks for those fun-filled bidding contests.

Flash-foward to sixth grade and Mrs. Judy Mott’s grammar studies. I can still recite those useful helping verb and preposition songs. I don’t think I’ve ever handed in more book reports and enjoyed doing it so much in my life.  Across the hall in Mr. “Sod’s” (Soderstrom), I was enthralled with the world of geography.

In seventh grade, the Garbers reigned supreme. Martin opened my mind to the beauty of music, instilling a lifelong passion, while Gwen expanded my horizons in the realm of social studies and early American history. Randy Johnson made science come alive with engaging assignments and explanations of strange concepts.

Due to the amazing experience in Pat Nelson’s eighth-grade social studies mock trial, I nearly pursued a career in law. As it turned out, however, I simply like to argue. But the assignment taught me that a little research, a whole lot of facts and a healthy dose of passion make those arguments more fruitful.

I also remember making a killing on the faux stock trading ventures in Jere Day’s economics classes, but sadly I’ve forgotten how. If only fifth hour wasn’t right after lunch — I should have paid better attention.

In high school, Mr. Darwin Bruesewitz coaxed this shy, alto voice into something I could use outside of the shower and share with others. The karaoke bars may never forgive him, but I loved him for it.

Micheala Esselman’s art classes were always a treat, and I signed up for as many as were available. Her winning smile and great sense of humor were a welcomed presence in the classroom.

College prep teacher “Mad” Jack Palmer provided me with the firm hand of guidance I required. He taught me no matter how much others gushed about my writing, I could always improve. He demanded the best from me and refused to let me slack. From him, I learned “good enough” is never good enough, and I will forever be grateful.

Not to let my bias for English teachers overshadow the contributions from the “hard sciences” — math teacher Joe Wenner deserves  special accolades. I understand now “why we have to learn this stuff.” Thank you for your eternal patience, your ability to explain trigonometry in people words, and your discerning use of detention.

So many more teachers should be highlighted in this tribute. So many more deserve my gratitude (and a few my apologies for contributions to those gray hairs). Despite my rolling eyes, my casual leaning back in my chair and my knack for the annoying — I was listening. Message received, and many thanks to you all.

The 13 children, many in-laws and grandchildren of Dave and Christina Zabloski are raising funds to help pay for Dave's medical expenses after he suffered a massive stroke.

A Milaca clan is doing its best to help a man who has done so much for them. The 13 children, many in-laws and grandchildren of Dave and Christina Zabloski are combining efforts to raise money to pay for Dave’s hospital stay after he suffered a massive stroke Friday, April 27, and they’re asking for community support.

A Foley native, the 53-year-old Zabloski made Milaca his home nearly 20 years ago when he and Christina became a couple. With three children of his own, Dave didn’t back down from the responsibility of helping her raise the 10 she brought to the relationship. The four youngest are in the process of changing their last names to Zabloski as well.

“They were very little when he came along, so he’s Dad to them,” said Dave’s biological daughter Tabitha Zabloski. “He’s Dad to everyone.”

She and siblings Chris and Jessica joined the ranks with Daniel, Josh, DeAnn, Ryan, Amber, Ashley, Mathew, Jamie, Christopher and Nicole. It was a hectic household, but Dave provided the calming glue that held them all together.

Four years ago, the couple bought a “satellite” home in Watford City, N.D. to be closer to the action for their trucking business. Since then, they’ve been back and forth to Minnesota and their Milaca home, checking in with the kids and grand-kids.

“He’s amazing, loving, caring,” said step-daughter Ashley Brown. “He was there for everybody, no matter what. He put everybody before himself.”

The slow-to-anger, Dad-to-all, would allow his temper to show only in rare moments — such as when one of the six girls started dating.

“He liked to chase our boyfriends around the yard,” Tabitha said laughing.

In doing so, he also taught the girls the kind of qualities they should look for in their own partners through his relationship with Christina.

“He treats her like a queen,” Brown said. “He bought her a pink semi, for crying out loud, just because she said she wanted one.”

Mathew and Christopher have been in North Dakota, helping with the business, and the other children have rotated in and out as time and finances allow. Step-daughter Amber Manke was pulled early from her debriefing in Mississippi after her Minnesota National Guard unit returned from its deployment in Kuwait. Skipping her welcome home ceremony, the Red Cross flew her to Minneapolis, from which she drove straight to Bismarck.

The family said he’s still having difficulties making mental connections and processing information. He’s eager to see the grand-babies and get back on the road again.

Donations to help pay for Dave Zabloski’s medical expenses will be accepted at Casey’s General Store, and an account has been made at Bremer Bank. The family also plans to host a spaghetti supper at the Milaca American Legion soon.

“We hope to raise enough money so he can be transferred to the St. Cloud Hospital,” Brown said. “At least he’ll be closer to family.”

For the full story, see the Thursday, May 10 print edition of the Times.

Shelley Gensler and Mimi Peterson visit in front of Amy Cunningham’s “Emery,” an oil and acrylic hybrid.

After years of searching for a space to call home, the Milaca Fine Arts Council has opened its doors at its shared facilities with the Senior Center.

Dozens of locals flocked to the grand opening last Saturday evening to browse the art selections, sample wine and chat with friends and neighbors.

For more photos, see the Thursday, May 10 print edition of the Times.

Amanda Carlson and Matt Undermann take a little break before dancing the night away at Milaca High School’s prom last Saturday, May 5.

Milaca High School juniors and seniors gathered in couples last Saturday for the annual rite of passage that is prom.

For more photos, see the Thursday, May 10 print edition of the Times.

As a Milaca resident and University of Minnesota professor,  Buturian gave a presentation on area water resources during the day’s events.

Signs that will be installed outside in the library’s rain garden and native shortgrass prairie were also unveiled that day. They explain how the garden recycles and filters water run off from the building and parking lots before it makes its way to the Rum River. The prairie provides an attraction for birds and butterflies while eliminating the need for fertilizers, mowing and watering, creating a sustainable habitat.

For more photos, see the Thursday, May 10 print edition of the Times.