Memorials

Bob Slaybaugh - 1967-2024

It's with great sadness that we have lost a dear friend and an amazing leader. Bob touched so may hearts and made life very special for all that were fortunate enough to know him. Click here for his obituary.

Our 2021 event honored the memory of Kelly Christine Reise (left) and Kathlyn Ann (Kathy) Richardson (right)

Kelly Christine Reise (pronounced Reese) (Kathy's daughter, Roc's step daughter. 100% developmentally disabled from birth or early thereafter, fyi.)

Kelly was always a happy kid- she never had a bad thing to say about anybody. (she couldn't speak) I imagine her mother must have had something to do with Kelly's always happy demeaner. She always enjoyed crowds; like coming to FHNB. I think she liked the, "people noise". Kelly, Kathy(mom), grandma Connie and Roc (stepdad) have been coming to FHNB since at least 2010 based on tshirts. :) She didn't think much about kissing fish, however. Roc mused that Kelly could stay up half the night, but after a half day of fishing she was always ready to come in.

Bob Slaybough's story re: Roc saying Kelly couldn't fish and not wanting to put her out on a boat at their first FHNB, but Bob insisting she could and giving them the self-reeling ADA rod and betting she would catch at least one fish by the end of the day. Later Bob saw Roc stepping off the dock with a big smile on his face waving a dollar in the air at Bob and conceding that Bob had won that bet!

Kathlyn Ann (Kathy) Richardson (70 years old, died from Covid and complications within weeks of her daughter, her circulation was off the year prior and was not dealing well with the grief of the loss of her mother the year prior, whom she was still struggling at executing her estate at the time. Likely picked up Covid doing Kelly's memorial service prior to any vaccinations being available.)

Kathy was a devoted mother to Kelly for 38 years who was born 100% developmentally disabled. She was a dedicated spouse to Roc Richardson who spent almost 40 years committed to both of them and loved Kelly as if she were his own.

Kathy was very smart and creative and occupied her time, talents and energy providing Kelly with the fullest life she could including such outings as FHNB. Kathy designed and created many award winning costumes for Kelly's day programs.

When Kelly passed away the larger part of Kathy died as well and Kathy spent the final lucid days of her life preparing a lovely memorial for Kelly before only weeks later going to join her. They are dearly missed by all, especially Roc whose household is suddenly very quiet without all 3 of his lovely ladies keeping it lively.

Our 2021 event also honored the memory of Eric D. Johnson - 1959 - 2021

Johnson, Eric D. of Minneapolis, MN, passed away July 15, 2021 after a prolonged illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Johnson; his parents, Douglas and Carol Johnson and sister, Naomi Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Erica Breeden and family; his siblings, Elizabeth Groth, Jon and Jeffrey Johnson. He is also survived by five nieces, one nephew, numerous extended family members and special friends, Paul and Mindy Ashner. Eric trained in computer technology and worked at Seagate for over 40 years. He loved his work but left it at the office and lived “off the grid” when he could. He finally gave up the flip phone for a smartphone in the last few years.

A family graveside burial will be held Friday, August 13 at 11 AM at Norseland Lutheran Church, St. Peter, MN followed by a Celebration of Life at the Knights of Columbus, 1114 American Boulevard West from 3-7pm.

Eric loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting with his friends. "Lord, I love the great outdoors, enjoying this great world of yours, thank you for the fields and streams, because they're every hunter's dream.”

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eric can be made to: Fishing Has No Boundaries Brainerd Chapter. PO BOX 748, Nisswa, MN 56468.

Our 2017 event honored the memory of Marlyn Post - 1940-2016

Marlyn was born January 16, 1940 at home in rural Lakefield, MN to Lois Caroline (Christoffer) Post and Arnold Harm Post. He was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Rost Township. He grew up on the farm and showed hogs with the FFA. He spent hours riding his horse Dixie. Marlyn graduated from Okabena High School and attended the University of Minnesota. He trained as a medic in the National Guard. He later moved to the Twin Cities and became involved in sales, achieving upper management.

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993 and was very active in the MS Society and attended a number of MS Camps and Fishing Has No Boundaries trips.

In 1961 Marlyn married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Beck, from Round Lake, MN. They had two children, Timothy of Prior Lake and Teresa (Bradford) Johnson of Jordan. Grandchildren include Andy, Wesley, Mara Post, Robert Johnson, and special friend of the family, Juan Carlos Diaz.

Our 2016 event honored the memory of Darlys Every - 1940-2016

Born August 1, 1940, Died August 17, 2016

Darlys graduated with the class of 1959 at Brainerd High School. He also graduated Junior college in 1961 and John Rinde. He met the love of his life Sandra while she was a student at St. Cloud State University. Sandra had noticed a photograph of her future husband in one of her friends dorm rooms and wanted to know who he was. The two began writing to one another and she couldn't wait to meet him. They went on a triple date one night and when Sandra seen him with his green and white sweater, with brown eyes and red hair she was smitten. They were married June 2 1962 and just celebrated 54 years of marriage this year. They have 3 girls Glenna, Darla and Denise. They also have 7 grandchildren. Darlys was an agent for American Family Insurance since 1968 and recently retired. Darlys loved sports. He loved going to basket ball games with his cousin Clem at the College and high school. He also loved his baseball. His dream as a child was to be a professional baseball player but, he got polio when he was just 12 years old. His parents always made sure he could do things he enjoyed. In recent years he helped raise enough money to build the Miracle Field at Bane Park here in Brainerd. He wanted everyone with special needs to have the opportunity to play baseball. Click here to read entire obituary at The Brainerd Dispatch

Our 2016 event also honored the memory of Eugene Sobieck - 1954-2015

Born Saturday, February 6, 1954 Died Thursday, December 10, 2015

Eugene "Gene" Sobieck of Brainerd passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital on Dec. 10, 2015. He was born on Feb. 6, 1954, in Minneapolis. After high school he joined the Army. Following that he lived with his parents in Pequot Lakes. He was paralyzed while working construction in 1987. After the accident, he resided in Brainerd and was taken great care of by the staff of Good Neighbor Home Health Care.

Eugene enjoyed fishing at Camp Confidence with Fishing Has No Boundaries, playing cards, feeding the critters and goofing off with his great nephews and nieces.

Our 2015 event honored the memory of Caitlin "Caity" Daudt - 1992-2014

Caitlin "Caity" Daudt, age 21, of Backus, MN, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2014. She was born on October 14, 1992, in Brainerd, MN. Caity graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Pine River-Backus High School as well as earning her Associates Degree in 2011. She recently graduated from University of Wisconsin Superior with a Bachelors Degree in both Chemistry and Biology and a minor in Broad Field Sciences.

She was currently employed as an Apprentice at Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District and was to take a field position with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota in the next two weeks. Caity had recently been training for the Pack Test in order to be a smoke chaser for the DNR and was in the process of doing her final dives for her scuba certification.

She was planning to attend graduate school to pursue her PhD in Ethology/Animal Behavior, and then hoped to work in Southeast Asia or Brazil. She was also planning for her wedding that would have taken place in May. Caity was an organ donor and has donated her corneas through the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank.

She was an outstanding humanitarian, friend, lover and protector of nature and had an unending curiosity for knowledge.

Our 2015 event also honored the memory of Larry Magel - 1941-2015

Lawrence Thomas Magel Sr. "Larry" Born February 10, 1941, Minneapolis, MN. Entered into eternal sleep peace-fully on the 26th of January 2015 after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's at the VA Medical Center, St. Cloud, MN. Larry graduated from North High School Minneapolis, MN. He joined the United States Army March 1958 and served honorably until May 1968 with a discharge rank of Sergeant (E-5). During his military service he spent over 4 years overseas in Panama completing three tours of duty in Viet Nam. He worked at the U.S. Post Office driving the "big Rigs" and as a Machinist at Wrico Stamping. Larry loved gardening, cribbage, bowling and fishing. He participated in many FHNB events over the years. Click here to read more details.

Our 2013 event honored the memory of Frank T. Caswell - 1937-2013

Frank T. Caswell, 75, Nisswa area resident, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at his home. He was born Feb. 23, 1937, in Brainerd to Thomas and Frances (Taylor) Caswell. He served in the U.S. Army from January 1961 until his honorable discharge in October 1962. Frank and Colleen Parker were married in Brainerd on Dec. 7, 1968.

Click here to read more details.

Our 2012 event honored the memory of John Huhta - 1934-2012

John “Johnny Jay” Huhta, 77, of Pillager died on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at his home. Johnny Jay was born October 9, 1934, in Duluth, MN, the son of Wesley and Mae (Herrala) Huhta. Johnny Jay’s love of music started early. Before learning to play the guitar and banjo in high school, Johnny played the saxophone. At 17, he and his band, “The Sunnysiders” had a radio show in Duluth. He served his country for a time as a combat engineer in Korea, before returning stateside and returning to music. “Smokey Mac and The Yellowstone Valley Boys” recorded one of his songs. In 1956, he formed “The Shuffle Kings” with his younger twin brothers, Max and Mike. They played many night clubs in the Midwest area before settling in Nashville, TN where they landed on tour with Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Sheppard. With the help of Ernest Tubb, Johnny Jay was signed by independent producers who recorded their songs. Mercury records acquired the masters and released “Tears” and “Sugar Doll” in the fall of 1957. In their November 18, 1957 issue, Billboard Magazine picked these songs as potential hits in all three categories, country, pop and rhythm and blues. During his career he was able to share the stage with many, including: Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Buddy Knox, Jim Reeves, Dave Dudley, Claude King, Wynn Stewart, and many more. Johnny Jay continued to write songs and occasionally perform throughout his life.

Johnny Jay was also inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame where you can see more photos and read more about his musical career.

John was an integral part of our chapter since 2004 when John volunteered as a boat captain and his wife Pat volunteered as a nurse. They have been actively involved ever since. John shared his musical talents with our participants and volunteers for many years leading an evening of entertainment and sing-alongs. He also sang the National Anthem for many of our events at the opening ceremonies. We will miss his enthusiasm and all that he did to bring joy to others. We are pleased to say that Pat will continue to be with us as one of our nurses.

Our 2010 event honored the memory of Peter Kmit - 1931-2009

Peter Kmit was born on August 7th, 1931 and passed away on November 6th, 2009, just 2 days before his 51st wedding anniversary. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend lrene, his children, Taras, Paul and wife Kathi, Larysa and husband Justin, and his grandchildren, Michael, Tyler, Elyzabeth, William and Andrew. He also leaves behind 2 brothers, nieces, nephews and a host of other friends that all miss him dearly.

Family was a very important part of Pete's life. He always did whatever he could to help his family in any way. His door was always open and so was his heart. He loved his grandchildren and was thrilled to have gone on a fishing trip with his 2 oldest grandsons, Michael and Tyler in August 2009. Peter also enjoyed quality time with his younger grandchildren Elyzabeth, William, and Andrew watching them 1 afternoon a week.

We know Peter is watching over all of us today and humbled that you have chosen him to honor this year. He was well liked by all he knew him and his smile was contagious. He very much enjoyed his yearly fishing get-away's to Brainerd.

Thank You, Larysa Karkoc - Pete's Daughter

Our 2009 event honored the memory of Ron Kristofferson -1945-2008

A lifelong resident of Brainerd, Ron Kristofferson played a major role in the development of fishing as we know it today. His passion for the sport not only included catching the big one, it also included research and development of equipment and techniques along with educating others on how to enjoy the lifelong sport. Ron never took fishing for granted. Ron served in the US Marine Corps in Vietnam where he was decorated with three purple hearts. He was a long time member of the famous Nisswa Guide League where he had the opportunity to share his passion with many others. He also provided much community service in the Lakes Area and will be missed by his family and fishing friends. All the bait for this year’s event is being donated by S & W Bait so that Ron’s passion for fishing could be shared by many others.

Our 2008 event honored the memory of Tom Hunt - 1951-2008

NISSWA - Thomas Paul Hunt, age 57, of Nisswa, lost his battle with cancer on Feb. 9, 2008. He was born July 22, 1951, in Odebolt, Iowa, to John and Marion Hunt. He grew up and received his education in Odebolt and Denison, Iowa. The love of fishing brought Tom and Nancy to the Nisswa area, vacationing several times before they moved here in 1983 and built and operated the Viking Waterslide for 13 years. He was employed by Zercom in Merrifield, the Brainerd courthouse during tax season and did computer work for Car-Col Sewer for 12 years. Over the years, he completed 15,000 plus arrows for the What To Do Wheels. Tom fulfilled his love of fishing by guiding on Gull Lake for several years. His wife, Nancy, has been employed by Holiday in Nisswa for 21 years. He will be sadly missed by his relatives and the many friends he has made in the area over the years.

Note: Tom's friends and family members made a significant donation to our chapter in memory of Tom.

Our 2007 event honored the memory of Tyler Magnan - 1985-2006

Tyler Timothy Magnan was born Sept. 10, 1985, in Lewiston, Maine, to Tim and Monique (Roy) Magnan. Tyler moved with his family to the Brainerd area in 1987. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 2004, and worked for Lind Construction. He was very proud of his accomplishments. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying many outdoor activities. Fishing was his passion and he especially enjoyed teaching others to fish. He volunteered at Camp Confidence in the "Fishing Has No Boundaries" program as well as in other programs taking children and disabled individuals fishing. Although his life was short, he made a lasting impression. He will be so greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. (From the Brainerd Daily Dispatch)

Our 2007 event also honored the memory of Bob Lock - 1953-2006

Bob was a volunteer boat captain in 2004 and 2005 at our event. His family members have told us that he greatly enjoyed participating in our events and that was obvious as he was always cheerful and made some wonderful connections to our anglers. We will certainly miss having him with us in 2007 as we know he planned to volunteer again.

Our 2006 event honored the memory of Kay Anderson - 1937-2005

Kay stayed at the Confidence Learning Center several times and greatly enjoyed spending time with her fellow group home residents while enjoying what the camp had to offer. Kay wasn’t into fishing but she enjoyed time on the lake on Dave & Marian Anderson's pontoon boat as she visited their cabin many times. Her brother (Dave Anderson) was inspired to start this chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries after having Kay and her fellow group home residents and staff on his pontoon boat two years in a row.

Our 2006 event also honored the memory of of Jack (John) Ott - 1928-2006

“Jack lived his life for people” “Jack was all about people.” He had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and we were unique and special to him. He found the good in people. His ability to make you feel special would give you strength and self-confidence to achieve more and become a better person. Jack would encourage you, would support you, and believe in you. With that belief, he found great delight in being a teacher, a coach and later an administrator and principal in the Minneapolis Public Schools for 33 years. Jack and his wife (Judy) volunteered with us and were both always willing to do whatever was needed. Judy will be joining us again this year as one of our volunteer nurses.

Our 2006 event also honored the memory of of Richard (Dick) Grant - 1923-2006

Our chapter of FHNB was chosen as one of two organizations to receive memorials from the family and friends of Dick Grant. Dick lived in Rock Rapids, IA but made frequent trips to his summer home on Ten Mile Lake for many years where he enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time with his family. His daughter (Carol Groenenboom) said: "He was an avid fisherman on Ten Mile Lake for over 50 years and owned a home there since 1983. He passed his love of fishing on to his family and we hope these memorials in his honor, will allow others to experience that joy".

Our heart-felt condolences and thanks go out to the family and friends of Dick Grant for their generosity and for continuing on his legacy of caring for others.