Pillsbury Baptist Bible College

07/25/2026

Elaine Johnson, Pillsbury dean of women in the early 1990’s and wife of Marvin Johnson, dean of men in the early 1980’s, is celebrating her 90th birthday today, July 25. Elaine was also a pastor’s wife in River Falls, WI for 21 years before working at Pillsbury. She is a proud mother of 4, grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of 16. Please join me in honoring her legacy of love and servanthood by leaving a note for her here. She has a new address and if anyone would like it, please request it in your note.

07/25/2026

Perhaps you saw the news item about the death of teen actress Kaylee Hottle in a car accident this week. She was primarily known for her role in the Godzilla vs. Kong movies. Kaylee was deaf, and her parents, Joshua and Ketsi, are also deaf. Kaylee was the middle of five children. There is a Pillsbury College connection. Her parents attended Pillsbury in the early 2000s when the college had several deaf students. Josh was a pastoral student and Ketsi was studying photography. They were well loved by their fellow students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

07/14/2026

Another long-time friend is with the Lord. Russell Andrew Baker entered Heaven on July 7, 2026, where he met his Savior, whom he loved and served faithfully all his life.

Russ was born September 6, 1950 in Wheatland, Wyoming to Willard A. Baker and Mary Anna (Weber) Baker. He leaves behind his 95-year-old mother; his wife of 54 years, Carol Baker; his children, Stephen (Vickie) Baker, John (Ashleigh) Baker, and Sarah (Joshua) Prox; along with his ten grandchildren, Charity, Stacie, Lindsey, and Shiloh Baker, Troy, Merritt, and Shelton Baker, Charys, Silas, and Kaitlyn Prox. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Willard A. Baker; and his granddaughter, Adyson Celeste Prox.

Russell graduated from Wheatland High School in 1968. Sensing God calling him to full-time Christian service, he attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1972 and then attended Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, earning a Master’s of Divinity and a Master’s of Theology. In October 1977 he was called to pastor Rockford Baptist Church in Rockford, Minnesota, where he served until 1987. God then answered Russ’s secret heart’s desire to move “back west” and he began pastoring First Baptist Church of Leadville, Colorado, where he raised his family, served as a firefighter and paramedic, and enjoyed running in his beloved mountains. After 26 years in Colorado, in 2013 Russ retired and moved back home to Wheatland, Wyoming to be near his mother.

On June 3, 1972, Russ married the red-headed love of his life, Carol Jean Busk. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Stephen Andrew in 1977, John David in 1979, and Sarah Joanna in 1982. Russ was a dedicated dad, often wrestling with his kids, playing guitar and singing Patch the Pirate and old western songs with them, and being present at every single game or musical event his children participated in. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he spent as much time as he could with them, attending sporting events, musicals, graduations, and any other event he could possibly be at.

Russ was a man of a million interests and passionate about learning new things, taking up wrestling in college, becoming a firefighter and paramedic in his 30s and 40s, and learning to play the bagpipes in his 50s. He took college classes to learn Spanish and taught himself advanced car repair. An avid runner, Russ covered thousands of miles in the Colorado mountains and was a frequent ultramarathon runner. One of Russ’ deepest loves was music. He enthusiastically sang bass, played piano, trombone, accordion, guitar, harmonica, and even those bagpipes. His passion for learning led him to complete all of the course work for his doctorate, though he ultimately decided not to revise and defend his doctoral thesis because it would have taken time he preferred to invest in his family, church, and community.

Russ knew from the time he was a teenager that he wanted to be in full-time Christian ministry. He always had a heart for small town churches and believed he could best shepherd a small congregation where he could know everyone personally. He cared deeply about being part of his local community, choosing to become a firefighter and later a paramedic because he wanted to be in places to help people when they needed it most. For many years, he worked at least two shifts a week while also pastoring his church, pursuing his myriad hobbies, and still finding time to spend with his family.

Russ's life was one of service to the Lord and to the people around him and he had a tremendous impact on many lives, both spiritually and physically. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Wheatland, Wyoming on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. A viewing will be held at 10:00 A.M. at the church and burial will be at the Wheatland Cemetery following the service. The Gorman Funeral Homes — Platte Chapel of Wheatland is in charge of the arrangements.

Do you have memories of Russ and Carol?

06/06/2026

Another friend of over 50 years is with the Lord this week. Pastor Derek Scott Claypool, Sr., 69, of Bemidji, MN, passed into the arms of Jesus at his home on May 29, 2026. Derek and I were classmates at Pillsbury, and I was a deacon at Woodcrest Baptist Church when he was the youth pastor.

Derek was born July 5, 1956, in Bemidji, the home of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. He was the eighth of nine children born to Warren and Beatrice “Brenda” (Evans) Claypool. He was a proud Bemidji Lumberjack, class of ‘74. The day he turned 18, he packed up his car and moved to the Twin Cities to start a carpentry apprenticeship.

In May of 1975, Derek’s good friend Craig died in an apartment fire when Derek was supposed to be visiting him. A last-minute change in circumstances delayed the trip, saving Derek’s life. This event caused Derek to search for deeper truths. Conveniently, a cute girl invited him to Woodcrest Baptist Church, where he met Jesus. Soon after, he answered the call to pastoral ministry and headed off to Pillsbury Baptist Bible College.

At Pillsbury, he met the woman of his dreams: Brenda Wasfaret, who was 100% Norwegian and from Twin Valley, the hometown of Vikings Snowmobiles. He won her heart by asking for her help with homework and fixing her car. They married on May 30, 1981, and started a life of ministry together and had four precious children. He started his vocational ministry as a youth pastor in Iowa and later at Woodcrest for 14 years. It was his dream to pastor in his hometown of Bemidji, and God opened that door in 1995. He pastored Faith Baptist Church for 28 years. He had a burden for law enforcement and first responders, serving as a chaplain first in Anoka and then in Beltrami County.

After retirement due to health challenges, he continued to serve through a ministry of encouragement and Bible Study in the "Shiloah Shack" and the community. He leaned deeper into his role as grandpa, tinkered with his many projects and passions (vintage Vikings snowmobiles, military jeeps, and his 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon, to name a few), and never stopped working to "change the world, one loaf of bread at a time," coming in at loaf #1,056. He also delighted in his "new gig," spending long hours mowing Greenwood Cemetery.

Derek was a true people-person who never met a stranger. He was a prolific storyteller and renowned for his “gift of gab.” He passed away doing what he loved: serving and helping.

He is survived by his wife Brenda; children Emily (Nate) Offord, Derek Jr. (Natalie), Trevor (Ellisa), and Megan (James) Tucker; grandchildren Owen, Elsie, Sophie, Oaklynn, Evin, Emi, Miles, Ed, and Helen; siblings David (Lisa), Mike (Linda), Jeff, Kath, Greg (Karen), and Pat; his "adopted mom," Bev, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Mollie. He is preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, three nephews, and his father-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 8, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church in Bemidji, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Alaska Township/Island Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home.

Keep Brenda, his children, grandchildren, other family members, church members, and friends in your prayers. Brenda suffered a minor heart attack when Derek had his accident at home.

Do you have memories of Brenda or Derek to share?

05/19/2026

I am grieving the passing of Craig Maart, a young man I have known since he was a child, the son of Pillsbury graduates Pastor Jerry and Leanne Maart. And then I knew him later in life when he attended Pillsbury and met Joanna. I take comfort in knowing he is with his Savior.

Craig Thomas Maart, age 54, of Hummelstown, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026. At the end of March, Craig began experiencing severe back pain. What started as discomfort quickly escalated, leading to the discovery of multiple compression fractures in his spine. Further tests and bloodwork brought devastating news. Craig was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Craig was born in Tyler, Minnesota, on April 15, 1972. He was the son of Jerry and Leanne Maart of Alamo, TX, and one of three children. He was the husband of Joanna (nee Kett) Maart. In addition to his wife, Craig is survived by his children, son Cameron and daughter Cassy, brother Joel Maart (Ashley) of Lindstrom, MN, sister Alicia Maart of Nashville, TN, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Craig attended Living Hope Church in Middletown, PA. Craig graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, MN, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He also graduated from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale, PA, earning his Master of Arts in Theological Studies.

He held many ministry positions over his work career, most recently VP of Ministry Administration at TFC Global in Marietta, PA, until leaving in 2025. He then became a team member at Z Motor Company in St. Petersburg, PA.

The most important things to Craig were his personal relationship with Jesus and his family, always leading them toward God. He was a patriot and lover of the USA. He mentored men to become followers of the Lord and strong family leaders. He was committed to teaching biblical truth to many students and adults over the years in a variety of ways.

Craig enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles, had a great sense of humor, was always welcoming, and was a true servant to his God and others.

A celebration of life service will be held at Living Hope Church in Middletown, PA, on Thursday, May 21. Visitation will be at 3:00 pm with the service starting at 4:30 pm. The service will be livestreamed here https://www.youtube.com/live/Kuh0F0gWfhc If you would like to donate toward medical and funeral expenses, see this link https://gofund.me/fbc9db6a9

Do you have memories of Craig or Joanna?

03/25/2026

Pat Fuller taught speech at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in the 1970s and 1980s. She recently graduated to Glory. Patricia F. Carroll, age 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Jones-Harrison Senior Living on February 22. She was born on September 6, 1943, in River Falls, Wisconsin, and was raised on the family farm in Kinnickinnic Township.

Patricia graduated from River Falls High School in 1961 and went on to earn her college degree from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1965. Growing up on the farm, she helped with daily chores and was known for her gentle care of animals — including the occasional task of leading lost calves back home. Her lifelong love for both animals and people defined the way she lived and served others.

Known to many as Patti, she had a remarkable gift for remembering names and making each person feel seen and valued. If she asked your name twice, she never forgot it thereafter. She loved greeting others warmly and engaging in meaningful conversation wherever she went.

Faith was a central part of Patti’s life. She devoted many years to teaching Sunday School and sharing her values of kindness, compassion, and service. She later taught at Pillsbury College in Owatonna, Minnesota, where she continued to inspire students with her dedication to education and community.

In 1997, she married Richard Carroll. Together, they shared many outdoor adventures and a deep appreciation for nature and time spent together.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Carroll; her parents, Esther Christine Fuller and Frank William Fuller; and her brother, John W. Fuller.

Patti is survived by her sisters, Mary (the late Chuck) Kugel and Emily (Bob) Williams; her stepchildren, Mark (Janice) Carroll and Michelle (John) Jordan; her beloved nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Elizabeth (the late Kevin), Rebecca (Maury), Dan, Chris, Joe, Jared, Jesse (Ruth), Erick, and Chris; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her steadfast faith, her love of people, and the simple joy she found in knowing and caring for others.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Victory Baptist Church, 13560 63rd Ave N, Maple Grove, Minnesota (Bass Lake Road & I-494). Luncheon and interment to follow the service. The service will be livestreamed at https://victorybaptistmg.org/

Do you have memories of Pat to share?

03/19/2026

Many will remember Dennis Burggraff, who was one of the head cooks in charge of the dining hall at Pillsbury College. Denny and his wife Mary still live in Owatonna. Six years ago, Dennis was helping with a benefit breakfast and had a stroke. Thanks to everyone's quick actions, he sustained minimal damage, but it left him blind. On March 30, Dennis will turn 80. Mary would like to surprise him with 80 birthday cards she can read to him. If you have a memory to share, that would be great, but just a card is fine. The address is Dennis Burggraff, 1540 Bigelow Ave, Owatonna 55060. Denny is a veteran. I remember him being in the color guard sometimes during Pillsbury graduations. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1964-1967 and was a sergeant when he was discharged. He was deployed to Vietnam and served on the front lines as a Marine radio operator. Please join me in wishing him a happy 80th birthday!

03/18/2026

I just received my copy of Missionary Tom Latham's autobiography. Tom is a graduate of Pillsbury College and Central Seminary. We have been friends for 55 years. He and his late wife Penny have been faithful missionaries in Brazil. He was the camp missionary one year when I was at Bible camp as a teen. Later, we were next-door neighbors in Owatonna for one year when they were on furlough. He and Penny have visited us here in Lynchburg. This is a fantastic book, filled with color photos. I enjoyed reading about many of our mutual friends and how God has blessed the Lathams through the years. I highly recommend this book.

"Into the Light" is an inspiring autobiography about the life and ministry of Dr. Latham and his late wife, Penny, as missionaries in Brazil for 50+ years.

02/08/2026

A wonderful story about Pillsbury alumni Sam and Eva Telloyan, and their daughter Naomi and husband Tim VanLoh in Lansing, Michigan. Please comment on how the Telloyans or VanLohs have been a blessing to you!

A Michigan mom lives with her husband, baby, parents, and grandparents. Multigenerational living is a growing trend amid the rising cost of living.