Les Schrenk, 102-year-old World War II veteran from Minnesota, dies
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
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Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk, passed away earlier this week. He was 102. WCCO Reporter John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles got to know Les over the years doing several stories with him. They even caught up with him in Normandy, France to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Today, John and Tom do their best to share how much Les meant to his close friends and fellow veterans.
Southern Minnesota's Lois Widmark, 104, played a key role in helping the Allies gain victory in World War II.
Don Halverson's fellow members of the Minnesota National Guard's Red Bull 34th Infantry Division threw him an early celebration in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Don Halverson's fellow members of the Minnesota National Guard's Red Bull 34th Infantry Division threw him an early celebration in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Nadia Pishko was born in Ukraine and fled her home country as child during World War II, eventually building a life in Minneapolis. Despite the current war in Ukraine, she asked to return to her home country — and that dream came true last week.
A U.S. Army soldier who earned the prestigious Medal of Honor during World War II has been accounted for more than eight decades after he disappeared.
Out of the 1,500 men on his ship, Del Thielke was the only one selected to be aboard the USS Missouri when the peace treaty was signed.
It was 80 years ago that Japan surrendered, essentially marking the end of World War II. A man from Dawson, Minnesota, was there when the peace treaty was signed aboard the USS Missouri. John Lauritsen shares what Del Thielke remembers about that historic day.
Both men were staff sergeants during World War II, both were gunners on B-17s and both their planes were shot down on Feb. 22, 1944.
For many veterans, experiencing a war together creates a special bond, but eight decades after World War II, two veterans are just starting to form their own. WCCO's John Lauritsen shares the story of a friendship 81 years in the making.
At 108, he was the oldest living Merchant Marine in the world.
World War II Veteran Reynolds Tomter, 100 of Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Sunday night. He was one of the oldest World War II veterans in the U.S. John Lauritsen talked with one of Reynolds' close friends about the legacy he leaves behind.
Families in Normandy, France, are getting ready to celebrate the life of "Papa Jake" Larson — a Minnesota native and war hero.
Families in Normandy, France are getting ready to celebrate the life of Papa Jake Larson, a Minnesota native and war hero. He helped plan the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach and later became a TikTok sensation. He passed away last week at the age of 102. WCCO's John Lauritsen talked with Papa Jake's son about his father's incredible legacy.
World War II veteran and social media star Jake Larson, also known as Papa Jake, has died.
Minnesota World War II veteran Les Schrenk recently got a chance to visit the former POW camp in Poland where he was held captive for 15 months. WCCO spoke with Schrenk about the emotions of returning to the place that nearly took his life.
World War II veteran Les Schrenk recently had the chance to visit the former POW camp in Poland where he was held captive for more than a year. WCCO's John Lauritsen spoke with Schrenk about the emotions of returning to the place that nearly took his life.
It's proof you can make friends at any age: A couple of World War II veterans from Minnesota and Wisconsin struck up a friendship well after they turned 100.
Drafted during World War II, Don Tietz found himself a long way from his hometown farm.
Many of the soldiers on the front lines in World War II are no longer with us. But one of those veterans, born and raised in south Minneapolis, turned 102 on Feb. 24.
Technical Sergeant Don Halverson celebrated 102 years of life with his fellow soldiers on Monday.
Feb. 10 marked a huge and happy milestone for one veteran in Excelsior.
A special birthday was held in Excelsior for World War II veteran and Twin Cities native Ralph Peebles.
It is believed the area where the playground was initially built was used as a Home Guard training ground and the bombs were buried at the end of the war.
A major winter storm is set to bring significant snow and wind to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend. Some locations south of the Twin Cities metro are could even pick up more than a foot of snow.
In court, a representative for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office said they're stuck, and don't know what proof or action the federal government wants in order to unlock the Medicaid funding.
A suspect in an attack on a synagogue in the Detroit area is dead after ramming a vehicle into the building and being confronted by synagogue security, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.
The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Kyler Murray on a free agent visit, focusing their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick in the 2019 draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals.
CBS News journalists offer international perspectives from leaders and citizens in a number of countries as the Iran war nears the two-week mark.
A major winter storm is set to bring significant snow and wind to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend. Some locations south of the Twin Cities metro are could even pick up more than a foot of snow.
In court, a representative for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office said they're stuck, and don't know what proof or action the federal government wants in order to unlock the Medicaid funding.
The immigration crackdown in Minneapolis came at a steep cost to the state's largest sheriff's department.
A mix of rain and snow will start to push through Minnesota in the afternoon, with 50 mph winds expected in the metro area by the evening.
St. Paul police are investigating after a woman was struck by a vehicle on Wednesday night.
According to Rochester Police, officers were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to the 1900 block of Ashland Drive Northwest. The call was domestic-related, police say.
A mix of rain and snow will start to push through Minnesota in the afternoon, with 50 mph winds expected in the metro area by the evening.
The Old St. Hubert Church has been a part of Atkins's family for decades.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
From groceries to gas bills, Minnesotans see sticker shock every day. It's why at the State Capitol, Republicans and Democrats are looking to cut down on those high costs — but through contrasting visions.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
The Senate failed for a fourth time to advance a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, with no deal in sight.
From groceries to gas bills, Minnesotans see sticker shock every day. It's why at the State Capitol, Republicans and Democrats are looking to cut down on those high costs — but through contrasting visions.
A bill designed to stop children from being groomed in Minnesota schools is moving forward, introduced following a WCCO investigative series.
Workers with the Transportation Security Administration in the Twin Cities are once again feeling the brunt of a federal government shutdown.
From groceries to gas bills, Minnesotans see sticker shock every day. It's why at the State Capitol, Republicans and Democrats are looking to cut down on those high costs — but through contrasting visions.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
For families already feeling the financial squeeze, medical debt can pile up, even with insurance. But managing, negotiating or forgiving that debt is possible thanks to some nonprofits providing relief.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
Gas prices in Minnesota are climbing, mirroring a national trend experts say is at least in part caused by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran.
A bill designed to stop children from being groomed in Minnesota schools is moving forward, introduced following a WCCO investigative series.
A former U.S. Attorney removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks" during a Minnesota immigration hearing is running for Congress as a Democrat against incumbent Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last week pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and will avoid jail time by serving 30 hours of community service.
On at least 23 occasions, federal agents in Minnesota detained people solely on the basis of their race during Operation Metro Surge. That's according to a federal judge who issued a ruling based on an ongoing lawsuit brought on by the ACLU of Minnesota.
Two members of Minnesota's Albert Lea Police Department — Officer Josh Knudson and Sgt. Alex Kunkel — are being honored for their professionalism and teamwork that saved the life of a 7-year-old girl.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The fight to keep Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center open is in full swing, with leaders saying the hospital is in grave danger of closing after Medicaid cuts and budget confusion.
For families already feeling the financial squeeze, medical debt can pile up, even with insurance. But managing, negotiating or forgiving that debt is possible thanks to some nonprofits providing relief.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota, will soon come under new ownership.
A new art exhibition in Shoreview, Minnesota, is inviting visitors to see art — and maybe themselves — a little differently.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced a $600 million plan on Tuesday to renovate the team's arena and connected venues.
The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Kyler Murray on a free agent visit, focusing their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick in the 2019 draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals.
The Minnesota Vikings have cleared salary cap space taken by their failed strategy for contending last season by releasing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last week pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and will avoid jail time by serving 30 hours of community service.
Kirill Kaprizov scored his 37th goal of the season, Matt Boldy notched his 36th, and Filip Gustavsson earned his fourth shutout of the season as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Utah Mammoth 5-0 on Tuesday night.
Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the first Minnesota state high school girls basketball tournament, and Lisa Lissimore and Kathie Eiland Madison are reflecting on the history they made back in 1976.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
A major winter storm is set to bring significant snow and wind to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend. Some locations south of the Twin Cities metro are could even pick up more than a foot of snow.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Some rain will push through Minnesota on Thursday, while snowfall is expected in northern Minnesota.
A mix of rain and snow will start to push through Minnesota in the afternoon, with 50 mph winds expected in the metro area by the evening.
Wind alerts are posted with gusts 40–50 mph in the metro and over 50 mph across western and southern Minnesota later Thursday, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
The two have more than 50 years combined in Twin Cities television, and have spent 20 years side by side at WCCO.
Some rain will push through Minnesota on Thursday, while snowfall is expected in northern Minnesota.
The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment would ensure state protections against discrimination.
A federal judge heard motions from a lawsuit Minnesota leaders filed against the feds for withholding $243 million in Medicaid payments to the state.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.