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.
Minnesota's fraud crisis is back in the spotlight at the state capitol, as the man tasked with investigating and finding solutions to the problem testifies before lawmakers.
Imagine thinking you lost big on "The Price is Right" game "Rat Race," only to discover afterward you got a prize after all.
Nathan MacKinnon scored his NHL-leading 43rd goal and scored the winning goal in a shootout, lifting the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday in a matchup between two of the NHL's top four teams in points.
Greyson Uelmen had 28 points and George Natsvlishvili made a free throw with 0.1 seconds left as the No. 3 seed North Dakota Fightin' Hawks defeated the second-seeded Saint Thomas Tommies 67-66 in the semifinals of the Summit League Tournament.
Linebacker Eric Wilson and the Minnesota Vikings have reached a three-year, eight-figure contract deal.
A Minnesota soldier who was days away from returning home when she was killed in Kuwait has been posthumously promoted.
The United Nations says the day is recognized on March 8 due to how women responded and moved during the Russian Revolution in 1917.
Kelly Pannek scored an overtime winner to lead the Minnesota Frost over the Toronto Sceptres 3-2 in the PWHL.
As the war with Iran enters its second week, gas prices are surging nationwide.
A Twin Cities day care worker who pleaded guilty to malicious punishment of a child was sentenced to 30 days in jail on Friday.
A police squad car was involved in a crash Monday night in Farmington, Minnesota, seriously injuring a local business owner.
Charges say Sujan Tamang and his codefendant, 21-year-old Dipak Phayal, forced a student into her St. Cloud State University dorm room on Nov. 1, 2024. The two then assaulted her.
Southern Minnesota's Lois Widmark, 104, played a key role in helping the Allies gain victory in World War II.
On Thursday, the Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs posted on X saying nearly 20,000 Americans have returned to the U.S. from the Middle East since the end of February.
Authorities have lifted a shelter-in-place warning issued earlier on Thursday in a residential area of Hastings, Minnesota.
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.
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.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
Minnesota's fraud crisis is back in the spotlight at the state capitol, as the man tasked with investigating and finding solutions to the problem testifies before lawmakers.
Tim O’Malley, Gov. Tim Walz’s newly appointed Director of Program Integrity testified before the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee on Monday morning.
Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, has reached a deal with the Department of Justice as part of a high-stakes antitrust trial.
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.
Immigration is a major issue in the Minnesota DFL race for U.S. Senate this year, pitting two of the state's most successful Democratic politicians against each other: Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
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.
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.
As the strikes from U.S. and Israel continue, and Iran strikes back, the violence and turmoil could have significant worldwide ramifications.
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Two men from Pennsylvania are facing federal charges for the incident. Video captured someone yelling "Allahu Akbar" just as a protester threw an "ignited device" during an anti-Islam demonstration in New York City.
A Twin Cities day care worker who pleaded guilty to malicious punishment of a child was sentenced to 30 days in jail on Friday.
A Hennepin County deputy is accused of domestic assault in an incident that sent a hospital in Maple Grove, Minnesota, into lockdown in February.
Minneapolis police are investigating three shootings that happened in a span of just 20 minutes Thursday night.
Charges say Sujan Tamang and his codefendant, 21-year-old Dipak Phayal, forced a student into her St. Cloud State University dorm room on Nov. 1, 2024. The two then assaulted her.
One in six struggle to get pregnant or stay pregnant, according to analysis by infertility associations, and many cannot afford treatments due to high out-of-pocket costs.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wants the popular coffee chains to prove their surgery drinks are safe for teens and suggested the Trump administration could place limits on your cup of coffee.
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
Minnesota on Monday sued Trump administration officials Dr. Mehmet Oz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in an attempt to stop them from withholding $243 million in Medicaid spending, warning it may have to cut health care for low-income families if the funding is held back.
Thousands of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicaid take a total of millions of trips to their medical appointments each year through nonemergency medical transportation services, a federally required, taxpayer-funded program that's among more than a dozen others Minnesota determined to be at "high risk" for fraud.
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.
Nathan MacKinnon scored his NHL-leading 43rd goal and scored the winning goal in a shootout, lifting the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday in a matchup between two of the NHL's top four teams in points.
Greyson Uelmen had 28 points and George Natsvlishvili made a free throw with 0.1 seconds left as the No. 3 seed North Dakota Fightin' Hawks defeated the second-seeded Saint Thomas Tommies 67-66 in the semifinals of the Summit League Tournament.
Linebacker Eric Wilson and the Minnesota Vikings have reached a three-year, eight-figure contract deal.
Kelly Pannek scored an overtime winner to lead the Minnesota Frost over the Toronto Sceptres 3-2 in the PWHL.
Sam Surridge scored two goals — his second multi-goal game this season — and Cristian Espinoza added a goal and an assist to help Nashville SC beat Minnesota United 3-1.
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.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
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.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
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.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
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.
It'll be mild and dry on Monday, with a chance for some snow in the overnight hours.
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.
A narrow band of snow may develop across central Minnesota into northern Wisconsin. Light accumulation is possible, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Spring-like weather will continue on Monday before a stretch of rainy and snowy days.
Mild temperatures on Monday, but some snow will make its way through Minnesota throughout the week.
It'll be mild and dry on Monday, with a chance for some snow in the overnight hours.
The City Council last week passed a rule for landlords to give 60-day eviction notices rather than 30. They say it gives people more time to make ends meet.
Tim O’Malley, Gov. Tim Walz’s newly appointed Director of Program Integrity testified before the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee on Monday morning.
Tony Joe, with Tulibee, shares a preview of what guests can expect.
The students worked to create real-world solutions to enhance the homes of the Minnesota Zoo's sea lions.