June C. Sylte, 62, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at Seasons Hospice, Rochester, surrounded by her family, after over a two-year battle with cancer.

June Carol Hurlbut was born September 25, 1951, in Antigo, Wisconsin, to Ira and Lois (Graveen) Hurlbut. After graduating from Ashwaubenon High School in 1969, June attended the University of Wisconsin -- Stevens Point, where she received a degree in mathematics education in 1973. June married David Sylte on Sept. 25, 1976, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After their marriage, the couple moved around the country to follow Dave's career with the Social Security Administration. June began teaching at Cloquet, Minnestoa, High School, and then three years later moved to Bemidji. She continued her teaching career in Akeley, Minnesota, before moving to Chicago, where she taught at Lake Park High School. Her next move was to Marion, Indiana, where she taught for 22 years, and finished her master's degree at Ball State University.

Also while in Indiana, June was a master teacher with Purdue University. She developed a general math curriculum and presented it around the country in a week-long workshop for teachers. In January 2005, June and Dave moved to Austin, and June taught at Southland until her retirement in 2012. June loved her teaching career. She also enjoyed music, reading, crafts, crocheting, and knitting. Her musical involvement included participation in the Christmas City Sweet Adelines Chorus in Marion, Indiana, the Zumbro Valley Chorus in Rochester, Minnesota, and the St. Olaf Church Choir in Austin.

June is survived by her husband David Sylte of Austin; her daughter Jill (Garrett) Jensen of St. Louis, Missouri; her son Scott (Katie) Sylte of Greenwood, Indiana; her mother Lois Hurlbut of Green Bay, Wisconsin; three brothers Peter (Pat) Hurlbut of Neenah, Wisconsin, Mark (Juanita) Hurlbut, and Tim Hurlbut, both of Green Bay, Wisconsin; two sisters Linda McGillvary of Denver, Coloroado, and Debra (Kyle) Roeser of DePere, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her father Ira Hurlbut; and her brother-in-law Jim McGillvary.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Todd Portinga, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at a later date. According to June's wishes, her body is being donated to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest program.

Memorials can be directed to the St. Olaf Music Ministry, the St. Olaf Capital Campaign, or to the Sylte family in June's memory. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
18 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Funeral services for Wilma Thorson of Harmony, Minnesota, were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28 at the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony with Rev. James R Radatz officiating.

Interment was in the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Wilma, 83, died Thursday, December 23, 2004 at the Harmony Health Care in Harmony.

Wilma Lucy Thorson was born January 27, 1921 in Prosper, MN, the daughter of Harry and Myrtle (Greenslade) Harvey. She graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1938.

On November 25, 1941, she married Gerald Thorson. They lived in Decorah, West Union, Waseca, MN, Harmony, MN, and Austin, MN. Gerald died on May 25, 1976. She continued to live in Austin until three years ago when she returned to Harmony. She moved to the Harmony Health Care 10 days ago.

Wilma candled eggs in the Decorah Hatchery, was a secretary at Rochester Dairy, worked at Heco in Harmony and was also a cook for many years at the Austin Community College.

She was very active as a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. She enjoyed playing cards.

She is survived by one daughter: Judy Vagts of Harmony; four sons: Rev. Jerald of Hawthorne Woods, Illinois, Richard of Gardner, Montana, Bradley of Harmony, and Tom of Appleton, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren; two step granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; and two brothers: Warren of Ridgeway and Clyde of Westfield, Wisconsin.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Gerald; her parents; four sisters: Florence, Pearl, Lila, and Mary; and two brothers: Roy and Fay.

Source: Times Plain Dealer, Cresco, Iowa
(Credit: S. Bell)

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Funeral services for Richard Jones of Manteno, Illinois, and formerly of Waukegan, Illinois, and the LeRoy, Minnesota, area will be held at the Hindt Funeral Home in LeRoy with Rev. Don Flaten officiating. Interment will be in the LeRoy Lutheran Cemetery.

Richard, 96, died Saturday, December 25, 2004 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

Richard Benjamen Jones was born October 9, 1908 in Howard County, the son of Benjamen and Elizabeth (Stevens) Jones. He graduated from Cresco High School. He farmed in the Cresco area. Richard served 20 years in the U.S. Army and received a Bronze Star for Meritous Achievement during World War II and retired in October of 1964.

He is survived by three children: Beverly Valencic of Waukegan, IL, Richard of Loves Park, IL, and Thomas of Tamuning, Guam; one step daughter: Fern Milspaugh of Pleasonton, CA. 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister: Norma Johnson of Minnesota.

Richard was preceded in death by his first wife: Edith Denny; second wife: Oma Frosh; two children: Herbert Jones and Patricia Pichelmann; two grandchildren; his parents; and one sister: Ruth Sanderson

Source: Times Plain Dealer, Cresco, Iowa
(Credit: S. Bell)

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Funeral services for Michael Pickar of Austin, Minnesota, were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 1996, at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Austin. Father Jack Kraugh officiated. Interment was in Calvery Cemetery in Elma, Iowa, with Mayer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

He died on Thursday, October 31, 1996, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a long illness.

Michael Joseph Pickar was born June 22, 1951, at Osage, Mitchell county, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Ann (Spradling) Pickar. He graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco.

He is survived by his children, Ryan Pickar and Carolyn Pickar, both of Austin; their mother, Janet; four brothers: John of Cresco; Randy of Osage; Kenneth of Britt, Iowa, and Alan of Belle Plaine, Minnesota; and one sister, Catherine Knowles of Manly, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Source: Cresco Times Plain Dealer
[NCIGS Obituary Archive October 1996]

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

#1:

Funeral Notice: Gerald 'Jerry' D. Turner, Sr., 84

Gerald 'Jerry' D. Turner, Sr., 84, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, Sept. 15, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems -- Austin.

Service: Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2014, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Shari Mason officiating.

Visitation: Visitation will be for one hour before the service at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.

Interment: Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials: In Lieu of Flowers memorials are preferred.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
17 SEP 2014

---

#2:

Gerald DeWayne Turner, Sr.

(July 12, 1930 - September 15, 2014)

Gerald 'Jerry' D. Turner, Sr., 84, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, September 15, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Austin.

Gerald DeWayne was born on July 12, 1930 to Al and Gertrude (Anderson) Meyers in Iowa City, Iowa. Jerry was adopted by Frank and Rebecca Turner.

Jerry enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and always seemed to draw a crowd whenever he stopped somewhere for coffee. He had a very kind heart and would always try to help people. Jerry loved his family with all his heart.

He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents Frank & Rebecca Turner, daughter Rosanne, son Eugene and step-daughter Karen Anderson, great grandchildren Anthony and Ava, two brothers Lee Meyer and Dean Meyer, sister Mavis.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Darlene Keyser-Turner, Austin, Minnesota; by his children: Frank (Dora) Buttrey, Des Moines, Iowa, DeWayne (Pat) Buttrey, Kipton, Iowa, Ramona (Jack) Turner, St. Paul, Minnesota, Kelly (Tony) Weisner, St. Paul, Minnesota; Rebecca (Tony) Turner, St. Paul, Minnesota, Gerald Turner, Jr., St. Paul, Minnesota, Gary (Robyn) Turner, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, Rose (Darren) Donner, Plymouth, Minnesota, Steve (Rendi) Turner, Austin, Minnesota; by step children: Cindy Boyer, Austin, Minnesota, Debbie (Dennis) Aldrich, Faribault, Minnesota, Tommy Keyser, Austin, Minnesota, Linda (Terry) Prahl, Blaine, Minnesota, Larry (Sandy) Kaster, Baldwin, WI, Wendie Breshnhan, Oakdale, Minnesota; by grandchildren: Frank Jr., Steven, Anthony, Justice, Justine, Lauren, Launee, DeWayne Jr., Tina, Gina, John, Joshua, Thomas, Curtis, Amy, Chad, Cory, Casy, Tyler, Destiny, Gracie, Ashley, Lindsey, Danielle, Jacob, Sam, J.D., Morgan, Taylor, Lexi, Breanna, and Jayla; great-grandchildren: Alex, Corbin, Cameron, Devin, McKenna, Eva, Frankie J., Logan, Eli, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Travis, Isaac, Leaha, Joshua, Jaden, Bentley, Alexis, Ethan, Cody, Jazmine, Ronald, Mariah, Carly, Rowan, Quinten, Isabelle, Aiden, and Blake; by his sisters: Diane Schmidt, Fulton, Illinois; and Mildred Quick, Clinton, Iowa; and by nieces Becky Peters and Jean Scholl.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM Friday, September 19, 2014 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Shari Mason officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour before the service at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary. In Lieu of Flowers memorials are preferred.

Source: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary website, 17 SEP 2014
Also see: Austin Daily Herald website
18 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

#1:

Funeral Notice: Gloria Falconer

Gloria Falconer of Austin, Minnesota, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, September 16, 2014.

Service: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Michael Olmsted officiating.

Visitation: Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary where Unity Chapter No. 29, Order of the Eastern Star, will conduct an Eastern Star service at 5:30 p.m. There will also be visitation at the church on Saturday for one hour before the service.

Interment: Interment will be at Madison, Florida.

Memorials: Memorials may be designated to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 802 Fourth St. SW, Austin, Minnesota 55912, or to the Romanian Orphans, NoRoc Inc. 200 Hedges, Abilene, TX 79605.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
17 SEP 2014

---

#2:

Gloria Falconer

(November 1, 1922 - September 16, 2014)

Gloria Falconer of Austin, Minnesota passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, September 16, 2014.

To say Gloria Falconer was a 'housewife' would be incomplete. She gave of herself on many levels, both locally and globally. Gloria's unique personality made lifelong ties. Not only did she serve at Westminster Presbyterian Church, but in her daily life she would embody her faith. She would lend an ear, listened, gave a word of encouragement when needed and added joy in life's events.

She will be remembered for her coffee cakes and pecan pies as much as her down to earth common sense. To have met Gloria was to love her.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 20th at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Michael Olmsted officiating. Interment will be at Madison, Florida. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary where Unity Chapter #29, Order of the Eastern Star will conduct an Eastern Star service at 5:30 PM. There will also be visitation at the church on Saturday for one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 802 4TH Street SW, Austin, MN 55912 or to the Romanian Orphans - NoRoc, Inc. 200 Hedges, Abilene, TX 79605.

Source: Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home website
18 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Roger Dallas Garnatz, 63, of Duluth, Minnesota, and formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 14, 2014, at Essentia Health Center in Duluth.

Roger was born on September 11, 1951, to Dallas and Ruth (Stender) Garnatz in Preston. Roger grew up in Lanesboro, graduating from Lanesboro High School in 1969. He then attended Austin Vocational Technical College graduating from their carpentry program in 1971. Roger was baptized at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Wykoff, and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. Roger went on to be a very skilled carpenter and was the manager at Fullerton Lumber in Lanesboro for many years. He then worked for Spring Valley Lumber and Larson Homes of Rochester before becoming self-employed.

He was very active in sports during and after school, playing basketball, softball, and was on bowling leagues for many years. Roger was very active in Boy Scouts through the years and earned many awards. He was also a troop leader for the Gamehaven Council of Boy Scouts for many years.

Roger was very proud that he bought his first house with the money he saved from delivering papers. He loved remodeling houses and helping family and friends build additions and garages. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, working in his shop building sheds, picnic tables and bird houses, and canning pickles and tomatoes.

Roger married Susan Williams of Austin, on September 23, 1972, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. They had four children together and were later divorced.

Roger is survived by one daughter, Angie Coughlin (fiance, Joe Samora) of Austin; and three sons, Daniel of Austin, Brian of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Travis (Jen) of Byron; one grandson, Owen Garnatz of Byron; one granddaughter, Felicia Clark and great-granddaughter, Haydynn Clark both of Austin; mother, Ruth of Lanesboro; brother, Gary (Faith) of Superior, Wisconsin; many nieces and nephews; and former wives, Susan Kellogg of Stewartville, Donna (Kolden) Garnatz of Spring Valley, Diane (Mueller) Garnatz of Rochester, and Janice (Jacobson) Garnatz of Eagan.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dallas; and brother, Myron.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro, with Pastor Gary Garnatz officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, also at the funeral home. A committal service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements. To share condolences with the family, please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
17 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Donald L. 'Stubby' Bertilson, 94, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at Our House Assisted Living in Austin.

He was born September 9, 1920, in Austin, Minnesota, to Alfred and Minnie (Allen) Bertilson. Don grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1938. He started working at Hormel Foods on July 11, 1939, as a member of the Extra Gang, working in this capacity until World War II, at which time he was granted a military leave of absence.

He served his country in the United States Army from July 1942 until December 1945, as a member of the 909th Signal Corps and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Upon his discharge, he returned to work at Hormel and joined the Machine Shop working as an expert welding repairman.

Beginning in 1978, Don served the company as a member of the Mechanical Division Storeroom in the Austin facility. In 1982, Don was named the senior worker of the month for Hormel Foods. His marriage to Eldora I. Goodwin took place on June 7, 1947, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. The couple raised three children. Eldora passed away in 2007. Don's other activities included watching the Twins and the Vikings, as well as the occasional tennis match. He worked in the blacksmith shop at the Mower County Fairgrounds, and was recognized along with Sy Halsey in August 1999 by fair organizers as fairperson of the year for his dedication to his volunteer work there.

Survivors include a son, Robert Bertilson of Austin, two daughters, Cheryl (Jeb) Blais of Austin and Karen Sneed of Wayzata, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Jeb (Melissa) Blais, Jenny (Shawn) Connors, Jackie Blais, Jesse Blais, Brittany Bertilson, Jamie Ann Bertilson, and Sarah (Alex) Sneed-Miller; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Minnie Bertilson; his wife, Eldora Bertilson, in 2007; his daughter-in-law, Darla Bertilson, in 2010; and his grandson, Joey, in 1975.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2014, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Todd Portinga, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin, with military rites by American Legion Post 91. Memorials can be directed to recipient of donor's choice, or to the Bertilson Family in memory of Don. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
19 SEP 2014
See also: Austin Daily Herald website
20 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Pending Notice: Margaret Stearns, 91

Margaret Stearns, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, at St. Marks Lutheran Home. Services are pending with Worlein Funeral Home of Austin in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
19 SEP 2014

---

Margaret A. Stearns

Margaret A. Stearns, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2014, at St. Marks Lutheran Home.

Margaret Ann Everson was born September 3, 1923, in Austin, Minnesota, to Ervin and Erma (Madera) Everson. Margaret grew up in the Lyle area, graduating from Lyle High School in 1941. After graduation, she went to work in the dry sausage department in the old Hormel plant. In 1946 Margaret married Glendon Lewis Stearns. Together they raised three children. Active in her church and with the Boy and Girl Scouts when her children were young, she always put a caring quality into everything she did. She was employed at the downtown J.C. Penney store in the baby department for many years and became a distributor for Shaklee food supplements. When Glendon retired from Hormel, they enjoyed traveling throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.

Margaret is survived by her daughter Judy Stearns of Ketchikan, Alaska; her son John Stearns of Austin; her brother Paul Everson of Austin; grandchildren Troy Stearns and Kelli Farrais of Houston, Texas; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ervin and Erma Everson; her husband Glendon Stearns; her son Michael; and her brother Rodney Everson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Austin with Pastor Hilmore Williams officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
24 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Patricia Mary Ann Poshusta, 86, of Austin, Minnesota, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Patricia was born July 29, 1928, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the oldest daughter of Adeline and Louis Proulx. The family later moved to Austin, Minnesota.

She graduated from Austin High School and Austin Junior College. On April 15, 1950, she married Robert Vernon Poshusta at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. He preceded her in death on June 9, 1998.

Patricia loved traveling and spending time with her family, friends, and pets Bobo and Toots. She enjoyed being with people and after raising nine children, she went to work at the Fantles store in Austin.

Survivors include nine children, Richard “Dick” (Leanne), Austin, Minnesota, Gary, Bremerton, Washington, Jane (Rick) Vanderbosch, Rochester, Minnesota, Paul (Sharrol), Ellensburg, Washington, Susan, Austin, Minnesota, Craig (Joyce), Austin, Minnesota, John (Teri Benson), Bremerton, Washington, Nancy (Lance Thomas), Austin, Minnesota, Karen (David Markey), Fairhaven, Massachusetts; 22 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a sister, Margaret Proulx Hanson (Byron), Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

In addition to her husband; she is preceded in death by her parents; and great-grandson, Tyler Poshusta.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2014, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
25 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Harold Bartz, 65

Harold Bartz, 65, of Osage, Iowa, died Thursday, September 18, 2014, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Harold was born October 6, 1948, in Osage, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Anna (Broers) Bartz. He graduated from Osage High School in 1967. On Sept. 5, 1981, he married Gloria Weber in Austin, Minnesota. Harold was raised and farmed on the family farm near Osage. He enjoyed every aspect of farming and especially enjoyed working with his sons on the farm. He was a lifetime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and served as a Burr Oak Township Trustee. After a lifelong struggle with lung problems, Harold had a lung transplant in January of 2010. Following his transplant, he was courageous in battling various obstacles with his health. Harold was a very giving and generous person who had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Harold is survived by his wife, Gloria Bartz of Osage; his son, Christopher Bartz and daughter, Kylee of Little Cedar; his daughter, Melissa (Eric) Teichmeier and sons, Hunter and Gage of Osage; his son, Matthew (Nicole) Bartz and daughter, Kaylen of Osage; his son, Andrew Bartz of Osage; two sisters, LaVerna Marion of Aurora, Illinois, and Phyllis Soloman of Omaha, Nebraska; and one brother, Roger Bartz of Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; and his brother, Otto 'Buddy' Bartz.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2014, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Bryan Lagerstam and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. The family requests that those attending services dress in casual attire.

Information is available and condolences are accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion - Bucheit Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
20 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Greg passed away after battling cancer this last year. He died at Kansas City Hospice on August 25, 2014. Greg was with family at the time of his death.

He was born on April 13, 1953, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Travis and Marilyn Amerson. Greg lived his childhood in Texas and Minnesota. He graduated from Pacelli High School in Austin, Minnesota, in 1971. Greg also graduated from welding school and went on to practice welding in Owatonna and Duluth, Minnesota. Afterward, Greg began to craft himself into a salesman. From Life-time Cookware to Kirby Vacuum cleaners, door to door. He once sold a Kirby vacuum with all attachments to a woman who had no rugs in her home. Greg then went into the mobile home industry in sales. He was a top salesman in the industry for years. Greg also sold in the home furnishing market, the diamond sales industry, as well as the RV market.

Greg's first love was the outdoors. He camped, fished and hunted all over Minnesota. His best times were sitting for hours on a lake without saying a word to anyone. Greg was always full of laughter and jokes, and no one was safe from his fun. Greg was generous and a steadfast friend.

He is survived by his brother, Tom Lee Amerson and his wife Kandy; his sister, Lori Joan Amerson; his two nephews, Christopher Daniel Amerson and Garrett Elan Amerson. He is preceded in death by his parents.

At his request, there will be no formal service, but a Celebration of Life is being planned at a friend’s hunting camp in the early fall of this year where his ashes will be spread over the land he loved.

Greg’s family would like to thank the Kansas City Hospice for all its help and support during Greg's illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Kansas City Hospice House: Attn: Front Office 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, 64145.

For condolences or information on the planned Celebration of Life, please contact: tomamerson@yahoo.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
22 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

The Spirit of Shirley Burdel (Larsen) Lindgren, 88, of Battle Lake, departed to heaven on Sept. 18, 2014, at St. Marks Memory Care Center in Austin, Minnesota.

Shirley Burdel Larsen was born Nov. 29, 1925, to Tena and Henry Larsen of rural Battle Lake (Tordenskjold Township). She attended a one-room school house with her older brother Robert and younger sister June in her elementary years, then went on to be a member of the Battle Lake High School graduating class of 1943.

She was well-known for her big blue eyes and beautiful singing voice even at an early age.

She moved to Minneapolis after graduating from high school and received a business degree from the Minneapolis School of Commerce. During this time she attended Central Lutheran Church where she sang in the church choir and met her future husband of 67 years, Doug Lindgren.

She worked in the medical stenography field for over four decades; in each town that Doug's calling in the Lutheran ministry lead them to. She never failed to support her family tirelessly while fulfilling her role as a pastor's wife and mother.

Upon retirement, she returned to Battle Lake and shared her gifts of music, baking, sewing and a strong work ethic, wisely and generously. She was a compassionate woman of faith.

She is survived by her husband, Rev. Douglas Lindgren; daughter, Mary Lindgren-Gorman (Bradly); son, Joel Lindgren (Lori); granddaughter, Darby Lindgren; and grandsons, Daniel, Kyle and Joel Swatfager; all of whom hold loving memories of Shirley deep in their hearts.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church in rural Battle Lake. The Rev. Ali Haugerud will officiate.

Internment will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Battle Lake. Glende-Nilson of Battle Lake is assisting with arrangements. Condolences can be left at www.GlendeNilson.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
23 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Nancy Ann Nei, 59, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, September 21, 2014, at Mayo Clinic St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Nancy was born in Austin on May 5, 1955, to Clayton Wallace and Nettie Mae (Moffit) Nei. She graduated from Austin High School in 1973. After high school, Nancy served her country by working in the medical field of the US Army for six years and was stationed at bases in San Francisco, Belgium and Korea.

After her military service, she started working for Mayo Clinic in the Bio Statistics Department as a data processing specialist. She was there for over 30 years.

Nancy loved taking her dog 'Scout' on walks. She also loved reading books.

Nancy is survived by her siblings, Karen Nei, George Nei and Chuck Nei, all of Austin; niece, Sondra Nei (Jeff Mason) and their children Tyler, Riley and Kyle Mason; and Nancy's dog 'Scout'.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at Mayer Funeral Home with Pr. Gerry Giese officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service only. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery with military graveside rites performed by the Austin American Legion Post No. 91. Online condolences can be made at Condolences-www.mayerfh.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
23 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Daniel Lee Hatten, 65, of Brownsdale, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, after a long battle against cancer.

Dan was born April 11, 1949, in Austin, Minnesota, to parents, Arnold and Walburga Hatten. Dan was known by his friends and family to be an eternal optimist, in the midst of his pain and even up to the very end. Known as a hard worker by all, his hands were never idle. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and being with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnie and Burg; sisters, Janet and Georgia; and brother, Gene.

He is survived by brothers, Phil, Dave, Joe and Don, and sisters, Alice Jensen, Barb Mensink and Margie Sprick. Also by his children Michael and wife Stacy, Amanda and husband Derek, Brandon and wife Mandy, Danielle, and Matthew. He was blessed to be surrounded by 10 grandchildren and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on Tuesday, September 30, at 10 a.m.

Source: Austin Daily Herald - 27 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Ronald Gale Bandel passed away in his sleep after a struggle with stage four cancer, at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2014. He was 66 years young.

Ronald was born on June 3, 1948, to Newton and Ida Bandel in Rochester, Minnesota, where he was raised and educated. Ronald was recently married to Candace K. Linn on Sept. 7, 2014.

Ronald is survived by one sister, Joy Bandel, and three brothers, Ken, Gary and Duane. His present family consists of two sons, Morey (wife Cindy) of Le Roy, Minnesota, and Timothy Linn (wife Wendy) of Shreveport, Luisiana. He has four daughters, Laurie Bandel of Hayfield, Minnesota, Tracy Bednar of Eyota, Minnesota, Tammy Schubert of Ruthven, Iowa, and Katie Bandel of Wisconsin. He has 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Ronald was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was also a great friend to those that knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father; grandparents and great-grandparents; uncles, aunts; and one great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held at the Cedar Creek Church in Hayfield, Minnesota, at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 24. A luncheon will be following the service. Burial is still pending at this time.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
23 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Leah E. Olson, 58, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died Monday, September 22, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Leah Esther Smith was born Dec. 27, 1955, in Ponsford, Minnesota, to Cubby Big Bear and Lucille Smith. She grew up in Austin and Minneapolis and graduated from the Rosebud Indian Reservation. She then attended Riverland Community College in Austin, where she received her teaching degree. On July 17, 1992, Leah married Henry S. Olson in Owatonna, Minnesota. A member of the Austin Baptist Chapel, Leah loved arts and crafts and time outdoors with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, attending auctions and garage sales, canning, gardening, and wearing no shoes. Her most enjoyable pastime was spending time with herfamily.

Leah is survived by her husband Henry Olson of Blooming Prairie; her children Zachariah (Tara Bisping) Olson, Dinah (Shavon) Hodges, and Zebulon (Kelli) Olson, all of Owatonna, Stephen (Amber) Brandt and Heather Olson, both of Blooming Prairie, Sarah (Nicholas) Kennedy of Elkhart, Iowa, Rebekah (Christopher) Eikmeier of Austin, and Amanda Olson of Marshall, Minnesota; many grandchildren; brothers, sisters; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cubby Big Bear and Lucille Smith; her foster parents Elmer and Clara Quittschreiber; and her adopted parents Gunnard and LaVerna Brandt.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Olson Family in memory of Leah. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
24 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Jadok Jim, 58, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at his home.

Jadok was born on Mwoakilloa, Federated States of Micronesia, on November 4, 1955, to Willim and Amalia (Sercy) Jim. He graduated from PATS and PICS High School. On October 28, 2010, Jadok married Kasko Julios on Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, fishing, outdoor activities and family gatherings.

Jadok was preceded in death by his parents Willim and Amalia Jim and step mother Merian Jim.

Jadok is survived by wife Kasko Jim; daughter, Eileen J. Fieldhouse (Earl O. Simion); son, Jerry Jim; granddaughter, Janice E. Fieldhouse; grandson, Jerryth C. Fieldhouse; siblings, Benjamin Jim, Dillingken Jim, Kasma Jim, Winslo Henry, Killinton Julios, Castro Jim, Aiwanick Jim, Merwine Luelen, Oswald Jim, Hermis Jim and Edwin Luhda; stepmother, Elmer Jim; step-siblings, Adline Edmond, Fredrick Ben, Hainrick Ben, Ashipa Ben, Nita Weilbacher, Mayner Charley and Dadimo Ben; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. Brett Williams officiating. Interment will be in Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour before the service at the church.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
24 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Olive Marie (Childs) Schultz, 97, of Ankeny, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 22, 2014, at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa.

Olive was born on September 28, 1916, in Des Moines, Iowa, and was the eldest of 13 children born to Elmer and Pearl McKinney Childs. She graduated from high school in Moulton, Iowa, in 1931, and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, for cosmetology training. Olive worked as a beautician in St. Petersburg, Florida, for almost 20 years.

Olive married Karl Robert Schultz in 1939. A son, Robert Lee, was born to them on July 30, 1942. In 1951, Olive and her son moved to Austin, Minnesota, where she continued to work as a beautician before taking a job teaching cosmetology and eventually becoming head of the department. Following retirement, she moved to Ankeny, where she lived for over 30 years and was a member of Ankeny Baptist Church.

Olive is survived by her only child, Robert (Elizabeth) Schultz of Polk City; four grandsons, Jonathan (Amy) Schultz, Daniel Schultz, David (Angie) Schultz, Timothy (Tiffany) Schultz; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Irene Herteen, Doris Smith, Jeanette Smith and a brother, Ron (Sally) Childs.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2014, at Memorial Services of Iowa funeral home (4208 N Ankeny Blvd) with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to: Schultz Memorial Fund; Ankeny Baptist Church. Condolences can be made online at www.MemorialServicesOfIowa.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
25 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

James D. Whalen, 89, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

He was born October 10, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan, to Hubert and Thelma (Mitchell) Whalen.

Survivors include a son, Mike (Teresa) Whalen, Salem, Oregon; two daughters, Jean Cain, Chatfield, Minnesota, Cyd Petersen, Austin, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Justin Cain, Matt Cain, Giles Cain, Kellie Jonasson, Brian Petersen, Jessica Petersen, Tracy Burnick, Jason Whalen, Jamie Whalen; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Hugh (Chris) Whalen, Austin, Minnesota.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; son, James Whalen Jr.

At Jim's request, cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
26 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Funeral Notice: Neal Kenneth Hardecopf, 75

Neal Kenneth Hardecopf, 75, died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at his home in Adams with family at his side, following a short illness with cancer.

Service: The memorial service for Neal will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at Marshall Lutheran Church rural Adams with Pastor Jeremy D. Johnson officiating.

Visitation: Visitation will be for one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.

Interment: Burial will take place at Marshall Cemetery rural Adams.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
26 SEP 2014

---

Neal Kenneth Hardecopf, 75

Neal Kenneth Hardecopf, 75, died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at his home in Adams with family at his side, following a short illness with cancer.

Neal Kenneth Hardecopf was born June 8, 1939, in Marshall Township to William C. Hardecopf and Rachel K. Hardecopf (Julson). He grew up on the family farm outside of Adams, Minnesota. He attended Adams High School and graduated in 1957. Neal married Louise (Heller) Kerrins and they later divorced. To this union, three sons were born, Kim (Vicky) Hardecopf, Kevin (Mary) Hardecopf, Kelly (Melissa) Hardecopf. Neal was married to Joan (Thompson) Hardecopf on June 8, 1992.She later passed away after a long battle with cancer in the year 2002.

Neal was a longtime lover of old time polka dancing. He enjoyed traveling all over for dances with each of his wives and his special friend of 10 years, Ida Weber. He enjoyed horses and was in the Mower County Posse for some years. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, attending lots of reunions. He retired from owning his own business in farm drainage. Upon retiring, he worked in various jobs to stay busy.

Neal is survived by his three sons; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; sister, Pearl Finseth, Fountain, Minnesota, and brother, Lloyd Hardecopf, LeRoy, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents; and four sisters.

A memorial service for Neal will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Marshall Lutheran Church rural Adams with Pastor Jeremy D. Johnson officiating. Burial will take place at Marshall Cemetery rural Adams. Visitation will be for one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.

Source: Austin Daily Herald - 27 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Pending Notice: Ronald D. Seath, 88

Ronald D. Seath, 88, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at St. Marks Lutheran Home.

Services are pending with Worlein Funeral Home of Austin in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
25 SEP 2014

---

Obituary

Ronald Seath, age 88, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at St. Marks Lutheran Home.

He was born January 24, 1926 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Leslie and Ella (Glockzin) Seath and attended Itasca country school. Following his 1944 graduation from Albert Lea High School, Ron received his Bachelor's Degree from the University Of Minnesota School Of Agriculture in 1949. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict in 1951 and 1952, achieving the rank of Sergeant. On November 2, 1963, Ron married Margaret ‘Peg’ Goodwin in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The couple raised one daughter, Lori, who was married on November 2 during the Mega Storm of 1991. Lori and her husband Craig have twin boys, Ethan and Eli.

Ron continued his education at Colorado State University, receiving his Masters Degree in 1966. He made his living as a County Extension Agent, being hired by the Minnesota Extension Service as a 4-H Agent for Mower County. This was a good choice for Ron, as he enjoyed working with the many 4-H members, parents and leaders for over 29 years. The Mower County Fair, the Minnesota State Fair, and the 4-H Livestock Show were especially busy times. Ron and Peg enjoyed many trips over the years.

He was also interested in tracing his ancestry, sharing his charts with family and friends.

He was an active member of First Congregational Church UCC, the Austin Noon Lions Club, NARFE, and the Elks Club. He also volunteered with the Genealogical Society and delivered Meals on Wheels. In 2007, Ron and Peg moved to the Village Co-op in Austin.

Ron is survived by his wife Peg of Austin, his daughter Lori (Craig) Seath, Hudson, Wisconsin, twin grandsons Eli and Ethan; brother-in-law Paul (Emma Leigh) Goodwin of Fort Myers, Florida; nephew Tom (Linda) Goodwin of South Hamilton, Mass., niece Margaret 'Meg' (Tony) Wilkinson of Rexford, New York; four great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Ella Seath and one brother, Roger Seath.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2014 at First Congregational Church UCC in Austin with Pastor Shari Mason officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2 at Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Flag presentation by American Legion Post 91. Interment will be in North Freeborn Cemetery, Freeborn, Minnesota, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the First Congregational Church UCC or American Parkinson Disease Association. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Source: Worlein Funeral Home website
See also: Austin Daily Herald - 27 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Julie Ann Brooks, 55, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at her home.

Julie Ann Torkelson was born September 11, 1959, in Austin, Minnesota, to Kermit and Katherine (Peterson) Torkelson. She grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1977. She then attended St. Cloud State University, where she received her B.S. degree in teaching. Julie Ann taught special needs classes at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota. Her favorite pastimes were riding horses and playing her cello. Julie Ann also loved to travel, take vacations, and spend time with her daughters and grandson.

Survivors include her daughters, Allyson Brooks, Brianna Brooks, and Courtney Brooks, all of Austin; her grandson Caleb Voogd; her sister Janet Torkelson of O'Fallon, Missouri; her brother John Torkelson of Austin; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Kermit and Katherine Torkelson; and one brother, James Torkelson.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald - 27 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Luella Marie Kramer-Ableitner, 72, of Farmington, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Friday, September 26, 2014, at her son’s home in Farmington, Minnesota.

Luella was born January 7, 1942, in Byron, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry Albert and Birdie Luella (Nye) Buchan. She attended school in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1958. In Sept. of 1959, she was united in marriage to Charles Eugene Kramer at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Austin. The couple moved to the Twin Cities where Luella worked for 1st Bank in St. Paul and later at Whirlpool Manufacturing. In 1971, they returned to Austin where Luella worked for KAUS Radio. They moved to Hastings in 1976 and Luella worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. Charles died in May of 1977.

On Sept. 1, 1978, she married James Arthur Ableitner at Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan. The couple made their home in Eagan where Luella continued to work for the Milwaukee Railroad until her retirement in 1984 due to her health. In 2000, they moved to Farmington where James died on Jan. 24, 2010. Luella continued to make her home in Farmington where she enjoyed gardening, sewing, scrapbooking, tending to her many plants and spending time with her "best friend," her dog, Mandy.

Survivors include her sons, Kraig (Perri) Kramer of Eagan, and Kris (Laura) Kramer of Farmington; five grandchildren, Kandee, Kole, Robert, Samantha and Tabitha; two great-grandchildren, Trinity and Taylan; two brothers, Earl (Gayle) Buchan of Brooklyn Park, Charles “Chuck” (Rita) Buchan of Rochester; a sister, Sharon (LeRoy) Newell of Elgin; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Stephen DeFor, officiating. Interment will follow the service in Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
29 SEP 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Pending Notice: Darrell Bakken, 81

Darrell Bakken, 81, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2014, at St. Marks Lutheran Home. Services are pending with Worlein Funeral Home of Austin in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
29 SEP 2014

---

OBITUARY--

Darrell D. Bakken, age 81, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at St. Marks Lutheran Home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 11, 1933 in Rose Creek, Minnesota, to Carl and Anna (Wendt) Bakken. Darrell grew up in the Rose Creek and Austin areas and attended school in Rose Creek. On January 27, 1953 he was united in marriage to Audrey M. Haney in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Together the couple had six children. Darrell drove truck for a few local companies over the years, and worked as a meat cutter at Hormel Foods for over 17 years. He loved fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughters Deb (George) Van Houten and Denise (John) Everett, both of Austin, his sons Doug (Deanna) Bakken of Rock Dell, MN, Perry Bakken (Dawn Zempel) of Rochester, and Brian (Kim) Bakken of Austin; daughter-in-law Mick Balzer; nine grandchildren, Tesa, Angie, Shannon, Chris, Ryan, DJ, Katie, Trevor, and Hannah; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Anderson of Austin and Ardith Hart of Loveland, Colorado; a brother Duane (Bonnie) Bakken of Owatonna, a sister-in-law Nancy Haney of Austin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Anna Bakken, his wife Audrey Bakken in 2004, one daughter and a brother.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Stephen DeFor officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Bakken Family in memory of Darrell, or to recipient of donor's choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.

Source: Worlein Funeral Home website
29 SEP 2014
See also: Austin Daily Herald website
30 SEP 2014
See also: Austin Daily Herald website
1 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Obituary for Leland "Butch" P. Wiedeman

Leland P. "Butch" Wiedeman, age 62, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday September 30, 2014 at St Marks Lutheran Home.

Butch was born November 6, 1951 in Austin to Leland and Selma (Johnson) Wiedeman. He grew up in Grand Meadow, where he graduated from high school.

Butch moved back to Austin where he worked for Securitas at the Hormel Plant. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, karaoke and the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed playing Santa Claus during the Christmas season at the Oak Park Mall.

Survivors include his daughters, Stacy Pierce, Austin, Tami Wiedeman, Austin; his son, Brook (Hilary) Wiedeman, Austin; 13 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; sisters, Peg (Roger) Winters, Ostrander, Linda (Virgil) Sorenson, Charles City, Iowa; sister-in-law, Phyllis Wiedeman, Austin; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm on Friday, October 3, 2014 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Friday. Military rites will be by American Legion Post #91. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Source: Mayer Funeral Home website

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Warren Hubbard Thorson, 89, longtime resident of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at St. Johns Lutheran Home in Albert Lea.

Warren was born on January 2, 1925, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Theodore and Ann (Hubbard) Thorson. He graduated from Austin High School in 1943 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After boot camp he trained at the Wahpeton School of Science in North Dakota. He spent time on several ships in different oceans and was honored to have served his country in WWII. When his military tour ended, he returned to Austin, enrolled in Austin Jr. College, and earned an Associate of Arts degree.

In 1947, he married Catherine Kelly in Madelia, Minnesota. Together they had three children, Jean, Gary and Alan. Catherine was killed in an auto accident in 1968. In 1970, Warren was united in marriage to Verona Olson of Albert Lea, Minnesota. They resided on a small acreage in Austin where they enjoyed antiquing, gardening and tending their horses until moving to Albert Lea in 2007. Warren spent his entire working career as a proud employee of the Austin Utilities. He thoroughly enjoyed his work at the power plant and all the great guys he worked with.

Warren's favorite pastimes were fishing, rock hunting, wood carving, dancing, listening to old time music, and above all, enjoying his family. He was a charter member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin and active in many community service organizations.

Warren is survived by his wife Verona of Albert Lea; daughter Jean (Toby) Dick of Burnsville, Minnesota, son Gary (Chris) Thorson of Rochester; step-son Larry (Judy) Olson of Albert Lea, and step-daughter Katherine (Ronnie) Sipple of Albert Lea; sister Betty Ford of Apple Valley, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Ann Thorson, first wife Catherine and his son Alan.

The family greatly appreciates the love and care that his niece and nephew, Connie and Roger Kanestadt, have given to Warren over the past several years.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Glenn Monson officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, at Worlein Funeral Home. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and V.F.W. Post 1216. The family would like to express a special thank you to the wonderful staff in the memory care unit of St. Johns Lutheran Home for the outstanding care and compassion he received over the past year. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to an organization of the donor's choice. Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
2 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

(March 7, 1934 - October 1, 2014)

Lois Earlene Lewison, age 80, of Adams, Minnesota, died Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Lois was born March 7, 1934 to Earl and Helen (Bell) Osmundson in Adams, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Little Cedar Lutheran Church.

Lois attended Adams public school and graduated in 1952. She went to Minneapolis and took classes at Minneapolis Business College until Dr. Paul Schneider hired her as a receptionist at the Adams Clinic from 1953 to 1958. On August 25, 1956, Lois married Maynard Lewison at Little Cedar Lutheran Church. Lois retired as Administrative Secretary after nearly 38 years at little Cedar.

In her spare time, Lois enjoyed reading, camping, vacationing in Branson, visiting with friends and “hanging out” with her dog Harley.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Helen Osmundson and sister Mary Osmundson.

She is survived by her husband: Maynard Lewison, Adams, Minnesota; daughters and sons-in-law: Tamara (Larry) Wilson, Austin, Minnesota; Candace (Paul) Cress, Bloomington, Minnesota; and Darcy (Kevin) Lee, Waltham, Minnesota; grandchildren: Kristine Vukelich, Amber (Paul) Kloeckner, Heather (Joel) Ryks, Amy Cress, Emily (John) Cacic, Amanda (Matthew) VanderPlas, Cory Lee, Caitlin Lee (Fiancé John Anderson), and Jessica Lee; great grandchildren: Jayda Wilson Oden, April Vukelich, Kaylee Kloeckner, Peyton Ryks, Caleb VanderPlas, Jovie VanderPlas, and Beckett VanderPlas; beloved dog: Harley; brother: Robert (Judy) Osmundson, Adams, Minnesota; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Karen & Gary Davison, Glenville, Minnesota; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Allan & Joan Lewison, White Bear Lake, Minnesota; nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Little Cedar Lutheran Church with Reverend Jeremy Johnson Officiating. Interment will be in Little Cedar Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Adams Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and at the church on Monday for one hour before the service.

Memorials may be designated to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, or to the Donor's Choice.

Source: Clasen-Jordan/Adams Funeral Home website
2 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

LYLE, MINNESOTA - Agnes A. Olsen, 97, of Lyle, Minnesota, died Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at Good Samaritan Care Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2014, at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church, rural Lyle, with the Rev. Lydia Mittag officiating.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota, and at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment is at Six Mile Grove Cemetery, rural Lyle.

Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, 3 OCT 2014

---

OBITUARY--

Agnes A. Olsen, 97, of Lyle, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at Good Samaritan Care Center in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

She was born January 9, 1917, to Herman O. and Selma J. (Nelson) Austinson in Nevada Township, Mower County, Minnesota. She grew up in Lyle where she graduated from Lyle High School. She married Garmen Olsen on Feb. 22, 1941. A homemaker and farm wife, Agnes enjoyed golfing, bowling and dancing. Most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include a daughter, Melody (Scott) Schrag of St. Ansgar, Iowa; three sons, Derby (Barb) Olsen of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Derry (Debbie) Olsen of Lyle, Minnesota, Marty (Deb) Olsen of Lyle, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marcene Pell of Austin, Minnesota, Loreen Kilgore of Austin, Minnesota; a brother, Paul (Joan) Austinson of Rochester; sister-in-law Barb Austinson of Cleveland, Ohio; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Selma Austinson; her husband Garmen in 1978; three sons; a granddaughter; brothers, sisters; and two sons-in-law.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2014, at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church, rural Lyle, with the Rev. Lydia Mittag officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Six Mile Grove Cemetery, rural Lyle. Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
3 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Travis O. Haakenson passed away in his sleep on Friday, October 3, 2014. He was 87 years old.

Travis Haakenson was born on July 12, 1927 to Olaf and Berthilda (Thoreson) in Montevideo, Minnesota. Travis graduated high school from Madison, MN. After graduation, he enlisted to serve in the United States Navy. He served for two years until his honorable discharge. After the military, Travis went to Brookings, South Dakota to obtain a college degree in Civil Engineering.

Travis was united in marriage to Lila (Montanye) on May 14, 1972, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union, three children were born. The couple called Lyle, Minnesota, there home.

In 1971, Travis was employed with Jones and Haugh, in Albert Lea. He then began working for Mower County in the sanitation department, and later the highway department. Travis also helped to run the grocery store in Lyle that his family owned.

Travis was a member of the Lyle American Legion, Austin VFW and Lyle Lions Club. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Minnesota Twins. He enjoyed bird watching, playing golf, and meeting his friends every week to play pool. Travis was the announcer and a member of the chain gang during school football games in Lyle. Travis was also a talented singer, singing for the Austin Male Chorus and Our Saviors Church Choir. He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Lila; children, Julie Seavey and Thomas Haakenson; Julie's children, Benjamin and Jenna; Andy's children, Andrea, Krystel, and Amanda; Thomas' children, Carlo and Ella; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Oliver, and Alexis; a brother, Eugene (Heide) Haakenson; his beloved dog, Bruno; and many other cousins, relatives and friends.

Travis is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Andy.

Funeral services for Travis, will be held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, in Lyle, Minnesota. The Rev. Barbara Finley-Shea will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bonnerup Funeral Chapel, Albert Lea, and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Woodbury Cemetery in Lyle. Online condolences may be made at www.bonnerupfuneralservice.com. Memorials are preferred to the Lions Eye Bank or donors choice.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
4 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Mildred M. Loots, 97, of Rose Creek, Minnesota, died Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at St. Marks Living, Austin, Minnesota.

Mildred Mae was born October 29, 1916, to William and Anna (Hieber) Kee near Ute, Iowa. She spent her early years in the Ute and Mapleton, Iowa, communities and schools.

Mildred married Adolph Loots on June 11, 1950, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. They moved to Rose Creek, Minnesota, to make their home on a farm. She was a homemaker and enjoyed her family and grandchildren. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota.

Mildred is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Joan Loots, Scottsdale, Arizona, Lynn and Bonnie Loots, Rose Creek, Minnesota; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ann and James Shoemaker, Florissant, Missouri, Carol and Leonard Hemann, Linden, Iowa; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters and brother-in-law, Maxine Jones, Sioux City, Iowa, Ann Steinbrueck, St. Louis, Missouri, Marlene and Ronald Peck, Denver, Colorado; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gene and Mary Kee, Omaha, Nebraska, Loyal Kee, Wayne, Nebraska, Loren and Janice Kee, Tucson, Arizona, Gary and Lorna Kee, The Netherlands, John and Gerry Kee, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Edna Kee, O'Fallon, Missouri; many nieces, nephews; and good friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Adolph, who died in 2005; and infant son; her parents; four sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin, with the Rev. Jeffery Forbes officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and at the church for one hour before the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
4 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Raymond R. Sayles, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, October 4, 2014, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.

Ray was born on March 9, 1923, in rural Austin, Minnesota, to David and Zelma (Staley) Sayles. He graduated from Austin High School in 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 where he was a Machinist Mate 1st class and became a 3rd class Petty Officer, serving until May 4, 1946. Ray married Dorothy Gordon on May 10, 1947, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church Parsonage. They were married for 61 years. Ray dairy farmed with his wife and sons until his wife's death in 2008.

Ray served as a leader of the Enterprise 4-H Club, Rose Creek Rural Fire Board, and the Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery Board where he was the sexton for many years. He held several offices with the Mower County American Dairy Association and he was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dorothy; son Mark; infant son Jerry; sister Dorothy Lord; and daughter-in-law Debbie Sayles.

Ray is survived by his daughters: Judy (Jim) Bartlett, Austin, Minnesota, Rhonda (Dean) Borgstahl, Owatonna, Minnesota, Karen (Rick) Sundberg, Austin, Minnesota; sons: Wayne Sayles, Austin, Minnesota, Dean (Rhonda Trow) Sayles, Austin, Minnesota; ten grandchildren: Jason (Niki Solum) Bartlett, Austin, Minnesota, Justin (Andrea Hendrickson) Bartlett, Fremont, Nebraska, Julie (Steve) Lange, Austin, Minnesota, Scott (Jenny) Sayles, Austin, Minnesota, Craig (Kacie) Sayles, Rose Creek, Minnesota, Kristin Borgstahl, Owatonna, Minnesota, Rachel Borgstahl, Owatonna, Minnesota, Stephanie (Jason) Helgeson, Hugo, Minnesota, Shannon (Nate) Erickson, Rochester, Minnesota, Sara Sundberg, Rosemount, Minnesota; 13 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Delmer Lord, Austin, Minnesota; sisters-in-law: Lavonne (Gayle) Bergstrom, Adams, Minnesota, Carol Boxham, Bettendorf, Iowa; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, at Grace Lutheran Church with the Rev. Jeffrey Forbes officiating. Interment will be at the Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery with Austin Post No. 91 American Legion and Olaf B. Damm Post No. 1216 VFW in charge of military rites. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday morning for one hour before the service. The family prefers memorials.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
6 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

James "Jim" Allen Lewis, 82, of Hayfield, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2014at Mayo Clinic St. Marys Campus in Rochester.

Jim was born in Austin, Minnesota, on July 25, 1932, to George and Margaret (Kramer) Lewis. He grew up in Taopi, Minnesota, and attended the one room elementary school there. He went to high school in Adams and graduated in 1950. Upon his graduation he was employed by the Chicago Great Western Railroad and worked there until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. Jim served our country from 1953 to 1955. His basic training took him to San Francesco, California. Upon completion he was shipped overseas to Japan and then Korea. He was stationed with the 440th Signal Company and handled training of the new soldiers and all the communication duties for the 5th Air Force. Jim completed his tour of duty in Feb. 1955, at the rank of Sergeant. Returning to civilian life he picked up where he left off and was again employed by the Chicago Great Western Railroad. He was promoted to the lineman position in 1956, and covered the Hayfield area territory. His lineman duties were high risk and unfortunately he was injured on the job in 1971. Jim worked for IBM in Rochester after leaving the railroad and remained there until his retirement in 1993.

The outdoors was always his favorite place to be and he enjoyed trout fishing, pheasant, deer, duck and goose hunting, and camping with his family. His hobbies were building fishing poles and custom fly rods. He learned fly tying and perfected his talent by testing his own designs. His poles and flies became popular and the demand kept him busy building at home in his spare time. He also enjoyed woodworking and building things for his grandchildren, family and friends. Tinkering and fixing mechanical things was always an interest and a challenge for him. In his later years he attended many auto auctions as a driver for Anderson Auto Sales in Hayfield. Jim was a Brother of the Mason Lodge 75 in LeRoy, Minnesota, an usher and served on the church council at Trinity Lutheran in Hayfield, a member of the Hayfield American Legion Post 330, and a former member of the Hayfield Lions. Jim was married to Donna (Johnson) Lewis on September 27, 1958. They had just celebrated their 56th anniversary.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; two daughters: Jayne (Gregg) Childs of Rochester, Tamara (Marlin) Kath of Owatonna; three grandchildren: Leila Kath and Carrin Kath both of Owatonna, and Turner Childs of Rochester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret Lewis; and his aunt and uncle, Art and Leone Lagervall.

His funeral service will be Sunday, Oct. 12, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. Visitation is at 1 p.m. with the service beginning at 2 p.m. Blessed be his memory.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
6 OCT 2014

©2014 MNGenWeb

 

Funeral Notice: Elsie Gertrude Hanson, 102

Elsie Gertrude Hanson, 102, of Lyle, Minnesota, died Saturday morning, October 4, 2014, at her daughter's home in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Service: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2014, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lyle, Minnesota, with the Rev. Barbara Finley-Shea officiating.

Visitation: Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin on Thursday, October 9, 2014, and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Interment: Interment will follow the service at Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle, Minnesota.

Funeral Home: Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Memorials: Memorials may be directed to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Lyle, Minnesota, or to the Lyle Memory Gardens. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website
6 OCT 2014

---

#2:

Obituary--

Elsie Gertrude Hanson, age 102, of Lyle, Minnesota died Saturday morning, October 4, 2014, at her daughter's home in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She was born July 15, 1912, in Berlin, Germany the daughter of Paul and Bertha Schmidt. She and her family moved to the United States when Elsie was three months old. They settled in the St. Paul, Minnesota area for a time and later moved to Iowa. She attended country school in Farnhamville, Iowa through the 8th grade. Elsie was the oldest of ten children.

On September 6, 1938, she was united in marriage to Verner Hanson in Gowrie, Iowa. They moved to the Lyle, Minnesota area in 1954, where they farmed until 1971. Elsie worked on the farm alongside her husband. They later moved into Lyle where they owned and operated the Lyle DX gas station until 1977. Elsie worked alongside Verner pumping gas, working on engines and changing and patching tires.

After Verner's death in August of 1977, Elsie continued to operate the gas station for a short time on her own. She enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states and Canada. She was secretary of the Woodbury Cemetery Association, an active and willing member of the Lyle Senior Citizens and Our Saviors Lutheran Church, member of the Lyle Memory Gardens, and other various activities in the Lyle community. Elsie was an avid gardener. She loved her flowers and enjoyed her vegetable garden. She also had a love for playing Scrabble, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and especially Mexican Train Dominoes with her friends at the Heritage House in Lyle.

Survivors include her four children, Lorene Orth (Dennis) Olson of Albert Lea, Florence Meier of Austin, Donald (Darlene) Hanson of Rochester and Glenda (Robert) Lucas of Montpelier, Idaho; sixteen grandchildren; thirty six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill (Jean) Schmidt of Fort Dodge, Iowa; a sister, Bertha Richardson of Morristown; special niece, Karla Meyers; many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Verner; oldest son, Leonard; two sons-in-law, Duane Orth and Paul Kemp; two brothers, Paul and Kurt; five sisters, Margaret, Trudy, Erna, Frieda, and Ann.

Elsie moved out of her home in Lyle and lived her last six years at the Heritage House in Lyle. The family would like to thank her grandson Steve Orth, and her great-granddaughter Courtney Nelson for the loving care they gave their Grandma over the years, and her dear friends at the Heritage House and close friends in Lyle who lovingly checked in on her and drove her many places. You all made it possible for her to stay in her apartment where she was so happy.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 10, 2014, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lyle, Minnesota with Rev. Barbara Finley-Shea officiating. Interment will follow the service at Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin on Thursday, October 9, 2014 and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Memorials may be directed to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Lyle, Minnesota or to the Lyle Memory Gardens. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Source: Worlein Funeral Home

©2014 MNGenWeb