Born: 23 JAN 1920 Died: 29 OCT 2017, Owatonna, Minnesota

A funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, at the Brick Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Road, Owatonna) with a one hour visitation prior to the funeral service starting at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota.

Theresa was born on January 23, 1920, in St. Lucas, Iowa, to parents John and Kathryn (Schmitt) Langreck.

She grew up and graduated from St Lucas High School. On July 8, 1946, she married James Zipse. In 1947 they moved to Austin, where they made their home. Her hobbies included fishing, gardening, cooking, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and completing jigsaw puzzles.

She is preceded in death by, her husband, James; parents; one son, Mark; brothers, Leo Langrick, Ray Langreck and Vic Langreck; sisters, Josephine Heying, Lena Pitzenberger and Lucy McNamara; five brothers-in-law; and and two sisters-in-law.

Theresa is survived by her daughter, Karen (Dale) Ringhofer, Owatonna; son, Brian (Lisa) Zipse, Montgomery, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Zipse, Deer River, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Jack (Joyce) Zoulek, Spillville, Iowa, Delores Bucheit, St. Lucas, Colette Ameling, West Union, Iowa, and Roger (Germaine) Langreck, St. Lucas; and sister-in-law, Betty Wilkie.

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 31 OCT 2017
and Brick Meger & Medford Funeral Home

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Brian George Staska, 53, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

He was born January 26, 1964, in Owatonna, Minnesota, the son of George and Jeralene (Stavenau) Staska. He attended Owatonna High School, graduating in 1982. In 1986 he joined the Owatonna Fire Department. During his 12 years there he became one of the youngest to be promoted to captain and was urged to become a trainer/instructor. Brian served a year in Stewartville and then spent 18 years as a Fire Training Program Manager at Riverland Community College. He continued his firefighting career with the Brownsdale and Austin fire departments.

During his career at Riverland he worked with Wanda Quinn Goligowski who became his wife on Feb. 18, 2005, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They spent their entire marriage working side by side. Together the couple raised three daughters. Brian treasured the time spent with his family. It brought him great joy to watch the girls participate in sports. His work training and instructing for the fire department was very fulfilling for him. Brian will be dearly missed by family, friends, and co-workers.

Survivors include his parents, George (Vonnie) Staska of Owatonna, Jeralene Staska, also of Owatonna; his wife, Wanda Staska of Austin; his daughters, Brooke Goligowski of Austin, Kaitlyn Goligowski of Austin, and Madison Staska of Austin; brothers, Bradley (Jodi) Staska of Owatonna, David (Jaime) Staska of Lake Elmo, Minnesota; sister, Connie (Craig) Minowa of Viroqua, Wisconsin; father-in-law and mother-in-law Eddie and Doris Quinn of Albert Lea, Minnesota; brother-in-law, David (Sue) Quinn of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Sandy (Randy) Tomschin of Alden, Minnesota, Barb (Paul) Deckard of Reedsburg, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium, with Pastor David Sobek officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and for one hour prior to the service at Knowlton Auditorium on Saturday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Brian’s family. 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, 30 OCT 2017

Also see: Austin Daily Herald website, 1 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

U.S. VETERAN

Emery J. Johnson, 95, of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017.

He was born in Goodrich, Minnesota, to Anna and Bennie Johnson on Jan. 2, 1922. He married LaVonne T. Johnson on April 9, 1944, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. To these two wonderful loving people, eight children were born. Together they provided a home filled with love and laughter.

He was a proud World War II Army veteran serving from April 1941 to November 1945 as Staff Sargent with the U.S. Army 244th AAF Base Unit. He worked as a mechanic at the Nash garage. He worked many years at Hormel Foods. He loved fishing and camping and shared that passion with his family taking them on many memorable trips to Minnesota lakes and campgrounds.

He and his wife of 54 years spent their retirement years together camping and fishing at Lake Edwards. There were many campfires shared, games played and fish stories to tell. He was a talented wood carver and created impressive wooden carvings and antique car replicas for his family. He could fix anything and his family lovingly referred to these creative fixes as an “Emery Fix.”

He loved playing his guitar and would gladly give a performance at anytime. His audience was sure to hear a rendition of “Red River Valley.” In his later years, he enjoyed playing his harmonica for family and friends, keeping it handy in his breast pocket. He will be greatly missed by his family. A wonderful father and grandfather filled with wit and always ready to hear a good story or to tell one of his own.

Emery is survived by his daughters, Christine (Mike) Smith of Rochester, Minnesota, Diane (Don) Olson of Austin, Rhonda (Jerry) Rosenthal of Fremont Nebraska, Carole (Bruce) Augustin of Austin, and Rita (Tom) Rieffer of Dickinson Texas; sons, Keith (Ann Hanson) Johnson of Austin, and Mark (Diane) Johnson of Minnetonka, Minnesota; daughter in-law, Latisha Johnson of Hastings, Minnesota; brother, Snooly Johnson of Austin; 23 grandchildren, Dan, Amy, Pam, Jenny, Becca, Geoff, Liz, Laurie, Debbie, Jim, Chris, Matt, Tad, Luke, Krista, Holly, Phil, Jamie, Chad, Eric, Anna, Gary and Rachael; 47 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne; oldest son, Verdean Johnson; his brothers, Wally, Floyd, Harold, and Arling; and his sisters, Gloria, Daphine, and Helen May.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Mark Niethammer officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery with Austin Post #91 American Legion in charge of military rites. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the donor’s choice.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 30 OCT 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Myrna D. Phillips, 92, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at The Cedars of Austin.

Myrna Darlene Phillips was born in New Sharon, Iowa, on Sept. 22, 1925, the daughter of Homer and Letha (Castner) Dunwoody. After graduating from New Sharon High School in 1943, she worked until her marriage on Oct. 27, 1945, to John Phillips. Throughout John’s moves with the George A. Hormel Co., Myrna maintained a pleasant and supportive home life. Through John’s career at Hormel’s, Myrna was able to travel and meet people from many walks of life. Many Hormel employees and their spouses became lifelong friends. While living in Ringsted, Iowa, John and Myrna raised their two children, John and Mary Joy. Myrna was homemaker, mother, cook, Cub Scout leader, PTA member, public library board member, Sunday school teacher, church choir member, and worked for a few years at the Ringsted Post Office.

In 1966, John and Myrna were transferred with the Hormel Company to Austin, where they were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Austin Country Club. It was during this time Myrna was able to fulfill her lifelong ambition of a college education, receiving an associate degree from Austin State Junior College, and a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English and Media Services from Mankato State College.

During John’s tenure as superintendent of the National Barrow Show, Myrna was active in building up and producing a three-day ladies program.

After John’s retirement from Hormel in 1987, he and Myrna enjoyed many pursuits. Antiquing, collecting Hallmark ornaments, traveling overseas, attending jazz festivals, and entertaining friends were things they loved to do. Myrna was well known for her love of family, her extensive knowledge of literature, keeping a beautiful house, needlework, listening to music and always presenting an impeccable appearance.

Myrna is survived by her husband, John Phillips, of The Cedars Assisted Living in Austin; son, John (Laurie) Phillips of Otisfield, Maine; daughter, Mary (Stephen) Barna of Spearfish, South Dakota; grandson, Benjamin Barna of New York City; granddaughter, Ailie Phillips (Randy Blouin); great-grandson, Max Blouin of Hatboro, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Ruth Hanson of Annapolis, Maryland; brother-in-law, Lawrance Phillips of Berkeley, California; and cousins; nieces and nephews.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Letha Dunwoody; her sister, Shirley Clements; and six sisters and two brothers of her husband John and their spouses.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael Olmsted officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Monday one hour before the service..

Memorials may be designated to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the donor’s choice.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 29 OCT 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Laurel M. Carpenter, 75, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, October 23, 2017, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Society, Austin.

Laurel M. Overby was born March 4, 1942, in Spring Grove, Minnesota, the daughter of Carl and Mabel (Hegge) Overby. She graduated from Austin High School. Laurel made her living as a mail carrier, proudly carrying the distinction of being the first female carrier in Austin in the 1960s. She also worked as a care giver for REM for many years. In her free time, Laurel enjoyed cooking, and spending time with her granddaughters. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Laurel is survived by her daughter, Lori (Scott) Reuter; three granddaughters, Sydney, Madaline, and Isabelle Reuter; her brothers, Carsten “Bud” (Wanda) Overby, Richard (Janet) Overby, and Charles Overby; and her sisters, Marion Lingbeck and Jean Sullivan, all of Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mabel Overby; her brother, Paul Overby; her sister, Dolores (Orville) Helle; and brother-in-law, Earl Sullivan.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Deacon John Sullivan officiating.

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 website, 29 OCT 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Delmar D. Levy, 79, of Elkton, Minnesota, and formerly of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed away the morning of Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. He passed away comfortably, surrounded by his family, at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna. He passed away due to a short fight with lung cancer.

Delmar was born May 22, 1938, in Austin, Minnesota, to Edward Sr. and Ethel (Grant) Levy.

Delmar is survived by his son, Dale (Donna Dominguez) Levy of Owatonna; daughter, Denise (Steven) Thielges of Aitkin, Minnesota; and son, Douglas (Malissa Malecha) Levy of Owatonna; four grandsons and five granddaughters; two great-grandsons and six great-granddaughters; one great-great-grandson; and two sisters, Marion and Marilyn. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Dean; his loving wife, Shirley; his four brothers, Edward Jr., John, Robert, and Leonard.

A memorial service for Delmar will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at the Brownsdale United Methodist Church in Brownsdale, Minnesota. Friends can visit and reminisce with the family at 10 a.m., with the memorial service to start at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow immediately after the memorial at the church.

Interment will at the Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Delmar will be buried with his wife Shirley. Delmar’s kids along with the whole Levy family would like to extend their sincerest “Thank you” to Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna for all they did for Delmar during his stay there. Also “thanks” to all of Delmar’s friends over the years; he lived a special life because of you.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 31 OCT 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Richard H. Schaefer was born October 7, 1929, to Matthew and Mary (Heimer) Schaefer in Taopi, Minnesota. He was raised in Taopi, and spent his childhood helping on the family farm. When he was 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served for two years, mostly in Guam. After the military, he came back to Minnesota and worked at Hormel Foods.

He retired at 55 and spent 15 years of his service at Hormel working for the local P-9 union as business agent. He married Carol Locher on Jan. 31, 1953, and they lived in Austin, Minnesota, raising their six children. Carol passed away in June of 1991. He married Joyce Breitweg in 1992, and they made their home in Baudette. Joyce passed away in April 2010. He married Lois Penas in July of 2012, and they made their home in Baudette, and Mesa, Arizona. Lois was his caregiver until his passing.

Richard acquired land in Baudette and became a tree farmer. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener, and made awesome sauerkraut. He loved his children and grandchildren. Richard had a great wit and would always put a smile on your face.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his wife, Joyce; his son, Mathew; his granddaughter, Michelle; and siblings, Florence, Bernice, Orin, David, Donald, and Adeline.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Richard Jr. (Lori) Schaefer of Hackensack, Minnesota, Mary Barth of Austin, Greg (Jill) Schaefer or Bemidji, Minnesota, Julie Westerback of Northfield, Minnesota, and Ryne Schaefer of Austin; grandchildren, Richard (Liana) Schaefer, Brandon Schaefer, Marvin (Samantha) Persoon, Adam Barth, Jacob Schaefer, and Emily Westerback; and great-grandsons, Sam and Levi.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baudette.

Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Austin at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the Baudette Veterans Ceremonial Squad.

Helgeson Funeral Home, Roseau, Minnesota, was in charge of arrangements.

Online guest book at: www.helgesonfuneralhome.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 31 OCT 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

February 16, 1960 - October 29, 2017

U.S. Veteran

John M. Gardner, Sr., 57 of Austin, Minnesota, died at his home on Sunday, October 29, 2017.

John was born February 16, 1960 in Rochester, Minnesota to John Gardner and Mary Lou Newkirk. He graduated from Austin High School in 1979. He served in the U.S. Army. John married Susan Tobar on October 6, 1979. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, taking part in cancer benefit runs, his grandkids, Mountain Dew, the Vikings (anyone against the Packers) & Hogan’s Heroes. He was a member of ABATE of Minnesota and the Flatlanders Motorcycle Club.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Mary Lou Brown, wife, Susan Gardner and his sister, Gloria Bina.

John is survived by his sons: John Gardner, Jr., Lakeville, MN, Joshua Gardner, Moose Lake, MN, and Ryan (Amy) Gardner, Austin, MN; three grandchildren: Gabriella Gardner, Lakeville, MN, Cash Gardner, Austin, MN and Cameron Hill, St. Paul, MN; siblings: Gordy (Dawn) Gardner, Maquoketa, IA, Heather Racinelli, Woodbury, MN, and Lonnie (Laurie) Brown, Austin, MN; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 3rd at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Friday. The Celebration of Life will commence at 5pm on Friday, at 308 11th Street NW in Austin.

SOURCE: Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home
Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 1 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

November 27, 1942 - October 30, 2017

Donovan “Doug” Johnson, 74, of Dexter, Minnesota, died Monday, October 30, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Hospitals, St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

Doug was born November 27, 1942 in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota to Menard and Meta (Stork) Johnson. He graduated from Elkton Public School in 1961 and earned his Associate of Arts degree from Austin Junior College. Doug married Linda Weness on July 11, 1970 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elkton, Minnesota.

Doug was a manager at the Cooperative Response Center of Austin until his retirement. He also worked 25 years at International Transport of Rochester. He was very active in St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent for many years and on the church council.

Fishing was his passion, taking many trips to Canada and Lake of the Woods with family and friends, which provide a number of fishy stories. He liked to travel and visited nearly every state and presidential library. He was a quick-witted conversationalist; he always loved being in the midst of friends and gathering with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meta and Menard Johnson, and brothers, Dale and Delwyn.

Doug is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson, Dexter, MN; brothers Dennis (Joan), New Prague, MN, and DeVern “Hook” (Lina) Rochester, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 3, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elkton, MN with the Reverend Liz Erickson officiating. Interment will be at St. John’s Cemetery. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Thursday from 5 to 7 and at the church one hour before the service.

SOURCE: Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home
Also see Austin Daily Herald, 1 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Donna M. Gilbertson, age 85, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, October 30, 2017 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

Donna Mae Schmidt was born October 14, 1932 on a farm near Riceville, Iowa, the daughter of Adolph and Bernice (Hatcher) Schmidt. Her parents were preparing for ministry in South Dakota, so Donna’s earliest memories were of campus life, long halls, and nursery school. Thus began her love of learning. Donna also lived in Riceville and Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Following her parents’ deaths, she lived with her Uncle George and Aunt Marian Schmidt on their farm northeast of Riceville. Donna attended country school and it was there that she became fascinated with the process of teaching nine grades in one room. In 6th grade, she began tutoring K-3 students in reading, math, social studies, and science, and helping with other classroom tasks. Donna loved helping others learn.

Following her 1950 graduation from Riceville High School, she attended Luther College, obtaining a teaching certificate in the fall of 1951. She taught in rural schools in Hayward and Mitchell counties for five years, then moved to Seattle Pacific College in Washington to finish her last two years of college. Following her 1958 graduation, she taught north of Everett, Washington for a year, then returned to Iowa, where she taught in Riceville, Mason City, and Waukon.

On January 28, 1978, Donna married Chester J. Gilbertson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. After moving to Austin, Donna commuted to Riceville for 13 years to continue her teaching career. In 1990, she took early retirement and for the first time was outside of the classroom. She was an avid traveler and loved to read, entertain, and garden extensively, until back problems prevented her from continuing. Volunteer work and church activities, such as Bible study, Sunday school and music ministry, filled her life after Chet’s death. She continued her love of travel through books, videos, and by reviewing slides from previous trips. Donna loved Chet’s sons, Dan and Ted, and their families as if they were her own.

She leaves them memories of bear hugs, cookie factories, and sleepovers.

Survivors include Chet’s sons, Daniel (Dixie) Gilbertson and Ted (Roxann) Gilbertson, both of Austin, their 4 children Nick, Kris, Sheila, and Dan, great-grandson Noah; cousins Bonnie Boe and Lucille ‘Evelyn’ VanHouse, both of Austin; other relatives and many friends who will all miss her dearly.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chet in January 1997, and her nurturing Uncle George and Aunt Marian.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family.

SOURCE: Mayer Funeral Home
Also see: Austin Daily Herald website, 2 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Louis Foster, 94, of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, passed away October 29, 2017, at his home.

The funeral service for Louis Foster will be held 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow with the Rev. Marie Anderson officiating. Burial will be at the Grand Meadow Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, at the Hindt Funeral Home in Grand Meadow and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Louis Lionel Foster was born on January 24, 1923, in Moscow, Minnesota, to William and Ida (Braaten) Foster. On June 3, 1951, Louis was united in marriage to Shirley Rudlong at the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church. After country school he farmed with his parents and worked for several farmers up until working for the city of Grand Meadow. Louis then worked at the Care Center and then in Rochester at IBM as a janitor for 29 years.

He enjoyed fishing and vacationing where he took trips to Norway, Germany, and Alaska. Louis loved dancing to waltzes and polkas with Shirley.

Louis is survived by his wife Shirley; siblings, Alice Fossey of Austin, Minnesota, Herman (Mabel) Foster of Austin, David Foster of New Jersey, Wilma (Harold) Smith of Faribault, Minnesota, and Bernice Mead of Adams, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Viola Moran and Irene Vogelsang.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 1 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Mary Jane Jorgenson, 74, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, October 28, 2017, at Sacred Heart Hospice-Austin.

Mary was born October 4, 1943, in Austin, to Vernon and Mildred (Neitzal) Ellison. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School.

On Sept. 21, 1968, she was united in marriage to James Jorgenson in Austin. The couple lived in Austin their whole lives and had two children, Gretchen (Tom) Mork and John Jorgenson.

Survivors include her husband, Jim, Austin; daughter, Gretchen (Tom) Mork, Austin; son, John Jorgenson, Austin; the light of her life, her three grandchildren, Cole (Casey Trom) Kroneman, Skylar (Elijah Dahmen) Kroneman, Jarrett Kroneman; brothers, Glenn (Mary) Ellison and Paul (Carol) Ellison; and sisters, Sharon (Richard) Wilkie and Lynette Jagst.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Kathleen Mildenstein and Sharlene Hansen.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Steffes officiating. There will be a wake service on Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 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, 2 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Mary Ann Jensen, 95, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

Mary Ann was born October 25, 1922, in Huron, South Dakota, to Knute and Katherine (Cassidy) Sabo Sampson. She graduated with the Class of 1941 from Huron High School. On Sept. 21, 1947, she was united in marriage to Frederick “Fritz” Jensen in Huron as part of a double wedding with her sister Katherine and Roger Woodworth. Mary Ann and Fritz resided in Austin where they raised their two children.

In her early years she worked for Hormel, and then later as a home health aide for many years with Mower County Public Health. Mary Ann enjoyed volunteering at her kids’ school activities when they were young including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and PTA. She was a faithful member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin where she taught Sunday school, served as WELCA secretary, and was active in the Altar Guild. She was also active in AARP, and Sons of Norway. Everyone appreciated Mary Ann’s meticulous nature when it came to cleaning and organizing.

At a very young age she began to developed a reputation of being a caregiver. Whenever someone was ill, injured or in need, or having a baby, she was there with her husband Fritz at her side.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Denise Kay Graves of Metamora, Illinois; and son, Frederick Samuel Jensen of Liberty, Missouri; five grandchildren, Brett (Alyson Laub) Jensen, Megan Jensen, Brandon (Jill Friedrich) Jensen, Travis Graves, and Lindsay (Robert Nimmo III) Graves Nimmo; seven great-grandchildren, Ryne and Ava Jensen, Eleanor “Elli,” Samuel, Lee, and Elizabeth Graves, and Cora Nimmo; her sister, Katherine A. Woodworth of Huron, S.D.; sister-in-law, Lydia Clingman of Austin; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fritz on May 25, 2003; four sisters, Normal Campbell, Mabel Cafourek, Nelli Kirkwood, and Myrtle Van Dyke; and brother, Samuel Sampson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Susan Rector Li officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon prior to the service at St. Olaf Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Lutheran Church-Senior Ministries. 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, 2 NOV 2017
Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 3 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

A funeral Mass for James E. “Jim” Theobald, 78, of Rochester, Minnesota, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at Church of the Resurrection, 1600 11th Ave. SE Rochester, with the Rev. Martin Schaefer and the Rev. Peter Schuster officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Adams, Minnesota.

Jim passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.

Jim was born on September 26, 1939, in Adams to Paul and Marie Theobald. He grew up in Adams and attended Adams High School. He married Mary Jane Hovde of LeRoy, Minnesota, on Sept. 2, 1961. They celebrated 56 years of marriage. Together, they had four boys. Jim was employed at Hormel Foods for 35 years. Jim loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed sitting outside and socializing with the neighbors. Jim also enjoyed winters in Mission, Texas, at Fiesta Village.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane; four sons, Don (Colleen), Greg, Mike, and Pete (Kerri); six grandchildren, Bob, Melissa, Erin, Rachel, Zach, and Anna; one great-grandchild, Kora; three sisters, Elaine (Adrian) Gerber, Gen (Steve) Ulwelling, and Alice (Les) Kiefer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Catherine Sheeley; and brother, Lawerence (Tex) Theobald.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 3 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

January 10, 1917 - October 26, 2017

Milda M. Gemmel, 100, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at the Episcopal Church Home in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Milda Marie Ranum was born Jan. 10, 1917, in Lansing Township, Mower County, the daughter of Arne and Emma (Mathieson) Ranum. She attended country school in Lansing Township. Milda worked at the Geo. A. Hormel Co. She was married to Kenneth Arthur John Gemmel on Oct. 21, 1934, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Milda worked as a cook at the Cedar Child Care Center and later at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, but her main occupation was being a mother and grandmother.

She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and played cards in a neighborhood card club. Milda enjoyed spending summer weekends at the family cabin on French Lake at Faribault, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; a son, Richard Gemmel; brothers and sisters.

Milda is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, David Gemmel, St. Paul, Michael and Mary Gemmel, Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Dee Gemmel, Dallas, Texas; nine grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 12 great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Reverend Keely Morgan officiating. Interment will be at Cedar City Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials are preferred to the Austin Salvation Army or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 5 NOV 2017
and Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home website

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Funeral notice: Milda M. Gemmel

Milda M. Gemmel, 100, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at the Episcopal Church Home in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Service: 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Keely Morgan officiating.

Visitation: From 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Interment: Cedar City Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.

Memorials: Preferred to Austin Salvation Army or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald, 9 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Mary C. Pacholl, 80, of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

Mary Catherine Pesch was born July 26, 1937, in Rose Creek, Minnesota, the daughter of George and Irene (Thien) Pesch. Following her 1954 graduation from Rose Creek High School, Mary attended Austin Junior College. On Aug. 23, 1958, she was united in marriage to Richard Pacholl at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Austin and raised five children. Mary worked at First National Bank (now US Bank) until 1960.

The family belonged to St. Augustine Catholic Church. Mary enjoyed playing bridge, sewing and quilting, making dolls, and playing bingo. She was a member of the Mrs. Jaycees, quilting club, and bridge club. Mary will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Richard of Austin; her sons, Steve (Colette) Pacholl of Fridley, Minnesota, Scott (Shannon) Pacholl and Tim Pacholl, both of Austin; her daughter, Catherine ‘Cathy’ Good (Jeff Truebenbach) of Good Thunder, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; her brother, Gerry (Cheryl) Pesch of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her sister, Rose Flagg of Blaine, Minnesota; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Susan Stephenson; and five brothers, Donald, Richard, Glenn, Robert, and William.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Visitation will be at Worlein Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 6, from 4-7 p.m. and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or recipient of donor’s choice. 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 website, 5 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Ethel Marie Christianson (née Muenzell) was born in Tony, Wisconsin, on April 7, 1923, to Albert and Mabel (Kaiser) Muenzell. Ethel, 94, passed peacefully at Prairie Manor Care Center on November 1, 2017.

Ethel and brothers Wesley and Ernest were raised on a small farm outside of Tony. In 1925, at age 2, Ethel lost her mother to sepsis. Three years later, her father married Verna Vanderlinden. In high school, Ethel was active in basketball and was president of the Girls Reserve. After graduation from Tony High School, Ethel worked at Sparta State School in Sparta, Wisconsin. She saved enough money to attend The Gale Institute and later The Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Employment included secretarial work at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and later for an attorney at Iowa Mutual Insurance Company. Ethel played on two women’s softball leagues while working in Minneapolis.

In 1952, Ethel moved to Tokyo, Japan, where she was employed by the Civil Service and cleared for top-secret cases. Ethel held this position for three years, traveling extensively through Asia and climbing Mt. Fujiyama. While in Japan, Ethel enjoyed a variety of activities that included figure skating, early morning tennis, golf, flower arranging and doll making. Ethel returned to the states where IBM was opening a plant in Rochester, Minnesota. She worked as a secretary for the head of purchasing for two years.

During that period, at age 35, Ethel was introduced to a farmer from Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Ross Christianson. They married in 1959 and raised three children, Renae, Jay and Holly, on the Christianson farm. While on the farm, Ethel helped with farming and enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross. Ethel loved making fancy holiday ornaments and poured decorative plaster items from her 500 molds for local gift shops. She loved going to the Austin Artist Series with dear friend Marj Christianson.

Ethel and Ross were members of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. She had a beautiful voice and sang for weddings and funerals alongside Nina Ingvalson and Lennie Evenson. She was also secretary for ALCW and WELCA, and enjoyed quilting for these groups.

Ethel re-entered the work force in her mid-50’s, working as a secretary for the administrator of Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie for 12 years.

Ethel loved to travel, and every summer planned family station wagon trips throughout the central, western and southern states and Mexico. She enjoyed travel to Alaska and Europe, and later fishing and paddle-boating at Lake Mazaska in Faribault, Minnesota.

By adapting to many varied ways of life, Ethel had the ability to make everyone around her feel special.

Ethel is survived by daughters, Renae (Jim) Smith of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Holly (Steve) Ille of Blooming Prairie; son, Jay Christianson of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren, Carson and Paige Smith, Ryan Srsen, Alec and Isaac Ille; and great-grandson, Brody Srsen. Ethel is preceded in death by parents, Albert and Mabel; stepmother, Verna; brothers, Wesley and Ernest; stepsister, Nettie Shultz; stepbrother, Clinton Mautner; and husband, Rosmon.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church with Pastor Lindsay Stolen officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, or recipient of donor’s choice.

Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 5 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

October 30, 2017 - October 31, 2017

Mason Roy Kirkpatrick, the infant son of Cody and Kathrine Kirkpatrick of Adams, Minnesota, died Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Hospitals, St. Marys Campus. Private family services will be held with the Adams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

SOURCE: Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home
Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 3 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

February 16, 1960 - October 29, 2017

U.S. Veteran

John Michael Gardner, Sr., 57 of Austin, Minnesota, died at his home on Sunday, October 29, 2017.

John was born February 16, 1960 in Rochester, Minnesota to John Gardner and Mary Lou Newkirk. He graduated from Austin High School in 1979. He served in the U.S. Army. John married Susan Tobar on October 6, 1979. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, taking part in cancer benefit runs, his grandkids, Mountain Dew, the Vikings (anyone against the Packers) & Hogan’s Heroes. He was a member of ABATE of Minnesota and the Flatlanders Motorcycle Club.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Mary Lou Brown, wife, Susan Gardner and his sister, Gloria Bina.

John is survived by his sons: John Gardner, Jr., Lakeville, MN, Joshua Gardner, Moose Lake, MN, and Ryan (Amy) Gardner, Austin, MN; three grandchildren: Gabriella Gardner, Lakeville, MN, Cash Gardner, Austin, MN and Cameron Hill, St. Paul, MN; siblings: Gordy (Dawn) Gardner, Maquoketa, IA, Heather Racinelli, Woodbury, MN, and Lonnie (Laurie) Brown, Austin, MN; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 3rd at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Friday. The Celebration of Life will commence at 5pm on Friday, at 308 11th Street NW in Austin.

SOURCE: Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Eleonore “Elli” Rhodes, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, November 5, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

Eleonore Voss was born March 25, 1926, in Nürnberg, Germany, to Adolf and Margarete (Strobel) Voss. She attended grade school in Nürnberg and then went to professional school to become a mechanical draftsman. Eleonore was a war bride. She met her future husband at the United States Air Force base where she worked as a secretary.

Eleonore married Roy Harrison on August 6, 1948, in Nürnberg, and that same year came to the United States. The couple raised two daughters. Roy passed away December 3, 1990. Eleonore worked at Austin Public Schools for seven years as a substitute in German language classes, and 16 years as a teacher’s aide at the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch in Austin. Eleonore was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austin. She was a very talented artist, and loved to play organ and piano. Eleonore also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Eleonore is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Dr. Dennis) Woggon of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Michele (Dr. Stephen) Saunders of Lynnwood, Washington; her grandson, Joshua (Ileen) Woggon of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota; and great-grandsons Elijah, Tristan and Gabriel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolf and Margarete Voss; her husband, Roy Harrison; and brother, Werner Voss.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with Pastor Ted Barthels officiating. Memorials in Eleonore’s memory may be directed to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austin. 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, 7 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

A memorial Mass for Kathleen A. (Warmka) Wilder will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at St. Theodore Catholic Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota. Father Kurt Farrell and Father Brad Pelzel will officiate. A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Kathleen passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at her home in Albert Lea.

Kathleen Ann (Warmka) Wilder was born in Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea on Sept. 14, 1942. She was the daughter of Louis and Kathryn Warmka of Easton, Minnesota. She attended grades 1 – 9 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Schools in Easton. She graduated from Wells High School in 1960. She attended St. Benedict College in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She taught her first year at St. Mary’s Junior High in Albert Lea in 1963. She married her high school sweetheart, Norbert Wilder, on June 24, 1964. They were blessed with four sons, Philip, Paul, Patrick, and Jeff.

She continued to teach at St. Casimir’s Catholic School in Wells for the next five years. After her first three sons were born, she stayed at home to give them their first years of formation and opened a daycare in 1973. She was employed by Albert Lea Independent School District 241 in 1983 and continued to work there until 2010.

Kathleen was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church, a past president of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, and a member of the Women of the Moose. She loved all children and served them by being a media clerk in school for 25 years, having a daycare for 10 years, teaching religious education classes at St. Theodore, being a leader in Boy Scouts for 20 years, and a foster parent for 101 children over a 35-year period.

Since her retirement, she was able to continue her hobbies of costume creation, quilting, and flower arranging, and writing books about her grandchildren. She volunteered for hospice. It gave her great peace and joy to help those in the wonderful hospice program walk their final journey. The highlight of her summers was always Cousin’s Camp where she was camp director and her 15 grandkids and grandnieces and nephews spent time together at Camp Wilder.

She is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Norbert Wilder of Albert Lea; her sons, Philip (Saralyn) Wilder, of Austin, Minnesota, and their children, Zach (Mallory), Katie, Drew (Cassy), Natalie, Ellie (Tony), Mitchell, and Eric; son, Paul (Ellie) Wilder of Faribault, Minnesota, and their children, Louis, Sarah, Teresa, Emily, and Monica; son, Patrick Wilder of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and his children, Jake and Tess; son, Jeff (Roxanne) Wilder of Albert Lea and their children, Anthony, Noah, Carlito, and Mia; siblings, James Warmka, Helen Botzet, Margaret Barrett, Rosemary Cavadini, Thomas (Cheryl) Warmka, John (Carol) Warmka, and Daniel (Deb) Warmka; brothers and sisters-in-law, John Haley, Sherry Warmka, Jeri Warmka and Marvin Wilder, of Albert Lea, Ann (Gene) Utzka of Albert Lea and Jeanette (Dennis) Wilder of Minneapolis; 66 nieces and nephews; and 31 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Kathyrn Warmka; sisters, Mary Ann Warmka and Rita Haley; brothers, Ed Warmka and Ken Warmka; brothers-in-law, Don Cavadini, Sylvester Botzet, Dave Wanous, and Thomas Barrett; sisters-in-law, Marian Warmka, Mary Ann Wilder, and Margaret Wanous; a great-nephew, Jacob Botzet.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 7 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Robert Daniel Keske, 63, passed away on November 5, 2017, at his home in Austin, Minnesota.

Robert was born on September 22, 1954, the son of Wilbert and Veronica (Ehrich) Keske in Rochester, Minnesota. Robert graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1973. He worked for area farmers, Hormel in Austin, and for tiling companies in the area. He was united in marriage to Mary Maas on March 9, 1991. Mary died on June 25, 2015. Robert was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Havana Township, rural Claremont, Minnesota.

Robert is survived by his stepdaughter, Kristen Maas, Austin; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Mark (Joyce) Keske, Papillion, Nebraska; and two sisters, Louise Houghton, Faulkton, South Dakota; and Grace Becker, Denver, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

The memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Havana Township, rural Claremont, with the Rev. Alan Broadwell officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church on Thursday.

Czaplewski Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Dodge Center assisted with arrangements.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 7 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Funeral notice: Dorothy Jean Owens, 90

Dorothy Jean Owens, 90, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Service: Memorial service at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, with the Rev. Karen Behling officiating.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Memorials: Friends of Hormel Nature Center, Isaac Walton League or recipient of donor’s choice.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 7 NOV 2017

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Dorothy Jean Owens, 90, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Dorothy Jean Osmonson was born August 30, 1927, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Valda and Rufus Osmonson. She was the eldest of 11 children. Dorothy graduated from Austin High School in 1945. On June 12, 1948, she married Wandell Marvin Owens at Oakland Lutheran Church. Dorothy worked in banking as a bookkeeper and teller at Austin State Bank and later as an operations manager at Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo).

She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends throughout the United States, vacationing in northern Minnesota, boating at Lake Pepin, gardening, bird watching, having coffee with friends, volunteering, collecting antiques, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the outdoors. Dorothy was active in many organizations throughout her life. She was an officer of the group, Business and Professional Women, and served for many years as a board member of the Austin Audubon Society. Additionally, she was a member of the Mower County Horticultural Society, the Hospital Auxiliary, various church organizations, and Friends of the J.C. Hormel Nature Center.

For over 50 years she met monthly with her friends in her sewing club. In retirement Dorothy kept busy by volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the Izaak Walton League, assisting with educational programs at the J.C. Hormel Nature Center, and devoting much time and energy working for environmental causes, including Austin Coalition for Environmental Sustainability. Dorothy will be remembered by her friends and family for her quick wit, intelligence, generosity, and fearlessness.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Barbara) Owens of Austin, Minnesota, and Linda Sue (John) Rosema of Grand Haven, Michigan; her brother, James (Margaret Kirchener) Osmonson of Moscow, Minnesota; her brother, Dugar (Helen Matyas) Osmonson of Austin; her brother, Errol “Ozzie” Osmonson of Zapata, Texas; her brother, Craig Osmonson of Albert Lea; her sister, Marilyn (David) Wead of Mt. Eagle, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Jennifer Piscarcyzk, Molly Dixon, Jamie Patrick, and Eric Owens; and her great-grandchildren, Megan, Sarah, Caitlin, Riley, Joshua, Nicholas, Annika, Alex, Emily, and Noah.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Valda and Rufus; her husband, Wandell in June 2001; her brothers, Donald, Duane, and Lowell; and two siblings in infancy.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 10, 2017, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, with the Rev. Karen Behling presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. She will be interred at the Oakwood Cemetery columbarium in Austin.

Donations in her honor can be sent to Friends of the Hormel Nature Center, the Izaak Walton League, or an organization of the donor’s choice. 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 website, 8 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

U.S. VETERAN

Louis “Tip” Taylor, 97, of Lyle, Minnesota, died peacefully on Monday, November 6, 2017, at The Cedars of Austin.

He was born March 23, 1920, in St. Ansgar, Iowa, to Alfred and Fannie (Nelson) Taylor. Tip attended country schools in the Elkton, Dexter, and Adams areas and enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1942. Tip served his country as an Army staff sergeant and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He was honorably discharged Sept. 23, 1945. He began his career with Hormel Foods on Oct. 1, 1945, retiring in 1983 after 37 years and three months.

On Jan. 12, 1946, Louis married Marian Barr in Wykoff, Minnesota. Marian died in 1974. Later Tip married Elizabeth “Bea” Anderson, who passed away April 3, 2013. He spent his entire adult life in Lyle, and was involved in many community organizations and activities including the Lyle Cancer Telethon for over 30 years, the Lyle American Legion Post 105, and the Lyle Lions. Tip served on the Woodbury Cemetery Board, and was a member of the Lyle City Council for 38 years. He was also a “car jockey,” working as a “professional” driver for dealerships. His family and friends will miss him dearly.

Survivors include his sons, David (Carmel) Taylor of Austin, Minnesota, and Michael (Kim) Taylor of Lyle; his daughter-in-law, Jane Taylor, also of Austin; his stepdaughters, Sharon (Herb) Doll of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dana Perkins of Buffalo, Minnesota, and Nola Stahl of Lyle; many grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Marian; his second wife, Elizabeth; his son Rodney; three sisters; and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Woodbury Cemetery, Lyle. The family is requesting that donations be directed to the Lyle Cancer Telethon or Woodbury Cemetery Association in Lyle. 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, 8 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Pending Notice: Everett C. Hansen, 82

Everett C. Hansen, 82, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Hospitals – Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota. Arrangements are pending with Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 8 NOV 2017

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Everett Charles Hansen 1935-2017

Everett Charles Hansen, 82, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Hospitals – Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota, after a year-long battle with leukemia.

Everett was born May 8, 1935, to Albert and Lorna (Miller) Hansen of rural Austin. Growing up in a farm family during the Great Depression, Everett gained very conservative values and learned to get by with what he had. He started his own farming ventures as a teenager and set his life ambition on agriculture. He graduated from Austin High School in the class of 1953, but always said his degree came from the school of hard knocks.

Everett met Mary Ann Lightly at a church hayride and the two were married on Sept. 17, 1955, at First Baptist Church in Austin. Everett built their first home and they started raising a family. They purchased their first farm in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, and moved there in 1961.

They continued to farm in both Austin and Grand Meadow for many years. They moved back to Austin in 1967 to a farm near the Hansen homestead, which continues to be the hub of Hansen Farms to this day. Everett particularly enjoyed the harvest, and he operated his combine on the farm up through harvest of 2016.

Along with Everett’s passion for farming, he was very talented in building and remodeling homes. He has worked on countless homes in the area. He also used his talents in this area to serve on several building committees at church. He served for years as a trustee at Grace Baptist Church in Austin.

In his later years, he enjoyed putting together cabinets and wood moldings from scraps and seconds that he gathered from a cabinet shop in the area. His material of choice was cherrywood. He loved pieces of wood with knots and “character.” He stained and finished the wood until it was “Beauty-ful.”

Everett loved to spend time with friends and family over a meal. He loved to tell stories and reminisce about the past. He also loved to joke with people, and he kept his sense of humor to the very end. Everett requested to have a “funeral rehearsal” in September of this year. He said he knew his funeral would be fun and he hated to miss it! He gathered a crowd of 230 friends and family on Sept. 7 to help him celebrate his life and enjoy the bluegrass music he loved.

The family wishes to thank the many dear friends and family who prayed fervently for Everett during his illness. Prayers were answered as he spent two wonderful months at home before his passing.

Everett is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann (Lightly) Hansen; children, Sherrie (Mark) Decker, Becky (Dana) Fister, Mark (Sherry) Hansen, Julie (Jim) Leonard, and Corey (Kaye) Hansen; grandchildren, Brooke (Jason) Silberhorn, Laurel (Mike) Lingle, Michael (Abby) Hansen, Christopher (Alysha) Hansen, Josiah (Nikki) Leonard, Cole (Kayla) Fister, Joy Anna (Fabio) Volpi, Jennifer Leonard, Victoria Hansen, Gloria Hansen, and Luke Hansen; great-grandchildren, Harley and Ashlyn, Lindie and Mahri, Bethany and Clara, Clark and Caleb, Jeremy, Lydia, Tabitha, Jordan, and Isabelle, Jones and ? (due February 2018) and Kristina and Hannah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Lorna; and brothers, Edward and Lawrence.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Interment will be at Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and at the church on Monday one hour before the service.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald, 9 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

John Earl "Jack" Sheedy, age 77 of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.

Jack was born January 30, 1940 in Austin, Minnesota, to Harry and Eleanor (Earl) Sheedy. He attended both Austin and Blooming Prairie High School’s, graduating with the class of 1958 from Blooming Prairie. Jack worked in construction for Ulland Brothers Inc. for 23 years and was also a farmer all his life.

On June 14, 1959, Jack married Eileen Dalager at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in rural Austin, Minnesota. Together the couple raised 2 children. He was a longtime member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in rural Austin. Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and snowmobiling. Jack will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife Eileen Sheedy of Austin, MN; his children Lori (Greg) Stackhouse of Hayfield, MN, David (Connie) Sheedy of Little Elm, TX; 3 grandchildren Blaine (Katherine) Stackhouse of Hayfield, MN, JB Stackhouse of Hayfield, MN, Cheyenne Redfearn of Lewisville TX; and sister JoAnn (Richard) Tufte of Austin, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Eleanor Sheedy, and his brothers Patrick Sheedy and Paul Sheedy.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in rural Austin, Minnesota with Pastor Lindsay Stolen officiating. The Sheedy family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery, rural Austin, Minnesota.

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

SOURCE: Worlein Funeral Home website, 9 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

CIVIL WAR VETERAN

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Obituary

John Henry Tierney

The following excerpt from the Waucoma Sentinel, Iowa, will be read with interest by Austin friends and relatives;

Died at his home in Waucoma, December 13, 1913, at 5 o'clock a.m., John Henry Tierney.

Deceased was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1840, and when but a boy he, with his parents, moved to Iowa and settled on a farm near Lansing. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Ellen Finnegan and to this union two children were born -- Maggie and Henry. Mrs. Tierney died in 1863.

On August 27, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 43rd Wisconsin Infantry, from which regiment he was honorably discharged on June 24th, 1865. In 1868 he came from his home in Lansing to work on the grade of the I. and D. division of the C.M. and St. P. Railway, between Calmar and Lawler.

He was married on October 18, 1869, in St. Lucas, Iowa, to Annie Marron. To them were born twelve children, all of whom excepting Robert, who died March 12, 1913, and two children who died in infancy survive together with the devoted wife to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father and husband; two of these, Mrs. T. S. Dunlap and Mrs. H. Duclos reside in Austin. All of the children excepting one were present at the funeral and she was deterred by illness. Mr. Tierney leaves also nineteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a brother Pat of La Crosse, Idaho, and a sister, Mrs. Delacy of Clinton, Iowa.

Of the departed it can be said he was a true, moral, Christian man and one who if he could not say a good word for a neighbor was never known to say a bad.

The funeral serivces were held at St. Mary's church in this city and the remains taken to Austin, Minnesota, for burial in St. Augustine's cemetery.

SOURCE: Austin Herald, 1-19-1914, page 4, col. 3
Credit: Mark Ashley

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Obituary for Mrs. J. H. Tierney

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OBITUARY

Mrs. J. H. Tierney

The many friends of Mrs. J.H. Tierney in this community were greatly shocked when they learned of her sudden death Sunday morning following a heart attack. She was only ill a few hours.

Anna Marron was born in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1851. She moved to Iowa with her parents at the age of 10 years. In 1868 she was married to John H. Tierney and to them were born twelve children, eight of whom are left to mourn their mother's death: F.C. Tierney, Mrs. C.R. Crandall, Mrs. Henry Duclos and Mrs. Tom Dunlap of Austin; Mrs. Delia Reardon, Mrs. Rose Schriever and Mrs. C.J. Gaffney of Minneapolis, and J.E. tierney of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Two children, Celia and Hugh, died in infancy. Robert died March 12, 1913, and Thomas on August 25, 1929. Mr. Tierney died 16 years ago.

Besides her children, Mrs. Tierney leaves two brothers, Thomas and James of Jackson Junction, Iowa; two sisters, Mrs. Ed Laird of Northport, Washington, and Mrs. J.H. Gunty of Portland, Oregon; and 30 grandchildren who will miss a kind and loving mother.

Mrs. Tierney was a good christian, a loving mother, and a kind neighbor.

Those from away who came to attend the funeral, held Wednesday morning, were Mrs. J.E. Lavden, Mrs. Hessler and children, Miss Etta Hoev, and Mrs. T.P. Tierney of Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Anna Bramnon of St. Paul; Mrs. J. F. Marron, Mrs. Chet Burnside and Harold Marron of Waucoma; Mr. and Mrs. James Marron of Lawler, Iowa; and Tom Marron and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Marron of Jackson Junction, Iowa.

Austin Herald, Thur. 11-21-1929, page 5, col. 7
Credit: Mark Ashley

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Kenneth W. Schaub, 78, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at home surrounded by his family in Austin.

He was born in Northwood, Iowa, on February 20, 1939, to Earl and Margaret (Wright) Schaub.

Ken was united in marriage to Karen (Groh) Schaub on October 22, 1966, in Austin where they continued to reside.

Ken graduated from Northwood High School, and Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa. In 1959, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in the Army Security Agency in South Korea; he then served in Vietnam until his discharge in 1961. He was a graduate of Dunwoody Institute of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was employed for 35 years by US West Communications.

He was a longstanding member of the Masonic Lodge 266 of Northwood for over 50 years and the First United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. With his love of singing, he was a proud member of the Austin Northwestern Singers for 20 years. He was a member of the Austin Jaycees where he enjoyed working on many projects but especially the Miss Austin Pageant, continuing with the Miss Minnesota Pageant for 20 years.

His love of hunting and fishing brought him to become involved as a volunteer instructor for the Austin Firearm Safety Training program from 1982 to 2012. One of his favorite things was to hunt and fish with his son and grandson.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; son, Kasey of Hollandale, Minnesota; daughter, Kristina (Chuck) Schubert of Portage, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Karter, DeAnna and Danielle; sister, Ruth Robb; brother, Jim (Carol) Schaub; and many sister and brother-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Margaret Schaub; and brothers, Rodger and Russell.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church, 204 First Ave. NW in Austin. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at the Northwood Cemetery in Northwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or an organization of the donor’s choice.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 10 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

Funeral services for Eleanor A. Iverson, 85, will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2017, at Oakland Lutheran Church, rural Albert Lea, Minnesota. Visitation will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Oakland Lutheran Cemetery. Eleanor passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin, Minnesota.

Eleanor A. (Johnson) Iverson was born on October 3, 1932, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, to Ivan and Beatrice (Underdahl) Johnson. She grew up in Moscow Township, and attended and graduated from Austin High School. She would go on to attend Teachers Normal Training, and would start her career as an educator after that. She obtained her master’s degree in education.

She worked at a few rural area schools, Glenville Elementary School, and then worked for the Albert Lea School District, finishing her career at Lakeview Elementary School. She continued to teach as a long-term substitute following her retirement.

On May 7, 1955, she was united in marriage to Melvin Iverson at the Moscow Lutheran Church. To this union, the couple was blessed with four children, Suzanne, Steve, Sharon, and Scott. The couple raised their family on the farm in rural Albert Lea.

Eleanor was an active member at Oakland Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school, was involved in choir, and enjoyed quilting for the church. In her free time, Eleanor enjoyed sewing, collecting ceramic dolls, and was very involved in mission work. She was active in gathering “Christmas Shoe Boxes” and sending them to underprivileged children around the world. Eleanor can be described as a loving, strong-willed person who loved her family very deeply.

She is preceded in death by both parents, Ivan and Beatrice.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 62 years, Melvin; children, Suzanne (John) Chrz, Steve (Theresa) Iverson, Sharon (Agathe Candy) Iverson, and Scott (Shana) Iverson; grandchildren, Jared, Adam, Ashley, Mikkel, Jami, Kristine, Elisha, Amanda, Isaiah, and Cameron; 15 great-grandchildren; and many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

If you would like to leave a memorial, please consider donating to Food For The Poor, P.O. Box 979005, Coconut Creek, FL 33097-9005.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 10 NOV 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

July 24, 1921 - November 10, 2017

Marcella L. Gildner, age 96, of Austin, Minnesota, formerly of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 10, 2017 at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center in Austin, Minnesota.

Marcella Louise was born July 24, 1921 near Manly, Iowa, in Worth County. She graduated with the Class of 1939 from Manly High School. After graduation, Marcella drove a bread truck in Mason City during World War II.

In 1944 she was united in marriage to Lester R. Gildner at the rectory of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. Her husband's career moved them to various communities in the Midwest including the Iowa communities of Fort Dodge, Spencer, Mason City and Bettendorf, then Minneapolis, MN, and Waukegan, IL. They spent the first few years of retirement in Brownsville, TX before settling in Guttenberg, IA. Marcella was a faithful volunteer for the Guttenberg Food Bank, and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Guttenberg.

She was an accomplished acrylic painter, and ‘expert' Yahtzee competitor. Marcella dearly loved her family and friends, and had a special place in her heart for pets. She was the ‘best mother-in-law in the world', and brought a little bit of sunshine into the lives of all who knew her.

Marcella is survived by her daughters Dianna (David) Jacobsen of Gurnee, IL, Terrie (Tom) Leake of Austin, MN; grandchildren Christa Jacobsen and Tom Jacobsen, and Travis Leake and Matthew Leake; by nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lester; brothers Edward (Cora Mae) Yezek and Leo (Marian) Yezek; grandson Michael Jacobsen.

Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Manly, Iowa, at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Memorials in Marcella's memory may be directed to the Mower County Humane Society in Austin, Minnesota. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

SOURCE: Mason City [Iowa] Globe Gazette, 14 NOV 2017

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With faith and grace, Elaine Marie Johnson, 81, passed away on Nov. 11, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Elaine was born on May 19, 1936, in Hayfield, Minnesota, to Gus and Esther (Hanson) Speten. She and her family moved to Austin, Minnesota, and enrolled at Austin High School her sophomore year, graduating in 1954.

Elaine began her working career as a legal secretary at Richardson Law Office in Austin. She worked for both Philip and Scott Richardson for more than 35 years until 1989 when she retired.

Elaine and Lars Johnson were married Aug. 4, 1957, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, making their home in Austin. Shelley was born in 1959 and Steven born in 1964. Baudette, Minnesota, became their new home in 1989.

After their move to Baudette, her next career was helping at Ballard’s Resort, a place she and Lars made many special memories. For more than 25 years Elaine served as the financial secretary for the Baudette Arena Association.

Wabanica Lutheran Church held a very special meaning in her life. Elaine enjoyed quilting with the Wabanica Quilters, helping with hospitality duties at the church on Sunday mornings along with special events. She was well known for her famous Norwegian rosettes she shared with many at Christmas time. Elaine was most proud of her three granddaughters and cherished every moment she could spend with them.

Elaine had a very special connection with her sister Marilyn and her visits to see her were always a highlight.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Esther Speten; brothers-in-law, Robert Austin, and Lawrence Gaskill; and sister-in-law, Edna Gaskill.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 60 years, Lars Johnson of Baudette; children and their families, Shelley, Mike and Katie Pepera of Williams, Minnesota, Steven, Josephine and Nicole Johnson of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Marilyn Austin and Dan Meyer of Rochester, Minnesota. Her extended family includes nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, especially the Ballard family.

Elaine’s family would like to thank the nursing staff at CHI LakeWood Health Center for their compassionate care during her stay at the hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at Wabanica Lutheran Church, north of Baudette. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church with Interment at Wabanica Cemetery. Helgeson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online guest book at: www.helgesonfuneralhome.com.

Memorials to Wabanica Lutheran Church or Wabanica Quilters Group.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 14 NOV 2017

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