May 16, 1959 - December 4, 2017

Holly Janet Allen, 58, of Austin, Minnesota, died at her home on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, surrounded by her children and close family.

Holly was born on May 16, 1959, to Merton and Vernetta (Klapperick) DeBoer in Austin and graduated from Austin High School.

Holly married the love of her life, Randy Allen, on Dec. 30, 1988. Holly loved to take care of her family and being with her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed going to the casino, being in the sun, camping and other outdoor activities. She loved collecting clowns and antiques.

Survivors include her children, Mark (Mikayla) Austin, Austin, Kevin Austin, Austin, and Joseph Allen, Rochester, Minnesota; grandchildren, Alexcia, Jaxon, Benzley, Easton, and Ronan; sisters, LaVonne (Phil) Jackson, Peoria, Arizona, Ginger Taylor, San Tan Valley, Arizona, and Hope (Tom) Wurster, Medford, Minnesota; brothers, Hal DeBoer, Auburn, New York, and Sidney DeBoer, Austin; sisters-in-law, Frances DeBoer, Austin, Rhonda (Brian) Bridgeman, Austin, and Patty (Clay) Erway, Oregon; brothers-in-law, Rob (Gloria) Allen, Patterson, California, and Juan Capote, Rochester; Mark Austin Sr., father of Mark and Kevin; and lots of cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Randy; brother, Timmy; brother-in-law, Milo; sister-in-law, Renae; her parents, Merton and Vernetta; parents- in-law, Rose and Russ; and grandkids Noah, Isabelle.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Raul Silva officiating. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 7 DEC 2017

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Marlys J. Arends, 90, died on Thursday, November 30, 2017, of natural causes, at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, Minnesota, where she had been a resident since March 2017.

Marlys Baldner was born April 30, 1927, in Austin, Minnesota, to Walter and Helen (Nelson) Baldner.She grew up in Austin, attended school there and graduated from Austin High School in 1945. She was employed as a medical secretary in Austin for a few years.

Marlys was married on June 5, 1949, to Lowell E. Arends at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lyle, Minnesota. The couple moved to the Arends family farm in rural Hayfield, where they built their own home, farmed for many years and lived for 60 years. Marlys was a farm wife and homemaker and was also employed as secretary and bookkeeper at the Rock Dell Creamery from 1959 until her unofficial retirement in 2009. Lowell was a lifelong farmer and self-employed grain dryer serviceman for 11 years. Mr. Arends died on May 8, 2009.

Marlys was a member of South Zumbro Lutheran Church where she was active with its prayer circles and fellowship groups and was a past member of East St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Rock Dell. She enjoyed fishing, traveling, music and square dancing with Lowell as well as sewing and quilting, gardening, doing crafts and painting. She doted on her farm cats and liked and collected butterflys. She enjoyed visiting with friends and loved time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marlys is survived by her daughter, Barbara (James) Nelson of Hayfield; six grandchildren, Troy (Josie) Sutton, Todd (Jessica) Sutton, Chris (Michele) Nelson, Stephanie (Shaun) Smallbrook, Tim (Kari) Sutton and Missy (Steve) Bowman; and 11 great-grandchildren, Sarah, Mason, Sophie, Ruby, Carly, Isaac, Aidan, Alex, Owen, Reese and Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; a daughter, Nancy and her husband, Dennis Sutton; and a brother, Walter “Junior” Baldner and his wife, Hazel.

The funeral service for Marlys will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at South Zumbro Lutheran Church in rural Kasson, Minnesota, with the Rev. Elden Simonson officiating. Burial will follow at East St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery in Rock Dell, Minnesota.

A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at South Zumbro Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning.

Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 5 DEC 2017

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Bernice Arlyne Schlinger passed away October 8, 2017, in her 95th year, in Edmonds, Washington.

She was born in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, on June 19, 1922, but lived most of her adult life in Austin, Minnesota. Bernice was a gifted seamstress, her one true passion. Victor and she made many road travels across the entire nation covering all 50 states except Hawaii.

Survivors include son, Richard (Dick) Schlinger; daughter, Shannon Schlinger; sister, Patricia Seavoy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family including four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren from son, Richard Schlinger.

Bernice was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Victor Schlinger; her parents; and seven siblings.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 6 DEC 2017

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John B. Bice was born May 9, 1853 in Kane county, Illinois, and died Saturday, Nov. 2, 1935 at the home of his daughter in Austin.

He married Mrs. Kate Coons on Oct. 13, 1878 in Freeborn Co., and from this union were born six children, five of whom survived him: Harry of California; Bert of Minneapolis, Mrs. Frank Hardquist of Austin; Mrs. Harry Poole of Washington, and John L. of Freeborn; also two step children, Mrs. Mary Sorenson of Freeborn and Paul Coon of Canada; his brothers and sister, Mrs. Edwards of Minneapolis, Mrs. Hoagland of Oklahoma, Clarence of Nebraska, Albert and Eugene of Kansas and Frank of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his first wife who died January 26, 1900, his second wife, Mrs. Leota Callahan, whom he wed in 1908 and who died in 1921, and by one daughter, Maude E. (Mrs. John) Scott, who died in 1908.

Burial was in the local cemetery at Freeborn.

SOURCE: Abstract from The Evening Tribune, 1935-11-07

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DEACON ISAAC BAKER. -- On the 24th of November, 1879, this estimable man closed the book of natural life, at the age of 73 years. His first appearance on this stage of action was at Wood Creek, Washington county, New York, on the 24th of December, 1806. At the age of six his father's family moved to Pennsylvania.

When 22 years of age his marriage took place with Mrs. Phoebe Beardsley. In February, the year of his death, the golden wedding was observed. In 1843. he removed to Shirland, Winnebago county, Wisconsin, and from thence to Riceland, where he remained until 1870, when he removed to Austin. Mr. Baker and his wife were two of the six constituent members of the Baptist church at Shell Rock.

SOURCE: Unknown - submitted by a volunteer

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Died at Austin Minn., June 13th, 1899, of quick consumpsion, Calista (Mrs. George) Davidson, of London, aged 22 years and 5 months. Her married name was Gibson, and she had been married to Mr. Davidson only six months. Services were held in the Bradbury school house in London, on Friday the 15th.

She was buried at the Beacher cemetery, Otrano, Mower Co., on the Cedar River, next to her parents, also victims of the same disease.

SOURCE: Unknown Albert Lea paper

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Richard J. “Dick” Beckel, Sr., 94, of Cameron, Missouri, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, and Wahoo, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron.

Dick was born May 12, 1923, in Austin, to John G. “Jack” and Stella (Thompson) Beckel. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Dick worked as the chief mechanical engineer for Hormel.

Dick honorably served his country during World War II, while serving in the United States Navy.

He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, VFW, American Legion, Moose Club, Elks Club, and the Izaak Walton League. Dick was an avid sportsman, enjoying golf and hockey.

On Oct. 25, 1947, he married Violet Primeau in Faribault, Minnesota. She preceded him in death in 1985. He then married Dorothy Fischer on Feb. 14, 1998, in Austin. She preceded him in death in 2001.

Dick was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had great character and humor. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his children, Barbara Chall, Wahoo, Nebraska, Beverly (Ron) Petersen, Nisswa, Minnesota, Mary (Kirk) Lee, Kidder, Missouri, Carol (Keith) Schrader, Nerstrand, Minnesota, Judith Emiliusen, Austin, and Richard Beckel, Jr., Minneapolis, Minnesota; four stepchildren, Ronald (Sue) Roger, Tubac, Arizona, Brian Fischer, Kimball, Michigan, Jane (Richard) Emerson, Oronoco, Minnesota, and Betty (Darryl) Rice, Rochester, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brother, John Beckel, Baudette, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wives, he is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Veronica; brothers, Dwain, David, and Theodore “Bud”; and son-in-law, Randy Emiliusen.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. rosary on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Missouri Veterans Home, 1111 Euclid Ave., Cameron, MO, your local Catholic school, your local VFW or American Legion.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 7 DEC 2017

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Auto Bicycle Collide-Boy Dies

Wayne Nowling, Messenger Boy, Fatally Injured in Collision at Hormel Plant.

Wayne Nowling, sixteen year old messenger boy at the Geo. A. Hormel & Company, died late Friday night as a result of fatal injuries received in an automobile-bicycle collision at the Hormel plant at five o'clock Friday afternoon. He is the son of Mrs. Etta Nowling, 410 North Third street.

The lad, riding his bicycle, east from the plant to the main office, rounded the corner of the cafeteria building just as K. G. Webster, thirty-nine years of age, truck driver for the Hormel Milling Company, started his car north in the alley-way between the Main office and the Cafeteria building. Witnesses say that Nowling attempted to turn as he saw that he was going to collide with the automobile but he was unable to make the turn quick enough. Webster was driving his own car, at the time of the accident.

Webster a Careful Driver

Tim Corey of the employment department of the Geo. A. Hormel & Company stated that Webster is one of the best drivers he has seen and that he was always careful, and this is the first known accident he has had since he has been in the employ of the Hormel Company. Friday night Webster was nearly prostrated with grief. Officials of the company and witnesses of the fatal accident exonerate Webster and say the affair was purely accidental.

Nowling had been in the employ of the company for three months. The wheels of the automobile passed over the upper part of the boy's abdomen, according to Doctors Leek and Morris and internal bleeding and the shock of the accident caused his death. In their efforts to save the boy's life, the doctors transfused blood from the injured boy's brother.

SOURCE: Mower County News, April 4, 1921

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Stanton Baird, Son of Fred Baird, Dies in St. Paul

Stanton, the youngest son of G. Fred Baird, died at his home in St. Paul Saturday morning. The body arrived here today on the Chicago Great Western railroad and funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. TenBroeck at the cemetery.

Stanton Baird, born in Austin June 19, 1905, suffered as an invalid practically all of his life. He never fully recovered from an illness which attacked him at the age of nineteen months and for the past two years he has suffered with diabetes, which caused his death.

Mrs. Baird died at the home in St. Paul shortly after they had moved there from Austin five years ago. There is one other boy living, Lyman.

SOURCE: From the Mower County News, April 4, 1921

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Christina Olson, wife of William H. Woodson, died Dec. I5th of brain fever and was buried the 16th at Oakwood cemetery. She leaves three children. She was the daughter of Mrs. Erickson of Austin.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, December 24, 1902

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Deacon L. W. Thompson of Red Rock, who has been in poor health for some time, died Saturday. He was one of the early settlers in this community and was a constituent member of the Brownsdale Baptist church, organized In 1867. Funeral services were held Tuesday. Deceased was about 64 years old.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, December 24, 1902

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Miss Emma Carlson, after a year's almost constant illness, passed away to the great beyond Saturday night. She was a bright, amiable and true young lady and has borne her ill health with fortitude.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, December 24, 1902

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Lawrence Proeschel, Sr., died Friday of heart failure at the age of ninety-one years. He was buried Monday, Rev. J. C. Roseland of Austin officiating. He came to America in 1845.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, February 11, 1903

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Lorraine Julia Mullenbach was born August 11, 1922, at Canby, Minn., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Koenig.

She attended Udolpho Township country school.

Lorraine lived at Canby, Brownsdale and Rose Creek for a short period of time, then moved to rural Austin in 1930. At the time of her death she resided at Austin Rt. 1.

On October 6, 1943, she was united in marriage with Gebhard Mullenbach at St. Augustine's Catholic Church.

She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and St. Judes Unit.

Lorraine died at 7 a.m., July 11, 1982 at her home.

Survivors include her husband, Gerbhard, her children, Ronald of Brownsdale, Mrs. James (Victoria) Willford, Hinckley, Minn., Richard of Golden Valley, Minn., Robert of Austin, Mrs. James (Debra) Zwiener, Rochester, Randy of LeGrande, Iowa; eight grandchildren; one brother, Raymond Koenig, Erin, Tenn.; four sisters, Mrs. Leona Allen, Miss Alvina Koenig, Mrs. LaVerne (Phyllis) Johnson, Austin.

Funeral services were held 10 a.m. July 13, 1982 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Fr. Collins officiating. Soloist was Bob McGinnis, with Mrs. Leona Miller as organst. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery with Mayer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were her sons, Ronald Mullenbach, Richard Mullenbach and Randy Mullenbach; her sons-in-law, James Willford and James Zwiener.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald, Sunday, July 26, 1982

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Norbert J. Mullenbach, 67, died Wednesday evening at Memorial Hospital, Osage, Iowa. He was a resident of Johnsburg, Minn.

Surviving are his wife, Alice; three sons: Samuel and Mathias of Johnsburg, Mark of McIntire, Iowa; four daughters: Mrs. James (Linda) Wagner, Osage, Sharon Mullenbach, Norma Mullenbach, Austin, Ann Mullenbach, Johnsburg; four grandchildren; five brothers, Leander of Grand Meadow, Chryst of Stewartville, Gerhard and Otto of Austin, Lawrence of Adams; five sisters: Mrs. Stephen (Magdaline) Freund, Mrs. Raymond (Leonilla) Younder, Mrs. Victor (Ida) Winkels, Marianne Mullenbach, Armella Mullenbach, Adams; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, August 13, 1981

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Mrs. Esther, widow of Erastus Markham, died Jan. 30, 1903, at the residence of her son, Frank, in Verden, S. D., aged 68 years. They settled in this township in 1859. Mr. Markham died about 16 years ago. The remains were brought here for interment in the Pleasant Valley cemetery beside her husband.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, November 11, 1903

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At the residence of her parents, on Second street, Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, 1902, Meda, wife of John H. Rochford, aged 37 years. She had been in poor health for several years. She was born in Albany, Wis., Dec. 12, 1864.

She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bryan, and came with them to this county about twenty years ago. She was married to Mr. Rochford, June 30, 1886. They lived on a farm in Lyle township about eight years when they moved to Austin. They spent last summer on their farm east of Lansing village, purchased of the Thos. Gibson estate. The husband survives. Besides the parents, four sisters, Mrs. J. P. Elmer of Austin town, Mrs. C. F. Wenham of Chicago, Mrs. John Duerst of Lyle and Mrs. Stella Harris of Iowa survive and also four brothers.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Friday afternoon, a large company of relatives and, friends being present. Deceased was greatly beloved by all who knew her gentle ways and amiable traits.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, November 5, 1902

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At her home in St. Paul, Monday morning, Nov. 3, 1902, of consumption, Mrs. Sadie, wife of Harry G. Griswold, aged 41 years. She was the only daughter of Jerry B. and Pluma (Morrill) Yates and was born and reared in Austin. Her mother died leaving her an infant and was the first woman who died in Austin.

About 16 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Griswold moved to St. Paul where he was deputy state auditor. She has been in failing health for several months. She leaves a husband and two children, a son and a daughter. The remains will be brought to Austin this noon for interment at Oakwood.

Funeral services were held in St. Paul and there will be simply burial service here.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, November 5, 1902

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At her home in the southwest part of the city, Oct. 28, 1902, of consumption, Mrs. Boline M., wife of Peter Rasmusson, aged 28 years. She had been in poor health for several years. They formerly lived in Windom township but moved into Austin on the A. O. Hollister place last year. The husband and two small children, a boy and a girl, survive.

Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church Thursday afternoon. Interment in Oakwood.

SOURCE: From the Mower County Transcript, November 5, 1902

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At her home in Austin township, Friday afternoon, of consumption, Miss Maggie Gahagan daughter of the late John Gahagan, aged 38 years. She was a dressmaker and was well known in this city.

She was of a quiet disposition, much beloved in a large circle of friends and many will mourn her departure. Funeral services were held at the Catholic church Monday morning. Interment in the Catholic cemetery.

SOURCE: Mower County Transcript, November 5, 1902

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Died, at his home east of here, Sunday, Nov. 25th, James H. Steward, aged 75 years. He was born in Dauphin county, Penn., January 7, 1825. The following April his parents immigrated to Wayne county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Being the oldest of the family, a large share of the arduous labor of assisting his father clearing up a farm in the dense woods of Ohio, devolved upon him.

In the early excitement incident to the discovery of gold in California, he made the perilous journey of the Sacramento laics and arrived in the valley of the OQ the 4th of July, 1850. Having met with fair success in mining for gold he returned to his home in Ohio May 8, 1852, having come by way of Central America.

The following spring, accompanied by a younger brother, he made the journey of the plains a second time, taking with him from western Missouri a herd of cattle and arrived in California November 26, 1853. The next year the brother fell ill and he attempted to bring him to Ohio, but fate was against it and be was compelled to bury his brother within three days' sail of New York harbor and returned alone to his home November 20, 1854.

In 1855 he came to Minnesota and has resided here continuously until his death, which occurred November 25, 1900. He was married to Miss Anna Brown November 9, 1884. They had two children, Charles Maurice and Florence Bell. The wife and mother dying in August, 1894, leaves these two children orphans indeed. He is survived by his children, three sisters and a brother-two sisters and the brother being with him at the end.

He was a kind and indulgent husband and father, an upright and law-abiding citizen, and when the end came, he passed into the unknown realm in conscious peace, through gates of painless death.

SOURCE: Mower County Transcript, November 28, 1900 (Brownsdale News Column)

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Willie Conlon died at his home north of town Wednesday night, Oct. 20, of consumption. Father Gossman was with him and administered the last rites of the church. He was laid at rest in the Catholic cemetery, Friday, Oct. 22. He was nineteen years of age and leaves parents and brothers to mourn his loss.

SOURCE: Mower County Transcript, October 27, 1897
(Grand Meadow News Column)

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Carol Ann Goetz, 75, Lake Wales, Florida, formerly of Minot, North Dakota, passed away on December 1, 2017, at the Good Shepherd Hospice located in Auburndale, Florida.

Carol was born on July 15, 1942, to Lester G. and Vera F. (Crabtree) Kime in Austin, Minnesota. She graduated from Austin High School in 1960 and became one of the youngest part-time employees hired at the G.A. Hormel Co. corporate office/plant in Austin.

She married Earl D. Goetz on Sept. 10, 1960, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. She was very proud of their 57 years of marriage and of her four children; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Carol worked for the USDA ASCS office in Minot for 35 years in addition to raising her children.

In 2010, Carol and Earl purchased a winter home at Saddlebag Lake Resort in Lake Wales, Florida, before making it their permanent residence in 2015. Carol was very involved in numerous clubs at the resort including: Women’s Club treasurer; Social Dance Committee; Sunshine Lady; and chairperson of the Fun Day parade. She volunteered at the Lake Wales Medical Center and other local charity organizations.

She was a very talented and creative person, and loved to be active with her friends and family. She will be always remembered as a generous loving person, mother, grandmother and great grandmother whose greatest passion was helping others.

She leaves us enriched with knowledge, filled with memories, and showered in love.

Carol’s loving family includes: husband of 57 years, Earl; children, Greg (Carmen) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; Troy (Cathy) of Woodbury, Minnesota; Susan (Leo Jr.) Matzeder of Wichita, Kansas; and Jeff (Suzi) of Greenville, South Carolina; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Sharon (Verlin) Eaker, Mechanicsville, Iowa, and Lana (Wes) Johnson, Austin; sisters-in-law, Sister Mary Janet Goetz and MaryAnn Meister, Algona, Iowa, Jean (Jeff) Bergo, Mason City, Iowa; brother-in-law Mark (Mary) Goetz, Mesa, Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Lester (1999) and Vera (2009) Kime; in-laws, Philip (2005) and Lorrine (2000) Goetz; brother-in-law, Eugene Meister (2016); and nephew and godson, Bradley Meister (2002).

Cremation has taken place. A memorial church Mass service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin on Dec. 26, 2017, with a reception following at 3-5 p.m. at the Hormel Historic House.

The family wishes to thank Good Shepherd Hospice for their caring support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 12 DEC 2017

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Pamela Sue Leonard (Milbrath), age 70, of Lakeville, Minnesota, passed away December 9, 2017.

Pam was a loving wife and mother who shared the love of Jesus through her sweet spirit and gift of hospitality.

She is survived by her husband, Donald G. Leonard; daughters Anne (Lamon) Elrod and Laura (Tony) Groen; sons, Jonathan (Sarah) Leonard and Benjamin (Emily) Leonard; grandchildren: Hannah, Sophia, Dalton, Adrian, Jaden, Cooper, Shawn, Colton, Hudson, Coleman, Larson, Annie Beth and Stiehl; sisters, Sallie (Richard) Koenig and Kathleen Milbrath; many other relatives as well as dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and infant daughter.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lakeville. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Messiah Lutheran Church. Interment will be at 3 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Pam’s memory for the Josh Walls family who God has recently called to serve full time with Project Video. Gifts can be made out to Don Leonard.

Memo:
Pam's Memorial Fund
16565 Frazer Way W., Rosemount, MN 55068.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 13 DEC 2017

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Theodore “Ted” LeRoy Knutson, Jr., 87, of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed away on Dec. 9, 2017, at Koda Living Community in Owatonna.

Theodore was born on August 15, 1930, the son of Theodore and Marvil (Stayner) Knutson, Sr. in Sargeant, Minnesota. He graduated from Austin (Minnesota) High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Army for almost four years. Ted married Ermadell Gross on March 19, 1960. He and his family were traveling evangelists for 12 years, living in eight different states during this time. He later worked at Owatonna Manufacturing Company and McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing.

Ted is survived by his wife, Ermadell, Owatonna; sons, Theodore (Becky) Knutson III, Clarion, Iowa, Daniel Knutson, Ellendale, Minnesota, Stephen (Rebecca) Knutson, Dodge Center, Minnesota, and Mark (Tammy) Knutson, Medford, Minnesota; grandchildren, Theodore IV (Jamie), David (Haleina), Thomas (Mariah), Kaitlyn, Lucas, Jacob, Isaak, and Lily; great-grandchildren, Theodore V, Madeline, Joshua, Hunter, and Lilly; sisters, Arletta Bungum, Sargeant, Judy Bungum, Austin and Ruth (George) Emro, Owatonna; brother, Neil (Judy) Knutson, Brownsdale, Minnesota; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, George Falconer, Betty Knutson, JoAnne Whitcomb, Evelyn (Lowell) Trom, Alvin (Dorothy) Gross, Ron Gross and Dorothy Gross.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Alice Peterson and Sharron Falconer; and brothers, Knute, Donald, and Jerry.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, 66632 300th St., in rural Dexter, Minnesota, with the Rev. Brad Novacek officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Hayfield American Legion Rothie Post 330. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Czaplewski Family Funeral Home assisted with arrangements

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 13 DEC 2017

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Cleo Myrene Christensen, 83, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at Good Samaritan Comforcare in Austin.

Cleo was born July 9, 1942, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Ernest and Bernette (Nelson) Nelson. She grew up in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High.

On Dec. 26, 1952, she was united in marriage to William Christensen in Albert Lea and, after they were married, they moved to Austin raised their children.

Cleo was a homemaker and a 50-year member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her children, Wendy Bodensteiner, Austin, and Doug Christensen, New Orleans, Louisiana; grandson, Ryan (Kelli) Duren; and brother, Gary (Sharon) Nelson, Hastings, Minnesota.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; and brother, Erling Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in the chapel at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare. Interment will be held at a later date.

Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 13 DEC 2017

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DIES FROM HIS HOME-MADE MOONSHINE

Frank Doyle Is Found Dying In Own Still Near Taopi.

Frank Doyle of Taopi was found in the last throes of death on a farm near Taopi about two o'clock last Friday afternoon and died before a doctor could be summoned. Two men who had been talking to him during the morning about the purchase of some cattle from Doyle, returned to complete the deal and found the man writhing in agony on the floor of a shed on the farm. He had been drinking liquor made by himself and had been poisoned by the alcoholic contents. When the men found Doyle they immediately summoned a doctor from Adams, but the man had expired when the doctor arrived.

In the shed where Doyle was found was a complete still—stove, cooker, coil, mash and all. Some liquor was in the process of distilling at the time. Doyle had sampled some of his own concoction and lost his life as a result.

Coroner E. A. Henslin of LeRoy was notified and arrived on the scene about one hour later. His autopsy disclosed the fact that the man had died from acute alcoholism. The liquor found on the place was turned over to the constable of Lodi township, who supervised its destruction.

Doyle is survived by a widow and children, who live in Taopi.

SOURCE: Mower County New, October 16, 1922

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SOLDIER HERO BURIED AT LYLE

Mower County Soldier Who Gave Life For Country Is Brought to Last Resting Place.

The body of Corp. Elmer Alfred Hofland who was wounded September 29, 1918, in an attack upon Gesues village in France and later died in Base Hospital No. 50, was returned to his home in Lyle, where he was buried yesterday, with military honors.

Corporal Hofland was born June 12, 1888, in Mitchell county, Iowa. On September 18, 1917, he enlisted in the service at Richard county, Iowa, and was sent to Camp Lewis, Washington, where he was sworn in to the 336th Infantry and later promoted to corporal.

He sailed from Long Island, July 4 and arrived at South Hampton. On September 2, he entered active service at Isen Besigny and, later participated in the battles of St. Mihiel and Argonne. While making a charge on Gesues village, September 29, 1918, against a murderous artillery and machine gun fire, he was wounded in the neck and shoulder. He was taken back to a base hospital and the wounds healed. On October 30, diphtheria set in and the after effects caused paralysis which in turn caused his death, December 2, 1918, at 10:15 A. M. at Base Hospital No. 50, Ward No. 3.

The body arrived in New York, December 18, 1920, and arrived at Lyle from New York, January 8. The funeral was held yesterday by the American Legion Posts of Lyle and St. Ansgar. The officers of the St. Ansgar post were in charge. The military escort marched to the Norwegian Lutheran church at Mona and from there to the cemetery where he was buried with full military honors.

He leaves besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Iver Hofland of Lyle, five sisters, three in Lyle, two in Montana two brothers, one in Lyle and one in Montana.

SOURCE: Mower County News, January 10, 1921

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CROWDS ATTEND WAGNER FUNERAL

Murder Victim Buried at Grand Meadow Sunday.

With his casket heaped high with flowers contributed by friends, John Wagner, victim of the brutal ax murder at Grand Meadow Wednesday night, was buried yesterday afternoon in the Grand Meadow cemetery following services attended by more than 1200 persons.

The services were held in the opera house in Grand Meadow, the three ministers of the village, Rev. H. C. M. Jahren, Rev. G. S. Perry, and Rev. Mr. Eisenburg, officiating. A male quartet, E. C. Hensell, Wm. Seaborn, Ray Wilsie, and O. J. Thomason, furnished music for the services. No one was permitted to view the body.

Victims Highly Respected.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are old and highly respected residents of the Grand Meadow community, where they have hundreds of friends. Indignation in the village is running keen over the brutal attack made upon the aged couple, and most of their friends and neighbors are utterly at a loss to understand what motive could, lead to the perpetration of the fiendish crime.

“John Wagner didn't have an enemy in the world," one of his neighbor said. "He and his wife were among the best liked and respected residents of this village."

Mr. Wagner was born in Germany, December, 1850, and came to America at the age, of six. He grew to manhood in Washington County, Wisconsin, and later went with his parents to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

In 1878 he came to Mower County and purchased 160 acres of land in Frankford township, which he improved and added to until he owned 850 acres. In 1906 he rented his farm and moved to the village.

He was first married to Amelia Dickman, who died February 1886, leaving four children. Mr. Wagner was married the second time March 18, 1886 and to this union two children were born. Three daughters and one son survive: Mrs. Alvin Sorom of Grand Meadow, Mrs. August Detloff, Austin, and Mrs. Emma Bennett, Lincoln, Iowa; and Herman Wagner of Minneapolis.

SOURCE: Mower County News, July 17, 1922

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FRENCH

Died at his home in Windom township, Friday afternoon, January 26. 1900, of rheumatism of the heart, Byron M. French, aged 52 years.

He was born December 8, 1847, in Ripon, Wisconsin. When he was 16 years old he enlisted as a volunteer in the army during the war of the rebellion, and was assigned to the gunboat Paw Paw and served there until September 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He then reenlisted June 20, 1865, in Co. 50th Wis. Infantry, from which he was honorably discharged June 12, 1866. Soon after he came to Austin.

He was married January 1, 1871, to Miss Ruth Morse. About 15 years ago they moved to their present home three miles southeast of Austin where he died Friday. Deceased had been in poor health ever since he came out of the army. About two weeks ago he was taken ill with rheumatism of the heart which caused his death. His wife died March 17, 1898. Six children, three girls and three boys, survive.

Funeral services were held at the residence, Monday forenoon, Rev. D. Belden officiating. Interment at Varco. The bearers were members of McIntyre post, G. A. R. Deceased was a man of upright character, a just and kind neighbor and citizen and a devoted father. He will be greatly missed in this community.

SOURCE: Mower County Transcript, January 31, 1900

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Leslie Earl Buck, 96, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017, in Austin, Minnesota, in the arms of his daughters.

Leslie was born on Nov. 23, 1921, to Herbert and Flossie on the Buck farm in Greenfield, Iowa. He attended Grand River Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1937. He finished two years of community college in Creston, Iowa, in 1939. Over the following three years, he farmed with his dad and brother while enrolled at Iowa State University, attending during the spring quarters.

Leslie was drafted into the Army on Aug. 15, 1942. He was in the 10th Mountain Division before being transferred to the 389th Quartermaster Truck Company. Leslie served in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign in the Aleutian Islands, New Guinea and the Philippines. He participated in the battles of Leyte, Mindoro and Luzon. He was discharged Dec. 29, 1945.

The following is an excerpt from a letter Dad wrote home during the war:

“Just heard the 9:45 p.m. news and am so thrilled with the things I know and I can’t sleep so will write you. Isn’t it wonderful, the way we filtered through their lines and released all the American, British and Dutch soldiers! […] I’m proud of you folks back there, content to do the tedious tasks, without glory. You’ve kept the row clean and your prayers are being answered, only if you have the patience. It’s given me a lot of pleasure in being in on this thing. I shall never forget that Sunday afternoon when we heard the fall of Corregidor over ‘We The People.’ I will never forget the mist in your eyes, mother. You were conscious of my silent tears. You have been a swell pair of people. Always trying to be cheerful when things were black. You have carried your burdens, heavy hearts laden with the uncertainties of war. Now is time to swallow the lump and rejoice!”

Leslie graduated from Iowa State University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. On Oct. 10 of that year he married Jane Frances Bartlett. They lived in Austin as he started his career at Hormel. Their first daughter, Rhonda Jane, was born in 1950. The family moved to Clarion, Iowa, where Cynthia Marie was born in 1954. From Clarion, the family moved to Jefferson, Iowa, and then to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where Barbara Anne was born. After living in Fort Dodge for 21 years, Dad was transferred to Mitchell, South Dakota. The final move was back to Austin.

He lost his wife, Jane, in August of 1990, shortly after celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. He was blessed to be united in marriage with Catherine Louise in December of 1992. The last 25 years have been a whirlwind of all the joys of a blended family.

Dad was a pilot and flying was his passion. He would volunteer to work one week each summer at the aviation museum during the Oshkosh Fly-in. On the ground he loved to fish, hunt, ski and garden. In every town that Dad lived he made life-long friends. No matter what part of the country he was in, he could manage to find someone from the Midwest to chat with. After retirement, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, the Austin Public School System, and AARP Senior Tax Service. He was a member of the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Masonic Temple, EAA and the American Legion.

Leslie is survived by his wife, Catherine; his three daughters, Rhonda Rocap, Cynthia (Douglas) Brienzo, Barbara (Kevin) Briggs; three step daughters, Marta (Jim) Kramer, Kim Slotterback, Janet (Gene) Mohler; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren and one on the way; four nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane; parents; brother, Audra; and sister, Ada.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 802 4th St. SW, Austin, with the Reverend Michael Olmsted officiating. It was Dad’s wish that his body be donated to the department of Anatomy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Burial will be in Iowa at the Greenfield Cemetery in 2019.

Memorials are preferred in Leslie’s name to the Hormel Cancer Institute.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 17 DEC 2017

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Dorothy Mae Anderson, 97, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, after a short illness.

Dorothy was born July 19, 1920, in Austin. Minnesota, to Oscar and Anna (Carlson) Johnson. Dorothy graduated from Austin High School in 1938. After graduation, she was hired by Austin Utilities in December 1938 and worked there off and on until she finally retired for good in 1972.

Dorothy married Oscar A. Anderson on Oct. 4, 1947, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Oscar passed away May 16, 1981, but Dorothy continued to live in their home in Austin until last August, when she moved to an apartment at St. Marks Senior Living.

A lifelong Lutheran, Dorothy was very active in her church. When St. Olaf Church became too large many decades ago, Dorothy and Oscar became charter members of the new Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on the west side of Austin. She belonged to the WELCA and Claudia circles. When she retired, Dorothy joined St. Mark’s Lutheran Auxiliary and served as president and treasurer for many years.

Dorothy was a great organizer, willing to be involved in a variety of activities. She worked in every one of her high school class reunions as secretary or treasurer. For over 50 years, she enjoyed meeting monthly with the women in her class for lunch, as well as monthly luncheons with the 5th Avenue SW Birthday Club.

Dorothy is survived by her brother-in-law, LuVerne “Bud” Pike, Austin; nephews, Richard Pike, Des Moines, Iowa, and David Pike (Deborah), Fleming Island, Forida; nieces, Dorothy Anne “Dee Anne” Pike (Greg Meenan), Rochester Hills, Michigan, Donna King (Scott), Des Moines; great nephews and nieces, Jennifer Pike, Greenville, Texas, Bryan King, Des Moines, Brittany Cooley (Craig), Des Moines; and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Richard B. Johnson; and sister, Evelyn (Johnson) Pike.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend Karen Behling officiating. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. as well as at the church one hour before the service. She will be buried next to husband, Oscar, at Grandview Cemetery outside of Austin. Memorials may be designated to the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Building Fund.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 17 DEC 2017

©2017 MNGenWeb

 

#1:

Duane Earl Rolfson, age 85, of Austin, Minnesota, died at his home on Thursday, December 14, 2017.

Duane was born in Brownsdale, Minnesota, on October 8, 1932, to Earl and Angela (Guiney) Rolfson. He grew up in Brownsdale where he attended country school until 8th grade. He then attended Queen of Angels for one year before transferring to Saint Augustine High School. Following his 1950 graduation from Saint Augustine High School, Duane attended and graduated from Austin Junior college in 1952. He was heavily involved in 4-H and Rural Youth. Duane was a great dancer who won an Arthur Murray waltz contest. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

Following his honorable discharge in 1958, he returned to the Brownsdale area farm. On June 10, 1961, he married Elna “Ellie” Erickson at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale. They had two children who were very important to them. In 1990, he and Ellie moved to their current farm near Lansing. He loved spending time with his family, especially at Rolfson get-togethers and Erickson family reunions. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and friends; especially during morning breakfast at “The Knowledge Table” at Lake Geo. He was a member at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Among his favorite pastimes were farming, fishing at Crane Lake, and hunting. Duane was mechanically-inclined and repaired his own machinery. He was also an inventor of things to improve farm implements and their effectiveness. One of his inventions was the Row Guard, which he would showcase at irrigator conventions when his cancer prevented him from farming. He also attended antique tractor shows where he showed his father’s 1949 44 Massey. Some of his hobbies included attending auctions and sales, as well as collecting and repairing Cushman Motor Scooters and Trucksters. He overcame many obstacles in life and he never gave up.

Survivors include his daughter Tonja (Brad) Bystrom of Lino Lakes; his son Todd Rolfson of Coon Rapids, and Todd’s two children, Benjamin and Samantha Rolfson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Angela Rolfson; wife Elna Rolfson in 2004; infant sister Catherine Rolfson; and 2 brothers Kenneth and Dean Rolfson.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with Father John Traufler officiating. Visitation will be held at Worlein Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday January, 12, 2018 and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Lansing Cemetery with Military Honors by American Legion Post 91. Services were prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

SOURCE: Worlein Funeral Home
Also see: Austin Daily Herald website, 20 DEC 2017

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#2:

Duane Earl Rolfson 1932-2017

Duane Earl Rolfson, 85, of Austin, Minnesota, died at his home on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017.

Duane was born in Brownsdale, Minnesota, on Oct. 8, 1932, to Earl and Angela (Guiney) Rolfson. He grew up in Brownsdale, where he attended country school until eighth grade. He then attended Queen of Angels for one year before transferring to Saint Augustine High School. Following his 1950 graduation from Saint Augustine High School, Duane attended and graduated from Austin Junior College in 1952. He was heavily involved in 4-H and Rural Youth. Duane was a great dancer who won an Arthur Murray waltz contest. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge in 1958, he returned to the Brownsdale area farm.

On June 10, 1961, he married Elna “Ellie” Erickson at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale. They had two children who were very important to them. In 1990, he and Ellie moved to their current farm near Lansing, Minnesota. He loved spending time with his family, especially at Rolfson get-togethers and Erickson family reunions. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and friends, especially during morning breakfast at “The Knowledge Table” at Lake Geo. He was a member at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Among his favorite pastimes were farming, fishing at Crane Lake, and hunting.

Duane was mechanically-inclined and repaired his own machinery. He was also an inventor of things to improve farm implements and their effectiveness. One of his inventions was the Row Guard, which he would showcase at irrigator conventions when his cancer prevented him from farming. He also attended antique tractor shows where he showed his father’s 1949 44 Massey. Some of his hobbies included attending auctions and sales as well as collecting and repairing Cushman Motor Scooters and Trucksters. He overcame many obstacles in life and he never gave up.

Survivors include his daughter, Tonja Rolfson (Brad Bystrom) of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; his son, Todd Rolfson of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; and Todd’s two children, Benjamin and Samantha Rolfson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Angela Rolfson; wife, Elna Rolfson, in 2004; infant sister, Catherine Rolfson; and two brothers, Kenneth and Dean Rolfson.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with Father John Traufler officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, and one hour prior to the service at Worlein Funeral Home. Interment will be in Lansing Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91. Services were 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, 9 JAN 2018

©2017 MNGenWeb