Gene LaValle Brennan, 92, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday March 24, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Gene was born Feb. 17, 1926, to John and Lila (Rogers) Brennan. He attended Austin High School and enlisted in the Army Air Force July 22, 1944. Sgt. Brennan served during World War II as an engineer-gunner on a B-17 with the 311th Bomb Wing. He was honorably discharged on June 26, 1946, and returned to Austin, where he was employed at the Hormel Foods Corporation for 40 years, retiring in October 1983.

Gene was united in marriage to Alice Mithuen on May 8, 1945, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where he was stationed at the time. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and served two terms as deacon, taught Sunday school, was head usher for many years and an active member of Men’s Brotherhood and the 60+ New Life Club. Gene was also an active member of Habitat for Humanity. He enjoyed woodworking, reading and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; foster brothers; foster sisters; twin brother, Jack Brennan; and nephews, Jerry Mithuen and John (Bud) Perry.

Gene is survived by his wife, Alice Brennan, Austin; sister-in-law, Pearl Brennan, Austin; nephews and nieces, Jeffrey (Joann) Brennan, Waseca, Minnesota, John Brennan, South Dakota, Scott (Mary) Brennan, Duluth, Minnesota, Sue Brennan and friend Mark, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Steve (Ruth) Mithuen, Castle Rock, Colorado, Judy Stern (Robert Suk) Rochester, Minnesota, Robert (Kelly) Mithuen, Austin, and Duane (Darlene) Perry, Lansing, Minnesota; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Karen Behling officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery with Austin American Legion Post 91 and Olaf B. Damm VFW Post 1216 in charge of military rites. Visitation will be at the church from 1 p.m. on Tuesday until the time of the service. Clasen- Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 27 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Marilyn Marie Osmonson Wead, 81, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2018, surrounded by her family.

Marilyn was born on June 16, 1936, to Rufus and Valda Osmonson in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She attended a one room school in rural Freeborn County and then graduated from Austin High School. She later attended Austin Junior College and Minnesota Bible College. On her birthday in 1956, she married David Wead.

After David’s seminary in California, they moved to Basel, Switzerland, where David completed his doctor of theology degree while Marilyn worked to support the family. Marilyn spent most of her working life in the field of accounting, retiring in 2009. She also served as a minister’s wife for churches mainly in Tennessee. In Tennessee, she was minister’s wife at the Boones Creek Christian from 1972-84, Nashville First Christian Church from 1984-97 and Murfreesboro Christian Church from 1997-2009.

They spent their retirement years in a resort area in Monteagle, Tennessee. Marilyn enjoyed sewing, flower arranging and travel. The couple had been in all 50 states and just over 50 countries. She loved family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid Predators hockey fan. She loved cruising on the Holland America Line.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Owens; and her brothers, Donald, Duane, Lowell, Ehrling and Ronald Osmonson.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, David; her three children, Michael with his wife, Diane, of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Cindy with her husband, Jim Presnell, of Lawrence, Kansas, and Richard with his wife, Margaret, of Aiken, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Jamie with her husband, Antonio Riley, of Tampa, Florida, Stephanie with her husband, Sean Moore, of Russell, Kentucky, Holly with her husband, Ryan Raines, of Lawrence, Christopher Presnell of Lawrence, Jennifer Wead of Aiken, and Alice Wead of Hallandale Beach; four brothers, James of Austin, Minnesota, Merlind (Dugger) of Austin, Errol (Ozzie) of Big Lake, Minnesota, and Craig of Albert Lea; one great aunt, Verona Boe of Albert Lea; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 7 at the Murfreesboro Christian Church. Burial will be in Minnesota at a later date. Her commitment to collecting pop tops for Ronald McDonald House was known by many of her friends and family. In lieu of flowers, we request that memorial gifts be sent to the Ronald McDonald House in her name.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 20 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Joe C. Mills, 70, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 15, 2018, with his wife, Lulu, by his side.

Joe grew up on a farm in Brownsdale, Minnesota, and graduated high school in Austin before receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. During his time in the U.S. Navy, Joe met Brenda McCloud. They married in 1971 and had two children. They later divorced.

Early on, Joe liked rock climbing, advocating for other University of Minnesota students and reading books. He spent almost 10 years in Mexico, where he met Maria (Lulu). They moved back to Minnesota and married in 1991.

Joe was a member of the Austin Masonic Lodge and like going to the YMCA. He continued to read and collect books and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Joe will be missed by many friends and family.

Joe is survived by his wife, Maria Lulu Mills; daughter, Terra (Claude) Olsen of South Dakota; son, John (Candy) Mills of Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Tim, Shana, James, Hanna, Samantha, Alicia, Carol and Nathan; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jim (Bonnie) of Iowa, Jay (Chris) of Washington, and David (Amy) of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

There is no funeral planned at this time. Joe’s ashes will be placed in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 20 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Donald L. Hanson, 86, of Adams, Minnesota, died Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, Minnesota.

Service: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, at LeRoy Presbyterian Church with the Rev. John Kerr officiating.

Visitation: Visitation will be at the Adams Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday and for one hour before the service on Thursday at the church.

Interment: Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Taopi, Minnesota, with Adams American Legion Post 146 in charge of military rites.

Funeral Home: Adams Funeral Home.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 20 MAR 2018

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Donald LaVerne Hanson

September 28, 1931 - March 18, 2018

U.S. Veteran

Donald Laverne Hanson, 86, of Adams, Minnesota, died Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems – Austin.

Don was born September 28, 1931 at home in rural Adams to Henry and Celia (Pederson) Hanson. He graduated from Adams High School in 1949 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April of 1951. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

On July 23rd, 1954 he married Connie Fisher, from Trenton, MI. They were married at David Adams Memorial Chapel on the naval base. After being discharged from the Navy, they returned to Minnesota where he farmed with his father. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy where he had served as an Elder. Don served on the Adams Elevator board for a number of years and was a member of the Adams American Legion. Don farmed all of his years after returning from the Navy and never really considered himself retired.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Celia, sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and John Roberts; brother-in-law, Donald Lee; and niece, Holly Hanson King.

Don is survived by his wife: Connie; daughters: Shauna (Norb) Schlichter; Sherri (Brian) Miller; son: Scott (Kate) Hanson; 11 grandchildren: Emily, Eric, Nolan and Jeff Schlichter, Clint Miller, Ashley Kidwell, April Ulwelling, Chelsea Turner, Hannah, Rachel & Mitchell Hanson; 15 great-grandchildren; one step great-granddaughter; three step great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Sharon) Hanson; sister, Darlene Lee; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 22nd at First Presbyterian Church in LeRoy with the Reverend John Kerr officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Taopi, Minnesota with Adams American Legion Post #146 in charge of military rites. Visitation will be at the Adams Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and at the church on Thursday for one hour before the service.

SOURCE: Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home website

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

August 13, 1954 - March 17, 2018

Obituary for Barbara A. Parmenter

Barbara Ann Parmenter, age 63, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

Barb was born August 13, 1954, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Junior and Darlene (Sanow) Conner. She grew up in Le Mars and moved to Austin to attend Riverland College where she received a business degree.

On September 23, 1995 she was united in marriage to John Parmenter, they made their home in Austin. Barb was employed as a nurse’s aide at various nursing homes including, Burr Oak Manor, Sacred Heart Care Center and Our House Assisted Living.

Barb enjoyed going to the casino, bingo and Yahtzee, caring for her grandchildren, who enjoyed pizza parties with grandma. She was a strong caring person, a fighter, who always put others needs before her own.

Survivors include her husband, John Parmenter, Austin, MN; daughter, Dawn (Kenny) Strobel, Kasson, MN; sons Donny Strobel, Dodge Center, IA, Matthew Strobel, Kasson, MN, Jeff (Christine) Parmenter, Austin, MN; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; mother, Darlene Conner, Austin, MN; brothers, Bruce Conner, Austin, MN, Dean (Wendy) Conner, Austin, MN, Rick (Lori), Bloomington, MN, Betty (Daryl) Griese, Austin, MN, Deb (Don) Enfield, Austin, MN, Penny Conner, Austin, MN, Bonnie (John) Morrison, Humboldt, IA

She is preceded in death by her father, Junior Lee Conner; sister Fay Enfield; brother Gene Conner; sister-in-law, Diana Conner

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 23, at Austin Christian Fellowship with Barry Thompson and Gene Culbert officiating. Friends may call from 9:30 am until the time of the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Memorials preferred.

Condolence may be online at www.mayerfh.com

SOURCE: Mayer Funeral Home website

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Barbara Ann (Conner) Parmenter

Barbara Ann Parmenter, 63, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Barb was born August 13, 1954, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Junior and Darlene (Sanow) Conner. The family moved to Austin in 1967.

On Sept. 23, 1995, she was united in marriage to John Parmenter. They made their home in Austin. Barb was employed as a nurse’s aide at various nursing homes, including Burr Oak Manor, Sacred Heart Care Center and Our House Assisted Living.

Barb enjoyed going to the casino, bingo and Yahtzee, and caring for her grandchildren, who enjoyed pizza parties with Grandma. She was a strong caring person and a fighter who always put others needs before her own.

Survivors include her husband, John Parmenter, Austin; daughter, Dawn (Kenny) Stroebl, Kasson, Minnesota; sons, Donny Stroebl, Dodge Center, Minnesota, Matthew Stroebl, Kasson, and Jeff (Christine) Parmenter, Austin; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; mother, Darlene Conner, Austin; brothers, Bruce Conner, Austin, Dean (Wendy) Conner, Austin, and Rick (Lori) Conner, Bloomington, Minnesota; and sisters, Betty (Daryl) Griese, Austin, Deb (Don) Enfield, Austin, Penny Conner, Austin, and Bonnie (John) Morrison, Humboldt, Iowa.

She is preceded in death by her father, Junior Lee Conner; sister, Fay Enfield; brother, Gene Conner; and sister-in-law, Diana Conner.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 23, at Austin Christian Fellowship with Barry Thompson and Gene Culbert officiating. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. Condolences may be made online at www.mayerfh.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 22 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

U.S. VETERAN

April 10, 1935 - March 19, 2018

Funeral Notice for Clifford Ronald Stoen Jr.

Clifford R. Stoen, Jr., age 82, of Austin, died Sunday, March 19, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

A Celebration of Life for Cliff will be held 2-3:30 pm on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and VFW Post #1216.

SOURCE: Mayer Funeral Home website, 20 MAR 2018

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Clifford R. Stoen Jr., 82, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, March 19, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Cliff was born April 10, 1935, in Clear Lake, Iowa, to Clifford B. and Edna (Bowman) Stoen. He attended school in Clemmons, Iowa. His family called him Junior. They moved to Brownsdale, Minnesota, in the late 1940s.

Cliff served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War for over 3 ½ years. He was in the 84th Engineers Division as an operator of heavy equipment. Cliff was a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW.

In July 1955, Cliff was united in marriage to Margaret “Elaine” Norton and together they raised six children. Cliff was a truck driver and a dairy farmer. They sold their farm in Osakis, Minnesota, in 1983 and moved back to Austin. He worked for Warren Harrington as a semi driver until he had a mini stroke and retired.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret; children, William (Michele), Gloria McKinstry (Robert), Patricia Hanscom (Mike), Phyllis Asmus (Gorden), Robert (fiancée Brianna), and Sheila Blake (Robert); 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph; sister, Eileen; grandson, Robert C. Stoen Jr.; sisters-in-law; and brothers-in-law.

A celebration of life for Cliff will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018, at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 22 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

December 31, 1917 - March 16, 2018

Alice Jeannette (Thompson) Tomhave was born on December 31, 1917, to Thaddeus Steven and Henrietta Jane (Diddams) Thompson as the youngest of four sisters. She was a life-long resident of Austin, Minnesota. She was a very active student, participating in class government, the yearbook and girl’s athletics. She graduated from Austin High School in 1935.

On June 9, 1940 she married Walter Tomhave. Together they raised two sons, Charles and William.

Alice worked in the office at the Hormel Company before her marriage and again during the war years. She returned to the work force in the early 1960’s, first as an office administrator with a local insurance office and then as an account clerk at Austin Community College for over 20 years.

Alice loved sports. She was a golfer and bowler. She and her husband faithfully followed Austin Packer football long after their sons had finished high school. She was a fiercely loyal fan of both the Vikings and the Twins, but could be equally supportive of Walt’s bowling team or the church’s softball team.

Alice was a very giving person. Over the years, she hosted many visiting speakers, missionaries and groups in her home. She was always willing to provide food for church gatherings and she spent countless hours working behind the scenes at those events. Unable to be a blood donor herself, she donated hundreds of hours as a typist during Red Cross blood drives in the community.

Alice loved her Lord and Savior. She accepted Christ as her Savior when she was a child and attended First Baptist Church until she was no longer able. Even though Walt was the singer in the family, she loved to hear and sing the familiar hymns. During her last years, she would comfort herself by singing “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know”. She went home to glory on March 16, 2018.

She is survived by two sons: Charles (Judy) Tomhave of Green Valley, Arizona and William (Lois) Tomhave of Moorhead, Minnesota; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of over 73 years, Walt; three sisters: Lucille Thompson, Eliza Maston and Emily (Henry) Hansen.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff at St. Marks Living Center and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion during Alice’s lengthy convalescence.

Alice’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. April 3, 2018 at Grace Baptist Church, Austin. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

SOURCE: Clasen-Jordan Funeral Home website
Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 31 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

November 12, 1930 - March 22, 2018

Visitation Services for Lyle Earl Stoelk will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, March 30, 2018, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 2nd Street NW in Hayfield and on hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 30450 570th Avenue Waltham, MN with Reverend Dwight DoBell and Reverend Dean Bakken co-officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Full obit later.

SOURCE: Czaplewski Funeral Home website

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Lyle Earl Stoelk 1930-2018

Lyle Earl Stoelk, 87, passed away on March 22, 2018, in Austin, Minnesota.

Lyle was born on Nov. 12, 1930, in Audubon County, Iowa, the son of Charles and Augusta (Paape) Stoelk. The Stoelk family moved from their farm in Iowa to a farm near his grandparents in the Waltham, Minnesota, area when he was nine years old. He and his siblings attended school at District 110 in rural Waltham.

Throughout his life, Lyle had the good fortune to live in a community where he was surrounded by his many cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives. Lyle farmed with his father until he was 21. At that time, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in November 1951. During his four years of service to his country, he served in Korea, Washington, D.C., and Texas. He saw active duty in the Korean Conflict, flying a total of 47 missions. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his act of heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant and was honorably discharged in November 1955.

Upon returning home, Lyle worked construction jobs and obtained a degree in mechanics. In 1964, he returned to farming. On June 18, 1960, Lyle was united in marriage to Shirley Granquist at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church.

As children, both Lyle and Shirley were baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s. A daughter, Cynthia, was born to this union. Lyle farmed the land through 1994. A few years later, he and Shirley moved to their current home in Austin.

Lyle was a proud member of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association. He travelled to several reunions throughout the country to reconnect with Air Force friends and comrades. Lyle was also recently recognized for his 60 years of membership to the American Legion Rothie Post 330, Hayfield, Minnesota.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Shirley Stoelk, Austin; daughter, Cynthia Stoelk Harty and husband, Kelly Harty, of Portage, Wisconsin; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Judy Stoelk, of Hayfield; sister-in-law, Donna Stoelk, Austin; along with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Orville Stoelk; and, his sisters, Esther Borkowski, Inez Mahnke and Dorothy Hillson.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 30450 570th Ave., Waltham, MN, with the Rev. Dwight DoBell and the Rev. Dean Bakken co-officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2018, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 Second St. NW in Hayfield and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 28 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Alberta A. “Bert” Jochumsen, 62, of Rush City, Minnesota, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Thorne Crest Retirement Center in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Alberta Ann Stoddard was born Jan. 9, 1956, in Fort Carson, Colorado, the daughter of Samuel and Jo (Thomas) Stoddard. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and attended Littleton High School. After high school, Alberta enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War beginning in August 1974. She continued to proudly serve her country until her honorable discharge in September 1982. Alberta met Kevin Jochumsen at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. They were married on Jan. 22, 1981. Together, the couple raised four children. She held various jobs over the years, including at Walgreens in Cambridge, Minnesota, as a clerk. While living in Austin, she was inducted into the Mower County USBC Hall of Fame for bowling. Most recently, Alberta lived in Rush City. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, playing cards and spending time with her grandkids.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin Jochumsen of Rush City; children, Thomas (Denise) Quates of Poth, Texas, Krystal (Adrian) Merfeld of Austin, Kurt Jochumsen of Austin, and Katherine Jochumsen of Lake Mills, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Mathew, Aidan, Savanna, Micheal, Logan, Kelli, Daniel, and Kolby; daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Monica (Edward) Amarille of Poth; in-laws, Robert and LaRayne Jochumsen; brothers, Alfred (Tina) Stoddard of Anchorage, Alaska, and Chris Stoddard of Eagle River, Alaska; sisters, Diana (Steven) Withem of Marshfield, Massachusetts, Dee (Jim) Schneider of Firestone, Colorado, and Joyce Gallagher of Longmont, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Kellee Jochumsen of Austin, KaLyn Ellis of Seattle, Washington, and Karyn (Lee Dority) Nelson of Austin; and brothers-in-law, Kendahl Jochumsen of Rochester, Minnesota, and Kerry (Katie) Jochumsen of Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Jo Stoddard.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Karen Behling officiating. The Jochumsen family will greet friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Services pre-arranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 30 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Gayle L. “Bonnie” Spurgeon, (Bothun-Stevens), 92, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, March 23, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Service: Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin with Pastor Dennis Tamke officiating.

Visitation: Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Interment: Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Funeral Home: Services pre-arranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First United Methodist Church or Sacred Heart Care Center, both in Austin.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 30 MAR 2018

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Gayle L. “Bonnie” Spurgeon

Gayle L. “Bonnie” Spurgeon (Bothun-Stevens), 92, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, March 23, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Gayle LaVonne was born on Feb. 22, 1926, in Preston, Minnesota, to Alfred and Mabel (Redalen) Bothun. She was baptized on April 29, 1926, in the Lutheran Faith at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, Minnesota. She enjoyed her childhood in Lanesboro. In high school she loved acting in plays, playing the lead and singing in the play “Angel,” roller skating, dancing and cheerleading. She taught Sunday School to four year-olds and sang in the church choir. She graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1944.

She married Lee Fredrick “Fritz” Stevens in Austin; the union was blessed with four children. Fritz passed away in 1957. Bonnie later married Merle Spurgeon at the First United Methodist Church in Austin, bringing to the union two sons that she loved as her own. Merle passed away in 2005. She always enjoyed sports; you could walk in and see her watching the Vikings or the Twins. Bonnie was always smiling, had a kind word for everyone, forgave easily, and loved sharing the wonderful things in her life. Shewas a member of the First United Methodist Church. Her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were her greatest joy. Bonnie will be greatly missed by her family and friends; blessed be her soul. She is now dancing with both of our dads. Bonnie had a slogan she lived by: Look for good in people when you meet them. It is always there. It takes strength and grace to live a memorable life such as Bonnie did. She said with a smile, “It has been a wonderful life.” She is survived by children, Dennis (Carrol) Spurgeon of Vero Beach, Florida, Gayle (Larry) Faber of Austin, Nancy Schleicher of Bondurant, Iowa, Bill (Jeanine) Stevens of Lincoln, Nebraska, Doug (Margaret) Spurgeon of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and Randy (Carol) Stevens; grandchildren, Dennis, Scott, Kimberly, Timothy, Matthew, Brenna, Brenee, Bradley, Brian, Catherine, Emily, Melissa and Justin; great-grandchildren, Ella, Caroline, Luke, Isabella, Ethan, Ashley, Mariel, Mena, Sophia, Avery, Haylee, Kaylyn, Jacob, Lukas, Ashton, Isabella, Rachel, Emily, Lauryn, Riley and Laila; sisters, Shirley Weber and Joanne Slitter; brother, Al Bothun; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved son-in-law, Tom Schleicher; her parents; husbands, Fritz Stevens and Merle Spurgeon; and brothers and sisters, Rosella (her godparent), Helen, Mildred, Norris, Vivian, Avery (infant), Blanche, Marcella, Virgil, Virginia and Annabelle. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin with Pastor Dennis Tamke officiating. Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First United Methodist Church or Sacred Heart Care Center, both in Austin. Please direct memorial cards to Worlein Funeral Home at 1801 Fourth St. NW, Austin, Minnesota 55912. 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, 03 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Rita A. Landherr, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on March 26, 2018.

Service: A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Raul Silva officiating.

Visitation: Friends may call on Sunday, April 1, from 2-4 p.m. at Mayer Funeral Home and one hour before the funeral Mass on Monday.

Interment: Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 30 MAR 2018

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Obituary for Rita Ann Landherr

July 10, 1930 - March 26, 2018

Rita Ann Landherr, 87, of Austin, Minnesota passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on March 26, 2018 from metastatic cancer. She was surrounded by her family and husband as she was called to God’s Kingdom.

Rita Ann Ryan was born July 10, 1930 on the Ryan family farm near Ryan, Iowa. She was the youngest of six children – having three sisters and two brothers. Rita grew up on the family farm and shared in all the daily farm chores: gathering corn cobs and wood for the kitchen stove, carrying coal for the furnace, cleaning the house on Saturday, gathering eggs, feeding the chickens, horses, cattle and pigs, cleaning the pens and laying down straw bedding for all the animals. Farm life was not all work as Rita enjoyed riding the bob sled and the stone boat pulled by the horses. School was in a one-room building in which all grades were taught. Rita walked almost two miles each day to school in all types of weather and her sister Marion was her teacher for the last two years of grade school. There was no running water at school and Rita frequently fetched water from the neighbors. Other duties at school included cleaning the erasers, raising the flag, carrying in coal and cleaning the blackboards. In 1948, Ritagraduated from St. John’s High School in Ryan, Iowa. Throughout high school, Rita enjoyed playing softball and taking piano lessons. Just as Rita was graduating from high school, her father Frank was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The entire family cared for Frank at home for six months before he died in January 1949.

In the fall of 1949, Rita entered the College of St. Teresa’s in Winona, Minnesota to study nursing. Before her freshman year ended, Rita answered a strong religious calling and entered the Franciscan Order of Nuns in 1950 as a postulant, took her first vows in 1952 after completing the noviate and took her final perpetual vows in 1955. At that time, she became fully professed as Sister Mary Dermot. Also, Rita had returned to St. Teresa’s and finished her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1955. For several years, Rita worked as a head nurse at St. Mary’s in Rochester before entering Physical Therapy School at the Mayo Clinic in September 1960 and graduating in August 1962. Subsequently, she worked as a physical therapist in Portsmouth, Ohio, Midway Hospital in St. Paul, the Motherhouse in Rochester and Sacred Heart Hospice in Austin.

In 1971, Rita was released from her religious vows and married Gerald M. Landherr, a widower with seven children. Gerald’s first wife, Marie Landherr, had died in 1968 following the birth of her seventh child. Rita and Marie met while both attended St. Teresa’s and they remained lifelong friends after graduation.

The daunting task of raising seven children and managing a household was simply another challenge in Rita’s life in which she was successful. Queen of Angels became Rita’s home church and there she frequently served as a cantor and in other roles to fulfill her strong Catholic faith. Rita was known by many for her selfless acts of kindness and strong commitment to help others in need. It was not unusual to see Rita’s name mentioned in a neighbor’s or friend’s obituary because of her devotion to helping the sick and infirmed. In the Biblical sense, Rita was a true martyr who believed serving others was her path to serving God.

Rita was tirelessly devoted to caring for Loretta Magdalene Ellis (Marie’s mother) during her last years at Adams Care Center and both Martin and Margaret Landherr in the years before they died. Virtually all of the nursing home staff and many residents of Adams Care Center and Sacred Heart knew Rita by first name and looked forward to her frequent visits. Never did Rita put her own needs first and she strongly believed in serving the needs of others, first. Rita never complained – even when undergoing painful surgeries, chemotherapy and the agony of cancer the last five years of her life. When asked how she felt during these difficult times, Rita often responded: “Oh, I’m hanging in there.”

In the 1980s, Rita was determined to run a marathon, but had very little time to train. Being a mother, running a household, serving her church, reaching out to the elderly and serving as part-time book-keeper at Landherr Rexall Drug, Rita ultimately trained “here and there.” In the end, she successfully finished two Grandma’s Marathons and one Twin Cities Marathon in her mid to late fifties. Prior to each marathon, Rita’s longest training run was possibly five miles and such sheer will was hard to comprehend. Rita never cared about finishing with a good time, she only wanted to experience running a marathon.

Rita is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Gerald; children, William (Pat Kohler) Landherr of Minneapolis, Michael (Sarah) Landherr of Austin, Patrick Landherr of Savage, Michelle (Tom) Halek of Maple Grove, Andrew (Betsy) Landherr of Lake Elmo, Kathleen (Chris) Pierson of Ankeny, Iowa, and Kenneth (Shelly) Landherr of Prior Lake; sisters Marian Steins, Rosie Ryan and special friend Mary Ellen Harvey; fourteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Rita in death were her parents Frank Patrick and Helen Irene Ryan, brothers Louis Ryan and Bernard Ryan and sister Doris “Donna” Talley.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to Sisters of St. Francis (Assisi Heights) in Rochester, Queen of Angels Church, the Annunciation Hermitage of Austin, Minnesota or the charity of choice.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, April 2, 2018, at Queen of Angels Church in Austin, Minnesota with Father Raul Silva officiating.Friends may call Sunday, April 1st from 2-4 pm at Mayer Funeral Home and one hour before the funeral mass on Monday, April 2nd. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

SOURCE: Mayer Funeral Home website
Also see Austin Daily Herald, 31 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Susan Rebecca Struthers, 70, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 1, 2018, at her residence.

She was born Feb. 7, 1948, in West Bend, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Lucile Struthers. At the age of 10, she moved with her family to Adams, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school in 1966. She continued her education at Austin Vo-Tech. On April 1, 1967, Susan started her 47-year career with Federated Insurance in Owatonna. She started as a policy make-up clerk and after 5 ½ years was promoted to supervisor. Susan spent 20 years as a supervisor before assuming the position of administration technical coordinator and later moving onto other various positions.

As the oldest daughter in the family, she helped raise her younger siblings. Though she never had children of her own, she considered her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews as her children. She shared with them her love of sewing, cooking and baking. She also remembered each of them on their birthdays.

In her younger years, Susan enjoyed traveling to Australia, Canada, Hawaii, and attended the 1982 and 1984 World’s Fair. More recently, Susan dedicated her time to searching the Struthers genealogy. Susan also worked the suicide hot line on Saturday nights for a number of years.

She is survived by siblings, George (Linda Cooper) Struthers of Adams, Nancy (Lowell) Williams of Rochester, Minnesota, Dean Struthers of Adams, Joe (Rachel) Struthers of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Merlin Struthers of Faribault, Minnesota, DeWayne Struthers of Owatonna, and Ivan (May) Struthers of Stewartville, Minnesota; six nieces; three nephews; 11 grandnieces; eight grandnephews; and one great-grandniece.

She was preceded in death by parents, Arnold and Lucile; siblings, Andy Struthers and Sue Struthers; and nephew, Todd Struthers.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 6, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date in Adams.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 29 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Pending notice: Marjorie M. Rolfson, 84

Marjorie M. Rolfson, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Our House Memory Care.

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

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 29 MAR 2018

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Marjorie Mae Rolfson

Marjorie M. Rolfson, age 84 of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Our House Memory Care. Marjorie Mae Petersen was born July 29, 1933 in Hollandale, Minnesota, the daughter of George E. and Emma (Harris) Petersen. She was a 1951 graduate of Sherburn, Minnesota High School. On February 16, 1952, Marjorie married Dean Rolfson in Austin. The couple later divorced.

Following her jobs as a telephone operator, a chef at Tommy’s Supper Club, and an agent for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Marjorie made a career of caring for many children as an in-home daycare provider for over 37 years. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends, which usually included beating them in card games, feeding them and sharing lots of love and laughter! She was a fabulous cook, seamstress and gardener.

She belonged to First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her card club and connecting with friends and family on Facebook. Marjorie will be dearly missed by all of those lives she touched.

Survivors include her daughters Vicky Williamson of Eagan, Minnesota, Sherry Suess of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Jayne (Julius) Gibson of Austin, Shelley Riach of Lakeville, Minnesota; sons Larry (Gloria) Rolfson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Troy (Jackie) Rolfson of Lakeland, Florida; son-in-law Lawrance Pieper of Austin; 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; her brother Floyd (Fran) Petersen of Morgan Hill, California; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Waiting to greet her in Heaven are her parents, her daughter Kathy Pieper (died 4/29/2017), seven brothers and one sister, and her former husband Dean Rolfson, who died 11/8/2009.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Austin with Pastor Dennis Tamke officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, April 6 at Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in East Side Cemetery, Estherville, Iowa at 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 9th with Rev. Cory Allard, officiating.

SOURCE: Worlein Funeral Home website

Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 03 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Francis David Combs, 98, died of natural causes on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the New Mexico Veterans Home in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where he had been a resident since August 2016.

Francis David Combs was born July 1, 1919, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Everett and Grace (Callahan) Combs. Soon after, the family moved to a farm in DeSmet, South Dakota. After his schooling, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. “Frank” moved to Minnesota, where he married Helen D. Torgersen on Nov. 21, 1939, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple lived and worked in Iowa. Frank served in the U.S. Marines during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

Both Helen and Frank worked for the U.S. Postal Service for most of their careers. They raised their children and made their home in Mound, Montana, until their retirements, after which they moved to Billings, Montana. Helen died in June 1992. Frank met and married Beverly Croft in 1997, and they eventually moved to New Mexico. It was while they were living in Park Rapids, Minnesota, that he became a member of the Marine League.

He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, enjoyed hunting, camping, lapidary projects, reading and gardening.

Frank is survived by his wife, Beverly; three daughters and two sons, Carol (John) Lindow of Nevis, Minnesota, formerly of Stewartville, Minnesota, David Combs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brian Combs of Mckinleyville, California, Denice (Doug) Sparks of Boulder, Colorado, and Lynn (Jeff) Ivie of Billings, Montana;

12 grandchildren, Erin (Gary) Kittleson, Ryan (Alexis) Lindow, Michael Lindow, Kevin (Karie) Lindow, Stephen (Sarah) Lindow, Sarah Combs, Jordan Combs, Jack Combs, Max Combs, Manito Lara, Whitney Ivie, and Zachary Ivie; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his parents; three brothers; and five sisters.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with Father James Steffes officiating. A committal service and burial with military graveside honors by the Marine Honor Guard from Park Rapids will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Austin. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service at the church on Wednesday, March 28.

Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 27 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Valeria M. LaVallie, 95, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, March 25, 2018, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, Minnesota.

Valeria Marian Tschida was born Sept. 19, 1922, in Holdingford, Minnesota, to Michael and Frances (Patrias) Tschida. She moved to Austin in 1939 and married Gordon LaVallie on May 9, 1942.

The couple had 10 children. Six of her children preceded her in death; five boys with cystic fibrosis and daughter Cathy at age three months from heart surgery. Valeria was a very busy, wonderful mom, caring for sick and healthy children. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, knitting, cribbage, gardening, reading and doing puzzles. She so enjoyed playing cards with everyone, especially her children and grandchildren. She was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church since 1960, where she was active in the CCW, served as head of the kitchen for activities such as funeral and wedding setups and bingo. Valeria worked as a bookkeeper for LaVallie Beverage Service, at Hormel Foods Corporation, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Survivors include her children, Gene (Georgia) LaVallie, Eagan, Minnesota, Donald (Diane) LaVallie, Watertown, New York, Elaine (Larry) Howell, New Prague, Minnesota, and Ann LaVallie, Albuquerque, New Mexico; her grandchildren, Derek, Mike, Kristin, Jeffrey, Ben, Rick LaVallie, Shawn Kadlec, Andrea Palm, Chris Kadlec, Angelea Larkin and Savannah LaVallie; 15 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Robert, Jerry and Michael; and sisters, Leona, Louise and Doris. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Frances Tschida; her husband, Gordon LaVallie; her-in-laws, Henry and Emma LaVallie; her children, Michael, Gordon, Terry, Daniel, Catherine and James; and her siblings.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Austin with Father Gregory Leif officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday afternoon from 1-2 p.m. prior to Mass at church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 100 N Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55403, or recipient of donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 27 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Chester L. Gerhart, 75, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 24, 2018, at his home.

Chet was born March 10, 1943, in Austin to Edward Sr. and Beatrice (Clark) Gerhart. He attended both Queen of Angels and Pacelli High School. Chet later received his GED from the University of Kansas while serving in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965. In 1992, Chet returned to school at Austin Vocational School and received his degree as an electronics technician at the age of 49.

On December 22, 1967, he married Barbara Iverson-Mauer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Chet adopted Barb’s girls, Marie and Renee, soon after the marriage. Within a few years they added two more daughters, Anissa and Kimberly. Chet was very protective and proud of all his girls. Later in life, the family was completed with the addition of Bunker, Bo, and Zeus, their beloved pups.

Chet had numerous jobs, many times several at once, to support his family throughout his life. He worked for Mayflower Moving in Austin, Wilsons in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Midtown Auto and Carwash in Austin. He managed “Wags” carwash and service station in Casper, Wyoming, owned his own DX station in Austin, and worked for Austin Cab and Ambulance. Chet also joined Howard Bolverhouse in business building corn silos and cement slabs, was a shop foreman for Madsen Truck Lines in Albert Lea, and also repaired Thermo-Kings for McFarland Trucking in Austin. After Chet earned his degree as an electronics technician, he went to work for Telex in Blue Earth and finally retired from Hormel as a mechanic in 2008.

Over the years, Chet enjoyed many activities including hunting, fishing, cars, motorcycles and boating. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge for many years, where he served as governor from 1982-83. Later in life, Chet took up golfing, enjoyed working his hobby farm and feeding the many birds on the property.

Survivors include his wife, Barb, Austin; daughters and sons-in-law, Marie (Ray) Steichen, Spring Valley, Minnesota, Renee (Gary) Morgan, Colorado, Anissa (Jerry) Kilby, Austin, and Kimberly (John) Harsha, Park Rapids, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Pat Maly, Austin, and Betty Veldman, Austin; sister-in-law, Dorothy Gerhart, Austin; many nieces and nephews; beloved pup, Zeus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward Gerhart Jr.; brothers-in-law, Richard Veldman and Loddy Maly II; nephews, Loddy Maly III and Dan Maly; and beloved pups, Bunker and Boe.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Monday at Mayer Funeral Home and also one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 27 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Barbara Jean (Barkhuff) Lackens, 81, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, died peacefully on March 16, 2018.

Barbara was born on Jan. 22, 1937, in Austin, Minnesota, the first child of Jane Elizabeth (Rypka) and Lowell Dean Barkhuff. A happy childhood was spent growing up in Austin, along with many fun summers at Crooked Lake in northern Minnesota. Barb graduated from Austin High School in 1955. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she met the love of her life, John Lackens, on a blind date in October 1955. They were married on Dec. 28, 1957, and began their life together in Minneapolis.

She and John were blessed to have renewed their wedding vows on their 60th anniversary last Dec. 28, in celebration with their children and grandchildren. On their life’s journey, Barb and John raised a family, built a business and traveled the world.

Barbara was the voice cheering on every person in her family and her positive attitude lifted us all. She will be remembered as a truly lovely, caring, generous and patient lady who embraced being a traditional wife, mother and grandmother. With her inquisitive mind, she was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. A one-time “plant doctor” with Bachman’s, she loved nature, appreciating it in her backyard in Minneapolis, or up at the cabin in Northern Wisconsin or at her home in Rio Verde, Arizona.

She will be forever missed by her husband, John; and their children and their families, Greg, Angi, Sophi and David Lackens, and Cathy, Phil, John, Ben and Grace Homer. She is also survived by her sister, Deanna Andersen and family; and sister-in-law, Barbara Barkhuff. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Jane Barkhuff; and brother, David.

A celebration of Barbara’s life was held on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Church of the Assumption in St. Paul, Minnesota. The family requests donations in memory of Barbara to Catholic Eldercare on Main (catholiceldercare.org).

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 27 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Joseph William Kemmerick, 98, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, March 24, at St. Mark’s in Austin.

Joe was born April 1, 1919, in Leonore, Illinois, to Frank and Elizabeth (Fluech) Kemmerick. The family moved to Williams, Iowa, when Joe was a baby and to a farm near Stacyville, Iowa, at age 7, where he attended Visitation Catholic School.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from May 1942 until being honorably discharged in November 1945. He served in the Pacific and was an “Avenger of Bataan.”

He was united in marriage on Oct. 30, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, Iowa, to Dorothy Marie Wolf. Together they raised seven children on a farm south of Austin. While farming, he worked for 36 years at Hormel, retiring in 1981. After living on the farm 46 years, they moved to Austin in 1996.

Joe loved farming, gardening, and watching things grow. He would spend hours at the fair looking at big farm equipment. He could fix anything and was full of ingenuity. He really liked his new cars. He enjoyed playing games, especially cards, grilling steaks and, above all, spending time with family. He was a devoted husband, father and a good neighbor and was known for his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy; seven children, Norma Holmes, Exton, Pennsylvnia, Ryan (Patricia), Rochester, Minnesota, Randy (Judy), Seymour, Missouri, Mark (Joan), Austin, Sheila (Tom) Brownlow, Rochester, and Brenda Kemmerick, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Susan (William) Horner, Spring, Texas; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, Christopher (Amy) Holmes, and Tyler, Zachary, and Andrew, Jennifer Holmes and Rome, Sarah Holmes, Kate (Michael) Poterucha and Emily, Sarah (Michael) Boyd, Adam (Breanna) Kemmerick and Mason, Finley and Brody, Sean (Jenni) Brownlow and Cole, Elayna, and Avery, Michael (Abbie) Brownlow and Ellie, and Kristen Brownlow; and sisters, Pauline, Florence, Dorothy and Lucille.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marcella and Leona; brother, Bernard; infant brother and sister; and granddaughter, Ann.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. There will be a 7:45 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home, where friends may call from 5-8 p.m. There will also be visitation one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Memorials may be donated to St. Augustine Church Restoration Project. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.

Source: Austin Daily Herald, 27 MAR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Robert David Day (“Butch,” “Bubba”), 70, of Northwood, Iowa, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.

Service: Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Chaplain Theresa Turnbull officiating.

Visitation: Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.

Interment: Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 31 MAR 2018

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Robert David Day

Obituary--

Robert David Day (‘Butch’, ‘Bubba’), age 70, of Northwood, Iowa, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa. He was born April 1, 1947 in Austin, the son of Robert A. and Myra Lucille “Dolly” (Davis) Day. Following graduation from Austin High School in 1965, Robert’s jobs included working at Kinsman’s flower shop, operating a Clark gas station, and working as a security guard for Hormel Foods Corporation. His last job was with REM-Woodvale for over thirty years. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

On September 7, 1968, Robert and Sharon M. Carlson were married at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Sharon passed away November 7, 1992. On August 24, 1999, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean (Reed) Shelton in Las Vegas. Bubba was a softball umpire for many years and was a long-time bowler. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, and moved to Northwood, Iowa in May of 2017.

Robert is survived by his wife Barbara of Northwood; two nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Sharon, and his brother Gary Culton.

Funeral services will be held at on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, with Chaplain Theresa Turnbull officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91. Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

SOURCE: Worlein Funeral Home website
Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 02 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

January 9, 1926 - March 29 2018

Gladys Viola Hanson, 92, of Lyle, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus-Rochester.

Today is the greatest day of my life, as I have lived until I was 92. I have told my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren I just about have known and seen everything, but guess what, my greatest surprise in life is when I die, I will meet my Lord and Savior. Nothing will compare to this.

My greatest joys have always been my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But this said, they have also been my greatest heartaches. But this is life – we live it, but only God can control it and the more I let God control it, the fewer burdens I carry. God gave us such a beautiful world to live in, but because we are still human, we do not follow all the instructions to have a happy life. My greatest prayer for all of you, that we may all share heaven together.

In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil."

May God surround my family and keep them safe and direct their hearts to totally follow him. This is my greatest prayer.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Carleton; parents, Marvin and Otillie Nimz; son, Stephen; daughter, Carol; and sister, Esther.

Gladys is survived by her children, Carla (Mark), Lago Vista, Texas, Mark (Cynthia) Hanson, Rochester, Minnesota, Ernie (Liliya), Waseca, Minnesota, David (Susan), Winona, Minnesota, Donald (Pamela), Lyle, Jerry (Theresa), Adams, Minnesota, and Gary, Carpenter, Iowa; 24 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; sisters, Eleanora and Norma; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3 at Faith Lutheran Church in London, Minnesota, with the Rev. Kent Otterman officiating. Interment will be at Six Mile Grove Cemetery in Lyle. Visitation will be at 5-7 p.m. on Monday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and for one hour before the service on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Faith Lutheran Church in London.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 31 MAR 2018
and Clasen Jordan Funeral Home website

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Pending: Eugene (Geno) Domino, 77

Eugene (Geno) Domino, 77, of Adams, Minnesota, died on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus-Rochester.

Arrangements are pending.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 31 MAR 2018

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Domino, Eugene Dale “Geno”

Eugene Dale “Geno” Domino, 77, of Adams, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus-Rochester.

Geno was born on February 14, 1941, in Austin, Minnesota, to Dale “Rex” and Agnes (Adams) Domino. He graduated from Southland High School in 1958. He married Karen (Kunze) Domino in 1963. They later divorced. He worked at the grain elevator in Adams before becoming a Mower County deputy sheriff. Following the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for Hormel and LCL Transit, who transferred him to Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1979. He resided there for 18 years. He owned a bar, “Dads,” for many years before returning to Minnesota. He worked as the manager at the Cedar River Country Club for several years, and then mowed the greens up until his health started failing two years ago.

Golf was a big part of Geno’s life; he enjoyed every minute he spent at the golf course. He was an avid Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves fan. He enjoyed listening to music, with Elvis being his all time favorite. He loved spending time with family and friends.

Geno is survived by his mother, Agnes Domino, Adams; daughters, Gina Arens, Austin, Lisa (Wayne) Madson, Austin, and Lorie Henricks, Arizona; grandchildren, Jordan Arens, Ashlee Arens, Zachary (Molly) Madson, Justin Domino, Tyler Domino, Alexis Domino, Morgan Henricks and Jacob Henricks; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David Dale Domino; brothers, David Paul Domino, Rex “Rusty” Domino, and Glenn Domino; sister, Colleen; and father, Dale “Rex” Domino.

Geno donated his body to Mayo Clinic for research and studies. Please join us from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Cedar River Country Club in Adams for a celebration of life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 05 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

September 28, 1954 - March 23, 2018

Keith Allen Rouhoff, age 63, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday March 23, 2018 at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna, Mn.

Keith was born on September 28, 1954 in Austin to Wesley and Ella (Birdsell) Rouhoff. He graduated from Austin High School in 1973, attended Austin Community College and went on to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design in 1978.

Keith is survived by his mother Ella Rouhoff of Park Rapids (formerly of Austin), his sister Darlene (Wayne) Swanson of Park Rapids, sister-in-law Valerie Rouhoff of Austin, and aunt Nadyne Yribarren of Tranquility, California; cousins, nieces, nephews plus many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Wesley in 1974, brother Wayne in 2011, grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

Keith was an artist that was always interested in trying new techniques. He enjoyed working with his colleagues at Cedar Valley and conversing with his many friends at the Twin Towers. He always enjoyed the meals and company at Kenny's Oak Grill and you knew the food was good when he gave his A+ rating. Music and movies were his passion and he enjoyed both immensely. Keith did well with life challenges with help from many people.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sat Sept. 29 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:00 am. A light lunch will be served after the service. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Hayfield, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family.

SOURCE: Worlein Funeral Home website

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Obituary

Donna Katherine Cook, age 76 of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, March 25, 2018 at her home.

She was born January 23, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Joel and Norma (Boyle) Abbott. Donna grew up in Minneapolis and lived most of her life there before moving to Austin in 2009. She made her living as a home health aide and enjoyed volunteering with the Salvation Army. Donna was an avid reader. She treasured the times when all of her family was home with her for the holidays. Donna will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Ronald (Eileen) Davidson of Minneapolis, Charles Davidson of Aitken, Minnesota, Jeffrey Davidson of Minneapolis, and Norma Cook of Austin; 9 grandchildren, Jessica, Sara, Julia, Briana, Kathy, Bryan, Jennifer, Kristy, Joey; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings Mary Lou (Melvin) Lockwood of Ham Lake, Minnesota, Walter Abbott of Wisconsin, Joel Abbott of Princeton, Minnesota, Margaret (Keith) DuFoe of Litchfield, Minnesota, James (Bess) DuFoe of Florida, and Melissa DuFoe of Superior, Wisconsin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Cook, her son Merlin Davidson, and her brother Michael Abbott.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Salvation Army, 2727 Central Avenue NE in Minneapolis. The Cook Family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, immediately preceding the service. Donations in memory of Donna can be directed to the family or to the recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin, Minnesota is assisting the family with arrangements.

SOURCE: Worlein Funeral Home website

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Obituary for Novella Anne Meany

May 28, 1932 - December 23, 2017

Novella Anne Meany of Rose Creek, Minnesota, passed away in her sleep on December 23, 2017, in the comfort of her own home from complications of anemia. It was her wish to stop blood transfusions and medications in mid-December and simply die peacefully at the beloved family farm.

Novella Anne Castle was born May 28, 1932 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and graduated high school from Bethlehem Academy, Faribault, MN. She then went to college in Winona, graduating from the College of Saint Teresa with a bachelor’s degree in education. It was during college that she met Marie (Ellis) Landherr, her dear friend who introduced Novella to John Meany at a Catholic dance in Albert Lea shortly after she accepted her first teaching job in Austin.

John and Novella’s courtship was quick, marrying on April 7, 1958 in Faribault after six months of dating.

Novella and John lived in Austin for a year before moving to the Meany family farmhouse in rural Rose Creek. Novella gave up her full-time teaching position with the upcoming birth of first child Paul, raising all six children on the family farm. When the youngest child Beth entered elementary school, Novella decided to re-enter the work world as a substitute teacher in the Rose Creek and Adams area. She went on to teach for many years, filling in wherever needed but preferred the assignments that placed her with kindergarteners and first grade students. Novella loved doting on children, often getting on the floor to play with them.

She excelled as a mother, pouring unconditional love and attention into her children and grandchildren. Forever the teacher, Novella instilled in children her lifelong love of reading with frequent trips to the library/bookmobile and nightly reading sessions. She also celebrated curiosity and encouraged her kids to research subjects they were interested in (long before Google made it easy).

But most of all, Novella will be remembered for the endless joy she found in being a grandmother. She would drop anything to tend to the needs of her grandchildren, often traveling hundreds (if not thousands) of miles to be the best babysitter ever. All the grandchildren adored her, with memories of her playing countless rounds of cards with them.

John and Novella spent much of their retirement traveling across the United States in a Buick LeSabre packed to the gills with camping supplies. They traveled through all 50 states, seeking out national parks and visits with their out-of-state children, grandchildren and other relatives.

Novella had a strong Catholic faith and spent many years volunteering as a lector at St. Peter Catholic Church in Rose Creek. She enjoyed attending daily mass whenever possible and stopping for coffee with friends afterwards.

Novella is survived by John — her husband of nearly 60 years — and children Brian (Peg) Meany, Lynne (Jeff) Warne, Ann (Tom) Bastian, Beth (Kris) Jungels; 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren; her brother Jerry (Meg) Castle; sister-in-law Mary Keys; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents William and Elizabeth Castle, sister Margaret Castle, sons Paul and Mark, and grandsons Brian and Alex Jungels.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Father Swaminatha Pothireddy officiating. Friends may call Friday April 6, from 4-6 pm at Mayer Funeral home. and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 300 Maple St. SW, Rose Creek, MN 55970.

SOURCE: Mayer Funeral Home website
Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 27 DEC 2017

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Sheila Marie (Clayton) Dion, 61

Sheila Marie (Clayton) Dion, 61, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Sheila was born January 13, 1957, in Ada, Minnesota, to Fred and Allet Clayton. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School. On Jan. 2, 1982, she was united in marriage to Jerry Dion at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin.

Sheila enjoyed crocheting, beading and card making along with many other crafts and hobbies. She loved spending time with her kids and she had a dog and two cats that she loved to pieces.

Survivors include her daughter, Sara Dion (fiancé Dennis Blickenderfer); son, Patrick Dion; sister, Linda (Jerry) Novak; step daughters, Debra (Tom) Groll, Sharon (Jack) Nehring; stepson, Jeff Dion; grandson, Garrett Dion; numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; niece, Cheri (Paul) Jenkins, who was also one of her best friends; and many other nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Dion; parents, Fred and Allet Clayton; brothers, Kenneth and Daniel Clayton; and stepson, Steve Dion.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at Mayer Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Griggs officiating. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Sunday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website 6 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Obituary

Scharlene Crousore, age 78, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Our House Senior Living in Austin. Scharlene Ann Crousore was born at home in Blue Earth, Minnesota, May 15th, 1939, daughter of Chris Earl and Oma Mae (King) Crousore.

She is survived by her sister, Deanna Rae (Crousore) Weiss, 72, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; son Bryce Earl Crousore, 51, of Lansing, Minnesota, and nephew Brian Weiss, 49, of Hobart, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her father Chris Earl Crousore (12/24/1914 - 9/10/2001); nephew (and United States Air Force hero) Bruce Weiss (12/24/1964 - 1/23/1997), son of Deanna and Andrew Weiss, and mother Oma Mae (King) Crousore (4/18/1914 - 5/29/1997).

Scharlene graduated with honors from Austin (Minnesota) High School, class of 1957. She worked at Sterling Beauty Shop, Austin, MN, and in 1975 earned degrees in data processing (now called computer programming) and cosmetology from Austin's Riverland Community College.

With her degree, in March of 1976 she accepted a job at the (then-known) Sibley County Welfare office, fully-transitioning it to computer-based. Scharlene gave 23 years to that office, retiring 4/20/1999. Scharlene watched her mother, Oma Mae, battle Alzheimer's Disease 1990-1997, then she was victimized by the same disease the last 7 years of her life.

Throughout her life she loved her many, many Dobermans; reading; watching and attending auto racing and hockey; and from the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Kenny Chesney, to her #1 love, Pink Floyd - especially David Gilmour's solo career, Scharlene loved music. Of the beautiful Lansing United Methodist Church, she was a lifelong member. Her retirement years saw her volunteering for local charitable organizations and for the end of the Alzheimer's curse, a devout advocate. No cards, flowers, etc.; instead she would request anything you could do to help end this Alzheimer's nightmare. [Mama: "This is not how I am; I have become comfortably numb. Goodbye cruel world."] Charity rating 4 of 4 stars: Alzheimer's Foundation of America 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY 10001 tel:(866) 232-8484 fax:(646) 638-1546 www.alzfdn.org.

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

SOURCE: Worlein Funeral Home website
Also see Austin Daily Herald, 6 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Gordon W. Kuiper, 79, of rural Dexter, Minnesota, died on Thursday, March 19, 2018, of natural causes at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus-Rochester.

Gordon William Kuiper was born on June 8, 1938, in Pleasant Valley Township, Mower County, Minnesota, to Peter and Dora (Bushman) Kuiper. He grew up on the family farm, attended rural school and graduated from Stewartville High School in 1956. He was a lifelong farmer who lived on the Kuiper Family farmstead until failing health caused him to move to Grand Meadow Health Care Center in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, where he resided the past few months. He was a past member of the Lutheran Church. Gordon was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening and canning, traveling, mowing and taking care of his farm equipment and listening to old time country music on the radio.

Gordon is survived by his nephew, Lester (Karen) Yeadon of Washburn, Wisconsin; and his neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Florence Kuiper and Gladys Yeadon; a nephew, Glen Yeadon; and three brothers, Ralph Kuiper, Peter “Bud” Kuiper and Alfred Kuiper.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville, Minnesota, with the Rev. David Hoot officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, 03 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

David Edwin Madison, 81, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System.

He was born December 17, 1936, in Austin to Edwin and Irene (Crandall) Madison. David attended Whittier Elementary School and graduated from Austin High School in June 1956.

He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, enlisting in June 1956. Before his honorable discharge in January 1959, David was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. He then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as a chief electrician’s mate (E7) before retiring in July 1977. During his time with the Coast Guard, David served in Cape May, New Jersey, Peoria, Illinois, St. Paul, Minnesota, Annette Island, Alaska, the Philippines, Vietnam, New York, Key West, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri. He earned several decorations while he served his country, including the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Medal, Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Cross of Gallantry), Coast Guard Unit Commendation, and the Cutterman Badge.

In December 1959, David met Essie L. Parker at the U.S.O. Club in St. Louis. They were married on Dec. 3, 1960, in Sandoval, Illinois, and lived happily for 48 years. To their union, three children were born. Following his retirement from military service, Dave worked as head of maintenance at Centreville Township Hospital in Centreville, Illinois.

He moved back to Austin in June 1990 and worked at ShopKo until December 1998. Dave and Essie were collectors and dealers of antiques and collectibles; he enjoyed collecting equine memorabilia. He was a member of several civic organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, York Rite Bodies, Shriners, Order of the Eastern Star, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. Dave will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

Survivors include his children, Clint (Vickie) Madison of Cahokia, Illinois, Franny Madison and Eddie (CJ) Madison, both of Austin; six grandchildren, Matthew, Kelly Ann, William, Joshua, Gregory and Aaron; 11 great-grandchildren, Maranda, Jeremiah, Zachary, Ethan, Christopher, Landen, Maddux, Charity, Lucas, David, and Wyatt; and sister, Polly (Gene) Jelinek of Austin. David was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Essie.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. Military honors by VFW Post 1216. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Worlein Funeral Home with a masonic service to follow at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church. Interment will be at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.

The family prefers donations in memory of David be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences expressed at www.worlein.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website 6 APR 2018

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Funeral Notice: David Edwin Madison, 81

David Edwin Madison, 81, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System.

Service: A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Worlein Funeral Home, with a masonic service to follow at 7 p.m., and for one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church.

Interment: Interment will be at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.

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

Memorials: The family prefers donations in memory of David be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website 7 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Dan Meyer, 80, passed away on March 29, 2018.

Dan was born to Elmer and Marie Meyer on Nov. 29, 1937, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm near Palmer, Iowa, where daily chores included feeding pigs and chickens, milking cows, hauling water for the animals and working in the fields. He attended country school and church every Sunday.

In 1951, the family moved to a new farm near Waltham, Minnesota. Farming duties continued, but with indoor plumbing this time! After years in a one-room schoolhouse, Dan started attending Austin High School. He finished out high school in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.

After high school, Dan started junior college in Austin, Minnesota, where he met the requirements of an IBM recruiter. He accepted a job and stayed with IBM in Rochester for 17 years. He then worked for smaller companies. He retired from Communications Systems, located in Hector, Minnesota, in 2000.

During his time at Communications Systems, Dan and Marilyn lived in several locations, retiring in Crosby, Minnesota, again moving to Lake City, Minnesota, and recently returning to Rochester, Minnesota.

Dan was always curious and eager for new experiences. He was nothing short of a renaissance man, building boats and golf clubs, baking bread, gardening extensively, dabbling in woodworking, being a member of various local service organizations, volunteering with friends to landscape church grounds and mentoring high school students. He also had a way with words, as friends and family from near and far always anticipated his entertaining Christmas letters.

He was very close with his children and enjoyed golfing, cribbage, hunting and fishing trips. He and Marilyn always looked forward to family gatherings like the traditional Easter egg hunts and old-fashioned family Christmases celebrated in various locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida. His grandkids always looked forward to visits to grandpa and grandma’s house because they knew there would be fun arts and crafts projects and homemade ice cream.

Being a husband, dad and “Papa Dan” was his greatest joy. The love of family was unconditional and he was lucky to be surrounded by so many who thought the world of him: married to Marilyn Austin for 26 years; survived by family members, Jeff, Deb, Danny and Kevin Meyer, Kelley, Steve and Emiley Sandvik and Steffan Weidenbach, Ben, Kate, Charlie and Gavin Sandvik, Kathy Mike and Emma Gordley, Jay, Jackie, Anne Marie and Claire Meyer, Dan, Melanie, EmmaKate and Natalie Austin, Jim Austin and Lora Koehler, and brother to Jerry and Nancy Meyer, Nancy and Bob Eschrich, and a friend to everyone he met.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 13, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church in Lake City [100 Peace Ridge] with Pastor Tim Ehling from First Lutheran Church and Pastor Glenn Monson from Mount Olive Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials are preferred to Season’s Hospice, First Lutheran Church or Mount Olive Lutheran Church for maintaining their flower gardens or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. To leave a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website 9 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Phyllis I. VanDenover, 86, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Society in Austin, surrounded by her family.

Phyllis was born April 6, 1931, in Austin, Minnesota, George Phillip and Christena Martha (Klingfus) Lembrick. She graduated from Austin High School with the Class of 1949. On Sept. 29, 1950, Phyllis was united in marriage to Dale Vernon VanDenover at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Phyllis and Dale raised their family and resided in Austin their entire married life.

In 1974, she began a long career with the Austin Housing and Redevelopment Authority, serving many years as the housing manager at Twin Towers in downtown Austin. She retired in 1998 after 24 years of service. Phyllis was a longtime active member of the Fellowship United Methodist Church in Austin.

She enjoyed ‘casino trips’ with her friends, chaperoning bus trips all over the country for her tenants at Twin Towers and the annual summer trip to Leach Lake with her family. Phyllis and Dale were very passionate about their involvement in Prairie Visions, which was organized for the purpose of promoting and improving the Mower County communities of Adams, Minnesota, LeRoy, Minnesota, Rose Creek, Minnesota, and Taopi, Minnesota. Their volunteer efforts were an important part in the establishment of the Shooting Star Scenic Byway and the Shooting Star Recreational Trail. Phyllis and Dale were also faithful volunteers at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and were awarded the Sigurd F. Olson Conservation Award, recognizing their leadership and dedication to volunteerism.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Dale of Austin; children, Michael (Rose) VanDenover of Blaine, Minnesota, Jane (Paul) Wagner of Austin, Robert (Terri) VanDenover of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Chris VanDenover of Cresco, Iowa; grandchildren, Tiffany (Kayle), Sarah, Blayne (Alex), Paul II, David (Tracy), Isaiah (Heather), Justine (Aaron) and Laura (Nayo); six great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean Lembrick; brother-in-law, Pat Betschart; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Tena Lembrick; brothers, Donny Lembrick and Dick (Melba) Lembrick; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Shirley (Earl) VanDenover; and sister-in-law, Carol Betschart

A celebration of life service is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials in Phyllis’s memory may be directed to Comforcare Good Samaritan Society in Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website 9 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Beverly E. Nordeng, 80, died on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at the Adams Health Care Center.

If you are reading this letter, it is because my body has succumbed to breast cancer, a battle that started for me in the spring of 2012. Please know that cancer never took my spirit and it never defined me.

Allow me to share my life’s journey with you. I was born on Jan. 17, 1938, the only child of Ray and Ethel Olson. I was blessed to grow up on a dairy farm in the Red River Valley of the North near Fertile, Minnesota. The land served my mom after my dad’s passing at age 52 and has served me since my mom’s passing 10 years ago. If you are a reader who grew up on a farm or currently farm, you will understand that the farm instilled in me a strong work ethic.

Upon graduation from Fertile High School, I left for Minneapolis to start my secretarial career, first at Nabisco and later at the DECCA recording studio. I met my future husband, LeRoy, when he stopped to assist me with a flat tire. It turned out that LeRoy and I had both grown up in Norman County. We were married on Aug. 25, 1962, and continued to work in the Twin Cities until relocating to Rochester for LeRoy’s job at IBM. I worked as a secretary at Crescent Electric. By this time we had our son, Rodney. In 1968, we built a home in rural Zumbrota, Minnesota.

In 1979, we constructed our current home. LeRoy and I were not only excellent life partners, but also business partners. LeRoy was very hard working and in addition to his job at IBM, we always had a small business venture where I enjoyed working alongside him. In 1979, I was fortunate that a young family moved next door and their youngest child, Josie (Jackson) Banitt, soon became the little girl I never had. I was active in church, teaching Sunday school for many years and later serving as a church volunteer. I also enjoyed my decades of volunteering at the Zumbrota Health Care Center. Life became more joyous upon the births of my grandchildren, Brenna and Pierce. I was now experiencing what all grandparents know, and not a slight to my son, Rodney, or my daughter-in-law, Mary, but if I had known grandchildren were this wonderful, I would have started with grandchildren first! I so enjoyed their visits, overnights and every Christmas Eve at our home and all of the holidays on which LeRoy and I wereinvited to my in-laws, Roger and Ramona Draheim.

Ramona has been the sister I never had. I am so proud of Brenna and Pierce with their successes in college and the adults they have become, still having so much desire to spend time with me. On Easter Day 2008, LeRoy died in our home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by all of us, including his mother and sisters. I continued to live in our home until last December, when I decided it was time to move into a skilled nursing facility. I had lived in my home longer than expected with support from Rod and Mary. I am ending this letter as I started, by stating cancer did not define my life journey. Whatever time I had left was going to be spent in the same manner that I had lived it, and as of this writing, I did it much longer than expected by anyone other than my family and I. Peace and Blessings – Beverly Nordeng.

The funeral service will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at United Redeemer Lutheran Church, 360 West Third St, Zumbrota, MN. Visitation will be for a half hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at a later date in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website 7 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

June 26, 1931 - April 09, 2018

Funeral Service: Thursday, Apr 12, 2018

Wallace "Wally" Raymond Gronseth, 86, formerly of Hayfield passed away on April 9, 2018, at Adams Health Care Center in Adams, Minnesota.

Wallace was born on June 26, 1931, the son of Albert and Emma (Hanson) Gronseth in Mower County, Sargeant Township, Minnesota.

Wally was united in marriage to LaVonne Gulbranson on February 28, 1953, in Hayfield. Wally farmed for many years and later worked for the Mower County Highway Department for 20 years and retired in 1996.

He enjoyed his English Shire horses, Minnesota Twins, playing cards, visiting toy shows and collecting Farmall tractors, and spending time with family and friends.

Wally is survived by his daughters, Wallene (Marty) Stubstad, Rochester, Minnesota; LaMae Fritze, Hayfield, Minnesota; Diane Gronseth, International Falls, Minnesota; Dawn (Jeff) Haugen, Cannon Falls, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and by a brother, James (Janice) Gronseth, Kasson, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, LaVonne; three brothers, Stanley, Charles and Archie Gronseth; four sisters, Adeline Moen, Shirley Winholt, Fran Martin, Alice Meiners and son-in-law, Joel Fritze.

The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Evanger Lutheran Church, 33554 ~ 660th Avenue, Sargeant, MN with Reverend Dwight Dobell officiating. Visitation will be two hours before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery. The family prefers memorials to donor's choice.

SOURCE: Czaplewski Funeral Home website

Also see: Austin Daily Herald, 11 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb

 

Pending Notice: LaVonne (Bawek) Dokken, 81

LaVonne (Bawek) Dokken, 81, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 5, 2018, at her daughter’s home in Onalaska.

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

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald, 7 APR 2018

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LaVonne Alice Ann (Bawek) Dokken

LaVonne Alice Ann Dokken, 81, was born to eternal life on April 5, 2018, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

LaVonne was born on March 14, 1937, in Rose Creek, Minnesota, to Gilbert and Viva (Haney) Bawek, the oldest of six children. She was faithful, hardworking, resourceful and creative from a young age. She graduated from St. Augustine’s High School in Austin in 1955. She married Eugene Underdahl on June 23, 1956, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin and was a loving, devoted mother to their two children. Throughout her professional life, she always “managed the money” in some capacity, and her honesty was unrivaled.

She was a talented hostess who loved celebrating holidays and milestones, and she was an active member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church for many years. She married Donald Dokken on Oct. 4, 1980, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. They shared nearly 38 years of marriage and enjoyed wintering in Arizona, attending Dokken family gatherings, taking day trips, playing cards and dancing. She treasured her roles of grandma and “GG,” and reveled in shared shopping trips, travel, performances and more.

In January, LaVonne and Donald moved to senior living in Onalaska, where she cherished having her family, new friendships and fun nearby. She had special talents in cookie baking, caramel making and cross-stich, was an enthusiastic Twins, Vikings and NASCAR fan, and was always impeccable. She persevered through many challenges, was open-minded yet steadfast in her principles, and had a well-rounded sense of humor and curiosity.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Dokken; daughter, Cynthia (Mark) Cassellius of Onalaska; son, Thomas Underdahl of Abingdon, Virginia; granddaughter, Brescia (Joseph); great-grandchildren, Grace and Roland Berg of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin; Donald’s children, Craig (Judy) Dokken, Audrey (Nick) Matranga and Troy (Karol) Dokken and their families; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Karen, Arlis, Melvin, Truman (Donna) and Rueben Dokken and Juanita (Dutch) Bolinger; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Darwin (Maureen) Bawek, Beverly (Robert) Dahlback, Marlene (Donald) Jensen, and Gary and Pamela Bawek; her parents; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Wilford, Leslie (Donna) and James Dokken, Mary (Merle) Klinge and Hazel (Roland) Erickson.

The family is grateful for all of the medical professionals who cared for LaVonne with such kindness.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 405 Fourth St. in Austin, with Father James Steffes as celebrant. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. before the service. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, followed by a dinner at the church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Mayo Clinic (designated for cardiology at mayoclinic.org/development or Department of Development), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55095, or to Mayo Clinic Health System, Franciscan Healthcare Hospice, 620 11th St. South, La Crosse, WI 54601. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

We will carry our beloved LaVonne, mom, grandma and GG in our hearts forever.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald, 10 APR 2018

©2018 MNGenWeb