Austin Daily Herald Wednesday Sept. 12, 1979 pg. 2

Mrs. Lydia M. C. Bates, 82 died this morning at Maple Manor Nursing Home Rochester, following a lingering illness. A former Austin resident, she made her home in Rochester. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Ila Mae) Crawford, Rochester; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister Mrs. Theod (Hilda) Sahr, Luck, Wis. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Austin Daily Herald Thursday Sept. 13, 1979 pg.-2 col.-1

FUNERAL:

BATES- Funeral services for Mrs. Lydia Bates, Rochester will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Worlein Funeral Home, Rev. Duane Helland officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

 

AUSTIN -- The funeral for Katherine Elizabeth Baudler will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Kristi Wee officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Mrs. Baudler, of 1408 Second St. N.W., a registered nurse, died Sunday (May 16, 1999) at her home.

Katherine Elizabeth Simpson was born in Algona, Iowa. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1936 with a degree in nursing, she began a career as a registered nurse. On May 14, 1939, she married William J. Baudler; he died in 1992. Mrs. Baudler was a past state president of the Lawyers Wives of Minnesota and past president of the St. Olaf Hospital Auxiliary.

She enjoyed opera, cooking, traveling, reading, playing bridge and nature.

Survivors include five sons, Byran and Scott, both of Austin, David of Piedmont, Calif., John of Arden Hills, Minn., and William of Mill Valley, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Annette Arend of Algona, Iowa, and Emma Lou Dutton of Monahans, Texas, and a brother, John Simpson of Algona. She was preceded in death by a brother, a sister and a granddaughter.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Mayer Funeral Home in Austin and an hour before the service Thursday at the church.

 

 

AUSTIN -- The funeral for Shelly Ann Bauers will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home in Austin with the Rev. Joe Matt officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Miss Bauers, 26, of 814 13th Ave. S.E., a nurses' aide at Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie, was found dead at her home on Wednesday, November 20, 1991. An autopsy is being performed to determine cause of death.

She was born Oct. 26, 1965, in Wells, Minn.

Survivors include her parents, Donald and Patricia Krowiorz Bauers of Austin; a brother, Steven; and three sisters, Kathy (Mrs. Gary) Weber, Sue Vogt and Kim (Mrs. John) Waller.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home. There will be no reviewal.

 

Mildred H. "Millie" Baumgartner, 83, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at Pleasent Manor in Faribault, Minnesota.

She was born March 9, 1924, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the daughter of Herman and Amelia (Bendsten) Sprandel. She moved to Austin, Minnesota, where she lived until 1941, when she married Wilbert Baumgartner.

The couple farmed together near Waltham and Brownsdale until 1970. They then moved to Medford and later Owatonna in 1976. Mildred had worked at Brown Printing in Waseca, and as a cook for many years at local restaurants in Owatonna; she also worked for eleven years at Owatonna Tool Company. She was also a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Mildred is survived by her children: Norman (Gloria) Baumgartner of Austin; Barbara (Kent) Nichols of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Randy (Wanda) Baumgartner of Owatonna; by eight grandchildren; by 13 great-grandchildren; and by one sister, Gladys Walden, Kasson, Minnesota.

Her husband, four brothers and one sister preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Owatonna, with Rev. Ron Gilthvedt officiating. Burial was in St. John Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or to Faribault Hospice.

The Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Birth: Dec. 19, 1883
Death: Mar., 1949

Pius D. Beaulieu, 65, Austin banker and community leader, died of a heart ailment at his home at 1211 Eberhart Drive at 7 a.m. today. Mr. Beaulieu was identified with banking in this city for 34 years, as chairman of the board and president of the Austin State bank,and earlier as cashier of the former Austin National bank.

During those years he was active in many civic organizations and movements, and was a tireless worker in charitable and war bond drives.

He is survived by his wife Margaret and two sons, Richard and Robert both of whom live in St.Paul.

Funeral services will be held monday at 8:30 a.m. at the Mayer Funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Augustine church. Burial will be at the Catholic cemetery.

Mr. Beaulieu was president of the Austin State bank from 1932 until Jan. 1, 1949, when he was elected chairman of the board. Born at Waterloo, Dec. 19, 1883, he received his education at the high school at Sheldon, Iowa, and at the Capitol City Commercial college,Des Moines.

His first connection with banking was in the Big Stone County bank at Graceville, where he was employed from 1904 to 1907. He was with General Mills at Minneapolis for about two years, when he came to Austin in 1909 in the employ of the Austin National bank where he remained as cashier until 1926. He went to Mankato where he was cashier and vice-president of the National Citizens bank, and remained there until 1932 when he returned to Austin as president of the Austin State bank.

He was former chairman of the Mower County Republican committee, a post which he held for a number of years. He was past president of the Kiwanis Club, former director of the Chamber of Commerce, former secretary of the Austin Country club which he was instrumental in organizing, a leader in war bond drives in both world wars, past chairman of the community chest and member of St. Augustine's church and Knights of Columbus. During his earlier years in banking here, he was a member and president of the Austin water and light board and held that post until he moved to Mankato.

 

Maxine Elizabeth (Graff) Bednar, age 79, died Monday, March 5, 2007, at the Austin Medical Center, Austin, Minnesota.

Maxine was born March 15, 1927, in Austin, to Jerome and Anna (Rieken) Graff.

On Jan. 24, 1948, she was united in marriage to Robert Earl Bednar, Sr. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1981.

Survivors include her son, Robert Jr. (Sharon) Bednar, Austin, Minnesota; her three grandchildren: Thomas (Mia) Bednar, Tricia (Thomas) Worden and Anthony (Tina) Bednar; five great-grandchildren: Madalyn and Alexandra Worden, Henry and Owen Bednar, Averi Anna Bednar; two of her brothers: Myron (Lois) Graff and Elton Graff; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Bednar Sr.; her parents, Jerome and Anna Graff; one sister; and three brothers.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 8, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with Rev. Daniel Provost officiating. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota.

Casket bearers were: Thomas and Mia Bednar, Tricia and Thomas Worden, Anthony and Tina Bednar.

Arrangements were by Mayer Funeral Home.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Donald Behrens, 89, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Friday morning, June 8, 2007, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Rochester, Minnesota.

Donald Kenneth Behrens was born on December 13, 1917, in Pocahontas, Iowa, the son of Henry and Alice (Donohue) Behrens. On December 30, 1939, he was united in marriage to Ione Jensen, in Austin. They made their home in Austin where they were members of Crane Community Chapel.

He entered the United States Army on May 21, 1945, and was discharged on May 2, 1946, attaining the rank of Private First Class. Don worked for George A. Hormel Company for over forty years.

Donald is survived by one daughter, Debra (Mark) Lingl of Auburn, Washington; by a daughter-in-law, Donna Behrens of Rochester; by seven grandchildren: Deneen Richter of Goodrich, North Dakota; Brian Halsey and James Halsey, both of Austin; Sheila Getzin of Red Wing, Minnesota; Catherine Voss of St. Charles, Minnesota; Tana Lingl and Riann Lingl, both of Auburn; by several great-grandchildren; and by a brother-in-law, Orel Evenson of Austin.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ione, on July 2, 1993; son Kenneth; a daughter, Judith; and by 11 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Mark Goossen officiating. Flag Presentation was by the American Legion Post #91 of Austin. Interment will be held at a later date in Grandview Cemetery in Austin.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

LeRoy Independent
12 Apr 1946

Mrs. Augusta Bell

Augusta W. Brunce was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brunce near Berlin, Germany, Dec. 23, 1869.

She came to America with her parents at the age of 15, coming to Taopi where she has continued to make her home, with the exception of a few years spent at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Albert Cieber at Boulder, Colorado.

She was baptized as an infant in Germany and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church near Elkton.

On October 13, 1889 she was united in marriage to Alexander Bell, also of Taopi. To this union were born eight children.

Mr. Bell passed away March 11, 1920. Freddie and Harlen at an early age and Clara (Mrs. Bert Hetletvedt) two years ago.

Those surviving are: Robert of Adams, Leslie of Austin, Laura (Mrs. Albert Cieber) of Boulder, Colorado, Alexander of Palatine, Illinois, and Louise (Mrs. T.C. Lindeland) of LeRoy. Sixteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. Bert Johnson of Kenyon, and one brother, Wm. Brunce of LeRoy.

Although Mrs. Bell had been in failing health for several years, she was not considered serious until two weeks ago. She passed away April 1, 1946 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lindeland.

Mrs. Bell was truly a pioneer of the Taopi community having made this her home for sixty-two years. She was a wonderful mother and friend, and her sterling quality was her love for her home and family. She was already and willing to help the sick and needy, and took a keen interest in the events of the community. With her fine ability and character, she endeared herself to all who knew her, and with these traits she has bound herself with ties that do not break even in death.

May God's blessings redound in her memory.

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Card of Thanks

We desire to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who aided and comforted us in our recent sad bereavement, the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. Especially do we wish to thank the ladies who sand, pallbearers and Rev. Christenson, the Rebekahs, all those who sent floral and spiritual tributes.

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Lindeland
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bell
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Bell
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Bell
Mr. and Mrs. A. Cieber
Mr. and Mrs. William Brunce
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Johnson
and grandchildren

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Made available to The USGenWeb by: Mary H. Osmundson
Submitted: Feb 2002

Copyright 2006 IaGenWeb

MONA, IOWA -- Dale T. Bensend, 75, of Mona, Iowa died on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.   A Funeral was held Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lyle, Minn., with Rev. Barbara Finley-Shea officiating.   Burial was at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona, Iowa.

Dale was born on April 17, 1931 near Riceville, Iowa, to Cecil and Nina (Foster) Bensend.   He graduated from Riceville High School and Austin Community College majoring in business.

Dale married Donna Duenow on June 3, 1956 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lyle, Minn.

Dale worked as a carpenter and also worked at Hormel's for 22 years.   He was a faithful member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lyle, where he served as Vice President, Council Secretary, Deacon and Trustee.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Virginia Knode, one brother Marvin Bensend and an infant sister.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Mona; daughter Tracy (Rob Arnoldy) Bensend of New Brighton, Minn.; son Chris Bensend of Ames, Iowa; two brothers, Bob Bensend of Osage, Iowa, and Russell Bensend, Riceville, Iowa; numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were made by Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

[ Adapted from www.mcpress.com -- Nov. 15, 2006 Mitchell Co. Press online ]

 

Lawrence Benson, 81 of Austin, Minnesota, died on Monday morning, May 28, 2007 at the Austin Medical Center in Austin.

Lawrence was born to Reuben and Adrena (Hanf) Benson January 3, 1926 in Austin. He grew up on his family's homesteaded farm in Newry Township and also attended country school in the area. He served in the United States Army during World War II. His unit, "Tropical Lightning," completed combat missions in the Philippines and in occupied Japan.

After the war, he married Dorothy Mae Johnson, on February 2, 1952 in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. The couple lived in Austin where Lawrence worked at Hormel. After retiring from Hormel, he became the owner of Larry's Seafood where he traveled a large area selling his products. Besides enjoying the company of his family, friends and customers, his hobbies included hunting, trapping, gardening, and traveling.

Survivors include one daughter, Denise Benson of Austin; three sons: Tom Benson, Bill Benson and Paul Benson, all of Austin; three grandchildren: Sean Emch of Rochester, Minnesota; Laura (Emch) Lifors of Miami, Florida; and Maggie Benson of Austin; two great-grandchildren; two step grandchildren; one sister, Marcella Ramsey of Blooming Prairie; and three brothers: Richard (Betty) Benson of Blooming Prairie, Robert (Jane) Benson of Owatonna, Minnesota, and David (Janet) Benson of Blooming Prairie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy in 2004; his brother, Gordon Benson; and his brother-in-law, Gilbert Ramsey.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Interment was in Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery, rural Austin.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

AUSITN, MINN. -- Ruth E. Benson, 83, of Austin, died Wednesday (April 19, 1995) at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

Ruth E. Lysne was born April 16, 1912, in Steele County, graduated from Blooming Prairie High School and attended St. Olaf Lutheran College. On June 11, 1935, she married Selmer K. Benson in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Mrs. Benson was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, St. Olaf Helping Hands, and the Hoe and Grow Garden Club.

Survivors include a daughter, Karen (Mrs. David) Wolff of Glenville, Minn.; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and two brothers, Lawrence and Kenneth Lysne, both of Blooming Prairie. She was preceded in death by her husband and a brother.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, with the Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin and an hour before the service Saturday at the church.

 

AUSTIN -- Selmer K. Benson, 84, of 1401 Fourth St. S.W., a retired Hormel Foods Corp. employee, died Monday morning (April 19, 1993) at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin.

Born Dec. 17, 1908, in rural Mower County, he grew up there, attended area rural schools and graduated from Austin High School.

In June 1935, he married Ruth Lysne in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Mr. Benson worked for Hormel Foods Corp. for 42 years.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Karen (Mrs. David) Wolff of Glenville, Minn.; two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church here, with the Rev. James I. Mikkelson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin and an hour before the service at the church.

 

Esther Adina (Berg) Fardahl, 100, formerly of Adams, Minnesota, died Sunday, April 29, 2007 at Northridge Care Center in New Hope, Minnesota.

She was born on January 6, 1907 in Makoti, North Dakota, to Andrew and Marie (Mathiason) Berg. She was baptized at home and confirmed in Hope Lutheran Church in Makoti. She also attended public school in Makoti as well. Esther came to Minnesota in 1937.

She was married on January 31, 1948 to Louis Fardahl, at Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams. Esther belonged to WELCA and circle, and was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 in Adams.

Esther and Louis lived on the farm until July 1979 when they moved to Austin. Louis preceded her in death on September 1990. In September 1993 Esther moved to Robbinsdale.

She is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, by her parents, by one sister and by three brothers.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams, with Rev. Shari Mason officiating. Burial was in Little Cedar Cemetery.

The Mayer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

OBITUARY-

Ilene Eleanor Aldahl, 77, of Austin, died Saturday, March 9, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester.

She was born Dec. 20, 1924, to Frank and Janet (Kvale) Berg in Mower County.

After graduating from Lyle High School in 1942, she moved to Wichita, Kan. where she worked at the Beechcraft airplane plant during World War II. She returned to this area, working in Mason City, Iowa and then Geo. A. Hormel & Co. in Austin. She also worked as a waitress and homemaker.

On Sept. 10, 1949, she married Lester K. Aldahl in Austin. He died on June 23, 1987.

An active member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Ilene was president of her circle. She enjoyed her family and church activities, word and jigsaw puzzles, cards, games and gardening.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, George and Alberta Aldahl, Northfield; daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Rick Retterath, Sartell; two grandsons; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Dorothy Berg, Lyle; sister, Jean Berg, Sun City, Ariz.; sisters-in-law, Shirley Aldahl, Austin; Therese Berg, Tucson, Ariz.; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Maxine Smith; brother, Robert Berg; nephew, Charles.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2002, at the funeral home and Thursday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin, with the Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating.

Interment: Red Oak Grove Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

#1 of 2 items

Alyce Brimacomb of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 17, 2007, at “Our House” Care Facility in Austin.

Alyce Elizabeth Bond was born Dec. 9, 1922 in Osage, Iowa to Adrian and Elizabeth (Gunsallus) Bond. The family moved to the Austin area in 1932 and Alyce graduated from Austin High School in 1939.

She married Arvid Bergdale in 1941. He died in Italy in 1944 during World War II. She married Melvin Brimacomb in 1952. Melvin died in 1994.

Alyce was well-known in the Austin area for her exceptional catering service. She credited her high school days in domestic work in the Austin area as training for her catering business. She also worked for Hormel & Company for 35 years and, upon retirement, was in charge of the dining room and kitchen at what was then the Red Cedar Inn. During these years she also presented many cooking classes and shared her recipes and techniques. Alyce was also deeply involved in volunteer work, serving as a “Gray Lady” at the hospital and in anything that involved food at St. Olaf Lutheran Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Alyce enjoyed her community and traveling to wherever any of her family might be living. She loved people and a visit to Alyce’s home was always a feast for the mind and the body.

Alyce is survived by three daughters: Elizabeth (Harvey) Mohrenweiser, of Turner, Ore.; Jo Seabrook, of Lewes, England; and Suzanne Brimacomb of Victoria, Australia; three step-children, Robert (Ferneva) Brimacomb, of Burr Oak, Iowa; Richard Brimacomb, of Minneapolis, Minn.; and MaryAnn (Donald) Gothard of Mascoutah, Ill.; one brother, Gerald C. (Henrietta) Bond, of Byron, Minn.; a special niece, Pat Nelson, of Byron; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands; her parents; two brothers; two sisters; a daughter-in-law; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service for Alyce will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 23 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin. There will be no visitation, friends are invited to visit with the family at lunch after the memorial service. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made in Alyce’s name to Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Hormel Historic Home in Austin, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak, Iowa or the organization of your choice.

 

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#2

Alyce Brimacomb, 35-year plant employee of Hormel Foods in the refrigerated bacon slice department and Austin's consummate caterer, died March 17 at the age of 84.

Alyce's goal wasn't to simply feed her clients what they ordered on time, it was to enchant and amaze them. Some people show love with words or presents. Alyce showed love by doing everything in her power to make your party memorable for years to come.

To do that, you cannot show up in pants and a stained frock. You arrive in a neat, wraparound skirt, a crisp, white starched shirt with a hankie in the pocket, white shoes, nylons, and impeccable hair, done twice weekly. And you topped it off with a smile on your face. "She was very prim and proper, and she always wore a hat. Her shoes were shined. And she was just as happy as can be," said Kathy Askelson, fellow caterer.

Next, the table. "Plastic" was not in Alyce's vocabulary. Everything was served on gorgeous platters, plates and in bowls selected to showcase the food. The cutlery was sterling silver, polished to perfection, and her linens were beautiful and as immaculate as she was.

"Alyce was meticulous," said Jim Braaten, who worked for Alyce through high school and college. "Everything had to look good; people would appreciate it. Everything had a certain appeal to it." Now, the food. Everything was sliced impossibly thin, and laid out neatly and with great care. Little meringue mushrooms delicately topped with powdered sugar, gorgeous wedding cakes with a unique almond flavor, and if you're going to set out nuts, no peanuts, please. And the pickles must be tiny.

"For my wedding, she didn't just make basic punch. She made a warm cider punch with orange liqueur, which she added in the basement of St. Olaf Church! Everything she did was extra-special," said Gretchen Ramlo.

Alyce treated her friends with the same extra effort, with a warm hospitality which made them feel special, loved, and worth it. When her friend, Evie Mohrfeld, was preparing for her Tulip Fest pilgrimage, Alyce showed up at her door with beautiful cookies in the shape of tulips, frosted in a plethora of colors appropriate to the flower. "I just loved doing it," Alyce told her.

The circle ladies of St. Olaf Church "would kill" to be in her circle, because the group didn't meet for the Christmas party in the church, like the other circles. It met in Alyce's home, where she served them a gourmet meal laid out on an elegant table. Alyce loved entertaining in her home, and cooking class attendees often found themselves invited to her home following the class.

Alyce's many other passions included volunteering at St. Olaf and Westminster Presbyterian churches, presenting cooking classes sponsored by the Austin Daily Herald, sharing her cooking and domestic wisdom at the Hormel Historic Home, and being a top-notch wife and mother to six children.

She also did the "Kitchen Page" for the Hormel news magazine in the 1980s, which involved preparing the food for photography, and providing the recipes and text.

Alyce is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth (Harvey) Mohrenweiser, Jo Seabrook, and Suzanne Brimacomb; three step-children, Robert (Ferneva) Brimacomb, Richard Brimacomb, and MaryAnn (Donald) Gothard; one brother, Gerald C. (Henrietta) Bond; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two husbands; her parents; two brothers; two sisters; a daughter-in-law; and two grandchildren.

By Jackie Wambach Holstrom/Austin Daily Herald

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Funeral services for the Rev. George C. Bergland will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in LeRoy with the Rev. Steve Imbach officiating. Burial will be at the LeRoy City Cemetery.

Rev. George Clarence. Bergland, 95, of LeRoy, died Sept. 5, 2004, at his home.

He was born Feb. 17, 1909, at the farm home northeast of LeRoy, to George L. and Caroline (Stangland) Bergland. He attended the Country School, District 63 and graduated from LeRoy High School in 1926.

After working several years on the farm he went to work at the post office in Austin, where he was employed for 35 years.

On June 30, 1938, he married Viola Saterbo at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

In 1939, George and Viola accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and looked for ways to be of service to Him. With other young men, George organized the Austin Gospel Tracer Club. The group placed a Gospel Tract in every home in Austin. They held services in the jail and sometimes on street meetings. George was also active in the First Baptist Church in Austin and served as superintendent of the Sunday School for several years.

From 1943 to 1946, George served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. It was during this time that their first child, Jean Ann, was born. In 1948, another girl, Carol Sue, came to brighten their home. In 1950, the Berglands sold their home in Austin and moved to Minneapolis, where George attended Northwestern Bible School. He graduated in 1953 and the family moved back to Austin. George began preaching in a little church in the country near LeRoy. Since it was a small church he returned to his job at the post office. Later, the congregation built The Bethany Bible Church in LeRoy, where George preached the Gospel from 1960 to 1980. George then began a radio ministry called the Radio Gospel Hour, which has continued weekly until the present time. The Radio Gospel Hour has been heard on every continent and at the present was on Radio Station KFIL in Preston, Minn. and also a strong station in Africa. Viola and George answered over 10,000 letters and sent listeners over 5,000 Bibles at their request.

He is survived by two daughters, Jean (Steve) Imbach of Abbots Ford, B.C., Canada; and Carol (Ron) Horn of Port Huron, Mich.; five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Viola; five sisters, Nora, Cora, Ella, Gladys and Mildred; and three brothers, Millert, Ed and Mill.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004, at the Hindt Funeral Home in LeRoy and from noon until 2 p.m. on Friday at the church.

Mower County Transcript, Sept. 13, 1905, pg. 3

BERRY

At the home of her son in Minneapolis, Sept. 7, 1905 of old age Mrs. Helen M., widow of Dr. P. [Philemon] C. Berry, aged 80 years. Helen M. Marvin was born in Clinton county New York, Jan 11, 1825.

She was married there to Dr. P. C. Berry. They subsequently lived in Vermont and in 1865 they moved to Austin where Dr. Berry practiced medicine until his death here. Mrs. Berry then returned to the east and lived at Westville, N.Y. and Burlington, Vt. About 14 years ago she came to Minneapolis to reside. She was a sister of Mrs. D.A. Lord.

Two sons survive George Berry of Minneapolis and William living in Massachusetts. Deceased united with the Baptist church at the age of 14 and always retained her religious interest and convictions.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

#1 of 2 items:

Austin Democrat, March 1, 1871, pg. 8

Died - At his residence in this city, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 1871, Dr. Philemon C. Berry.

Dr. Berry, being a well-known citizen, it may not be out of place to give some items regarding his life. He was born at Westville, N.Y., April 26th 1826, and at the time of his death he was nearly 45 years old. In 1860, having graduated from a medical institution at Montreal, Canada, he commenced the practice of medicine at Johnson, Vermont, and remained there until May 1865, when he removed to this city. He came here as an invalid, and the healthful air of Minnesota soon revived him, and he was again able to resume the practice of his profession.

His warm, generous nature soon brought around him many friends, who are deeply grieved at his death. Of a liberal mind, broad and wholesome views, his life was free from the narrow-mindedness and petty jealousies so common among us. We deeply feel his loss, for his kindness of heart had won him the respect and friendship of all with whom he came in contact. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his death, and in this their great bereavement they have the heartfelt sympathy of the community.

The funeral took place this afternoon under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity.

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#2 of 2 items:

Mower County Transcript, March 02, 1871. Pg.-3 col.-5

DIED

In this city, on Sunday, February 26th, 1871, of consumption, Dr. P.C. Berry aged 44 years and 10 months.

Dr. Berry came to Austin in 1865. During his residence here he enjoyed when health admitted, a lucrative practice. By his uniform kindness he had won a host of friends. He was a member of the Congregational Church of this city.

He had a policy of Insurance for $2,000.00 in the Phoenix Company Hartford.

His funeral took place on Wednesday, attended by the Masonic fraternity, of which he was a member, and a large concourse of citizens.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

Eldora Ilean Bertilson, age 83, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Eldora Ilean Goodwin was born on February 16, 1924, in Austin, to Knute and Emma (Lerum) Goodwin. She grew up on a farm near Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Soon after her schooling Eldora moved to Austin and worked at the George A. Hormel Company for a short time before getting married to Donald "Stubby" Bertilson, and raising her family.

Eldora was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed walking (she never learned to drive), and country/western music. She lived in her home until 2005 when she moved to the nursing home.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Don Bertilson, Austin; a son, Robert (Darla) Bertilson, Austin; two daughters, Cheryl (Jeb) Blais, Austin, and Karen Sneed, Wayzata, Minnesota; seven grandchildren: Jeb, Jennifer, Jackie and Jesse Blais, Brittany and Jamie Bertilson, and Sara Sneed; a twin sister, Glendora Arens (Chuck) Huston, Austin; a brother, Everett (Silvia) Goodwin, Austin.

Eldora was preceded in death by her parents, Knute and Emma Goodwin; by a sister, Edna Jarvis; by a brother, Kenneth Goodwin; and by a grandson, Joey Blais.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, with Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin.

The Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

OBITUARY-

DEXTER -- Wayne Carl Billings, 41, of rural Dexter, a lifelong area resident and farmer, died of natural causes Sunday June 27, 1993 at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin.

He was born Dec. 24, 1951, in Austin.

Survivors include his mother, Evelyn Billings of Dexter; two brothers, Galen and David, and a sister, Rose (Mrs. Donald) Thomas, all of the Dexter area. His father preceded him in death.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dexter with the Rev. Ron Siemers officiating. Burial will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Austin.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and an hour before the service Wednesday at the church.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Private services for Ida Clairine Bisbee, age 95, of Elkhorn, Wisconsin were held Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004 at Haase-Derrick-Lockwood Funeral Home located in Elkhorn, WI. Graveside services were held Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Austin, MN. Ida died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004 at Lakeland Health Care Center.

Ida Bisbee was born May 30, 1908 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Ole and Anna Marie (Heggerusta) Lindley. Ida married Raymond Bisbee Oct. 19, 1933 in Osage. He died May 9, 1966. Ida was a homemaker and loving mother and grandmother.

Ida's survivors include her children Vincent Ray (Lila) Bisbee of Antioch, Illinois, Shirley Clairine (Arthur) Mumm of Elkhorn, WI and Connie Clairine (Galen) Lehnhardt of New Port News, VA; eight grandchildren Cathy (Charles) Herman, Cynthia (Jon) Olson, Randy (Julie) Mumm, Scott (JoAnn) Mumm, Lori Mumm, Nicole Wade, Cassie Dixon and Melissa (John) Fultz and seventeen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, grandson David Ray Bisbee, 11 siblings Sarah Hottran, Oscar Lindley, Carl Lindley, Olava Koch, Ida (Dau) Lindley, Clara Wherry, Laura Wherry, Levi Lindley, Melvin Lindley, Clarence Lindley and Alice Schulz.

Funeral arrangements were completed by Haase-Derrick-Lockwood Funeral Homes, Inc., Elkhorn, WI.

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

Prominent businessman died Tuesday

By Lee Bonorden/Austin Daily Herald

Daniel J. Bissen, 51, died Tuesday, August 1, 2006, at his Austin home.

"Dan was the very definition of a 'good man,'" said Phil Burkhart, a friend. "He was kind, caring and so supportive of his children's musical endeavors and of the arts in our community. We will miss him very much."

A year ago, Bissen was a co-chairman of the 2005 Relay For Life cancer research fund-raiser. -- A year later, a wake service in his honor will be held at Mayer Funeral Home.

This good man was never hard to find, nurturing his children's interest in music, regretting the closing of his beloved Queen of Angels Catholic School and endearing customers at the family business for decades.

Ask anyone: The man who struggled so valiantly to fight brain cancer, his wife, Margo, and their six children made everyone feel better for knowing them, according to another friend.

"Whenever we would go over to their home to visit Dan we would ask ourselves, ‘What can we say to make him feel better?'" said Connie Nelson. "When we would leave there we all felt better ourselves."

According to Nelson, they were all "role models of family life."

An over-flow crowd filled the Paramount Theater in late-January for the "Bissen Bash," a fund-raiser to help raise money for the popular Austin businessman.

"He is such a wonderful man and so is the Bissen family," said Val Maloney, who attended the benefit with her daughter, Pat Wright.

He was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2003. Coincidentally, Bissen's brother-in-law and business partner, Gary Grant, is a cancer survivor.

Multiple surgeries and painful treatments came and went until he made was he called at the time "the most painful decision of my life."

That difficult decision was to close Bissen TV and Appliance, a business started by his father on Austin's east side, after 40 years.

At the time of the business closing, Mr. Bissen showed an example of the courage that endeared him to so many.

"Instead of asking ‘Why God?'" he said of dealing with cancer. "I ask ‘Why have You been so good to me, God?'"

 

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OBITUARY-

Daniel Joseph Bissen, age 51, died, surrounded by family, at his home in Austin on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006. Dan had grappled with glioblastoma multiforme, a malignant brain tumor, for the past two and a half years. Although the cancer outpowered his body, it could not defeat his spirit, which will live forever in the hearts of his loved ones.

Dan was a man of faith who recognized God's presence in every aspect of life. His daily prayers included thanking God for the beauty of each new day. His love of God spilled over to the devotion and love he showered upon his wife, children and extended family. Dan was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Moments spent with family were treasured times: mealtime, bedtime, fishing, camping, gardening, singing, attending concerts, sporting events and playing horsey with the grandchildren.

Dan was also a respected businessman and the proud owner of Bissen TV & Appliance. His customers were his friends and he loved serving them.

As a native of Austin, Dan was proud to be involved in community events. He served as a liturgical minister at Queen of Angels parish, was a member of the Noon Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce and for many years was active in Summerset, Riverland and Matchbox Theater.

Survivors include his wife, Margo; children: Meigan (Kyle) Rath; Ray, Tony, Tim, Mary and Molly Bissen; grandchildren, Gillian and Natalie Rath; mother, Elaine Bissen; sisters: Diane (Dave) Draper, Kathy (Gary) Grant, Karen (Matt) Merchlewitz, Theresa Royce; brother, Scott (Michelle); several aunts and uncles; dozens of nieces and nephews and many members of Margo's family, who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond; and an infant brother, Greg.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2006, at Queen of Angels church. The wake service will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, 2006, at Mayer Funeral Home. The rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. and a prayer service will be held at 7 p.m.. Following the prayer service, friends and family will be invited to share memories of Dan. Visitation will also be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Mayer Funeral Home.

Memorials will be established in Dan's name to area churches, medical facilities, schools, Caring Bridge, and the American Brain Tumor Association.

OBITUARY-

BLOOMING PRAIRIE -- Evelyn A. Bjoraker, 83, of Blooming Prairie, a homemaker formerly of rural Claremont and the Red Oak Grove area, died Monday (Oct. 2, 1995) at Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie.

Evelyn A. Johnson was born Sept. 28, 1912, in Steele County and married John Bjoraker on Dec. 7, 1932, in Kasson. Her husband died March 20, 1991. Mrs. Bjoraker was a member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

Survivors include two sons, Lowell of Winona and John of Owatonna; a daughter, Joyce (Mrs. Roger) Christianson of Blaine, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Lowell Johnson of Owatonna. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, two sisters and eight brothers.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in rural Austin, with the Rev. Luther Mathsen officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and an hour before the service Saturday at the church.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb