Lillian Mae Becker was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on Oct. 22, 1921. Her early years were shaped by her parents Henry and Irene Becker, brother Ed and the inimitable Aunt Girlie.

In 1941 she married Elvin Davis. While Elvin served in the Pacific Theater of the war, Lillian moved to Idaho with their young son Jimmie and worked in a pea factory for the duration of the war. After the war, Elvin and Lillian returned to Nebraska where their son Tom was born.

In 1950 the young family moved to Austin, Minnesota, where their daughter Dianne was born. It was here they raised their family and became deeply involved in the community and schools, and were charter members of the Fellowship United Methodist Church.

Lillian and her late husband Elvin were regular performers in community choral groups including presentations of The Seven Last Words of Christ and Handel's Messiah. As a soprano soloist Lillian performed in church choirs, and many weddings and funerals.

Lillian knew as a young girl that her purpose in life would be to raise children, open doors of possibilities for them and instill in them a sense of adventure, play and achievement. There were impromptu picnics, Kool-Aid for the neighborhood kids and hootenannies. She imparted to her children a deep commitment to faith and a strong love of nature.

Lillian was outrageous at times and fulfilled her nickname of "Diamond Lil." She was the storyteller of the family with an irrepressible laughter, an engaging playfulness, and she loved to dance.

In her later years, she researched and documented the Becker and Davis family histories. Her compiled writings continue to be a gift to her extended family.

She again showed her strong determination when she recovered from a stroke in 1990, as featured in an Austin Herald article, "Never Give up Hope."

Lillian is survived by her sons, Jim (Nancy) Davis, of Tacoma, Wash., and Tom Davis, of Santa Fe, N.M.; daughter, Diane (Mark) Reinsmoen, of Burnsville, Minn.; three grandchildren, Jim (Katie) Davis, Jeff (April) Davis, and Tara Loftin; two great-grandchildren, Cody and Hannah Davis; brother, Ed Becker, of Grand Island, Neb.; nephews, Dave (Lucy) Becker, Don (Mandy) Becker, and Chris (Robert) Schropfer; and great-grandnieces, Marie and Sarah Becker, and Kimberly Schropfer.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Elvin Davis; her parents, Henry and Irene Becker; and aunt Girlie (Ida) Becker.

A graveside service was held at the Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, March 24, 2007, at noon, followed by a social gathering for friends and family at the Fellowship United Methodist Church, Austin.

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Mower County Transcript, Wednesday 11-28-1894 pg.3, col.2

Miss Lizzie Davis, daughter of J.H. Davis of the East Side, died Friday night. Funeral Sunday.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

 

#1 of 2 items

Austin Daily Herald, Friday, 3-30-1906, pg. 3, col. 4

OBITUARY

Mrs. John E. Murane [Mollie (Davis) Murane]

Mrs. John E. Murane died at her home south of Oakland Thursday evening shortly before 8 o'clock. The funeral will be held Saturday morning 10:30 from St. Augustine's church and the interment will take place in the Catholic cemetery. Mollie Davis was born in Madison, Wisconsin twenty-two years ago last October.

When a little girl of ten she removed with her parents to Austin where she has since resided. Her school days were spent here in attendance at the High school and two years at the Normal College. After she left school she taught south of Adams and near Oakland. When she closed her school a year ago last March she took a severe cold which followed pleurisy of the lungs from which she suffered a year or two ago, resulted in consumption.

Since Christmas time hopes of her recovery have been entertained. She was married last June to John E. Murane and has since lived in her new home south of Oakland. Though ill since fall she has been confined to her bed less than two weeks. Mrs. Murane leaves beside her husband, father, mother, three sisters and one brother to mourn the loss of a loving and true wife, daughter and sister. Only words of praise can be spoken of Mrs. Murane. She was true to all the duties and relations of life and no higher eulogy can be given to any one. Her early death leaves a void in many hearts.

---

#2 of 2 items

Mower County Transcript, Wednesday 4-4-1906, pg. 2, col. 2

Mrs. John Murane

At her home in Oakland Township, Thursday evening, March 29, 1906 of consumption, Mrs. John E. Murane, aged 22 years. Mollie Davis was born in Madison, Wis. In October, 1883, at the age of ten she came with her folks to Austin. She finished her education at the Austin High School and S.M. Normal College and taught school near Adams and Oakland.

She was married to Mr. Murane June 07, 1905. She has been growing rapidly worse for several months. She was of a happy, sunny disposition and made all about her happy. It seems hard that her home should so soon be broken up but there are many arrangements of providence which we shall be better able to understand hereafter. Funeral services held at the Catholic Church Saturday forenoon. Interment in the Catholic cemetery.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

Barbara D. Decker, 75, formerly of Waltham, Minnesota, died Thursday evening, December 21, 2006 at Country Care Foster Adult Care in rural Byron where she had been a resident for five years.

She was born on April 12, 1931 in rural Waltham, to Alex and Irene (Dahle) Decker. She attended country school, District 50, and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1948.

Barbara worked for American Airlines, Billy Graham Crusades, Rochester Community College Library and Rochester Post Bulletin delivering papers. She received her teaching degree at Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas, and taught at St. Joseph Indian School in Tuba City, Arizona.

She is survived by her brother, Ferris (Chip) and Patricia Decker of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; a sister, Janice Hartzell of Garden Ridge, Texas; by her half-sisters: Jille Peterson of Oakland, Minnesota; Mary (Ray) Green of Hayward, Minnesota; Jenell (Denny) Betz of Farmington, Minnesota; Sandra (Joe) Ketelboeter of Villard, Minnesota; and by half brothers, Gary (Sally) Beck, and Robert (Judy) Beck of Shakopee, Minnesota

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-parents, Alice Schulz and Art Beck; by a brother, Alex Decker, Jr.; by a sister, Marlys Decker; by a half sister, Karen Stoen; and by a nephew, Miles Decker.

Friends and family joined in a memorial celebration of her life on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at the Hayfield Senior Center. Burial was in the Waltham Cemetery.

The Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Hayfield is in charge of arrangements.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Deborah Jean Clements, 55, of Austin, Minnesota, died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester.

Deb was born Oct. 27, 1951, in Ramsey County, Minnesota, and was later adopted by John and Lorene Delaney. Deb grew up in Austin, where she graduated from Pacelli High School in 1970.

On Jan. 28, 1972, Deb married Thomas Edwin Clements of Austin. They had two children, Brian Thomas and Christine Ann. Deb worked for over 30 years as a registered nurse for Austin Medical Center.

Her love and passion was working as a trauma nurse in the ER and being the driving force in the development of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. Deb's compassionate and caring ways and her love of giving endeared her to everyone she knew. Deb also enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband and watching Vikings and Twins games. Truly she bled purple everyday of the year!

Deb will be remembered by her husband, Tom, of Austin; by her son, Brian (Mary) and two grandsons, Manny and Riley, of Shakopee, Minnesota; by her daughter, Chrissy (Jason), of Austin; by her sister, Teri Delaney, of Phoenix, Ariz.; by her sister-in-law, Maureen (Doug), of Princeton, Minnesota; by her nieces: Chiara (Tim), of Nashville Tenn.; Charis (Matt), of New Hope, Minnesota; Ingrid (Ben), of Crystal, Minnesota; Bethany (Tom), of Palatine, Ill.; nephews, Caleb and Josh, of Minnetonka, Minnesota; by five grandnieces: Julia, Rachel, Anna, Elissa, and Evangeline; and two grand-nephews, Zachary and Tyler.

A Funeral Mass was held on Monday, April 9. 2007, at St. Edward's Catholic Church, officiated by Father Joe Fogal.

Arrangements were being handled by Mayer Funeral Home.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Emma Elizabeth Mathews was born in New Hampshire, Jan. 12, 1843. In Oct. 1862 she was married to Richard Delaney at Black River Falls, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Delaney came to Grand Meadow in the spring of 1871 and lived on a farm in Frankford township most of the time. To them were born eight children four of whom are living, who mourn the loss of a dear mother. The children living are: Wm. E. of Baldwin, Wis.; Fred H. of Volin, Mont.; Harry E. of Hoquiam, Wash.; and Mrs. stella Moody of Wahpeton, N.D. Fred and Harry were too far away to come to the funeral.

About twelve years ago the family retired from the farm and moved to the village of Grand Meadow, erecting and living in for several years the residence now occupied and owned by John Wanger, Sr.

The husband and father died the same month ten years ago, since which time the mother has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Moody at Motley, Minn. and afterward at their present home in Wahpeton, N.D. She spent the past winter with her son, Harry, at Joquiam, Wash. and this summer at Wahpeton, N.D. On August 1st of this year she came to Baldwin, Wis. to be with her son, Will, where she passed away to rest on August 25th. She had suffered from gall stones and other complications for over a year, but the last few days was free from pain.

She was a member of the Grand Meadow W.R.C. and had taken a very active part in the corps work at Wahpeton while living there, and the members of that corp sent a beautiful floral offering as a kind remembrance to the dear ones of a loved member. The Grand Meadow W.R.C. and other friends here sent beautiful flowers at the funeral, which was held in the M.E. church Saturday morning at 10 a.m. , Rev. A. Bauman preaching the sermon. the body arrived here on Friday evening, accompanied by the two children, Wm. Delaney and Mrs. Stella Moody. The corps appropriately decorated the church in honor of once a former active and dear member. The remains were taken to the Frankford cemetery, where they were laid to rest by the wide of her husband two daughters.

Mark Delaney, 48, died unexpectedly Thursday, January 11, 2007, at his home near Elizabeth, Colorado. He had a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis for over twenty years.

Mark was born August 18, 1958, in Austin, Minnesota, to Charles & Cecelia (McGee) Delaney. He was the sixth oldest in a family of ten children. He attended Catholic schools in Austin & graduated from Pacelli High School in 1976. He attended Austin Junior College and graduated from Mankato State University.

After college, Mark worked in sales for Combined Insurance Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin. There he met Nancy Bowen and they were married August 15, 1982 in Milwaukee. After their marriage, they moved to Colorado where Mark worked in sales for Tolley- Wiedman Insurance Agency until disabled in 1989.

While in high school, Mark excelled in track and field. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and brothers. He enjoyed telling stories, had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved to play practical jokes. Mark easily made new friends wherever he went and was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Mark is survived by his wife, Nancy of Elizabeth, CO; mother, Cecelia of Austin, MN; brothers: Jack (Karen) Delaney, Pepperell, MA, Duane (Diane) Delaney, Austin, MN, Larry (Rosie) Delaney, Fremont, NE, Tom (Heather) Delaney, Woodbury, MN, Tim Delaney of North Mankato, MN & Dave Delaney of Albert Lea, MN; sisters: Connie Stegemann of Austin, MN, Donna (Jim) Delaney, Altoona, WI, and Mary (Todd) Vanek, Eagan, MN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don & Marjorie Bowen, Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law Gregory (Debra) Bowen San Antonio, TX.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, brother-in-law Paul, and his beloved dog Ernie.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

Funeral service will be in Austin at a later date.

Last Tuesday afternoon, Mr. R. Delaney died at his home in this city of brights disease. Mr. Delaney has been unwell since spring but has been about most of the time until a week ago, when he took to his bed. His sons Will and Fred arrived a few hours before his death, but he was unconscious all day long.

Mr. Delaney was born in Queens county, Ireland, Dec. 12, 1836. When he was three years old his father moved to this country and settled at Danville, Illinois, and a few years later to Wisconsin.

In 1870 he came to Minnesota and purchased eighty acres of land east of B. Wright's farm, now owned by John Wagner.

He was married Oct. 26, 1862, at Cataract, Wis., to Emma Mathews. In the spring of 1871 he moved his family here and built on that place; in the summer of 1874 his eyes began to trouble him; he sold this place and doctored his eyes for three years, it taking that long to cure them, but leaving his sight injured to some extent.

In 1877 he again purchased an eighty, this time just east of the place he had sold three years previous. He raised one good crop, but the wecond year was the year of the great wheat failure, it left him in bad circumstances. By courage and hard work and economy he was enabled to add to the farm and today has a fine 250 acre farm, well furnished. In 1897 he purchased residence lots in this city and built for himself and family a comfortable home.

The deceased was a man who lived at peace with his neighbors and was known by al as a man of upright character, having a fatherly interest in his family and home. Thus another old settler has gone the way of all men, four of his children having preceeded him. A wife, a daughter and three sons are left to mourn his sudden departure.

The funeral was held this morning at 10 o'clock at the Methodist church. Rev. W. E. Hawley officiating. The remains were interred in Frankford cemetery.

Amy E. Denisen, 34, of 1603 Eighth Drive SE, died at home early on the morning of May 4, 2000 after a courageous six-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

Amy was born on April 19, 1966 in Austin to Harry F. and Lucille M. (Schaefer) Hanson. She graduated from Austin High School in 1984 then went on to manage the County Seat store at OakPark Mall.

She was united in marriage with Gregory Denisen on Nov. 28, 1987.

Amy was always happy and smiling - the life of the party. She enjoyed gardening, creating beautiful craft items and especially spending time with her family and friends. Throughout her illness, her positive attitude, courage and love of life were an inspiration to everyone she touched.

She is survived by her husband Greg Denisen, Austin; daughter Shan and son Derek at home; parents Harry and Lucille Hanson, Austin; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Julie and Joe Michel, Mankato; and Ann and Dave Forland, Austin; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Keith and Sue Hanson, Austin; Ken and Glen Sue Hanson, Statesboro, Ga.; and James Hanson, Austin, and special friend Ruth Schmidt, Manly, Iowa; father-in-law and mother-in-law Harold and Doris Denisen; brother-in-law Jeff Denisen, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jill and Mark Morrison, all of Austin, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Honorary casket bearers will be Heidi Apold, Edie Lenz, Kim Mohrfeld, Mary Muzik, Lynn Riemann, Jim Rataczak, Mike Rataczak and Sandy Wells.

Casket bearers will be Don Burgess Jr., Mike Hanson, Billy Mogen, Doug Saaranen, Dean Schaefer and Dan Thomas.

Service: A funeral mass will be celebrated on 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 8 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Virgil Duellman officiating.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery

Visitation: There will be a 4 p.m. CCW Rosary Service and there will be a 7:30 p.m. Wake Service on Sunday evening at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday.

[Austin Daily Herald]

Catherine J. King was born in 1881 in Mower County, the daughter of Mary and Isaac Dennis.

She attended school in Mower County and on Dec 17, 1899 she was united in marriage with Vance A. King. They moved to Ipswich, S.D. in 1903, where they lived 10 years, returning to Mower County in 1913. At the time of her death, Mrs. King resided at 601 W. Maple.

She was baptized a Christian and was a member of the Church of Christ, taking an active part in all activities up to the time of her death.

Mrs. King died Dec 28, 1956 at St. Olaf Hospital after a short illness. Funeral services were held at 1:30p.m. Dec 31, at the Church of Christ, Pastor Herman H. Kooy, officiating. Interment was in Lansing Cemetery with the Worlein Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. King is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Oren Blabaum (Hazel) and Mrs. Harry Larson (Ruby), Austin, and Mrs. George Johnson (Mabel), New Windsor, Ill.; two sons Roy King, Austin and Rex King, Boyes Hot Springs, Calif.; 19 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; a sister Mrs. Rose Lewis, Austin. She was preceded in death by her husband, 23 years ago.

Out-of-town persons attending the funeral came from Fargo, N.D., Hayfield, Stillwater, Bayport, Minn., Blooming Prairie, New Windsor, Ill., and Boyes Hot Springs, Calif.

Transcribed by Dave Graves, Jan 2007

Isaac Dennis, aged seventy-six died this morning at 5 o'clock at his home in Lansing. Mr. Dennis had been ill since May 4 with bronchitis which developed into pneumonia, from which latter disease he died.

Isaac Dennis, a retired farmer now living in Lansing village, was born June 7, 1838, in Vermillion County, Indiana, son of Sylvester A. and Catherine (Mathews) Dennis. He was taken by his parents to Allamakee County, Iowa in 1849, and came to Mower County in 1856 with five yoke of oxen to locate a claim for his father. Crossing the prairie from Calmar, Iowa, to Brownsdale, Minn., he found no wood to make a fire, and on the second day he took a box top from the wagon and split it up to make a fire to cook dinner. He broke the first prairie in Red Rock Township.

In 1869 he brought his family to Red Rock and here he for continued to reside. He was educated in the common schools, all his school hours being spent in an old log schoolhouse. He farmed on his father's farm for several years, and later purchased the same for his own.

By his first wife, Mary J. Brookskier, a native of Kentucky, who died December 30, 1881, Mr. Dennis had thirteen children, of whom nine are living.

The present Mrs. Dennis was Eliza Hart, daughter of Peter and Ann (Dowden) Hart, whom he married May 29, 1884.

All the children were with their father at the time of his death, excepting two Frank and Mrs. Getman, the latter of Holley, Minnesota. Of the thirteen children, nine are living: W.P. Dennis, Blooming Prairie; George Dennis, Hayfield; E.E. Dennis, Udolpho; Cora Getman, Holley, Minnesota; Mrs. C.E. Lewis, Austin; Frank Dennis, Elkport, Iowa; Mrs. Will Subra, Austin; Newton Dennis, Sargeant; Mrs. Vance King, Udolpho.

Transcribed by Dave Graves

Joyce Dennis, age 82, of Northfield, Minnesota, passed away Monday, March 19, 2007 at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield.

Joyce Janet Dennis was born June 30, 1924 in Waltham, Minnesota, to Bert and Loraine (Wadman) Anderson. She was raised on her parent's farm near Waltham and attended the nearby country school through 8th grade. She graduated from Austin High School in 1942 and then attended Winona State College for two years where she earned her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in rural Mower County.

On Dec. 22, 1946 she was united in marriage to David C. Dennis of Waltham at the E.U.B. Church in Sargeant, Minn., where Joyce was also baptized and confirmed. They made their home in Waltham where Joyce raised their children and also continued her education in teaching, as well as doing substitute or full-time teaching. In 1964 the family moved to Northfield when Dave began working for MNDOT. Joyce began substitute teaching at Northfield Public Schools, and soon was offered a full time teaching position at Sibley Elementary.

Retirement came in 1988, giving Joyce and David time to travel with memorable trips to Europe and Alaska. In her leisure time she enjoyed gardening, baking, sewing, and being with her family and grandchildren. She was very dedicated in remembering birthdays and anniversaries with cards and also had a very long Christmas card list.

Joyce is survived by daughters, Dr. Bonny (Dr. David) Enrico, of Sparta, Tennessee, Barbara (Eugene) Graff, of Clear Lake, Minnesota; sons: Dr. Dale (Maryann) Dennis, of Winona, Minnesota, Dean (Melanie) Dennis, of Northfield, Minnesota; sisters: Margene (Jim) Burns, of Northfield; Eldore (Jack) Kelly, of Northfield; Clarice (Ermin) Albrecht, of Paynesville, Minnesota; brothers, Lowell (Connie) Anderson, of Waltham, Buford Anderson, of Lanesboro, Minnesota; grandchildren: Amy (Dr. Patrick) O'Keefe, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; Dr. Megan (Ryan) Ping, of Winona; Adam (Bambi) Graff, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota; Justin Graff, of Sartell, Minnesota; Darren (Cheyenne) Enrico, of Driggs, Idaho; great-grandchildren, Grace and Lauren Ping, of Winona, and Cameron Bastable, of Sauk Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband David; and brothers Durwood, Hugh, and Atlee.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 22, at the United Methodist Church in Northfield, Minnesota, with burial at the Waltham Township Cemetery near Hayfield, Minnesota.

Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield was in charge of arrangements.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Melvin W. DeRaad, 76, of Austin, passed away on June 9, 2007 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin, Minnesota.

Melsin was born June 17, 1930 in Hollandale, Minnesota, to Arthur and Tirzah (Rogers) DeRaad. He attended school in Austin.

He had been an employee of Hormel Foods -- retiring September 28, 1982, with 35 years of service. He was also a school bus driver for 10 years, and owned the Countryside Motel and Trailer Park and the Steer Truck Stop Service Station.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie, of Austin; two sons: Alan, of Austin, and Mark (Mary), of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and two grandchildren, James and Nicholas.

A Memorial Service was held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2007, at the New Life Vineyard Church with Rev. Raymond Tuck of the International Word Fellowship Church officiating. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery, rural Austin.

The Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Mona M. Narveson, 80, of Austin died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005 at Sacred Heart Care Center.

She was born May 15, 1924 in Paris Township, Iowa to Charles and Anna (Jacobson) Derr. She graduated from Austin High School.

She was married to Walter Underdahl in Adams, Minn. She later married Norbert Narveson in 1948 and they made their home in Austin. Mona was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Austin and was also active with Red Oak Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. She was active with the University Women's Organization. She was a member of St. John's Ladies Aide, VFW Auxiliary, and Udoplia II Project.Mona worked as a cook at numerous places, including the Elk's Club in Austin, and Social Director at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin and Bethany Manor in Rochester.

She is survived by sons; Charles (Roz) Underdahl, Desoto, Kan., Donald (Denise) Narveson, Duluth, Minn., Richard (Marilyn) Narveson, Aurora, Colo.; nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert; daughter Katherine; son Larry, four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2005 at 2 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. William Natzke officiating. Interment will be in the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church one hour before the service. Casket bearers will be; Erik Narveson, Charles Porter, Bill Walsh, Mikael Narveson, Chris Munsch, Pete Fryer.

Memorial can be sent to St. John's Lutheran Home radio fund. The family made wishes to express heartfelt thanks to so many in the Austin Community who have made Mona's life so happy.

©2007 MNGenWeb

AUSTIN, MINN. -- The funeral for Leona Olive Cooklin of Austin, formerly of Elkton, will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Dexter United Methodist Church in Dexter with the Rev. Robert Gamble officiating. Burial will be in Dexter Cemetery.

Mrs. Cooklin, 89, died Friday morning (Nov. 27, 1998) at Austin Medical Center.

Leona Olive Rabine was born Jan. 31, 1909, on a farm near Dexter. She married Iven DeSart in 1926 and he died Dec. 31, 1946. She married Walter T. Cooklin in 1949. After retirement from St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, they retired to Mesa, Ariz., for 14 years. Mr. Cooklin died June 28, 1985. She had been an active member of the Mower County Senior Center and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was once state president of the auxiliary. She also was also active in church and loved to play cards and bingo, and fish.

Survivors include three daughters, Lois Deyo of Austin, Audrey (Mrs. Mitchell) Rieken of Oakdale and Donna (Mrs. Jim) Burdette of Great Falls, Mont.; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son and five brothers.

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

 

Lois Yvonne Deyo, age 77, of Austin, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 2, 2006, at her home.

She was born July 26, 1928, to Ivan and Leona (Rabine) DeSart in Dexter, Minn. After graduation from Elkton High School in 1949, Lois moved to St. Paul where she attended the University of Minnesota for two years and worked at St. John's Hospital. She moved back to Austin to work in the Dietary Department at St. Olaf Hospital. She married Raymond Deyo on Aug. 15, 1975, in Austin. Lois took a job at Sacred Heart Hospice in food service and retired as supervisor. She was recently employed by the Hormel Spam Museum. A 30-year member of the American Legion, she was president of Women's Auxiliary during 1992-1993. Lois enjoyed her involvement at Dexter United Methodist Church, fishing trips, visiting casinos, auto races and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her daughters: Suzanne Reule, of Vadnais Heights, Minn.; Brenda (James) Waltz, of Austin, Minn.; Barbara (Jerry) Adams, of Stacyville, Iowa; Cindy Schieck, of Round Lake, Minn.; sons: Steven (Patti) Cooklin, of Austin, Minn.; James (Sharon) Deyo, of Port Byron, Ill.; Craig (Cathy) Deyo, of Faribault, Minn.; Todd (Kelly) Deyo, of Elk River, Minn.; 22 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters: Audrey (Mitchell) Rieken, of Oakdale, Minn.; Donna Burdette, of Great Falls, Mont.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Leona DeSart; husband, Raymond Deyo; brother, Everett DeSart; stepdaughter, Carol Esse.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at First United Methodist Church in Austin with The Reverend George Toschak and The Reverend Greg Strunk co-officiating. Friends may call from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Interment is at Dexter Cemetery.

Bethyl "Bette" d'Etienne Esse George, age 79 of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, April 14, 2007 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

She was born May 4, 1927 to Archie and Ethyl (Morgan) d'Etienne in Austin, where she grew up and attended school. She married Robert Esse on May 2, 1947. Mr. Esse died in 1981.

A member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church, rural Oakland.

She owned a craft shop where she sold her handmade jewelry and crafts.

She married Ralph George on Sept. 1, 1983 in Austin.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph George, of Austin; her children, Robert (Patti) Esse, of Little Falls, Minnesota; David (Paulette) Esse, of Austin; Susan (Richard) George, of Holmen, Wisconsin; Gary (Maggie) George, of Red Wing, Minnesota; Richard (Susan) George, of Holmen, Wisconsin; Craig (Jennifer) George, of New London, Wisconsin; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Morgan (Mary) d'Etienne, of Dallas, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her father, Archie d'Etienne, and mother, Ethyl Moen; stepfather, John S. Moen; first husband, Robert A. Esse; nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, Minnesota with Rev. John Malm officiating. Interment was at Grandview Cemetery, Austin.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Emmett John DeVaney, longtime Austin, Minnesota resident, passed away early Thursday morning, Nov. 16, 2006. at the Sacred Heart Care Center.

Emmett had just celebrated his 89th birthday surrounded by members of his family and most importantly Helen, his loving wife of 67 years. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Emmett was born in Rock Falls, Iowa, in 1917.

Emmett will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband, dad, grandpa and brother. Emmett spent most of his working years as an automotive parts salesman in the SE Minnesota area. He made countless friends in the surrounding communities that he regularly visited and was always thought of as a kind and respectful man. He ended his working years with Akkerman Mfg. of Brownsdale.

Emmett was an active member of the early railroading club in Austin that secured the steam locomotive and trains that are a part of the Mower County Fair Ground facility. Over the years, many people enjoyed visiting Emmett and Helen’s basement as they watched his model trains wind their way through the prairie landscape he so carefully created.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, a resident at Sacred Heart Care Center; three children: Diane (Clint) Hertle, Austin, Minn.; Stan (Velva) DeVaney, Burton, Mich.; and Jeff DeVaney, Baxter, Minn.; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and his sister, Elaine (George) Curry, Overland Park, Kansas; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Emmett was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Isabel and Glenn Brown, who were both life-long Austin residents.

Emmett will live on in the memory of his family and friends. Perhaps, if they slow down and take the time to listen, they will hear the beautiful whistle that Emmett so often had on his lips, brightening each person’s day who was lucky enough to hear it.

 

Dallas N. DeYoung, age 74, of Stewartville, Minnesota, died on February 15, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dallas was born April 19, 1932, in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, to Ralph and Ina (Prickett) DeYoung.

Dallas graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1951. He entered the United States Navy on April 3, 1952, and was honorably discharged on February 8, 1956.

He was married and later divorced. He then married Doris Chevalier on May 3, 1975, in Nashua, Iowa, and the couple made their home in Rochester, Minnesota. They later moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, and later moved back to Stewartville, Minnesota.

Dallas worked at IBM as a Quality Assurance Specialist for 33 years, retiring March 31, 1990.

Survivors include his wife: Doris DeYoung, Stewartville, Minnesota; his six daughters: Jo Ann(Larry) DeYoung, Rochester; Pamela DeYoung, Rochester; Martie (Daniel) Maestas, Windsor, Colorado; Maria Lawman, Rochester; and Amy DeYoung, Orlando, Florida; his four sons: Thomas(Laurie) DeYoung, Rochester; Gary DeYoung, Thailand; Scott DeYoung, Florida; and Timothy Maras, Rochester; 12 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren; two sisters: Grace Lucas, Spring Valley, Minnesota; and Dolores Gage, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; one brother, Everett (Shirley) DeYoung, Austin, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services for Dallas were held on Monday, February 19, 2007 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with the Rev. Gregory Havel officiating.

Burial was in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester, Minnesota.

 

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The funeral for Charlotte J. Briggs, 65, of 1039 4th Ave. S.E., will be held on Monday at the Vine Funeral Home Chapel, the Rev. Dale DePeel of Meadow Park Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Frankford Cemetery in Frankford Township, Mower County.

Mrs. Briggs, who worked for Libby, McNeil and Libby canning factory for many years, died Wednesday (Nov. 13, 1996) of natural causes at her home.

She was born Charlotte J. Douglas on Aug. 29, 1931, in Racine Township of Mower County. She attended rural schools through the sixth grade and graduated from Spring Valley High School. She worked as a secretary for Libby's in Spring Valley following graduation.

On Nov. 30, 1952, she married Theodore Edward Briggs and they were later divorced. She had worked at Seneca Foods in Rochester (the former Libby, McNeil and Libby) until her retirement in August this year.

Surviving are her mother, Helen Douglas of Racine; a daughter, Cheryl (Mrs. David) Ryan of Zumbro Falls; a son, Gary of Rochester; eight grandchildren; a brother, Howard Douglas of Spring Valley and a sister, Shirley (Mrs. Lester) Hyland of Spring Valley. She was preceded in death by her father.

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

SPRING VALLEY, MINN. -- The funeral for Helen Harriet Douglas will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Faith United Methodist Church in Spring Valley, with the Rev. William Rowen officiating. Burial will be in Frankford Cemetery at a later date.

Mrs. Douglas, 91, of Spring Valley, a homemaker, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Helen H. Bateman was born July 3, 1911, in Frankford Township, Mower County. On Sept. 3, 1929, she married Harold Douglas at her parents' home in Frankford Township. The couple farmed in the area. She was active in Sunshine Club, was a project leader for the Frankford 4-H Club and a charter member of Frankford Grange. Mrs. Douglas was a member of Frankford Cemetery Association, Frankford Cemetery Floral Club, BI Club, Racine Social Club, Frankford Project Group, Golden Girls, Faith United Methodist Church and its Ruth Circle, Hamilton Birthday Club and Methodist Singles Club She enjoyed wood carving, playing cards and games, dancing, traveling, the outdoors and yard work.

Survivors include a daughter, Shirley (Lester) Hyland of Spring Valley; a son, Howard "Butch" (Judy) of Spring Valley; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; a sister, Arlene Firschweike of La Crosse, Wis.; and a brother, Lyle Bateman of Stewartville. She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, a sister and a brother.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home in Spring Valley and an hour before the service Wednesday at the church.

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

Frances Annette (Hardy) Dovenberg passed away on March 5, 2007, at Carric Cottages in Chaska following a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

She was born on April 21, 1921, to Milton and Harriet Hardy. She graduated from Austin High School in 1939, and worked briefly at Hormel.

On Sept. 17, 1941, she married Edward A. Dovenberg. They lived in Chicago until World War II and then settled in the Minneapolis area after the war. Fran and Eddie celebrated 45 happy years of marriage before he passed away in 1986.

Fran loved helping others. She was a volunteer Paper Lady at North Memorial Hospital for 35 years. For 20 years she was a shopper for the residents of Trevilla of Robbinsdale, a home for paraplegics and quadriplegics.

Fran is survived by her children: Dave (Jean) Dovenberg, Ann (Rick) Zweig, and Dick (Marian) Dovenberg; by her grandchildren: Bob and Kirsten Dovenberg, Erik and Keri Zweig, and Mike, Matt, Kate, and Liz Dovenberg; by a great-grandson, James Murphy; and by many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; and by her brother, Frank Hardy.

A memorial service was held at Brunswick United Methodist Church in Crystal, Minnesota. A graveside memorial service was held at 11 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, March 10, 2007.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Betty Jo (Downing) Smith, age 62, died on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in Scottsdale, Arizona, following a courageous battle with cancer. Betty was born on August 17, 1944 in Richfield, Minnesota, to Dr. Roger Lyle and Elizabeth Louise (Crowell) Downing. She was a 1962 graduate of Austin High School.

Betty excelled at playing the violin and was concertmistress of the high school orchestra. She continued playing the violin and was privileged to meet Itzhak Perlman in 1994. Betty also enjoyed singing and participating in church choirs and was soloist for many weddings and funerals.

She married Nolan Smith in 1970 and they lived in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Betty's strong faith and generosity in caring for others gave lasting impressions to those she met.

Betty is survived by her husband, Nolan; by her son and daughter-in-law, Cody and Kimberly; by grandchildren, Amelia and Lillian; by her mother, Betty Downing; by her sisters, Carol Sheetz, Barbara Thorsell, and Deanna Ofstedahl; by her brothers, Roger and Robert Downing; and by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father.

©2007 MNGenWeb

Robert K. "Bo" Dudley, age 53, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday evening, April 1, 2007 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home following a long bout with multiple sclerosis.

Robert Kirk Dudley was born May 28, 1953 to Robert P. and Barbara (Kirkpatrick) Dudley in Danville, Pa. The family settled in Austin during his 10th grade year. In high school, he participated in the Austinaires and discovered theatre, where he found his niche and began a lifelong journey. He started working in Summerset Theatre while still a high school student in the late 60s.

Bo went on to study theatre at Southwest State in Marshall and returned to Austin a few years later and became entrenched in the Austin theatre scene. Summerset, Matchbox and Riverland (then Austin Community College) Theatre all were fortunate to have such a talented theatre artist work for and with them for many years, both on and off stage. Bo was Scene Designer/Technical Director for Riverland Theatre from 1982-2001.

Robert continued with acting and prop construction in Summerset Theatre beginning 38 years ago in Season II. During the 70s he split his time between working and performing in Austin's theatre communities and attending the theatre program at the University of Minnesota -- Marshall.

Upon returning to Austin, Robert began work at Bissen TV and continued with his first love of the theatre. He enjoyed acting and singing, and it was during an ACC production in 1979 that he met his future wife.

Two years later on Oct. 3, 1981, Robert married Linda Gleason at Christ Episcopal Church in Austin.

Robert was Set Designer and Technical Director for many of the shows presented by Summerset and Winterset Theatre, Matchbox Children's Theatre and ACC/RCC Theatre. He continued in the theatre both on the stage and behind the scenes until his illness forced his retirement in October 2001.

A hobby begun later in life was Rendezvous. Robert loved to reenact the late 1700s-1840s lifestyle complete with outdoor cooking, period clothing and lodging, black powder muzzle loading rifles, and he especially enjoyed the camaraderie. He and his family participated in the Big Island Rendezvous and our local Pioneer Days. As his MS progressed, he used a deerskin-camouflaged four-wheel scooter to get around the grounds.

Robert was also an amateur ham radio operator. He looked forward to the weekly sign-ins and admired the skills of the local Skywatch group. He also belonged to First Congregational Church, UCC and the Moose Club. He will be remembered and missed by all who had the privilege of working and playing with him.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of Austin; daughters at home, Barbara and Julia; two brothers, Stephen (Caroleen) Dudley, of Oquassic, Maine; Richard (Allisson Sheldon) Dudley, of Fort Collins, Colo.; and uncle, Wylie Kirkpatrick, of Newport News, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Robert P. Dudley; and aunt, Becca Kirkpatrick.

Funeal services were held on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at First Congregational Church, UCC in Austin, with Pastor Jim Peck officiating.

The Worlein Funeral Home in Austin was in charge of arrangements.

©2007 MNGenWeb