MOWER COUNTY GENEALOGY: Obituaries

 

Mower County Obituaries
Part 024

 

 

Bradley P. Paine

1964-1994

"Loving Son and Brother"

AUSTIN -- Bradley P. Paine, 30, of 1710 First Ave. N.E., an employee of Quality Pork Producers, died Saturday (Oct. 29, 1994) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

He was born July 2, 1964, in Austin.

Survivors include his parents, Harold and Kathy Paine of Austin; two brothers, Brian of Grand Forks AFB, N.D., and Bruce of Traverse City, Mich.; two sisters, Nancy Paine of Slinger, Mich., and Jane (Mrs. Matt) Miller of Eaton Rapids, Mich.; and grandmothers, Beulah Luthe of Austin and Mythel Paine of Mechanic Falls, Maine.

The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, with the Rev. Joe Matt officiating. Burial will be in Lansing Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and an hour before the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.

 

 

Helen Alene (Boe) Palmer

1912-2001

Helen Alene Palmer, 89, of Grand Meadow, died Saturday, May 19, 2001, at Grand Meadow Health Care Center, where she had lived for a short time.

She was born April 12, 1912, in Clayton Township, Mower County, to Simon and Elizabeth (Anderson) Boe. She was baptized and confirmed at Marshal Lutheran Church, rural Adams.

She attended Clayton Township schools and married Everett Palmer at Preston on April 13, 1932. They lived on a farm north of Grand Meadow. He died in 1970. In 1971, she moved to Austin and worked at the Austin YMCA until 1973, when she moved back to Grand Meadow. She also worked for Grand Meadow Public Schools for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Ramona (Lloyd) Swenson, Austin; three sons, Norman (Patricia) Palmer, Rochester, Curtis (Patricia) Palmer, Chandler, Ariz., and Leslie (Nina) Palmer, Tucson, Ariz.; a sister, Nona (Willis) Erie, LeRoy; and two brothers, Harlan (Maggie) Boe, LeRoy, and Donald (Bonnie) Boe, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son, Charles, and an infant daughter; five sisters, Jolette, Mildred, Hazel, Shirley and Lois; and four brothers, Ervin, Jim, Vernon and Richard.

Services: Graveside services held Monday, May 21, 2001, at Grand Meadow Cemetery, Grand Meadow, with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements: Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home, Grand Meadow.

 

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

 

Arlene Mary (Palys) Whalen, 51

1956-2007

Arlene Whalen, 51, of Salem, Oregon, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, and Duluth, Minnesota, died at her home on Friday, May 4, 2007 after a lingering illness.

Arlene Mary Palys was born on March 18, 1956 to Jeanette and the late Antoni Palys in Austin, Minnesota.

She married Michael Whalen on Nov. 30, 1975 at St. John’s Church at Elkton, Minnesota. They both attended Austin College and the University of Duluth, in Duluth, Minnesota, graduating in 1985. She graduated with honors. Arlene and her family moved to Salem, Oregon in October of 1989.

Arlene is survived by her husband Michael Whalen; by her son, Jason Whalen; by a grandson, Dawson; by a daughter and her fiance, Jaime Whalen and Cedric Van Nevel, Salem, Oregon; by her mother, Jeanette Palys of Austin, Minnesota; by her sisters: Barbara Herr, Walker, Minnesota, Debra Hulet and Gayle Heimsness, both of Austin; by a sister-in-law, and by other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her father, Antoni Palys, and by her grandparents.

Memorial services were held in Salem, Oregon, at the Golden Virgil T. Funeral Home on May 10, 2007. Her family attended the services.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Nathan Millard Parr

April 6, 1909 - Sepember 12, 1996

AUSTIN, MINN. -- The funeral service for Nathan Millard Parr will be 10 a.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Austin, with the Rev. Mark Nordell officiating. Burial will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery in Austin.

Mr. Parr, 87, of Austin, died Thursday (Sept. 12, 1996) in St. Paul.

He was born April 6, 1909, in Bloomington, Ill. Mr. Parr, a retired farmer, lived in the Austin area for most of his life.

On Feb. 4, 1931, he married Ruth Steinman in Albert Lea. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; a daughter, Marilyn (Mrs. Myron) Helleck of Blooming Prairie; a son, Gary Parr of Onalaska, Wis.; three sisters, Lucille Hanson of Forest City, Iowa, Mildred Flanigan of Albert Lea, Norma Stenger of Eagan, and Donna Hartzel of Austin; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, three sisters and a grandson.

Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and an hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

Submitted by Kathy Pike

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Ruth E. Steinman Parr

Feb. 10, 1912 - Nov. 21, 1998

AUSTIN, MINN. -- The funeral for Ruth Parr will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Austin with the Rev. Becky Jo Thilges officiating.

Mrs. Parr, 86, of Austin, died Saturday (Nov. 21, 1998) at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

Ruth Steinman was born Feb. 10, 1912, in Algona, Iowa, and graduated from Algona High School.

On Feb. 4, 1930, she married Nathan Parr in Albert Lea. He died in 1996. Mrs. Parr was a member of First United Methodist Church and the church circle, and enjoyed gardening, flowers, sewing and crafts.

Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn (Mrs. Myron) Helleck of Blooming Prairie; a son, Gary of Brownsdale; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a grandson and a brother.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and an hour before the service Tuesday at the church.

Submitted 5/07 by Kathy Pike

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

John Paulson

c1892-1977

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday Feb. 22, 1977, pg. 2 col. 1

John Paulson, 84 died Monday evening at St. Olaf Hospital after a short illness. A resident of Lyle, he was a former owner of the Lyle Bakery.

Surviving are three daughters Mrs. Walter (Shirley) Norregaard, Mrs. Ronald (Doris) Harris, Lyle. Mrs. Edward (Betty) Pugh, Buchanan, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren;15 great grand children; two sisters, Mrs. Edith Bauer, Racine, Wis., Mrs. Annabelle James, Irving, Calif.

Funeral services will be held Thursday.

 

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

 

 

Mrs. John Paulson

c1902-1972

Austin Daily Herald, Thursday March 16, 1972; pg. 10 col. 1

Mrs. John Paulson, 69, died Wednesday at St. Olaf Hospital, after suffering a heart attack. A resident of Lyle, she is survived by her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Walter (Shirley) Norregaard, Mrs. Ronald (Doris) Harris, Lyle, Mrs. Edward (Betty) Pugh, Buchanan, Tenn.;15 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two brothers, Glen and Amos Helgeson, Austin; two sisters, Mrs. Carl Awes, Austin, Mrs. John H. Flin, Hollandale.

Funeral services will be held Saturday.

 

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

 

 

Helen Irene (Dixon) Pedersen, 95

1912-2007

Helen Pedersen, 95, of Rose Creek, Minnesota, died on Friday, June 1, 2007 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Helen Irene Dixon was born March 3, 1912 in Green Castle, Missouri, to William and Ida (White) Dixon. The family moved to Worth County, Iowa, where Helen later met and married Erik P. Pedersen, on March 23, 1934 in Northwood, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2001.

Survivors include three sons: Paul (Marcie) Pedersen, Poway, California, Richard (Agatha) Pedersen, Rose Creek, Minnesota, Donald (Faye) Pedersen, Austin, Minnesota; a daughter: Lois (Paul) Saum, Lancaster, Ohio; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Hank Dixon, Manly, Iowa, Tom Dixon, Mason City, Iowa.

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

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2007 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Interment was in Sunset Cemetery in Northwood, Iowa. The Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Olaf D. Pederson, 84

1923-2007

Olaf D. Pederson, 84, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died on Sunday, May 13, 2007 at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Olaf was born on April 1, 1923 to Sever and Julia (Olson) Pederson in Hawley, Minnesota. He went to grade school in Meltonville, Iowa and graduated from Otranto High School.

Olaf married Boneta Young on October 22, 1944 in Austin. World War II was on when they married and Olaf was stationed in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Steady. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Olaf and Boneta farmed on the family farm near Carpenter, Iowa.

He enjoyed farming, especially dairy farming. He also worked for years at Wilson's in Albert Lea and then at Continental Grain in Northwood. Olaf enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Olaf is survived by four sons: Donald and Penny Pederson of Garner, and their children; Jessica and Frank Duregger of Fort Myers, Florida, and their children, Chanel, Macy and Giselle; Piper and Ross Charlton and their daughter, Sophia of Worthington, Minn.; Cole and Chelsey Pederson of Waterloo, Iowa; son, Marvin and Jill Pederson of Jeffers, Minn., and their children, Sara and Terry Hemann of St. Ansgar and their children, Brooke, Jacob and Kaitlyn, Josh Pederson of Mankato, Minn; Tim and Kristi Pederson of Harlan, Phil and Carrie Pederson and daughter, Emma of Mankato, Minn.; son, Paul and Margaret Pederson of Carpenter, and their children, Lucas and Stacy Brown and their children, Ella and Ethan of Mason City, Nathan, Kjersti, and Sam of Carpenter; son, Steve and Sue Pederson of Dike, and their children, Kelsey and Kent Garrison, of Indianapolis, Ind., Israel Pederson of West Lafayette, Ind., and Drew Pederson of Dike; grandchildren, Kris (Cooper) Gunn and her husband, Tony and children, Austin and Kaylleof Los Angeles, Calif., Tom Cooper of Los Angeles, and Kathi (Cooper) Ferguson and children, Joshua and Grace of Denver, Colo.

Olaf was preceded in death by his parents; by three sisters; by his wife Boneta; and by a daughter, Beverly.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 18, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Austin, Minnesota, with Rev. David Johnson officiating. Interment was in Woodbury Cemetery, Lyle, Minnesota.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Marian Ann (Penkava) Taylor

1919-2007

Marian Ann Taylor, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the Austin Medical Center.

She was born on December 23, 1919 in Austin, Minnesota, to Emil and Josie (Chrz) Penkava.

Marian graduated from Austin High School in 1940. On Nov. 2, 1940 she married Chester Taylor on her parents' farm in Freeborn County. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and the ZCBJ Lodge

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Chester.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with The Rev. Michael Olmsted officiating. Interment was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

She is survived by: daughters and sons-in-law: Beverly (John) Bridgeman of Austin, Minnesota, Marian (Raymond) Maloney of Austin, a son and daughter-in-law: John (Victoria) Taylor of Austin, by 11 grandchildren, by 20 great-grandchildren, by a sister: Olive Penkava of Austin, by sisters-in-law, Bernice Kuhl of Hastings, Minnesota, and Jane Taylor of Austin, and by nieces and nephews.

The Clasen-Jordan Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Lloyd August Perau

1921-2002

Lloyd August Perau, age 81, of Austin, died Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, 2002, at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Neb.

He was born June 3, 1921, to Willie Henry and Ella Lydia (Reimann) Perau in Elgin, N.D. He grew up in the Austin area attending schools in Mona, Iowa and Austin. After receiving training for welding in Portland, Ore., Lloyd enlisted in the Navy in 1942, serving for six years. During World War II he was stationed aboard the USS Delta, a repair ship based out of San Diego, Calif.

He married Anna Mae Gunderson of Sargeant on April 15, 1945, in Austin. Lloyd and Mae lived in San Diego where their first daughter, Janet (Flagg) was born. Shortly after returning to Austin he began work as a welder mechanic at the Hormel plant, retiring after 32 years. Lloyd also owned a sideline portable welding business. In the early 90's he worked part time at Regner's Welding of Austin.

His favorite pastime was constructing things. He made everything from decks, pontoons and camping trailers to cradles, games and puzzles. He built garages, sheds, beds, buffets, rocking chairs and even a beautiful spinning wheel. Other hobbies he enjoyed were camping fishing, gardening, antiquing, wine making, pickling, sausage making and reading. Visiting with friends was important to him, spending many happy hours square dancing and playing 500. He and Mae loved traveling the U.S., seeing relatives and doing extensive family tree research. All of his interests, such as planting 3,000 trees one Arbor Day to making his own homemade apple cider, reflected his zest for living. He was active at St. John's Lutheran Church, serving as an usher and trustee. His spiritual leadership was highly appreciated by all his family. Over the last three years he maintained a positive, inspirational attitude while enduring multiple medical problems. He will be greatly missed by friends and family.

Survivors include his daughter, Janet (Kenneth) Flagg of Arlington, Texas; Judy (Robert) Morrell of LaVista, Neb.; son, Dr. Dale (Penny) Perau of Sargeant; nine grandchildren; five step grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren.

His parents, his wife, Mae, and brother, Allan, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Austin. Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and at church one hour before the service. Interment is at Evanger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sargeant with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

 

 

Anita M. (Perkins) Lillegaard

1914-1997

LYLE, MINNESOTA -- The funeral for Anita M. Lillegaard will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church in Lyle with the Rev. Russell Wangen officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Lillegaard, 82, of Burr Oak Manor Nursing Home in Austin, formerly of Lyle, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 1997) at the nursing home.

Anita M. Perkins was born April 24, 1914, in Riverton, Minn. On July 31, 1931, she married Joy Lillegaard at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church parsonage in Austin. They lived in St. Ansgar, Iowa, for a short time and then farmed in Nevada Township, Mower County. She was a homemaker and a member of Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Lillegaard of Austin; a son, David of McCloud, Okla.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Donna (Mms. Dick) Dahlgren of Austin. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, two sisters and a brother.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and an hour before the service Friday at the church.

 

 

Marie Elizabeth (Hinrichs) Peters

1916-2007

Marie Elizabeth Peters, age 90, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2007.

Marie was born in Manson, Iowa, on July 15, 1916, to Ommo and Juliane (Cirks) Hinrichs.

Marie was an extremely gifted gardener. No one could make a flower bloom and flourish like she could. It was through her gardening that she found her essence and delight. She continually planted more every year, of every kind, of every color.

She quilted, sewed and mended for the less fortunate, which was a true testimony of her benevolent spirit. She was good at patching fabric and piecing together lost hope for the underprivileged. Marie was a self taught, resourceful seamstress and used her talents for special gifts each year for all the children and grandchildren at Christmastime.

What a treasure we have lost. We will cherish her memory and remember her tender yet powerful life forever. Her existence gave us roots and gave us wings. Her energy and sparkle were unmatched by anyone, showing enthusiasm for everything she did. Knowing her has been a gift with plentiful recollections of a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother.

Marie is survived by her sons: Ron (Lois) Peters, Austin, Minnesota; Bob (Judy) Peters, Harmony, Minnesota; her daughters: Marlene (Quentin) Fiala, Bristol, Virginia; Betty (Vaughn) McClelland, Coggin, Iowa; Linda (Jerry) Reinartz, Austin, Minnesota; and Julie (Ken) Wilkins, Hastings, Minnesota; by 17 grandchildren; by 27 great-grandchildren; and by two great-great-grandchildren; by one sister, Grace Porath, Pocahontas, Iowa; one brother, Eimo Hinrichs, Peoria, Illinois; and by nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband George; by sisters: Pauline and Helen; and by one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 19, 2007 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lyle, Minnesota. Interment was in Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Diane Catherine Durben-Peterson

1966-2000

LANESBORO, MINNESOTA -- The funeral for Diane Catherine Durben-Peterson will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lanesboro with the Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Durben-Peterson, 34, of Lanesboro, a registered nurse, died Sunday (July 23, 2000) at her home following a 31/2-year illness with cancer. Diane Catherine Durben was born May 14, 1966, in Osage, Iowa, lived in Stacyville, Iowa, as a child and attended St. Ansgar, Iowa, schools. She moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, with her family in 1979 and attended school in the Fort Dodge School District until 1982 when the family moved to Austin. She graduated from Austin High School in 1984, received an associate degree in nursing from Rochester Community College in 1986, and after receiving a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Winona State University in 1991, worked at University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, for a year. From 1987 until the time of her death, she was a registered nurse with Mayo Foundation.

On July 7, 1990, she married John E. Peterson and they made their home in Lanesboro. Her husband is employed by Jerome Foods in Rochester. A member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, she served on the Pastoral Council, was a past president of the Council of Catholic Women, taught first communion for faith formation and was a member of the choir. She was active in the American Cancer Society, specifically the Relay for Life event, a member of the Society of Urologic Nurses Association, and enjoyed playing tennis, shopping, listening to music and watching movies.

Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Katlyn Rose, and a son, Erik Gilbert, both at home; her parents, Norman and Mary (Carroll) Durben of Austin; three sisters, Pat Levorson of St. Ansgar, Rose (Keith) Hemann of Iowa City and Judy (Michael) Starr of Rochester, and two brothers, Mike Durben of Stacyville and Jerry (Lara) Durben of Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Friends may call at the church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and an hour before the service Wednesday. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. today at the church.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Gladys Marie (Seavey) Peterson

April 2, 1920 - March 29, 2005

Gladys Marie Seavey Peterson, age 84 of Blooming Prairie, died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at her home.

She was born to Charles S. "Sam" and Ella (Josephson) Seavey April 2, 1920 in Udolpho Township, Mower County, Minn. where she grew up and attended country school.

Baptized at First Methodist Church in Austin, she graduated from Austin High School in 1938 and worked a short time at Hormel. She was united in marriage to Marion O. Peterson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on October 18, 1938.

They farmed in Udolpho Township and celebrated 52 years of marriage until Marion's death in 1990.

Gladys was instrumental in starting the Elevator Fund at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church where she served in many capacities. She also participated in the Home Extension project group and enjoyed her friends and family, quilting, cooking and plants.. In her later years she moved to an apartment at Villa I in Blooming Prairie.

She is survived by her children, Kay Miller and special friend, Dale Nelson, Austin, Minn.; Kathleen (Norman) Bussian, Wabasha, Minn.; Marvin (Connie) Peterson, Austin, Minn.; Galen (Dorothy) Peterson, Austin, Minn.; Bonnie (Calvin) Ripple, Austin, Minn.; Roger (Dawna) Peterson, St. Croix Falls, Wis.; Daryl (Rae Ann) Peterson, Austin, Minn.; Mabel Peterson, Blooming Prairie, Minn.; 16 grandchildren; one step granddaughter; 16 great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews; several brothers and sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents, "Sam" and Ella Seavey; husband, Marion; sister, Maxine Garriot; brother, Clifford Seavey; two infant brothers; son-in-law, James Miller; step grandson, Michael Nolan; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2005 at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin with Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and at the church one hour before the service. Interment is at Red Oak Grove Cemetery.

Casket bearers are Dennis Bussian, Rodney Krell, Lance Peterson, Landon Peterson, Lee Peterson and Jeff Ripple.

Honorary casket bearer: Clint Peterson

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Helmer A. Peterson, 87

1919-2007

Helmer Arnold Peterson, a lifelong resident of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died at the Adams Heath Care Center on Wednesday, April 25, 2007. He had been struggling with a form of Parkinson's disease. He was 87 at the time of his death.

Helmer was born October 1, 1919 to Theodore B. "Ted" and Alma Stephena (Wold) Peterson in Blooming Prairie; the second son in a family of six boys and one girl.

Helmer married Bernyce Vaith on Oct. 15, 1941, at First Lutheran Parsonage in Blooming Prairie. In 1938 he opened Peterson Implement with his dad and brothers. In 1941 he started at Geo. A. Hormel & Company, working the extra gang.

He joined the service in 1942, serving in the Medical Infantry. He attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, preparing for the Air Corps but was discharged due to a bleeding ulcer. He returned to the Medical Infantry where he was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas. He also attended the University of Minnesota, taking a short course in Dairy Herd Improvement and assigned to Nicollet County.

He later returned to the Hormel Company and worked his way through the Grocery Products Division at the Austin plant. Operating from the Corporate Office in Austin, he became Director of Health, Safety and Assurance for the entire Grocery Product Division which included Beloit, Wisconsin; Fort Dodge, Iowa; Atlanta, Georgia; Stockton, California; Fremont, Nebraska; Owatonna, Minnesota; as well as Austin.

Helmer officially retired in December of 1985 after 44-1/2 years, but continued to go into the office for a couple of months, sure the Hormel Company would not survive. He missed only one day of work, buried by a snowplow on Highway 218 on his way to work. He carried a shovel in his car, and if he was not able to get through a drift, would shovel the highway.

Helmer's real love has always been his farms. He helped run them in his spare time -- even when they were rented out. He helped farm until about four years ago after no longer being able to farm, but drove around them constantly, and never stopped worrying about them or his renters. Another one of Helmer's loves was lutefisk; he made the time to attend all the dinners he could, even during harvest season.

Helmer was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernyce, in 2002; his son, Gary; his brothers: Irvin, Kermit, Arlen, and Donald; and by a nephew, Alvin "Butchie" Peterson.

He is survived by his daughter, Janelle O'Leary, of Austin, and her special friend, Henry Komoszewski, of Albert Lea, Minnesota; by his grandson, Ryan and granddaughter, Robyn, both of Austin; by a sister, Harriet (Dwain) Lehman, of Whitehouse, Ohio; by a brother, Harris (Phyllis) Peterson, of Blooming Prairie; by sisters-in-law, Lois Peterson, of Albert Lea; Bernadine Peterson and Julie Peterson, both of Blooming Prairie; and by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 29, 2007, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, with Pastors Heidi Heimgartner and Richard Hegal co-officiating. Burial was at First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie, with military honors by Blooming Prairie VFW Post 878.

Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Jeanette C. (Peterson) Bahl

1935-2007

Jeanette Charlotte Bahl, age 71, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, March 26, 2007 at her home in Austin.

She was born May 15, 1935 in Sargeant Township, Mower County, Minnesota, to Henry and Clara (Jensen) Peterson.

Jeanette graduated from Austin High School in the class of 1953. She was married to Robert D. Bahl on Aug. 28, 1955, in Austin. Jeanette was a homemaker and a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed gardening, genealogy and doing hardanger.

Jeanette is survived by her husband, Robert D. Bahl, of Austin; by daughters and sons-in-law: Rhonda and Kevin Miller, of Lakeville, Minnesota; Tami and Steve Schuknecht, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; by a son, Peter Bahl, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; by grandchildren: Heather Miller, Ryan (Andrea) Miller, Nathan Miller, Timothy Bruflat, Christa Bruflat, Katie Schuknecht; great-grandchildren, Zachary Rushford and Ashley Miller; by a brother and sister-in-law, Willis and Dorene Peterson, of Lexington, Kentucky; by a sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Terry Jenson, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her stepfather, Elmer Schurrer.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Interment was in the Evanger Lutheran Cemetery in Sargeant Township.

The Clasen-Jordan Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Suzanne Peterson Hedstrom

1948-1996

The funeral for Suzanne Hedstrom will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. Burial will be in Bennington Cemetery near Grand Meadow.

Mrs. Hedstrom, 48, of Lake Zumbro, co-owner of the Rochester Insty-Prints Printing Centers, died of cancer Tuesday (July 2, 1996) at her home after a two-year illness.

Suzanne Peterson was born Feb. 9, 1948, in Rochester and grew up in rural Grand Meadow. On March 19, 1967, she married Martin Hedstrom in Grand Meadow and they lived in Rochester until moving to Lake Zumbro in 1976. She was a manager at Dayton's before becoming co-owner and operator of the three Insty-Prints Printing Centers in Rochester with her husband. Mrs. Hedstrom was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and the Million Dollar Club of Insty-Prints Franchisees.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Martin II of Lake Zumbro; her father, Gordon H. Peterson of Grand Meadow; a sister, Nancy Anderson of Rochester; and a brother, Bruce Peterson of Grand Meadow. She was preceded in death by her mother.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Ranfranz Funeral Home in Rochester and an hour before this service Saturday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Ronald McDonald House or Rochester Central Lutheran School.

 

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

 

Olander "Ole" Peterson

1915-2003

Olander "Ole" Peterson, 87, of Grand Meadow, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, at Austin Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 26. 1915, in Grand Meadow, to Albert and Helen (Nelson) Peterson.

On Jan. 11, 1941, he married Bethel Conley in Nashua, Iowa. They had three children. Bethel died July 4, 1988.

In 1944, Ole joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He attained the rank of private 1st class and was a rifleman. A member of the 5th Marine division, he fought on Iwo Jima, where he was wounded in battle, for which he received the Purple Heart Medal.

Ole had the Shell Station in Grand Meadow for several years before going to work for Don's IGA in Spring Valley, where he worked for 38 years.

He was a member of the Grand Meadow Volunteer Fire Department for 26 years and was an active member of the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church.

In 1980, Ole was diagnosed with Legionnaires Disease and recovered.

On Sept. 12, 1992, he married Bette (Willoughby) Hedstrom at the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church.

Ole enjoyed traveling, rummage sales and collecting tools.

Survivors include his wife, Bette Hedstrom-Peterson, Grand Meadow; sons Terrence (Susan) Peterson, Faribault; Marshall (Betty) Peterson, Lakeville; daughter, Lu Ann (Dan) Rasmussen, Rose Creek; seven grandchildren; stepson, Martin (Cathy) Hedstrom, Zumbro Falls; one step-grandson; sisters, Mildred Peterson, Rochester; Gladys Fruth and Agnes Olson, both of Grand Meadow; Ardes Rote, West Minster, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife and an infant brother.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2003, at the funeral home and Saturday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow with the Rev. Daniel Wee officiating.

Interment: Bear Creek Cemetery, rural Grand Meadow.

Funeral Home: Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home, Grand Meadow.

 

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

 

Irene Mabel (Christensen) Phelps

1914-2007

Irene M. Phelps, 93, of Rochester, died Wednesday morning, March 28, 2007 at Madonna Towers in Rochester, Minnesota.

Irene Mabel Christensen was born Jan. 6, 1914 to Hilmer and Elsie (Fritsche) Christensen in Waldorf, Minnesota where she grew up and graduated from high school in 1933.

She married Keith Phelps on Sept. 24, 1935, near Mapleton, Minnesota. Following the marriage the couple resided in Waseca, Minnesota until 1952, and relocated to Austin, Minnesota, where they lived for five years. In 1957 Irene and Keith moved to Rochester.

The couple had resided for several years at Madonna Towers where they were active. Irene was a medical secretary at the Mayo Clinic for 19 years. She was a 50-plus year member and a past Noble Grand with a Degree of Honor from the Waseca Rebecca Lodge and member of the Rochester Chapter of the Eastern Star and White Shrine. Irene was also a 25 year member of the Silver Treads Square Dance Club and the Rochester Senior Citizen's Center.

She was a lifetime member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and was active in the Church Circle and Women's Club. She had won several blue ribbons for her oil and watercolor paintings.

Irene is survived by her husband, Keith, Rochester, Minnesota; one son: Kenzie (Mary Ann) Phelps, Clear Lake, Minnesota; one daughter; Carol (Ralph) Austin, Norman, Okla.; a daughter-in-law: Pastor Ruth Phelps, St. Louis Park, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Sarah (John) Urick, Buffalo, Minnesota, Matthew (Alisa) Phelps, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Taylor (Laura Pfeiffer) Phelps, St. Paul, Minnesota, Kendra (Dave) Sahlstrom, Foley, Minnesota, Hillary (Joe) Burrus, Austin, Texas and Alexis Austin, Ravenna, Neb.; nine great grandchildren: Jenna and Abigail Urick, Ben and Joey Phelps, Aidan and Ryder Phelps, Madison and Jack Sahlstrom and Holden Burrus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilmer and Elsie Christensen; by a son, Joel Phelps, by a brother, Herb Christensen and by a sister, Ethel Anderson.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 2, 2007 at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester. Interment was in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.

Condolences may be sent online to www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by Mahn Family Funeral Home--Rochester Chapel (507) 280-0311.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Merle T. Phipps

November 26, 1920 - January 7, 1997

BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MINN. -- The funeral for Merle T. Phipps will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in rural Blooming Prairie with the Rev. Luther Mathsen officiating. Burial will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery.

Mr. Phipps, 76, of rural Blooming Prairie, a farmer and owner of Merdot Inc., died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 1997) at Austin Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 26, 1920, in Allamakee County, Iowa. On Feb. 3, 1946, he married Dorothy Hanson at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Mr. Phipps lived in the Blooming Prairie area most of his life except for two years in Ridgeway, Iowa. He was a member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Rhonna (Mrs. Mark) Peterson of Maple Grove, Minn.; and two sisters, Adah (Mrs. Leonard) Steinmetz of Cresco, Iowa, and Elaine (Mrs. Roger) Doubek of Ridgeway, Iowa.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and an hour before the service Friday at the church.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Elden L. Pike, 84

1922-2007

Elden L. Pike, age 84, died on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at Season's Hospice in Rochester, Minnesota.

Elden Lewis Pike was born on August 9, 1922 in rural Pine Island, Minnesota, to Harold and Gertrude Pike. He attended New Haven Township schools. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II.

On January 8, 1946 he married June Barger, in Austin, Minnesota. He worked for Marigold Foods for 35 years as a truck driver. He was a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, June, of Rochester; his four sons: Gary (Nancy) Pike, of Rochester; Orluff (Judy) Opheikens, of Ogden, Utah; Ron (Judy) Pike, of Mound, Minnesota; and Rick (Creda) Pike, of Byron, Minnesota; his three daughters: Sherie (Rory) Lenton, of Rochester; Julie (Larry) Bennett, of Kasson, Minnesota; and Jill (Wayne) Dietrich, of rural Dexter, Minnesota; by 27 grandchildren; by 17 great-grandchildren; by three brothers: Robert (Barb) Pike, of Kasson; Harry Pike, of Pine Island, Minnesota; Bill (Linda) Pike, of Byron; and by a sister, Jean McGinley, of St. Paul, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by two granddaughters; and by a brother, Gerald.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Rochester, Minnesota, with military honors provided by American Legion Post #92.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes were in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Esther Lauretta Hansine (Marcusen)
PLEHAL

1918-2007

Esther Plehal of Austin, Minnesota, died January 2, 2007 at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. She was 88. She had been living in Boise since November 2004.

Esther Lauretta Hansine Marcusen was born in Austin on August 14, 1918. She was the oldest of four girls born to Hans and Else Marcusen.

Esther's parents were first generation Danish immigrants, having traveled to America as teenagers, settling separately in Austin in the early 1900s. During Esther's youth, Hans owned and operated a car dealership at Park Motors, was a community leader, and served two terms as mayor of Austin from 1933-1938. The City of Austin acquired family land for a ball park, which is now named Marcusen Park in his honor.

Esther graduated valedictorian of the class of 1936 at Austin High School. She attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the University of Minnesota, majoring in journalism. Upon the death of her father, she returned to Austin to assist with the family business and to help support her younger sisters. She also worked at the Austin Utilities and other city offices.

Esther married Burt J. Plehal on May 9, 1943 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Burt was employed at the Austin State Bank. Soon after their wedding, Esther and Burt left Austin for two years while Burt served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following the war, they returned to Austin where Burt resumed his career as a banker and Esther began raising a family of three sons.

In 1954 the family moved to 701 S Fifth Street (later Ninth Street SW) where, except for a brief stay at the Cedars of Austin, she lived until moving to Idaho. She and Burt also established a summer home on the Mississippi River at Wacouta Beach, near Red Wing, Minn. Life on the river became a most important part of Plehal family life.

Esther began a twenty-year career in commercial and residential property management with Red Cedar Properties in 1965, and she joined Zonta International in 1967. She served in various leadership positions at the local, area, district, national and international levels and was named Zonta Woman of the year in 1974.

In her 86 years in Austin, Esther was involved in countless civic and benevolent organizations. She served on the Board of the Austin YWCA; was an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church where she also was president of food services and taught Sunday school. She was a Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star; a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International; donated more than 100 units of blood at the American Red Cross blood bank; served as City/County election judge; was on the board of the Hormel Historic Home, and she was a 72-year member of the Danish Sisterhood of America.

Above all, Esther was family-focused. She lovingly shared her home with her mother-in-law Emily for 25 years; she religiously exchanged letters in Danish and English with relatives near and far; she conducted family church services during summer vacation at the Plehal cottage and she managed a "house of boys" and the associated roles of Den mother, cheerleader, referee, judge, nurse, timekeeper and chauffeur.

She is survived by her three sons: Jim of Red Wing, Minnesota, Tom of Cascade, Idaho, and John of Springfield, Virginia; a sister, Helen of South Carolina; her daughters-in-law, Sandra, Karolyn and Gari; her grandchildren: Ben, Joe, Chris, Andrew, Emma and Dan, and very special "adopted" boys and their families from the US to the Netherlands.

Memorial services were held on Friday, May 18, 2007, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

 

Gary D. Plotts

1959-1994

AUSTIN, MINN. -- Gary D. Plotts, 35, of 1011 11th Ave. S.W., manager of the Freeborn County Co-op, died of cancer Thursday (Dec. 29, 1994) at his home after a lengthy illness.

Born April 28, 1959, in Austin, he graduated from Austin High School in 1977. On Dec. 29, 1979, he married De Anne Sundberg at First Congregational Church in Austin and they lived in Austin. For the past 15 years he was employed in agri-business and since 1993 was manager of the Freeborn Co-Op (Con-Agra). Mr. Plotts was a member of the Ramsey Golf Course and served as trustee of the Congregational Church.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Adam Dean and Garett Jan, both of Austin; his mother and stepfather, Doris and Jim Stahlboerger of Belgrade, Minn.; three sisters, Teran (Mrs. Steve) Aberg and Doreen (Mrs. Todd) Newkirk, both of Taopi, and Rene (Mrs. Bill) Catz of St. Paul; and his maternal grandparents, Waunetta and Edwin Ferguson of Austin. He was preceded in death by his father and paternal grandparents.

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Congregational Church in Austin with the Rev. David W. Groenemann officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Austin.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin is in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation or reviewal.

 

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

 

 

©2007 MNGenWeb
Webization by Kermit Kittleson, June 19, 2007