Mary Melvina Fuller, daughter of Simeon and Naomi Fuller, was born Dec 7, 1862, at North Creek, Warren County, N. Y. At the age of six, she moved with her parents to Minnesota and settled on a farm, near Chatfield.

A few years later, they moved to Dexter township, Mower county, where on Nov. 28, 1884, she was united in marriage to Asben S. Rolfson. To this union were born four sons and two daughters, all of whom survive.

In the fall of 1919, Mr. and Mrs. Rolfson retired from the farm and moved to Austin, where they resided at 602 West Maple, until their death.

Mrs. Rolfson was a faithful member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and a life member of the Women's Missionary federation. Death came to her about 7:30, Sunday morning, Nov. 25, 1951, at St. Olaf hospital, just 12 days prior to her 89th birthday.

Mrs. Rolfson was preceded in death by her husband and a step-daughter, Anne (Mrs. M. M. Haynes). Surviving are her six children: Roy, Guy and Earl, Brownsdale; Frances (Mrs. C. H. Waldon), Waterloo, Iowa; Myrtle (Mrs. P. A. Ulland) and Merril, Austin; also 20 grandchildren; three step-grandchilrecn; 17 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Eugene Fuller, Oregon.

Funeral services were held at St. Olaf Lutheran church on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 2 p. m. with Rev. Arthur L. Swenson officiating. Interment was in Greenwood cemetery at Brownsdale. Pallbears were Paul Rockwell, Oscar Proeschel, Ben Anderson, Arthur Hoffman, Irvin Strangman and John Brinkman."

 

Item #1 of 2 items

18 August 1917 - 1 December 2004

Robert Guy Rolfson was born on August 18, 1917, as the second of four children of Guy and Helen (Sullivan) Rolfson in Brownsdale, Minnesota. Robert was baptized in St. Augustine's Church at Austin, Minnesota, and grew up on a farm in a predominantly Lutheran part of the state. His schooling began in the fall of 1923 at a one-room public schoolhouse over a mile from home. Most of the neighbors' children, however, went to the German Lutheran School across the road.

Being the only Catholic family in Brownsdale created difficulties for the Rolfson children. Robert's religious environment was meager. Mass attendance was sporadic, and the home was bereft of religious symbols. When he was eight, his mother took him for a brief period of instruction so he could receive First Holy Communion.

Robert always had to help with tasks on the farm, and he drove the family's first tractor as soon as he learned how. Work on the farm forced Robert to miss many classes in the spring and fall.

In the fall of 1931, however, Robert enrolled at St. Augustine's High School in Austin. On her own, his mother managed to find resources for Robert's tuition and room and board in Austin. Her husband did not support Catholic schooling. Aware of his mother's great sacrifices, Robert studied diligently to make up for deficiencies in his educational background.

In his senior year Robert flourished. His classmates elected him president, and his role was the lead in the class play. Because of his academic accomplishments, the Minnesota Council of Colleges awarded him a scholarship. It enflamed his desire to attend college despite the fact that none was close by and his father, acutely aware of the country's economic Depression, was cool to the idea.

The Rolfsons' pastor contacted the monks at Saint John's University and negotiated special financial arrangements. In August 1935, Robert left for Collegeville with instructions from the monsignor that he should live up to all the good things he had said about him. Robert continued to flourish at Saint John's making straight A's in chemistry, biology and mathematics, winning the freshman gold medal. To help defray expenses, Robert worked in The Liturgical Press. As a sophomore he was promoted to the Dean's office as secretary. He graduated from Saint John's cum laude in 1939 and began his teaching career in nearby Holdingford.

When an opening came at Saint John's Preparatory School, Robert readily applied and began teaching mathematics and science in the fall of 1941. At the end of his first year of teaching, Robert confided to Abbot Alcuin Deutsch OSB his interest in applying to and joining the monastery. He returned for his second year of teaching while taking classes in philosophy and Latin. Robert entered the Abbey in July of 1942 and accepted Gunther as his name in religion. He professed monastic vows on July 11, 1943.

During Father Gunther's priestly studies, he continued teaching science and working as an administrative assistant in the Registrar's office. Father Gunther was ordained on June 30, 1946. He attended courses at Fordham University and obtained a masters degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1952. Father Gunther founded the Counseling Department at Saint John's University in 1948. By 1952 he served as registrar and director of admissions, the latter for nine years. In 1961 he joined the team of chaplains for the Monastery of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and taught religion, chemistry and algebra at St. Benedict's High School there. He also served as guidance counselor.

Acceding to the invitation of Abbot Baldwin, Father Gunther completed a masters degree in Systematic Botany at the University of Oregon in 1966. He taught in the Biology Department of Saint John's University from 1966 to 1975 while continuing on the chaplain team and science faculty at Saint Benedict's High School. He was a faculty resident in St. Patrick Hall from 1970 to 1978.

In 1967 Father Gunther was appointed Junior Master of the young monks at the abbey during the turbulent times after Vatican II and during the Vietnam War. In 1970 Father Gunther began a long and influential role in the life of Saint John's University. He served in various capacities: as dean or assistant dean of the college for eight years (1971-1978), as academic and executive vice-president for six years (1975-1981), as interim president for three months in the summer of 1981 and as a member of the Board of Regents (1981-1985). In 1971 Father Gunther founded the International Studies Program by creating learning opportunities for undergraduates at Salzburg, Rome, Athens, Dublin and Aix-en-Provence.

From 1981 to 1982, Father Gunther revived the microfilming of medieval manuscripts in Germany and Portugal as associate director of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library. While in Germany he was instrumental in establishing a Reformation Research Library by identifying and contacting depositories of Reformation and Counter-Reformation documents for the Lutheran Brotherhood of Minneapolis.

Father Gunther, ever the botanist, built and maintained the Gemini Botany Reserve of some 450 species of flowering plants beginning in 1972. After his HMML assignment, he was appointed in 1983 pastor of St. Catherine's Parish in Farming, Minnesota. He served as their much beloved pastor until 2000. There, too, he planted 147 different species of wildflowers and trees around the church. Ill health necessitated his return to the Abbey Retirement Center in January of 2000.

In 1982 Father Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, then president of Saint John's University, awarded a Presidential Citation to Father Gunther for his long and distinguished service as "acting president, vice president for academic affairs, dean of the college of arts and sciences, registrar, and associate professor of biology, as well as consistently sage and gracious counsel in university affairs, his signal contribution to mutual esteem and cooperation with the College of Saint Benedict, his support and encouragement of international studies, and his continued exploration of the natural environment and the beauty of creation."

Father Gunther was always the gentleman, known throughout his life in all his work as a kind and thoughtful person who went out of his way to make people feel welcome and important. He was a master both of making stories, characterizing people, and describing events -- always with abiding respect and a sense of humor.

Father Paul Schwietz OSB (1952-2000), founder of the Saint John's Arboretum, acknowledged Father Gunther as his primary mentor. Father Paul expanded the range of native wild flowers fostered by Father Gunther and created the Wetlands Preserve that Father Gunther playfully called "Schwietz's Swamp." He served as an advisor for the Arboretum until fall 2003. As long as native wild flowers and natural beauty are cultivated in Collegeville, Father Gunther will enjoy a fitting tribute and memorial.

After declining health Father Gunther died peacefully on Wednesday, December 1, 2004, in the abbey's retirement center. He is survived by his sister, Mary Jean Smith, St. George's, Bermuda. His niece, S. Helen Rolfson OSF, is a faculty member in the School of Theology at Saint John's University.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Father Gunther at 3 p.m. on Monday, December 6, in Saint John's Abbey Church with interment in the abbey cemetery.

We ask each community member to offer two Masses according to the manner of his participation in the priesthood of Christ. We commend our brother, Gunther, to your prayers.

Abbot John Klassen OSB and the monks of Saint John's Abbey.

Milestones:

• Born: 22 January 1908
• Professed: 11 July 1955
• Ordained: 4 June 1960
• Died: 2 November 2004

---

 

Item #2 of 2 items

Father Gunther Robert Rolfson, OSB, 87, a monk of Saint John's, Collegeville, MN, died December 1. He was born in Brownsdale, MN and grew up on a farm in a predominantly Lutheran part of the state. Being the only Catholic family in Brownsdale created difficulties for the Rolfson children. Robert's religious environment was meager. Mass attendance was sporadic, and the home was bereft of religious symbols. Work on the farm forced Robert to miss many classes in the spring and fall.

In the fall of 1931, however, Robert enrolled at St. Augustine's High School in Austin. On her own, his mother managed to find resources for Robert's tuition and room and board in Austin. Her husband did not support Catholic schooling. Aware of his mother's great sacrifices, Robert studied diligently to make up for deficiencies in his educational background.   In his senior year Robert flourished. Because of his academic accomplishments, the Minnesota Council of Colleges awarded him a scholarship. It enflamed his desire to attend college despite the fact that none was close by and his father thought the appropriate graduation gift was "a good pair of work shoes and some new overalls."

Robert continued to flourish at Saint John's making straight A's in chemistry, biology and mathematics, winning the freshman gold medal. To help defray expenses, Robert worked in The Liturgical Press. As a sophomore he was promoted to the Dean's office as secretary. He graduated from Saint John's cum laude in 1939 and began his teaching career in nearby Holdingford.  

When an opening came at Saint John's Preparatory School, Robert readily applied and began teaching mathematics and science in the fall of 1941. At the end of his first year of teaching, Robert confided to Abbot Alcuin Deutsch OSB his interest in applying to and joining the monastery. He r eturned for his second year of teaching while taking classes in philosophy and Latin. Robert entered the Abbey in July of 1942, taking the name Gunther, and professed vows on June 30, 1946.

He attended courses at Fordham University and obtained a masters degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1952. Father Gunther founded the Counseling Department at Saint John's University in 1948.

By 1952 he served as registrar and director of admissions, the latter for nine years. In 1961 he joined the team of chaplains for the Monastery of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN, and taught religion, chemistry and algebra at St. Benedict's High School there. He also served as guidance counselor.

Father Gunther completed a masters degree in Systematic Botany at the University of Oregon in 1966. He taught in the Biology department of Saint John's University from 1966 to 1975 while continuing on the chaplain team and science faculty at Saint Benedict's High School. He was a faculty resident in St. Patrick Hall from 1970 to 1978. In 1967 Father Gunther was appointed Junior Master of the young monks at the abbey during the turbulent times after Vatican II and during the Vietnam War.

In 1970 Father Gunther began a long and influential role in the life of Saint John's University. He served in various capacities, as dean or assistant dean of the college, as academic and executive vice-president, as interim president, and a member of the Board of Regents. In 1971 Father Gunther founded the International Studies Program by creating learning opportunities for undergraduates at Salzburg, Rome, Athens, Dublin and Aix-en-Provence.

From 1981 to 1982 Father Gunther revived the microfilming of medieval manuscripts in Germany and Portugal as associate director of the Hill Monastic Manuscript Library. While in Germany he was instrumental in establishing a Reformation Research Library by identifying and contacting depositories of Reformation and Counter-Reformation documents for the Lutheran Brotherhood of Minneapolis. Father Gunther, ever the botanist, built and maintained the Gemini Botany Reserve of some 450 species of flowering plants beginning in 1972. After his HMML assignment, he was appointed in 1983 pastor of St. Catherine's Parish in Farming, MN.

He served as their much beloved pastor until 2000. There, too, he planted 147 different species of wildflowers and trees around the church. Ill health necessitated his return to the Abbey Retirement Center in January of 2000. Father Gunther was a master both of making stories, characterizing people, and describing events ­ always with abiding respect and a sense of humor. After declining health Father Gunther died peacefully on December 1.

 

Dorothy Mable Rollie, age 79, of Austin, Minnesota, died at St. Mark's Lutheran Home Monday evening, Feb. 19, 2007.

Dorothy was born Oct. 21, 1927, to Frank and Myrtle (Cox) Tentis in Kellogg, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended a one room school.

After attending high school, she moved to Rochester, Minnesota, to waitress. She married Lyle Rollie on Oct. 8, 1948, in Rochester. They made their home in Spring Valley, Minn., until 1952 when they moved to Austin, Minnesota. Dorothy worked at The Riviera, The Hub, The Dinner Belle, and at Sacred Heart Hospice for 10 years. She operated a day care center in her home for 22 years. She moved to St. Mark's Lutheran Home in October of 2006. Dorothy liked her grandchildren's visits and enjoyed watching birds and squirrels from her deck.

Survivors include sons: William (Monica) Rollie, Austin, Minn.; Scott (Barbara) Rollie, Austin, Minn.; Randall "Randy" (JoAnn) Rollie, Austin, Minn.; daughters: Pamela (Rocky) Borg, Madison Lake, Minn.; Kandis Jones, Niceville, Fla.; Jody (Tom) Nyberg, Waseca, Minn.; 19 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two sisters: Rachel Pavelka, Kellogg, Minn.; and Jean Speedling, Plainview, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a sister, Eleanor Groby.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Harold Deye officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment is at Grandview Cemetery, Austin.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Anne Lucille (Schottler) Rooney, age 64, of Steamboat Springs, Colo., died March 9, 2007 in Steamboat Springs.

She began her life of celebration in Austin, Minn. on Aug. 13, 1943. Born the youngest of six children of Julius and Bernadette (Christie) Schottler, she grew up on the family farm near Austin, where, at an early age, she developed a love of life, nature and all things beautiful.

Anne’s siblings were all active in 4-H, though Anne was not content to cook, sew, and garden. She took these skills to a higher level, designing her own (and friend’s) clothing, creating recipes, and nurturing a gift for art and culture. She was Minnesota state 4-H Style Queen in 1961, modeling an original creation which she had sewn.

After earning a degree in art education from the University of Minnesota, she taught high school, then moved to Tripoli, Libya where she taught at the American School from 1971 to 1976. There she was active in the Libyan Art Society, became an expert at making homemade wine, and met and married Patrick J. Rooney. In 1974, they were blessed with a daughter, Michelle Kathleen, who, at the age of one, attended birthday parties for the son of Moammar Qaddafi, their neighbor.

In 1976, Pat’s work for Conoco Oil Company moved them to Dubai, U.A.E., where they were again blessed in 1978, this time with a son, Colin Patrick. Anne’s family was a great source of pride and joy for her, and will always treasure memories of her creativity, playfulness and sense of humor which made for many memorable adventures. Her graciousness as a hostess was enjoyed by all, with the possible exception of some customers during her brief stint as a waitress while in college. She laughingly recalled dropping trays of glasses and plates, and spilling wine on them - but, “it was very good wine.”

Anne built her reputation as a sculptor while living in Dubai, and during her 17 years in the Arabian Gulf she studied and portrayed customs in animated bronze sculpture. She will be remembered as a prime mover in the Dubai Art society and community activities, her pottery kiln in the back yard a focal point for gathering with friends. She shared her time and knowledge with a giving spirit and desire to help others develop their skills, to celebrate cultural differences, and to promote understanding. Her sculptures of local figures were well received by the ruling family, and can be seen at the Dubai International Airport.

After the family moved to Houston in 1988, Anne continued to create sculptures for the Global Childrens Foundation, the Jo Kelly School for Handicapped Children, the “Angels with an Attitude” series, and numerous corporate gifts and commissioned works.

Anne had been residing and sculpting in Steamboat Springs, Colo. since 1997. She generously gave her time as a docent for the Steamboat Arts Council, tutor for Comminicad Integrada, and groups such as Community Alliance, the Opus Book Club and Routt County Democrats. She will be missed by her many friends at the Health @ Rec. center, the Circle of Women, Peace and Justice, Yoga, and the Course of Miracles.

Anne is survived by her daughter, Michelle Rooney, of Paris, France; son, Colin Rooney, of Durango, Colo.; husband, Patrick Rooney, of Denver; sisters and brothers-in law: Kathy (Carl) Gerlach, of Austin; Joan (John) Conzemius, of Cannon Falls, Minn.; Joyce (Bud) Smith, of Burgaw, N.C.; brothers and sisters-in-law: John (Georgine) Schottler, of Somerset, Wis.; Bill Schottler, of Anoka, Minn.; and Darlene Schottler, of Austin; many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews.

Anne’s family is extremely grateful for the friendships, love and support she has enjoyed in Steamboat Springs, and those who have been a part of her life’s adventures.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jamie L. Root, 35, formerly of Austin, died Sept. 7, 2005, in Chapel Hill, N.C., after a swimming accident.

Born June 18, 1970, to Maynard and Phyllis Root, of Austin, SFC Root was a 1988 graduate of Austin High School.

SFC Root began his military career in 1988 where he earned the following awards, decorations and badges: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; South West Asia Service Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait); Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon; Expert Infantry Badge; Combat Infantryman Badge; Parachutist Badge; Ranger Tab; and Special Forces Tab.

SFC Root enjoyed hunting fishing and training dogs.

He is survived by his children: Ashley, Jacob and Madison, of Spring Hope, N.C.; parents, Maynard and Phyllis Root, of Austin; fiancee, Lisa Palmer Mahaffey, Aberdeen, N.C.; brothers: Dennis (Judy), of Winona; and Timothy (Linda) Creston; sisters: Dianne (James) Root Rogne, Elkton; Janelle (Steve) Solberg, Austin; eight nephews and three nieces.

SFC Root was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melvin and Helen Root, of Spring Valley; and Earl and Meta Mash, of Wykoff.

Funeral services will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, with Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Visitation will be held at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 4-7 p.m. today. Interment at Grandview Cemetery with Military Honors by the Military Honor Guard, the members of his unit, D Company, First Battalion, First SWTG (A) who will also serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jared Heimer, Jeremy Heimer, Justin Heimer, Matthew Root, Christopher Root, Jason Solberg, Joshua Solberg and Hunter Root.

 

 

 

Austin Daily Herald, Thur. Jan. 19, 1922; page-2 col.-1

OBITUARY

Mrs. C. R. Padelford died at St. Olaf hospital Wednesday morning at 10:45 after an illness of nearly two years with a complication of diseases.

Sarah C. Rose was born April 17, 1843 at So. Corwith, Saratoga county New York. She was married to Cyrus R. Padelford June 17, 1866. They came to Minnesota fifty-two years ago locating in Austin and resided here until their deaths. Mr. Padelford dying three years ago. Five children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy.

Those surviving are George Padelford and Mrs. Myrtle Sockness of Austin and Mrs. Charles Miller of Mason City, Iowa. She also leaves one brother, William A. Rose of New York and nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. All the children and grandchildren will be present at the funeral except one grandson F.J. Churchill and his daughter of Auburn, Wash., who are unable to come. The funeral services will be held at the house, 507 East Grant Street, Friday afternoon at two o'clock. Interment will be made in Oakwood cemetery.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

 

AUSTIN, MINN. -- Robert W. Rosel, Sr., age 80, of Austin, Minn., died Monday, March 5, 2007, at Adams Health Care Center, Adams, Minn.

He was born June 26, 1926, in St. Ansgar, Iowa, to Wilmer and Elnora (Belz) Rosel.

Bob graduated from the St. Ansgar High School and served in the US Navy during WWII. He was married to Margaret Zimmerman on Nov. 28, 1946, in Austin. He was a mail carrier with the Austin Post Office.

Bob was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. He was a member of the American Legion, where he was the charitable gambling manager, the Veterans of Foreign War, Moose and Eagles clubs. He was a supporter of local youth sports and enjoyed watching football and baseball on television. He was also a driver with the local Meals on Wheels program and active at the Mower County Senior Citizens Center.

Bob is survived by a son, Bob (Madonna) Rosel, of Rose Creek, Minn.; grandchildren: Jesse and Kristin Rosel, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Melissa and Mark Ryberg, of St. Paul, Minn.; great-grandchildren: Sydney and William Ryberg; brothers, sister and spouses: Raymond (Carmie) Rosel, of Chicago, Ill.; Dorothy Flygstad, of Ellsworth, Iowa; Richard (Barbara) Rosel, of Clear Lake, Iowa; David (Marilyn) Rosel, of Drake, N.D.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; grandson, Dustin Rosel; parents; and brother, Wayne.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, where friends may call from noon until the time of the service. Soloist will be David Wiedemann. At Bob's request his body has been donated to the Mayo Medical Foundation. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Submitted to MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

AUSTIN, MINN. -- The funeral for Harland Carlisle Rosenthal will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel in Austin with the Rev. Chris A. Holck officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Austin.

Mr. Rosenthal, 88, of Austin, longtime owner of Rosenthal Greenhouse and Gardens, died Tuesday (June 15, 1999) at his home.

Born Jan. 15, 1911, in Austin, he attended Enterprise School south of Austin and Austin High School, and lived in Austin most of his life. On Dec. 10, 1939, he married Bessie Mae Lillie. The couple owned and operated Rosenthal Greenhouse and Gardens for 35 years. Mr. Rosenthal also was painter for Irvin Carle Decorators for several years and custodian for First National Bank for 15 years before his retirement in 1985. He was a member of Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Carol Jean (Mrs. Jon) Everson of Caldwell, Idaho; a son, Robert of Austin; eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Two brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and an hour before the service Friday at the funeral home.

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

Birth: Feb. 24, 1913
Death: Oct. 27, 1995

GRAND MEADOW, MINN. -- Phyllis "Fid" Torgrimson, 82, of Austin, who helped found the Austin chapter of ARC, died Friday (Oct. 27, 1995) in Rochester.

Phyllis Rother was born Feb. 24, 1913, in Grand Meadow and graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1931. She attended Teachers Training Class in Austin and taught in rural schools until 1937 when she married Rolf "Gib" Torgrimson.

One of their children, Ann, was developmentally disabled, so Phyllis and Rolf helped start the ARC chapter. From 1967 until 1973, she worked at the ARC center at Red Oak Grove.

Mrs. Torgrimson is survived by a son, John of Lanesboro; four daughters, Mary (Mrs. Thomas) Fitterer of Juneau, Ala., Connie (Mrs. Merle) Boes of Austin, Margaret (Mrs. Dan) Gaworecki of Owatonna and Chris (Mrs. Jeff) Kasak of Austin; and 15 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, a daughter and a grandson.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with the Revs. Paul Nelson and Frank Enright officiating. Burial will be in St. Finbarrs Cemetery in Grand Meadow.

Friends may call at the Mayer Funeral Home in Austin from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday. The rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. and there will be a wake service at 7 p.m.

 

LE ROY, MINN. -- A Mass of Christian burial will be offered for Edgar A. "Choke" Rowe at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Le Roy with the Rev. Matthew Vanissery officiating. Burial will be in Frankford Cemetery in rural Spring Valley.

Mr. Rowe, 81, of rural Le Roy, owner of Rowe Ready Mix Concrete, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 1997) at his home.

He was born July 25, 1915, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. On March 30, 1943, he married Helen Regan in Minnneapolis. She died in 1989. Mr. Rowe was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Survivors include three sons, Joe, Jack and Scott, all of Le Roy; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and special friend, Monica Westphall of Le Roy. Two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Hutchins Funeral Home in Le Roy and an hour before the service Saturday at the church.

 

 

AUSTIN, MINNESOTA -- Services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday at United Methodist Church in Austin for Kathleen B. Noble, 94, of Austin, who died Thursday (Sept. 12, 1996) at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin. The Rev. Becky Jo Thilles will officiate and burial will be in Grandview Cemetery.

The former Katherine B. Rowland was born July 13, 1902, in St. Ansgar, Iowa. She attended St. Ansgar schools.

On Nov. 10, 1920, she married Hannible Noble in St. Ansgar, and they moved to the Lansing area; he died in 1960.

Mrs. Noble worked as a nurse's aide at St. Olaf Hospital.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Church Circle and the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include four sons, Roger, Robert, Ronald and Ross Noble, all of Austin; four daughters, Evelyn Duenow of St. Ansgar, Jeanette (Mrs. Joe) Bjork of Silver City, N.M., Barbara (Mrs. Gary) Underland of Owatonna, and Judy (Mrs. Robert) Beck of Conger, Minn.; 34 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mildred Noble of Austin and Ruby Tanner of Perham. She was preceded in death by a daughter, a grandson and two sisters.

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

 

Edna Marie (Taylor) Russell, age 87, died of natural causes on Sunday, February 11, 2007, in Austin, Minnesota, at The Cedars Assisted Living Unit.

Edna was born Feb. 22, 1919, in Freeborn County, Minnesota, to James H. and Edna (Anderson) Taylor. She attended Taylor Country School through the 8th grade, graduated from Austin High School in 1938, and attended Mankato Business School. She worked for the Army Finance Office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Los Angeles, California.

Edna and Sidney William Russell were married on March 18, 1944, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin. Edna and Sidney lived and raised their five children in Austin, and were committed to family, church, and community.

Edna was active in the Austin community as a charter member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, serving her Lord with WELCA, altar guild, circle and teaching Sunday school; a member of YWCA, Y Matrons, and Sumner School PTA; a Girl Scout leader; a member of Austin Country Club and Ramsey Golf Courses; and worked as a secretary at Austin High School in the audio-visual department.

Upon retirement Sidney and Edna spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona.

Edna is survived by her five children: Patte (Mark) Kraske, of Stillwater, Minnesota; Jeannette (Nick) Lindgren, of Grand Marais, Minnesota; Nancy Barnett of Tempe, Arizona; Steve (Sue) Russell, of Stillwater; and Suzanne (Charley) Hamersma, of Austin; by 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; by a sister, Berneice Kuhl, of Hastings, Minnesota; by sisters-in-law Marian Taylor and Jane Taylor, of Austin; and by nieces and nephews.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney; by her parents; by brothers, Chester and James A. Taylor; by a sister, Elizabeth Brewster; and by five brothers-in -law, three sisters-in-law, and a nephew.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 19, 2007, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Austin, Minnesota, with Rev. Glenn L. Monson officiating.

Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Casket bearers were her thirteen grandchildren: Chad and Corinn Hamersma, Sara (Russell) Morse, Anna, and Jenna Russell, Tatum and Tyler Barnett, Marie, Erin (Lindgren) Prazak and Andrea Lindgren, Sidney, Joshua, and Emma Kraske.

The Clasen-Jordan Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Birth: Oct. 18, 1941
Death: Feb. 15, 2001

Pauline Y. Queensland, age 59, of rural Adams, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

She was born Oct. 18, 1941, in Spring Valley to Albert and V. Vivian (Hegg) Ruud. Pauline graduated in the class of 1959 from Spring Valley High School. After high school, she was employed by St. Mary's Hospital as a surgical recorder. On April 15, 1961, she married John Queensland at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. They farmed and lived by Grand Meadow until 1968, when they moved to a farm near Adams. Pauline was a homemaker and took care of her children. She was very active at Marshall Lutheran Church where she was a member working with the ladies aide and as a Sunday school teacher. She was also actively involved in the community, helping others, including working at D.A.C. in Adams. Some of her hobbies included sewing and painting, doing yard work, gardening and taking care of the flowers at the CRCC golf club. Pauline also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had recently worked at the Farr Corp. in

LeRoy doing some marketing for the assisted living complex in LeRoy.

She is survived by her husband John Queensland, Adams; daughter and son-in-law, Susan (Steve) Speer, LeRoy; sons and daughter-in-law, Curtis Queensland, Rochester, David (Mali) Queensland, Byron; four grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alleen (Richard) Watson, Preston, Romona (G. Roger) Gilbert, Spring Valley, Priscilla Munns, Canton, Cindy Johnson, Spring Valley; brother, Orville Ruud, Rochester; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Veronica Ruud.

Services: Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Marshall Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dick Kastner officiating.

Interment: Marshall Lutheran Cemetery in Marshall Township

Visitation: Adams Funeral Home Sunday from 4-8 p.m. and on Monday at Marshall Lutheran Church for one hour before the service.

 

Margaret Dorthy Groby, age 96, of Austin, Minnesota, died at Austin Medical Center Monday morning, Feb. 19, 2007.

Margaret was born Nov. 17, 1910, to Arthur and Minnie (Ober) Cummings in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Margaret's mother became ill when she was about three years of age. She was raised by her grandmother who passed away when Margaret was five. After that she was taken to the State Orphanage at Owatonna. She was there for over a year before she was taken as a foster child into the home of Mr. and Mrs. August Schlussin, of Waterville, Minnesota, where she lived until the age of 18. Margaret was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

She married William F. Saack in 1928 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville. Five children were born to this union including one baby boy deceased. They moved to Austin in 1941 where they joined St. John's Lutheran Church.

When her children were small, Margaret was a homemaker. After her divorce, Margaret worked at MacLaren's Laundry for 10 years. In 1956 she met and married Elmer Groby, of Spring Valley, Minnesota. She began work at Chuck Hall Cleaners where she was employed until they went out of business five years later. She cooked at St. John's Lutheran School for one year before she and her husband bought the White Front Caf‚ in Rose Creek which they operated for five years. Elmer died in 1978. Margaret worked at St. Mark's Lutheran Home for a few years.

Survivors include her son, Fred (Michele) Saack, Rochester, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Molly Preuss, Waterville, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; two daughters: Inez and Shirley; and two sons: Curtis and an infant.

Memorial services were held on Friday, Feb. 23, 1007 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Austin, with the Rev. William Natzke officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

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

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Gordon M. Saaranen, 79, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died Oct. 2, 2004, at his home, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Minn. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Gordy was born Aug. 8, 1925, in Castlewood, S.D., the son of Fredrich and Jemina (Thompson) Saaranen. He lived on the family farm with his dad until he joined the Navy in 1950. He served during the Korean War on the USS O'Ryan.

In June 1954, he moved to Austin, where he married Shirley Marie Hanson on July 31, 1954.

Gordy worked for the Austin City Street Department for 21 years until his retirement in July 1983. He and Shirley then returned to the family farm on Lake Poinset, S.D., where they lived for 12 years. They moved to St. Ansgar, Iowa in 1995.

Gordy was an active member of First Lutheran Church and the American Legion in St. Ansgar. In his spare time he enjoyed working on cars, fishing, hunting, but most of all spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Gerald, Russell, Douglas Sr.; and sister, Faye Reinardy.

Gordy is survived by his wife, Shirley of St. Ansgar, Iowa; sons, Fredrich (Kay) of St. Ansgar; Timothy (Linda) of LeHigh, Fla.; three daughters, Jennifer Saaranen and Jim Huebner of Austin; Karen (John) Baldridge of Boulder, Colo.; Carol (Dan) Thomas of Austin; one brother, Clayton (Nat) Saaranen of Largo, Fla.; one sister, Virgid Isaacson of Lake Norden, S.D.; seven grandchildren, Chad Thomas, Sarah Thomas, Amanda Saaranen, Sammantha Saaranen, Michael Saaranen, Elliot Baldridge, Jenna Baldridge; special nephews, Douglas, Jr., Francis and Robert Saaranen.

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

 

ADAMS, MINN -- Dorothy L. Newkirk, 74, a longtime Adams homemaker, died Monday (May 25, 1992) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Born Dorothy L. Salisbury on March 18, 1918, in Auburn, Iowa, she was a graduate of Lyle High School. On Nov. 6, 1937, she married Edwin Newkirk in Elmore, Minn. Mrs. Newkirk had been a sales clerk at the Adams Hardware Store.

Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Margaret (Mrs. Harlan) Boe of Le Roy, Sharon (Mrs. Arthur) Osmundson of Adams and Patricia (Mrs. Ernest) Leonard of Houston, Texas; two sons, Roger of Grand Meadow and Ronald of Austin; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a brother, Leonard Salisbury; and three sisters, Angeline Overland, Margaret Erickson and Mabel Martin.no address for siblings A sister, two brothers and a grandson preceded her in death.

The funeral was today at Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams, with the Revs. Allen Gunderson and Donna Joseph co-officiating. Burial was in Dexter Cemetery.

Adams Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

Gerald William Schaefer, age 59, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 10, 2007, at his home following a battle with cancer.

He was born March 24, 1947 in Adams, Minnesota, the son of William and Margaret (Tillman) Schaefer. He graduated from Adams High School. From 1968-1969 he served his country in the United States Army. After his discharge, he worked for Owatonna Canning Company, retiring after 35 years.

On May 15, 1982, he married Susan Husemoller at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna.

He was a collector of railroad pictures, clocks, and stamps, among other things. He loved old time music and his two cats, Sid and Johnny. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served as an usher for years. He was also a member of the American Legion and of the V.F.W.

Gerald is survived by wife, Sue, Owatonna; by his brothers: Patrick (Gloria) Fitzgerald, Albert Lea, Minnesota; Allan (Betty) Schaefer, Sun Lakes, Arizona; Thomas (Judy) Schaefer, Owatonna, Minnesota; by brothers-in-law, Dean Husemoller and Jim Husemoller; by a sister-in-law, JoAnn Ferguson; by his mother-in-law, Betty Husemoller; and by nieces and nephews: Michele, Mike, Bill, Pat, Sarah, Tracey, Mark, Tim, MacKenzie, and Nathan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 16, 2007 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. Rev. Peter Klein and Rev. Marty Schaefer officiated. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Adams. Honors were provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit.

The Michaelson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Ruth Harriet Scharberg, 90, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2001, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield.

Ruth was born Dec. 6, 1910, the daughter of Mathias and Anna (Exe) Simonson in Sargeant. Ruth married Carl J. Scharberg, Oct. 28, 1932, at Evanger Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant. Ruth and Carl farmed in the rural Sargeant and Hayfield areas until his retirement in 1988.

Ruth was a homemaker and an active member of Evanger Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Hayfield American Legion Auxiliary. Ruth enjoyed her family and Norwegian Heritage, and she also enjoyed knitting, reading, music, and traveling.

Ruth is survived by one son, Arlan (Sharon) Scharberg, Hayfield; one daughter, Karen (Bruce) Skow, Stewartville; three sisters, Lydia Spiten, Hayfield, Gladys Carlson, Buffalo, Doris and George Lodin, Libertyville, Ill.; two granddaughters; one grandson; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; many brothers, sisters and an infant daughter, Arline.

Service: The funeral will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Evanger Lutheran Church with Reverend Paul Hauschild officiating.

Visitation: Friends and family may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Hayfield and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Interment: Evanger Lutheran Cemetery. Blessed be her memory.

 

Roberta G. Schendel, 91, of Austin, died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006 at Austin Medical Center.

Roberta Schendel was born Roberta Eleanor Goembel in Hoopole, Ill., on April 22, 1915. She grew up on a farm where she learned to respect and appreciate the outdoors. When the depression forced her family off of the land, they moved to Freeport, Ill. where she and her sister Helen and brother Wayne went to high school, and the family learned to adapt to a more urban life.

After high school, Roberta attended North Central College and became an elementary school teacher. While teaching in Naperville, Ill. she met Floren Schendel and they were married in 1940. Floren was a minister and as was the custom, Roberta spent much of their 36 year marriage in the role of fulltime minister's wife, serving on church committees, running Bible studies and womens' groups, teaching in the Sunday School, singing in the choir and providing support and encouragement for her husband.

Roberta raised two children, a daughter Carolyn and son Paul, always emphasizing the importance of education and Christian service. Both graduated from Macalester College and Paul went on to earn a doctorate at the University of Wisconsin.

Throughout her life Roberta was supported and directed by her faith and her belief in social justice. She and Floren had a great love of the wilderness and spent as much time as possible at their lake home in northern Minnesota. An avid amateur ornithologist, Roberta became a local expert on the birds of northern Minnesota and their songs. In Austin, she was an active member of the local Audubon society. She was also interested in the human voice, spending many enjoyable hours as a choral singer and lover of great music. She loved to travel and served as past president of the Austin Art and Travel Club. She loved to read and was active in the Bookworm's Circle at the Presbyterian Church.

Roberta is survived by her children: Carolyn (Mike) Meier, Brownsdale, Minn., and Paul (Jessica) Schendel, Wayland, Mass; four grand children, Scott (Monica) Meier, Farmington, Minn.; Kristin (Mike) Tapp, Dexter, Minn.; and Rebecca and Amy Schendel, Washington, D.C., and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin, with the Rev. Dr. Andrew Lindahl presiding.

 

Norma M. Young, 82, of Austin, formally of Grand Meadow, died Thursday, July 15, 2004 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

Young was born on Feb. 10, 1922 in Wooden, Iowa to Robert and Phyllis (Preston) Schiefelbein.

She was married to Dale E. Wakefield on Feb. 14, 1940 in Osage, Iowa. Dale passed away on Nov. 9, 1979.

Norma and Dale had eight children: Robert, Phyllis, Kathryn, Laura, Linda, Vicki, Dennis and Richard.

Norma married Oakley G. Young on March 13, 1986 in Las Vegas, Nev.

She is survived by six daughters: Bobbi Seavey, Rochester; Phyllis (Frank) Guyton, Porterville, Calif.; Kathy (George) Morse, Austin; Laura (Gary) Sneed, Rochester; Linda (Mike) Steinberg, Austin; Vicki (Dennis) Riedermann, Brownsdale; 21 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Lois (Kenny) Coleman, Mission, Texas.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband Dale; husband Oakle; two sons: Dennis and Richard, and a sister Viola.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, July 19, 2004 at St. Mark's Chapel in Austin with the Rev. Greg Mannel officiating. Burial will be at the Grand Meadow Cemetery in Grand Meadow.

 

 

Tuesday July 2, 1963; Austin Daily Herald; pg.7 col.1

Arthur Louis Schroeder, 78, died Monday at the Samaritan Nursing Home, Rochester, Minnesota. A resident of rural Grand Meadow, he is survived by three brothers, Armin of Grand Meadow, John of Minneapolis, Walter of Stewartville.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

Monday Feb. 1, 1960; Austin Daily Herald, pg. 2, col. 2

DEATHS

GERTRUDE SCHROEDER

Miss Gertrude Mary Schroeder, 64 died Saturday at Worrall Hospital, Rochester. She resided in Grand Meadow Rt.1, and is survived by four brothers, Walter of Stewartville, Arthur and Armin of Grand Meadow, John of Minneapolis. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

 

Mower County Transcript, April 18, 1906 pg.-2 col.-1

John Schroeder died at his home in Racine township, Wednesday morning, April 11, 1906; he was aged 64 years. He was born in the province of Waldeck, Prussia, July 25, 1841. His father, Charles Schroeder, came to America in 1849 bringing his wife and eight children. They settled in Washington County, Wisconsin. John enlisted in Co. A, Ninth Wis. Vols. and served three years. He was in all if its engagements and marches.

It is said that Gen. Dan E. Sickles, while inspecting this regiment at Little Rock, Ark., said it was the best drill volunteer regiment he ever saw. It was with the famous Red River expedition in the south.

In 1865, after the war, John and his two brothers Charles and Henry came to Racine Township and bought land. He was one of the enterprising citizens of Racine. He was town treasurer for several terms and held other official positions. He had been troubled with heart disease lately but was in town the day before he died. He was married in April, 1873 to Miss Bertha Truhn, She died in November, 1877.

He was again married in April, 1879, to Miss Mary Becker, a native of Prussia.

Funeral services were held at the farm home in Racine Township Sunday afternoon.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

 

The funeral for Reuben E. Schroeder will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at Griffin Funeral Home in Stewartville, with the Rev. Donald West, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Rochester, officiating. Burial will be in Frankford Cemetery in rural Spring Valley.

Mr. Schroeder, 82, of 1618 Marion Road S.E., died Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 27, 1996) at his home, of a heart attack.

He was born Jan. 25, 1914, in Mower Co., grew up on the family farm, and attended Grand Meadow schools. On Sept. 4, 1943, he married Fern A. Christie in Spring Valley. She survives. After their marriage, both were employed in a defense plant at Newport, Minn. In 1946, they moved to Stewartville. He worked in plumbing and heating for the former Pitt Hardware, Stewartville Hardware and Kukuzke Plumbing and Heating. In 1954, they moved to Pine Island, where they farmed until 1994, when he retired and they moved to Rochester.

Survivors include two daughters, Judith (Mrs. Lester) Kiehne of Stewartville and Marlene (Mrs. Hasan) Atique of Rochester; two sons, Gerald of Stewartville and Dale of West Concord;' seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lucille Veoltz of Brownsdale, Minn. A brother, a sister and a grandson preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. Sunday and until the service Monday at Griffin Funeral Home.