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.

 

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FREMONT, NEBRASKA -- Darlene Smith, of Fremont, Nebraska, died in her home on Monday, April 30, 2007, at the age 74.

Darlene was born to Richard and Violet (Sistek) Graff, on August 14, 1932 in Austin, Minnesota, where she grew up and graduated from high school.

On February 4, 1951, Darlene was married in Austin to Charly Smith, and they made their home in Austin until 1961; they then moved to Fremont, where Charly went to work for Hormel.

Darlene was a homemaker, spending time with her children and later her grandchildren. She did a lot of baking, and was a gardener. She was also a member of VFW Post 854 Auxiliary.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Charly; by two daughters, Kim (Tip) Emmons of Fremont, Nebraska, and Karen (Rich) Rockford also of Fremont; by two sons, Kevin (Leslie) Smith of Fremont, and Keith (Sheri) Smith of Fremont; by 11 grandchildren: Dayme (Brian) Moeller, Kourtney and Tyler Emmons, Blake and Grant Smith, Nathan (Erin) Smith, Megan and Allie Rockford, Kyle, Zach, and Samantha Smith; by one sister, Joyce (Edward) Smith of Austin; and by one nephew, Rick Smith of Stewartville, Minnesota.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Violet Graff; and by a nephew, Larry Smith.

The funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2007, at First Lutheran Church, 3200 E. Military, with Rev. Charlie Axness and Rev. Anjanette Rist co-officiating. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery.

The Ludvigsen Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

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Martha Smith, age 101, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, March 18, 2007 at Sacred Heart Care Center, where she was a resident.

Martha was born Oct. 15, 1905 in Meyer, Iowa. On June 2, 1925 she was united in marriage to Frederick Smith in Meyer, Iowa. He preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 1998. Martha was a homemaker.

Survivors include her daughter, Shirley Wickoren of Austin; her son, David (Eunice) Smith, Burnsville, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; a son-in-law, Donald Wickoren; a daughter-in-law, Verle; and a grandson, Jon.

A funeral mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, in Austin, with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.

The casket bearers were: James Wickoren, Jerome Wilker, Steve Smith, Nick Smith, Peter Smith and Bob Forberg.

The Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

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Paul Calvin Smith, age 50, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at the Adams Healthcare Center.

Paul was born May 16, 1956 in Austin, to Vernon and Margaret E. (Peterson) Smith. He served in the United States Army.

Survivors include two brothers: Curtis Smith of Germany; Ronald Earl of Zimmerman, Minnesota; a sister, Lillian Carpenter of Oceanside, California; a god-daughter, Tarsha "Angel" LeBarron of Austin, Minnesota; aunts: Lillian Erickson of Austin; Darlene Berhow of Oakland, Minnesota; Viola Anderson of Lyle, Minnesota; Carla Miller of Onamia, Minnesota.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Margaret Smith.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Andrew Lindahl officiating.

Military rites were conducted by American Legion Post #91 and VFW Post #1216.

The Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Rodney K. Smith passed away on April 7, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas.

He was born on Feb. 20, 1935 in Aurora, Illinois, to Frank C. Smith and A. Ruhama Hart Smith. Rodney graduated from Batavia High School in Batavia, Iowa in 1952 and from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa in 1956.

In the first few years of his working life, he was a high school teacher and coach. Later in life, Rodney was sent to Austin, Minnesota where he was employed at the State Employment Service. He then went to work for the Guard Force of the George A. Hormel Company, where he later retired.

Rodney is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Debbie; by his sons: Dennis (Rose) Tamke, Gary (Mary) Tamke, Mark (Joy) Tamke, Keith (Kim) Smith, Dwight (Mickey) Smith, Duane (Tammy) Smith, and Scott Smith, all of Austin; by a sister, Kathleen (Terry) Williams, of Charlotte, North Carolina; by a brother, Paul F. (Nancy) Smith, of San Antonio, Stephen (Karen) Smith, of Batavia, Iowa; by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Darrel Smith.

Memorial services for Rodney were held in San Antonio, Texas.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Birth: Apr. 19, 1925
Death: Oct. 1, 1992

GRAND MEADOW, MINN. -- John P. Snyder, 67, of rural Grand Meadow, a longtime area farmer, died Thursday morning (Oct. 1, 1992) at Rochester Methodist Hospital.

Born April 19, 1925, in Mower County, he had farmed in Grand Meadow Township for 50 years. On Oct. 10, 1953, he married Alice Calta in Austin.

Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Annette (Mrs. Leo) Stauffer of Winnebago, Minn., Julie (Mrs. Rick) Rieken of Oakdale, Teresa (Mrs. David) Hicks of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Tracy Snyder of Grand Meadow; three sons, Daniel of Dexter, Mark of Whittier, Calif., and Keith of Rochester; 14 grandchildren; five sisters, Mary Blahnik and Catherine Blahnik, both of Spring Valley, Angie Viktora of Austin, Sister Ruth Snyder of Sondoor, Peru, and Mariah Snyder of Minneapolis; and three brothers, Joseph of Bigfork, Minn., and Paul and Eugene, both of Grand Meadow.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Finbarr Catholic Church in Grand Meadow, with the Rev. Robert Kulas officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hutchins Funeral Home in Grand Meadow where the rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

 

Margaret M. "Peg" Solyst, age 79, of Plymouth, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died March 9, 2007.

Peg was born in Pipestone, Minnesota, and was raised in Austin, where she graduated from Austin High School. She got into real estate in the early 1960s. After being turned down at the first place she applied because she was a woman, she persevered and became very successful in Wayzata and the western suburbs until she retired about 1990.

She is survived by her husband, Lovell ("Soly"); her daughters, Mary, and Mary's daughter, Allison; Meg, and her husband, Dave Valen, and their children, Eric, Beth and Bill; and Barb and her daughter, Jaemarie; son, Ronald and his wife, Karen and their children, Rachel and Bill; her son Bill's children, Kristine Zimba and Katie Thoreson; sister, Nancy Loftquist, and her husband, Henry; great-grandchildren, Autumn, Liam and Evelyn; and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Martha McCoy; and her son, Bill.

A memorial service was held on March 14, 2007, at Christ Lutheran Church, 5084 Main St E. Maple Plain, Minnesota.

 

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HAYFIELD -- The funeral for Lydia Alice Spiten will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Evanger Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant, with the Rev. Todd Hawkins officiating. Burial will be in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sargeant.

Mrs. Spiten, 97, of Hayfield, died Thursday (Feb. 16, 2006) at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield.

Lydia Alice Simonson was born Aug. 13, 1908, in Mower County. On June 22, 1929, she married Martin Spiten at Evanger Lutheran Church. They lived on a farm in Olmsted County. She was active in Evanger Ladies Aid and had different jobs in the aid. She liked to play cards.

Survivors include a son, Mardean (Sharon) of Kasson; two sisters, Doris Lodin of Libertyville, Ill., and Gladys Carlson of Buffalo, Minn.; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on June 28, 1982, a daughter, two sons, a grandchild, a great-grandchild and many brothers and sisters.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Hayfield, and an hour before the service Tuesday at the church.

The family prefers memorials to the Evanger Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Submitted to Mower MNGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

Luella Olson, 85, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at "Our House."

Luella H. Srp was born on March 25, 1922 in Oakland, Minnesota, to Joseph and Josephine (Pliml) Srp.

On July 29, 1943 she was united in marriage to Elmer Olson in Austin. He preceded her in death on November 16, 1975.

Luella was a bookkeeper for her son's business, the former Leisure Lounge in Austin and previously as a bookkeeper for Mower County. She was a member of the St. Olaf Hospital Auxiliary for over 35 years. Luella enjoyed crafts, sewing and handiwork.

Survivors include a daughter, Robin (Jason) Mauseth, Lincoln, Nebraska; a daughter-in-law, Doris Olson, Rochester, Minnesota; three grandchildren; a brother, Joe (Marion) Srp, Austin, Minnesota; and a sister: Clara (Ralph) Noble, Austin, Minn.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert Olson on January 5, 2002.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, June 11, 2007 at Mayer Funeral Home, with Dr. Stephen DeFor officiating. Interment was in the Oakwood Cemetery.

 

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AUSTIN, MINN. -- Henry M. Stark, 87, of 800 Sixth St. S.W., a retired long time Hormel Foods Corp. employee, died early this morning (April 11, 1995) at his home.

He was born June 4, 1907, in Red Wing and graduated from Red Wing High School. On June 18, 1930, he married Myrtle M. Tritchler at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City, Iowa. Mr. Stark worked at Hormel for 39 years before his retirement. An active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, he served as lector and eucharistic minister. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was a special apostolate to the guests at Sacred Heart Hospice.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mary (Mrs. William) Christopherson of Austin and Kathleen (Mrs. Robert) Priem of Rochester; a son, James of Austin; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister and two grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with the Rev. Paul Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Austin.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home in Austin and an hour before the service Thursday at the church. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

NOTE:
Son of Adolph and Elizabeth (Risse) Stark; husband of Myrtle Mary Tritchler-Stark; father of Mary, Kathleen, and James.

 

Myrtle M. Stark, 90, of Austin, died Friday, June 28, 2002 at Sacred Heart Care Center.

She was born July 26, 1911 in Wabasha, Minn. to William and Mary (Gosse) Tritchler.

She was married to Henry M. Stark on June 18, 1930 at St. Joseph's Church in Mason City, Iowa. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include son James (Linda) Stark, Austin; daughters Mary (William) Christopherson, Austin and Kathleen (Robert) Priem, Rochester; twenty grandchildren; forty-three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, sister, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2002 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home with a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and 6:30 p.m. wake service and also one hour before the service at the church.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Austin.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

 

Jeanette (Norma) O'Connor, age 95, passed away Feb. 22, 2007, at St. Mark's Nursing Home in Austin, Minnesota.

Jeanette was born on April 24, 1912, to Floyd and Grace (Fairley) Stearns in Waseca, Minn. At the age of two her family moved to Ellendale, Minnesota, where she grew up with her two sisters, Myrle and Thelma and many cousins. They were very musical and sang for family and friends.

Jeanette graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1930. She was a bookkeeper at Motor Inn and Knutson Chevrolet Garages, Frank and Bob Arnolds and Jim and Dudes.

On Aug. 13, 1938, she was united in marriage to Michael J. O'Connor, Sr. To this union two sons were born, Michael J. O'Connor II and Patrick T. O'Connor.

Jeanette was a charter member of the United Methodist Church of Albert Lea. Her hands always had knitting needles or a crochet hook going at full speed as she produced an endless number of afghans.

In 2001 she moved to Austin and resided at The Cedars until for health reasons she moved to St. Mark's Nursing Home.

Jeanette is survived by her two sons: Michael O'Connor & his wife Jan, and Patrick O'Connor and his wife Barb; by three grandchildren: Michael III (Beverly) O'Connor; Shaun O'Connor (Scott Nichols); and Ryan O'Connor; by three great grandchildren: Michael IV, and Mason O'Connor, Ashley Nichols; and six step grandchildren; by a sister, Myrle Claybourne, New Richland, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Sr.; by her parents, Floyd and Grace Stearns; by a sister, Thelma Thuesen; by her stepmother, Sedate Stearns; and by a niece, Sharon Kortz.

A funeral service for Jeanette O'Connor was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at United Methodist Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota, with Pastor John Bromeland officiating. Burial was in the St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery, Albert Lea.

©2007 MNGenWeb

The funeral for Michael James Stein will be 2 p.m. Monday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, with the Rev. Julie Rogness officiating. The body has been cremated and burial will be in Frankford Cemetery.

Mr. Stein, 43, of 427 40th Ave. Lane N.W., died Thursday (Aug. 8, 1997) at home after a year and a half battle with cancer.

Born Oct. 17, 1953, in Austin, Mr. Stein grew up in Spring Valley and graduated from high school in 1972. He attended Rochester Community College from 1972 to 1974. He attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. on a football schoolarship and graduated with a degree in criminal justice in 1977. During college, he participated in Marine Corp. Officers Candidate Training in Quantico, Va. He married Melanie Peterson Aug. 9, 1975, in Irene, S.D. Mr. Stein worked in Sioux Falls for a year and a half and in Canton, S.D., for another year and a half. He moved to Rochester in 1978 and worked as a police officer until he went on medical retirement this year. He enjoyed softball, racqetball, pool and football. He was a Rochester Youth Football coach and a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Eagles Lodge, Rochester Police Benevolent and Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Brett at home; and mother, Marian Stein of Stewartville.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Macken Funeral Home.

Memorials are preferred to Rochester Youth Sports.

Halver Stemson, age 89, formerly of Austin, died Thursday morning, Oct. 27, 2005, at the Adams Health Care Center in Adams, Minn.

Halver Lorenzo Stemson was born Sept. 16, 1916, to Ole Edwin and Clara Marie (Aldahl) Stemson in Lansing Township, Mower County, Minnesota. Halver grew up on a farm in Lansing Township and attended country school there. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army and served until his discharge in 1945 when he returned to farming.

On August 22, 1970, he married Mae Bernice Richards at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Halver and Mae enjoyed going on trips to visit family, especially relatives in Norway.

Halver enjoyed nature, farming, reading and genealogy. He was self-taught and had natural mechanical and electrical skills. He was a member of Sons of Norway and Gideons International.

Halver is survived by niece, Debra (Morris) Klouse, Rose Creek, Minn.; nephews: Bryan Stemson, Rose Creek, Minn.; and Darrin Stemson, St. Petersburg, Flo.; stepchildren: Gerald (Louise) Richards, Grand Junction, Colo.; and Pat Voss, Nisswa, Minn.; stepgrandchildren: Teresa (David) Hansow and family, Terry (Doug) Bennett and family, Allan (Maureen) Richards, Darci (Jim) Schultz and family, Scott (Melody) Voss and family, Staci (Nathan) Swendiman; great nieces: Barbara (Justin) Goslee, Becky Klouse; great nephew, Bradley Klouse.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mae Stemson; brothers: Orlen Clifford, Conrad, Orlen Clarence; and son-in-law James Voss.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin, with the Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 30, 2005, and at the church one hour before the service on Monday. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1216 and American Legion Post 91 of Austin are in charge of military rites.

Casketbearers will be Morris Klouse, Bryan Stemson, Jim Schultz, Scott Voss, Bradley Klouse and John Schultz. The soloist will be Darci Schultz and the organist will be Ardis Luthe. Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Mae Bernice Stemson, 88, of Blooming Prairie, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001 at Prairie Manor.

She was born March 27, 1913, to Albert and Ida (Jacobson) Richards at home on the family farm in Canoe Ridge Township near Decorah, Iowa.

She married Lloyd Luren who died in 1950. She married Halver Stemson on Aug. 22, 1970, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin.

She worked at St. Olaf Hospital as a surgical aid for 30 years. She resided at Prairie Manor for the past four years.

Survivors include husband Halver Stemson, Blooming Prairie; a son, Gerald (Louise) Richards, Grand Junction, Colo.; a daughter, Patricia (James) Voss, Nisswa, Minn.; six grandchildren; twelve great grand children; brothers, Olaf (Lorraine) Richards, Albert Lea; Russ (Donna) Richards, Fort Meyers, Fla.; sisters, Grace Rabe, Denver, Colo.; Norma (Robert) Helebrant, Mankato; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Lloyd Luren; parents, sisters, Donnafred; Ethyl, Gloria, Cora; brothers, Grant and Oliver.

Visitation: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. today at the funeral home and at the church one hour before the service on Monday, Dec. 10, 2001.

Service: 11:00 a.m. at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church of rural Austin with the Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating.

Interment: Red Oak Grove Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Blooming Prairie.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Thomas Joel Stephenson, age 59, of Plainview, Minnesota, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2007, at Charter House Hospice Suites, Rochester, Minnesota.

He was born July 10, 1947, in Austin, and attended Austin Public Schools through his junior year. The family then moved to Mason City, Iowa, where he graduated from high school.

In 1966, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Pensecola, Florida, Adak, Alaska, Kenitra, Morocco, and on the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. He served with the Naval Security Group and the C.I.A.

After military service, Thomas graduated from Austin Community College, and eventually received a bachelor's degree in business administration and psychology from Winona State University. He also received a master's degree in counselor education and psychology from Winona State University.

On Sept. 21, 1968, he married Janice Marie Krahn in Toeterville, Iowa.

Thomas moved to Plainview, Minnesota, and worked at Lakeside Foods as Human Resource Director from 1979 to 1985. From 1986 until his retirement in 2007, he worked as human resource director for Kroger Foods at its Pace Daily Plant.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, Toeterville; daughter, Alyssa (John) Stephenson, Sturtevant, Wisconsin; son, Benjamin Stephenson, Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin; grandsons, John Thomas de Montmollin and Thomas Frederick de Montmollin; brothers: Richard (Reva) Stephenson, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota; Charles (Candace) Stephenson, Mason City; Mark (Kathy) Stephenson, Maple Grove, Minnesota; and John (Pam) Stephenson, Mason City; sisters, Sally Stephenson, Mason City, Jane Harris, Mason City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at Good Shepherd Church, Plainview, Minnesota, with Rev. Paul Moore and Kevin Woeslehoff co-officiating. His cremains will be interred in Toeterville at a later date.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Funeral services for Mrs. Ole (Signe) Lillegaard, 93, of Lyle, who died at St. Mark’s Home in Austin March 17, were held March 19 at Six Mile Grove Lutheran church with the Rev. Gaylord Grant officiating.

Signe Stoe Lillegaard, the daughter of Olaf and Margit (Odden) Stoe, was born August 7, 1883 in Nevada Township, near Lyle. She was baptized and confirmed at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church where she was a member and also the ALCW and the circle.

December 5, 1899 she married Ole Lillegaard in Lyle with the Rev. J. Muller Eggen officiating.

Mrs. Lillegaard is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Russell (Mabel) Osmonson of Albert Lea; one son, Jay Lillegaard of Lyle; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Iona Lillegaard of Austin; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; also three half-sisters in Fargo, N.D.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ole, and one son, Orlanzo and one sister, Mrs. Melvin Christenson; also three half-sisters and one half-brother.

Burial was in the Six Mile Grove cemetery with Rev. Grant in charge of the committal services.

 

Alice K. Strangman, 95, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999 at Austin Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 18, 1904 in Lytton, Iowa the only child of Henry and Marie Schramm. She was baptized at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Sac County, Iowa by Pastor J. Volk. In Lytton her father had a wagon and buggy shop. On the advice of his physician to get more fresh air her father purchased a farm ten miles east of Austin. In February 1911 she moved to that location with her parents.

She attended Maple leaf School District 106 for elementary school and was instructed in the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Chruch, Dexter Township. She was confirmed in 1919 by the Pastor Theodore Engel. If the fall of 1921 she entered high school at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn., a member of the first group of girls enrolled at that institution. She completed one year before returning home to live whit her parents.

In 1922 she began to play the organ at church, accompanying the choir. For the next 65 years she played for Sunday services, weddings and funerals.

On Sept. 1, 1927 she married Irvin John Strangman at Trinity Lutheran Church. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Rudolf Schroeder. Following their marriage they lived on the farm, where she had resided with her parents, until 1971, when they moved to the home in southwest Austin where she resided till a week before she died.

Throughout her life she was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. In addition being the church organist for many hears, she taught Sunday School and was active in the Ladies Aid Society.

On Dec. 18, 1999, at the age of 95 years, she was taken to her heavenly home.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law Eugene and Kathryn, Madison, Wis.; Walter and Sharon, Minneota; five grandchildren; four great-grandsons

Service: Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dexter Township.

Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

ADAMS, MINN. -- Todd Michael Struthers, 19, of rural St. Ansgar, Iowa, died Wednesday (May 13, 1992) at his father's home in rural Adams. The death is an apparent suicide. Born Oct. 5, 1972, in Austin, he was a 1991 graduate of Southland High School in Adams and was employed at Quality Pork in Austin.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Judith and James Aufenthie of Rochester; his father and stepmother, George and Linda Struthers of Adams; a brother, William Struthers of Mason City, Iowa; a sister, Laurie Struthers of Rochester; maternal grandparents, Opal and Troy Schrock of Preston; and paternal grandparents, Lucille and Arnold Struthers of Adams.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams, with the Rev. Allen Gunderson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Adams Funeral Home and an hour before the service Saturday at the church.

 

Birth: Mar. 4, 1929
Death: Dec. 31, 2005

AUSTIN, MINN. — A memorial service for Charlotte Ellen Cecilia Sutter will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Austin, with the Rev. Dennis R. Tamke officiating. Interment will be in Hoflanda Cemetery in Marshall Township.

Mrs. Sutter, 76, of Austin died Saturday (Dec. 31, 2005) at her home.

Charlotte Fogelstrom was born March 4, 1929, in Dubuque, Iowa. She graduated from Austin High School in 1947 as her class's valedictorian. On Dec. 31, 1950, she married Gary Sutter at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Austin. She enjoyed crafts, cooking, card games and crossword puzzles.

Survivors include her husband; four sons, Brian (Linda) of Eatonville, Wash., Ron (Helen) of Lanesboro, Kevin (Julie) of Rochester and Scott (Carla) of New Brighton, Minn.; nine grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by a brother.

Visitation will be an hour before the service Wednesday at the church.

The family prefers memorials to the Hoflanda Cemetery or to ovarian cancer research.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

Lois Ann Svedine, of Fond du Lac, Wis., died Saturday, April 7, 2007, from complications of multiple myeloma, at her daughter and son-in law's home in Fond du Lac, surrounded by family.

Lois Ann Daiker was born Nov. 1, 1938, in Perham, Minnesota, to Joseph John and Alta Pauline (Thompson) Daiker. After the death of her father, Joseph, the family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, then to Austin, where she attended school and graduated from Pacelli High in 1956. She married a military man and they traveled around the world for 17 years and had four daughters.

She eventually returned to Austin with her daughters and was employed by Cedar Valley Services for over 30 years. She retired in 2006 and moved to Fond du Lac.

Lois loved her children and grandchildren, enjoyed bingo, and playing cards. In the short time she lived in Wisconsin, she became a member of Full Gospel Church in West Bend, and made new friends at the Senior Center in Fond du Lac.

Lois is survived by four daughters: Pamela (Korey) Rhodes, Fond du Lac; Kathy (Dave) Reller, Rochester, Minnesota; Anne (Mark) Kermes, Amboy, Minnesota; Jackie (Pat) Freismuth, Fond du Lac; ten grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Lou (Stephen) Nelson, Preston, Minnesota, and Susanne (Steven) Nelson, Rose Creek, Minnesota; brother, Bernard/Tom (Barb) Daiker; step-brother, James (Phyllis) Nesler, Port Orchard, Wash.; step-sister, Helen (Dean) McFarland, Wilmington, N.C.; step brother-in-law, Bob Evans, Des Moines, Iowa.

Lois had many nieces and nephews who knew her fondly as "Aunt LoLo."

Lois was preceded in death by her father and mother; step-father and step sister.

A memorial service for Lois Ann (Daiker) Svedine was held on Saturday, April 14, 2007 in West Bend, Wisconsin.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Lucille Ann Moore, age 91, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, April 13, 2007 at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Lucille Ann Svejkovsky was born March 18, 1916 in Austin to Albin and Albie (Balley) Svejkovsky. She moved with her parents to London, Minnesota, where she started school. At age ten the family moved back to Austin. Lucille attended Austin High School and graduated in 1933. She worked at the George A. Hormel company for twelve years. Lucille married Allan Moore, and they later divorced.

Lucille lived in Aitkin, Minnesota for a year and owned and operated Anglers Rest Resort. In 1947 she came back to Austin and started working for Roger's Jewelry, where she worked for 33 years. Lucille retired in 1980 and then volunteered at AMC where she managed the gift shop for 15 years. She also volunteered at the J.C. Hormel Nature Center, Mower County Historical Society and her church.

Survivors include her brother, Roger (Betty) Svejkovsky, Austin; sister-in-law, Rosella Svejkovsky, St. Cloud, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Clarence and Adolph; two sisters, Lillian and Delores; two nephews and a niece.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Church of Christ, with Rev. Steve DeFor and Rev. Dave DeFor officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery.

Mayer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MNGenWeb

Mabel Twedell, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Mabel Mary Svejkovsky was born October 27, 1922, to Jim and Agnes Svejkovsky. Mabel graduated from Austin High School in 1941, and was married to George E. Twedell on October 2, 1948, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. He preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 2002. Mabel lived her entire life in Austin except for residing a brief time in California.

She was a life-long member of Western Fraternal Lodge #38 and was proud to wear her 75-year member pin.

Survivors include three sons and a daughter-in-law: Barry Twedell, Austin; Brad (Diane) Twedell, Albert Lea, Minnesota; and Brent Twedell, Lyle, Minnesota; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith, Austin; and a brother-in-law, Ted Getchell, Austin.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and by three brothers: Jim, Edwin, and Harold Svejkovsky.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery. A wake service was held at 7 p.m. on June 11th, at the Mayer Funeral Home.

 

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Birth: Aug. 24, 1910
Death: Feb. 20, 1999

There will be a private memorial service for Grace Keenan Swygman at a later date. Burial will be in St. Finbarr's Cemetery in Grand Meadow.

Mrs. Swygman, 88, a longtime Kahler Hotel employee, died of cancer Saturday (Feb. 20, 1999) at her home.

Grace Keenan was born Aug. 24, 1910, in Illinois, and as a child moved with her family to a farm near Grand Meadow. She later moved to Rochester and married William Swygman here. Her husband also worked at the Kahler Hotel. He died in 1987. Mrs. Swygman worked at the Kahler for 40 years.

Survivors include a daughter, Marleen Lenton Lillie of Rochester; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to Mayo Clinic for cancer research.