Roger Gene Kuether, 64, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 7, 2007, at his home. He was born on December 21, 1942, in Olivia, Minnesota, the son of Ervin Frank and Merriel Iris (Good) Kuether. He moved to Austin in 1951, where his family lived near the airport. He graduated from Austin High School in 1961. After graduation, Roger served for a short time in the Air Force.

He married Jackie Lindsay in California, but they later divorced. He returned to Austin where he worked at the Town House Restaurant for a short time.

On November 25, 1967, he married Judy Keyser in Austin. The couple made their home in Austin, where Roger worked for the Chicago-Milwaukee Railroad in 1983. Roger attended the Austin Vo-Tech and later worked selling insurance and also worked at the Holiday Inn in Rochester, Minnesota. Since 1993 Roger has been disabled. He enjoyed camping and traveling to Arizona, and Wyoming. Roger was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which he joined in 1964.

Survivors include five children; Karla Kuether of California, Lucas Kuether, Ann Anderson and Jason Kuether all of Austin, David (Katie) Kuether of St. George, Utah; four grandchildren; his former wives, Jackie Kuether of California, Judy Rowe of Austin; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his son, Joe; by his daughter, Susan; by a sister, Shirley Holien; and by two brothers, Jerome and Daniel.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, August 16, 2007, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Austin, with Bishop Mark White officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery. The Worlein Funeral Home was assisting.

 

Hardy L. "Lee" Hammock, III, 61, died on August 11, 2007, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a battle with lung cancer.

Lee was born on February 21, 1946, the son of Hardy L. and Jennie (Allred) Hammock, Jr., in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Because his father was in the Army, he lived all over the world. Lee attended school in Germany. He served in the United States Marines for four years and fought in the Vietnam War.

He was united in marriage to Patti Jo Anderson on June 15, 2002. Lee worked as a corrosion engineer with Aramco Oil and lived in Saudi Arabia for 15 years. He moved to Rochester in 1998, to work with Energy Economics, Inc. He was a member of the Midwest Pride Motorcycle Club.

Lee is survived by his wife, Patti Jo Hammock of Hayfield, Minnesota; by a son, Brian (Laura) Hammock, Jacksonville, Florida; by a daughter, Rebecca Lee Hammock and her son, Kelly Jones of Lake Mary, Florida; by step-daughters, Angela Burt, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Heather Schmeling, Hayfield; by a step-son, Lee Schmeling, Hayfield; grandchildren, Kjell Burt, Jade Schmeling, Alexys Swygman; his mother, Jennie Ellen Hammock, Walton Beach, Florida; and by two sisters, Dianna (Ed) Weigman, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Mary (Michael) Robitaille, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hardy Lee Hammock, Jr.; first wife, Marianne Hopkins Hammock.

Friends and family may call from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Hayfield and one hour before the service at the church. The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield with Rev. Stephan Sandness officiating. There will be full military honors by the Hayfield American Legion Rothie Post #330. Interment will be in Waltham Township Cemetery, Mower County, Minnesota.

 

Walter Edward Callahan, 76, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 9, 2007, at his home in Austin. He was born on February 6, 1931, in Twin Lakes, Minnesota, the son of John and Elizabeth Callahan. He attended country school until the eighth grade and then attended New Richland High School.

In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. His basic training was in Fort Riley, Kansas, and he was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. His final duties with the Army were at the training academy at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, where he trained servicemen on the 12 inch self-propelled howitzer.

On March 10, 1951, he married Mary Ellen Shatek in Austin. They lived in Austin for 56 years. He was employed as a letter carrier for many years and after his retirement, kept himself busy with several other jobs, including delivering the Post Bulletin for over 23 years. He was a member of A.A. for 48 years, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, where he held several offices, including Grand Knight. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #1180 since 1983, and had also served as Governor.

He also has been a member of the Austin Eagles since 1994.

Walter is survived by his wife, Mary Callahan of Austin; by three daughters: Linda (David) Butler if Austin, Laurie (Rich) Sylvester of Rochester, Minnesota, and Lois Callahan of Austin; by two sons, Larry (Debbie) Callahan of Lyle, Minnesota, and Lanny (Tammy) Callahan of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; by eight grandchildren: Sherry, Elizabeth, Matt, Stacy, Sam, Jessica, Melissa and Tiffany; by seven great-grandchildren: Megan, Jake, R.J., Chase, Elise, Kaitlin and Mason; by two sisters, Margaret (Don) Gordon of Bellflower, California, Ellen (Paul) Sweeny of LeSueur, Minnesota; many other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at St. Augustine's Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Interment followed the service in Grandview Cemetery. Military rites were conducted by American Legion Post #91.

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

 

Chanhassen, Minnesota --

Funeral services for Sheila J. Brunsberg (Cornelius), 49, of Chanhassen, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, were held on Monday, August 13, 2007 at Huber Funeral Home Chapel, 16394 Glory Lane, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Sheila was employed with United Health Care at InGenics, and she was a member of the Straight Arrows.

She was survived by her husband, Mark Brunsberg; by sons, Jeremy and Jamie Kulff; by five grandchildren; mother and father, Roger and Ida Mae Cornelius; by a mother-in-law, Doris Normandin; by sisters, Connie (Bob) Dayton, Sharon (Scott) Ollenberger; by a brother, Ed Cornelius; by brothers-in-law, Steven (Kim) Brunsberg, John (Darlene) Brunsberg, Jim Brunsberg; an by a sister-in-law, Mary Jo Brunsberg.

Interment was at Chanhassen Pioneer Cemetery, Chanhassen.

 

Robert L. Bell, 89, of New Prague, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Aug. 6, 2007 at Mala Strana Nursing Home, New Prague.

He was born July 31, 1918 in Rochester, Minnesota, to Frank and Nira (Wallace) Bell. Robert attended Rochester schools, Winona State Teachers College, and received a Masters degree in mathematics from Oregon State.

Robert married Lucille M. Ray on June 3, 1942 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin.

Robert was an Austin High School Industrial Arts teacher until the mid-1960's, and then taught mathematics at Austin Junior College until his retirement.

He was active in the New Prague Rotary Club.

Robert is survived by two sons, Gerald Robert (Marian) Bell, Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Keith Allen (Mary) Bell, Houston, Texas; by a brother, Loren (Jean) Bell of Phoenix, Arizona; by three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by wife Lucille M. (Ray) Bell (died July 3, 1998), by a son, Ronald Bell (in infancy), and by his parents.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 10, 2007 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague, Minnesota, preceded by a two hour visitation. Burial was at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota.

Arrangements were by Bruzek Funeral Home, New Prague (952-758-4949).

 

Robert M. "Bob" Brimacomb, 67, of Burr Oak, Iowa, and formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, died suddenly on August 4, 2007, at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah of an apparent heart attack.

Robert Melvin "Bob" Brimacomb was born on June 11, 1940, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Melvin and Mildred (Shaw) Brimacomb. He attended Austin High School.

He was united in marriage to Caroline McMullen on October 12, 1957. This union was blessed with four children: Carol, Karen, Diana, and Robert. He married Ferneva Walter on July 15, 1974.

Bob began working at the John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1959, where he was a machinist and later an inspector. He also served as the Local 838 union steward. Bob retired in 1993 after 34 years of service and the couple relocated to Burr Oak.

His memberships included the Burr Oak Lutheran Church; U.A.W. Local 838 in Waterloo and the Moose Lodge. Bob was an active member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and served as secretary of the Burr Oak Cemetery Association. He was a board member of the Winneshiek County Historical Society and the Winneshiek County Pioneer Cemetery Commission, a lifetime member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak and also served as president for his Shaw-Severson family reunion.

Bob's retirement years were spent pursuing his passion for genealogy, history, and visiting family and friends. He loved his adopted home in the Burr Oak/Decorah community, serving in many official and unofficial capacities. Another important part of his life was caring for and talking to his family of cats.

Survivors include his wife of over 33 years, Ferneva of Burr Oak; three children: Carol Brimacomb of Newhall, Iowa, Diana and (Bill) Patterson of Leeds, Ala., Robert (Cheryl) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Dustin and Derek Heggebo, Julie Morris, Brett and Jamie Morrow, Alex, Ashley and Benjamin Brimacomb; nine great-grandchildren: Leah, Tyler and Kailynn Heggebo, Dalton Heggebo, Kaisey Davis, Kelsey Heggebo, Noah Morris, Jasmine Morrow and Caiden Turner; a brother, Richard Brimacomb of Minneapolis, Minn.; four sisters: Mary Ann (Donald) Gothard of Mascoutah, Ill., Elizabeth (Harvey) Mohrenweiser of Turner, Ore., Jo Seabrook of Lewes, England and Suzanne Brimacomb of Victoria, Australia.

Bob was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Karen; his parents; a sister-in-law, Peggi Brimacomb; and his step mother, Alyce Brimacomb.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, at Burr Oak Lutheran Church with the Rev. Matt Larson officiating. Interment was at the Burr Oak Cemetery.

The Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah was in charge, and can be contacted at www.fjelstul.com.

 

Ellsworth E. Esse, 96, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 6, 2007, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center. He was born on July 18, 1911, to Oliver and B. Christine (Johnson) Esse in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The family made their home in Rochester, Minnesota, until Ellsworth was 11, when they moved to Austin. Ellsworth began work at Geo. A. Hormel and Company before he graduated from Austin High School in 1929.

He married Marguerite Fischer on October 9, 1937, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin where he was a member and active volunteer in Men's Club and Senior Club.

Survivors include his wife, Marguerite, of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by one brother, Robert; by one sister, Olive Keck.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 10, 2007, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin with Todd Portinga officiating. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Arrangements were by Worlein Funeral Home in Austin.

 

Mary Lou McGrew (Dolliff), of Burnsville, Minnesota, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died at her home, on August 20, 2007. She was born on January 19, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

She is survived by four daughters: Kathy Villette, Gini Blunden (Bill), Terryl Truesdell (Ken Lerczak), and Margo Flynn; by a sister-in-law, Marge McGrew; and by 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leland "Jack" McGrew.

A celebration of her life was held at 12 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2007, at Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church, 14401 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley, Minn. A private interment was to take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

 

Clarence Nybo, 90 of Austin, Minnesota passed away on August 20, 2007, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Clarence was born on July 29, 1917, in Newry Township, Minnesota. to Carl J. and Ingeborg (Tunstvedt) Nybo. He attended St. John’s grade school, and graduated with the class of 1936 from Austin High School.

On December 20, 1943, he married Thelma C. Shervem at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. In Oct. 1939, Clarence volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, with the Headquarters Battery, 10th Field Artillery, Third Infantry Division. After his discharge from the service, he worked for a time at Hormel and Marigold Dairy. In 1948 he began his employment with Austin Public Utilities as a meter reader.

In 1955 he entered the Gas Service Department, where he remained until retirement on January 1, 1980, after 31 years of employment. In 1957 Clarence opened The Tower Teen Center which he managed until 1971. He was a member of the American Legion, Senior Citizen Center, the Elks, and St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Thelma; by two daughters, Donna Nybo and Linda (Donald) Lenz, all of Austin; by six grandchildren; by five great-grandchildren; and by a brother, Carl (Gloria) Nybo of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by brothers, John and Arnold.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 24, 2007, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

The Worlein Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Harlan A. Severson, 72, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 19, 2007 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Harlan was born May 25, 1935 in Austin, to Alfred and Elizabeth (Mensink) Severson, the fifth of 11 children. He was a graduate of Austin High School.

Alfred was united in marriage to Joan Grimm on September 24, 1955 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. From this union came three daughters: Diane, Sue and Laurie.

Harlan had many talents, but made his living first as an auto mechanic. He then was employed by Hormel Foods until his retirement in 1996.

Harlan was a member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church, Eagles Club, American Legion and Meadow Greens Golf Club. He combined his skills in woodworking and his love of clocks in the construction of a grandfather clock.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, of Austin; by his daughters, Diane (Ross), of Craig, Colorado, Sue (Andy), of Austin, and Laurie (Travis), of Greene, Iowa; by five grandchildren: Adam (Crystal), of New Prague, Minnesota, Jenny (Joel), of Silverthorne, Colorado, Erin (Matt), Waterloo, Iowa, Jordan, Austin, Jessa, Greene, Iowa; by a great-grandson, Alec, of New Prague; by siblings: Dorothy Deike, of Austin, Ruby Helgeson, of Apache Junction, Arizona, Carol Prelesnik, of Rio Vista, California, Delores Severson, Austin, Ardith (Carl) Vasey, of Marion, Iowa, Janice (Duane) Schaefer, of Rose Creek, Minnesota, Cheryl (Darrell) Deets, of Bonham, Texas, and Myron Severson, of Marion, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his brother, Ronald; and by a sister, Murial.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. There was a 7 p.m. wake service on Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. The casket bearers were: John Cosgrove, Willie Friedrich, Ed Smith, Dale Rugg, Rod Uher and Brad Clifford.

Rev. Joe Matt, age 84, the former pastor of the Crane Community Chapel, in Austin, Minnesota, died on August 18, 2007, at St. Vincent's Hospice, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Joseph Henry Matt, Jr. was born to Joseph Henry Matt, Sr. and Amanda Marie Wahls on March 10, 1923, in Vivian, South Dakota. On June 8, 1943, Joe married Della M. Stehn at Fillmore, Minnesota. To this union were born two children, David and Barbara.

Joe pursued the ministerial course for four years, and was ordained under the Wesleyan Church. He came back to Austin to be the pastor of the Crane Community Chapel. While at Crane Chapel he founded and directed the Family Hour television program, in 1955. He also founded and directed the Dial-A-Meditation in 1955. He served as a counselor with counseling services in Mower and Freeborn County. He served several nursing homes in the southern Minnesota area. Pastor Joe Matt received many service awards from the city, county, A. A., the Wesleyan Church, and the Crane Chapel. He also was the director of many youth and children's camps throughout the years.

Survivors include his wife, Della; his son, David (Nancy) Matt of Fishers, Indiana; a daughter, Barbara (Mike) Fullingim of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his adopted brother Max Matt, and Genevieve Matt, his adopted sister.

Funeral services were held on August 26, 2007, at the Crane Community Chapel with Rev. Mark Goossen officiating. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery, south of Austin.

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

Lorraine Pauline LaPorte, 86, of Rochester, Minnesota, died on August 16, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Lorraine was born on June 22, 1921 in Austin, Minnesota, to Ingaborg and Louis Nelson (Nielsen), who were Danish immigrants. Lorraine was the ninth of 15 children. There were eight girls and seven boys. She graduated in 1939 from Austin High School. She went to Illinois to a business and secretarial school, and returned to Austin in 1942 to work at Hormel during the war years. It was at this time that she met William LaPorte who was a United States government food inspector. They were married on October 28, 1944. They had two children, Nancy Margaret, and William Henry.

Lorraine stayed home while raising her children. Her husband Bill passed away on September 26, 1963. Lorraine then returned to work at various secretarial jobs in Austin. In 1972 she moved to Rochester, Minnesota and worked at the Massey's Department Store for 11 years.

Lorraine was a person of great wit, with a sense of humor in a class of its own. She had great style, personal dignity and internal strength which allowed her to overcome her personal turmoils and many losses.

Lorraine is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Albert) Faupel, Rochester, Minnesota; by a son: William (Barbara) LaPorte, Faribault, Minn.; by four granddaughters and five great-grandchildren; by two sisters, Betty (Joseph) Smith, Austin, Joyce Anderson, Austin; by a brother, John (Doreen) Evenson, Woodbine, Georgia.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, August 19, 2007, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Andrew M. Lindahl officiating, The organist was Darlene Berhow, and the soloist was Kaye Perry. Interment will be at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

H. Alvira Despard, age 96, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on Friday morning, August 17, 2007, at Lake City Nursing Home in Lake City, Minnesota, where she had lived since May of 2000.

Alvira was born on January 13, 1911 in rural Winneshiek County, Iowa, to Daniel and Ragna (Anderson) Danielson. She married Virgil Despard on April 10, 1937 in a double ceremony with her sister Agnes, and Arthur Ernst. Alvira and Virgil had one daughter, Colleen. They lived in Cresco, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Minot, North Dakota, and Austin, Minnesota. She worked several years at the Fox Hotel. She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She liked to cook and bake from scratch.

She is survived by her sister, Agnes Ernst; by her daughter Colleen (Ernest) Nelson; by three grandchildren: Kris Finley, Kim (Brian) Richardson, Mike (Dawn) Nelson; by six great grandchildren, and by two great great granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, by her parents, by two brothers, by two sisters, and by a great granddaughter.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, August 20, 2007, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Irene Van Campen, 86, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on August 14, 2007, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin. Irene was born May 6, 1921 to Albert and Ruth (Neiman) Moen in Leith, North Dakota.

After high school, she married C. George Van Campen on March 21, 1942 at the Eagle Pass Airbase in Eagle Pass, Texas. They were married for 61 years. The couple moved to Austin, where they built their home without professional help, and lived there for over 45 years. They were members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Irene worked as a waitress at various establishments, including Gus Young’s Supper Club throughout the years, even as it changed ownership and names. Many people also knew her by the nickname "Van." Every night, as the restaurant closed down, the piano player would play the song "Goodnight, Irene." She was a member of the American Legion.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hatle of Austin; by grandchildren: Toni Hoffman of Austin, Eric (Melissa) Hatle of Pelican Rapids, Minn., and Curtis (Andrea) Hatle, Jr. of Moorhead, Minn.; by great-grandchildren: Tim and Amanda Hoffman, and by Brooke, Morgan, Alix, Chase and Brock Hatle; by a brother, Dale (Arla) Moen of Conger, Minn.; by two sisters-in-law, Katherine Moen of Butte, Mont.; Lois Ann (Fred) Schoenfelder of Chanhassen, Minn.; by her extra special niece, Judy Wilking of Nicollet, Minnesota, and by her former son-in-law, Curtis Hatle of Pelican Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband in 2004, and by two brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 17, 2007, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Interment was at Lakewood Cemetery in Albert Lea.

Joyce Leone Asper, age 93, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 13, 2007, at Our House Memory Care in Austin. She was born on September 18, 1913, at Barrows, Minnesota, the daughter of George W. and Elsie (Jensen) Wetherbee.

She attended school in Barrows and after completing her education, Joyce helped on the family farm. At the age of 19, Joyce moved to Brownsdale to help care for her grandparents. While living in Brownsdale, she worked as a housekeeper in Owatonna, Minn.

On Dec. 22, 1934, she was united in marriage to Bernard Myles Asper at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Parsonage. The couple made their home in Austin, where Joyce worked as a seamstress making lingerie and doing monogram work for Wallace's.

She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Ladies Circle, Sons of Norway and a Past Matron of the Eastern Star. Bernard died on May 23, 1999. After his death, Joyce remained her their home for three and half years before moving to Primrose where she lived from 2002 to 2005. After leaving Primrose, Joyce made her home with her daughter, Marlys Peterson, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., until entering Our House in May of 2007.

Survivors include one daughter, Marlys (Dale) Peterson of Blooming Prairie; two sons, Myles (Audrey) Asper of Kirkland, Washington, and Myrle (Judy) Asper of Austin; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a brother, George (Dorothy) Wetherbee of Brainerd, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bernard on May 23, 1999; and by two sisters, Marlys and Marion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 17, 2007, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. The Worlein Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

John C. "Jack" Curran, 86, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 24, 2007, at the home of his daughter, Ann, in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Jack was born in South St. Paul, Minnesota, on December 12, 1920, to Coleman and Melvina (Benjamin) Curran. He made his first communion and confirmation at the old St. Michael's Church in St. Paul. As a teenager he was active in the Civilian Conservation Corps.

On May 13, 1950, he was united in marriage to Florence Dehrer. In 1951 they moved to Austin, where he accepted a job as a USDA meat inspector, and raised seven children.

Jack served with the 75th Infantry Division during WWII. His awards included: The Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Jack had the wonderful ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved his Irish heritage.

Survivors include his children: John (Jane) Curran, of Breezy Point, Minnesota, Paul (Ann Casiraghi) Curran, of Whiteface, Texas, Mary (Rod) Koch of Albany, Oregon, Joseph Curran of Austin, Patricia Curran of Rochester, Minnesota, Teresa (Tim) Donovan, of Austin, Ann (Bill) Lange, of Owatonna; grandchildren: Molly, Patrick, Michelle, Coleman, Sara, Tim, Philip, Dan, Allison, Michael, David and Thomas; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence on Jan. 7, 1997; by his parents; and by his sister, Gloria Messerich.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Tuesday, August 28, 2007, at the Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. There was a 7 p.m. wake service on Monday at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin, with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and VFW Post #1216.

The casket bearers will be grandsons: Coleman Blom, Tim Donovan, Philip Donovan, Dan Donovan, Michael Lange, David Lange, Thomas Lange and Nathan Shrot.

Helen Arlene Leidal, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 25, 2007, at Our House Memory Care in Austin. She was born on December 3, 1919, in New Haven, Iowa, to Roy and Laura (Newman) Beaver. She attended school in northern Iowa, and moved to Austin in the 1930s.

She married Raymond Hansen, and to this union one child, Erdine, was born. They were later divorced. On July 3, 1964, Helen married Glen O. Leidal in Mitchell, S.D. They made their home in Austin, where Helen worked at Hormel Foods for over 30 years. Glen passed away on November 14, 1979. Helen volunteered for the hospital auxiliary, working in the coffee shop at Austin Medical Center for over twenty years. She especially enjoyed crocheting and knitting. She was also very active in the VFW, the Eagles and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Erdine (Gerald) Wallner of Austin; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters: Joy Delaney of California; Mary Pryor and Alice Merical both of Des Moines, Iowa, and Ruth (Merle) Pannoff of Mason City, Iowa; one brother, Lester (Peggy) Beaver of Charles City, Iowa, and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husbands, Raymond Hansen and Glen Leidal; by brothers, Owen, William, and Ralph; and by one sister, Esther.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery South of Austin.

Walter Krantz, 94, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday morning, August 24, 2007 at Adams Healthcare Center.

He was born November 27, 1912 to August and Ernestine (Kunde) Krantz in Fairbanks, Iowa. When Walter was a small child, the family moved to Minnesota, settling in Austin where Walter grew up. He also lived in Albert Lea and Adams, Minnesota.

Survivors include his sister, Mathilda "Tillie" Berhow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother George, and a sister Edna.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, Minnesota. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Karlene K. Langan, 46, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 22, 2007, at Austin Medical Center. She was born December 16, 1960, to Ivan and LaRena (Lomholt) Bartholomew, in Austin.

She married Michael Langan on August 10, 1985. The couple moved to Lyle, Minnesota, where they lived for five years before returning to Austin. She was para-professional at Southgate Elementary School. Karlene belonged to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in Austin. She belonged to a survivors group for necrotizing faciitis, which is a flesh-eating bacteria. She enjoyed genealogy, working on the computer, camping, and spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Michael; her mother, La Rena Bartholomew; her daughter, Shannon (Matthew Wilberding) Langan; her son, Dakota Langan; her mother-in-law, Gloria Langan; a special friend, Bob Kelley; her sister, Kimberly (Robert Orr) Horgeshimer; and her brother, Jeremy Bartholomew -- all of Austin.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ivan Bartholomew, and by her father-in-law, Thomas Langan.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., on Monday, August 27, 2007, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Austin. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

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

Charles Buckmeier, 37, died on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Charles Alan "Chuck" Buckmeier was born in Hennepin County, Minnesota, on January 15, 1970, and was adopted by Martie and Cecil Buckmeier on February 6, 1970. Following a short stay in Mankato, Minnesota, they moved to Fairmont, Minnesota. where they resided until June of 1978. At that time they moved to Shakopee, Minnesota, where Chuck graduated from Shakopee High School in 1988. He also attended Normandale Junior College in Edina, Minnesota.

Chuck worked for McFarland Truck Lines in Austin, Minnesota for a number of years and most recently for Godfather's Pizza in Albert Lea, Minn.

Chuck was very fortunate to meet his birth mother, Shawnee McKenna (Jerry) in 1994 and also found out that he had four half sisters, Suzanne, Kesa, Audra and Lindsay, all of whom survive him today. Shawnee and Jerry live in Randall, Minnesota, and Chuck has enjoyed many celebrations with his birth family.

Chuck in survived by his parents, Martie and Cecil Buckmeier, Lake Mills, Iowa; by his brother, Andrew Buckmeier and his wife, Jody, and their son, Alexander, New Richland, Minnesota; by two grandmothers, Lillian Buckmeier, Fairmont, Minnesota, and Miriam Wehler of the Good Samaritan Home in Albert Lea, Minnesota; by five aunts: Mary Voorhees, Ft. Worth, Texas, Charleen (Fred) Zoeller, Fairmont, Minnesota, Mary (Don) DeSart, Albert Lea, Minnesota, Marguerite Burmeister, Fairmont, Minnesota, Sharon Shumski, Fairmont, Minnesota; and by two uncles, Floyd (Mary Lou) Buckmeier, Fairmont, Minnesota, and Eugene Bell, Blue Earth, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Charles D. Buckmeier and Emil R. Wehler; by three uncles: Robert Wehler, James Buckmeier, and Earl Burmeister; and by one aunt, Lois Bell.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, August 26, 2007 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 309 North Main Street, Fairmont, Minnesota. Interment will be at a later date. Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials can be directed to the family at: 1003 Milton Avenue, Lake Mills, IA 50450 -- www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

Lori Ann Forstad, 46, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at her home.

Lori Ann Gullickson was born May 19, 1961 to Olaf "Bud" and Donna Mae (Lunde) Gullickson in Austin, Minnesota. She grew up in Santa Barbara, California, where she lived and was home schooled on a sailboat.

Lori moved to Minneapolis where she married Randy Forstad in 1979 and they raised two children, Mandy and Jason. Lori returned to Austin where she lived with her daughter, Mandy.

Survivors include a daughter, Amanda "Mandy" Forstad of Austin; a son, Jason Forstad of Minneapolis, Minnesota; her mother, Donna Gullickson and friend Kenny Killian of Austin, Minnesota; her father, Olaf "Bud" (Vicki) Gullickson, Austin, Texas; two grandchildren, Camden and Kyra Gilles; three brothers: Ronald Gullickson, Eagle Rock, Missouri, Rick Gullickson, Lampie, Missouri, Bryan Gullickson, Albert Lea, Minnesota; her grandmother, Mildred Lunde, Austin, Minnesota; and one aunt, Stephanie Smith, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ruth and Olaf Gullickson, and Orion Lunde.

Memorial services were held on Monday, August 27, 2007 at Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minnesota.

Ardelle Elizabeth King, age 95, of Providence Utah, and formerly of Adams, Minnesota, died on August 20, 2007, in Providence, Utah.

Ardelle was born on January 16, 1912, to John Peter and Catherine Emma (Winkels) King in McIntire, Iowa. She grew up on a farm near Adams and lived her young adult life mostly in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1952 Ardelle moved to Los Angeles, California, where she worked as an executive secretary for the Santa Fe Railway Company until her retirement.

Ardelle lived in Providence, Utah for the past six years, near her son and his family.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Gary Michael and Tie Geng Meunier; two granddaughters, Mira Ardelle Meunier and Kara Hua Meunier.

She is preceded in death by her parents; by her three brothers: Alexander, Alfred, and Henry; and by two sisters, Leonarda and Julia.

A memorial mass was celebrated on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Adams, with Father James Seitz officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, in Austin, Minnesota.

Nancy Jeanne (Nygren) Pike, 57, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 26, 2007, at her daughter's home in Welcome, Minnesota.

Nancy was born November 9, 1949, in Austin, to Harry and Kathryn (Tritchler) Nygren.

On February 27, 1966, she married Dean Pike. They later divorced. Nancy was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, where she was a Eucharistic minister. She was also involved in the Eagles Auxiliary, Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary.

Nancy was an avid collector of dolls and hummingbirds. She also loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her four children: Jody (Kevin) Hemann, of Welcome, Minnesota, Debra (Donald) Shaver, of Adams, Minnesota, Thomas (Kathy) Pike, of Austin, Andrew (Jennifer Johnson) Pike, of Marcus, Iowa; her seven grandchildren: Derek, Emily, Calvin, Scott, Jessica, Jonathan, Matthew; her two brothers, William (Judy) Nygren, of Buffalo City, Wisconsin, Thomas Nygren, of Columbus, Ohio; and her former husband, Dean Pike, of Adams.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Kathryn Nygren.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Thursday, August 30, 2007, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Peter Schuster and Father Charles Quinn officiating. There was a 5 p.m. Eagles Auxiliary ritual and a 7 p.m. wake service on Wednesday, Aughust 29th, at Mayer Funeral Home. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery south of Austin.

The honorary casket bearers were: Derek Erwin, Emily Hemann, Calvin Lady, Scott Hemann, Jessica Erwin, Jonathan Shaver, Matthew Erath. The casket bearers were: Edward Pike, Derek Erwin, Jerry Maxfield, Alan Stark.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Diabetes Association or the Cerebral Palsy Association.

Lyla Dalen, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 17, 2007, at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, Minnesota. She was born November 25, 1922, to Lloyd and Nora (Anderson) Beadle in Lyle Township, Mower County, Minnesota.

She married Olgar Dalen on August 7, 1943, in Austin. Olgar served in the military in World War II. When Olgar returned home in December of 1945, they moved to Hayfield where they made their home. Their three children were born, and in 1951 the family moved to Austin.

A member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Lyla belonged to a circle and enjoyed card club in earlier years. She loved her pets and animals and loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Dennis (Karen) Dalen of Minnetrista, Minnesota, Erna Dalen of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Janet Dalen, of Bloomington, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois (Myron) Graff, of Austin, a sister-in-law Maxine DeBoer, of Austin; many nieces and nephews, and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Olgar in 2003, by a daughter-in-law, Barb Haeny; by a son-in-law, Don Smith; by a sister, Vivian Wood; and by a brother, Merlin Beadle.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, with Rev. Krisi Koppel officiating. Burial was in Grandview Cemetery in South of Austin.

Sy Thongsy, 39, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 24, 2007, at his home. He was born September 20, 1967, to Louang Mounbaoua and Thy Thongsy, in Laos, where Sy grew up. He later moved to a refugee camp in Thailand. In 1985 he came to the United States and made his home in Stockton, California, where he married Roerum Mao in 1990. They moved to Minnesota in 1997. They became Austin residents, and Sy was an employee of Quality Pork Processors for 10 years. A member of the Catholic faith, he volunteered for the Salvation Army. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, outdoor activities, camping, fishing and hunting.

Survivors include his wife, Roeurm, of Austin; a daughter, Marivan (Sahoeun Vath) Mao, of Austin; his parents, Louang and Thy Thongsy; his brothers, Dee Bourmee, of Stockton, California; Thong Kaleck of Stockton; Mai Thongsy of North Carolina; his sisters: Phanh Thongsy, of Stockton, and Daeng Thongsy, of Webster City, Iowa; a half brother, Sovannarath Ong, of Austin; a half sister, Sovanary Ong, of Westminster, California.

Funeral services were held at 9 a.m., Saturday, September 1, 2007, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel, in Austin, with The Reverend Stephen DeFor officiating. Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, in Austin. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m., on Friday, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Etta Suzanne (Farr) O'Leary, 92, of Austin, Minnesota, died on August 28, 2007 at Prairie Manor, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.

Etta was born on January 11, 1915, in Freeborn County, to Robert and Maud (Jackson) Farr. On Sept. 20, 1941 she married John J. O'Leary. Etta was a teacher and homemaker.

Survivors include her children: Charolette O'Leary Pink (Carl), of Austin, Jeanette O'Leary (Jim Bryant), of New Brighton, Minnesota, Jeanine Grandstrand (Wesley), of Fridley, Minnesota, Robert O'Leary (Pam), Austin; and seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Maud Farr; by a stepbrother, George Farr; by her husband, John O'Leary, on January 22, 1988.

A funeral mass was celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2007, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, in Austin, with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin.

The casket bearers were: Carl Pink, Sean Pink, Jim Bryant, Conally Johnson, Wes Grandstrand and Ryan O'Leary. Arrangements were by Mayer Funeral Home.