Kenneth Vietor, age 78, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on October 4, 2007, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

A memorial Mass for Kenneth was held on Sunday, October 7, 2007, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, with the Rev. Joe Fogal officiating.

Kenneth R. Vietor was born on March 3, 1929, in Maple Island, Minnesota.

On June 6, 1949, he married Leona Fasbender in Grand Meadow, Minnesota; she preceded him in death on July 1, 2004.   Mr. Vietor was an employee of Hormel Foods Corporation for 34 years, retiring in 1982.   He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Survivors include a son, Steve (Mya) of Oakland; a daughter, Jean Vietor (Larry) Braaten of Austin; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two step-granddaughters; and a special companion, Shirley Madison.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

It was Mr. Vietor's wish to donate his body to the Mayo Clinic, as did his three older brothers.   The Mayer Funeral Home in Austin was in charge of funeral arrangements.

 

Birth: Aug. 10, 1856
Death: Jan. 3, 1923

OBITUARY

Mrs. Elizabeth Mattice
(a.k.a. Mrs. Alston Francis Mattice)

On January 3, a week ago, the sad news reached us that Mrs. Elizabeth Mattice, an old resident of Austin had passed away at the home of her son Albert in Minneapolis. Although it was known here of her illness for some time previous, her death came as a shock to her many friends.

Elizabeth Furtney was born August 10, 1856 at Port Elgin, Canada, and came to the United States when a child. She was married to Albert F. Mattice March 4, 1874 in Austin. To this union six children were born, five of whom remain to mourn the loss of a beloved mother, Oscar and Clarence of Aberdeen, S. Dak., Lida of Wallace, Idaho, Helen of Missoula, Mont. and Albert of Minneapolis. She also leaves six grandchildren and three brothers, Joe Furtney of Glenwood, Minn., Henry of St. Paul and John of this city. Mr. Mattice died June 30, 1907.

Mrs. Mattice was a member of the Eastern Star lodge, Woman’s relief Corps and G.I.A. of L.E. She was a faithful ardent and enthusiastic worker for the Civil war and World war veterans and all furtherance of patriotism.

Funeral services, were held at the chapel of Lee Mortuary in Minneapolis, conducted by Rev. Luther M. Roseland, formerly of this city, and at the Presbyterian church in Austin, Rev A.G. Patterson officiating. The Eastern Star and W.R.C. had charge of the service. The body was placed in the vault at Oakwood cemetery, the Eastern Star conducting final services at the chapel.

Austin Daily Herald
Austin, Minnesota
January 10, 1923

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Submitted to MNGenWeb by Dorothy Kunz; Oct. 2007

 

Birth: Apr. 13, 1845
Death: Jun. 30, 1907

OBITUARY

In the death of Albert F. Mattice, which occurred Sunday, June 30 at his home on Water Street, Austin loses an old and respected citizen, our country a valiant soldier of the Civil War, the railroad company a trusted and tried engineer and his family a loving husband and father.

A.F. Mattice was born April 13, 1845 in Schenectady County, New York. He came west with his family and settled in Waterloo, Wisconsin. When the war broke out, though but sixteen years of age, he enlisted with his brother in Company C. Eleventh Wisconsin. This was the Color Company and company that saw much active service during the war. I.J. Dinsmore is the only one in Austin now living who served in this company.

The first year the company was camped at Sulphur Springs, Missouri, one company in place was stationed along the Iron Mountains to guard the railroad. Log forts were built by the men and in the spring of 1862, they marched through Mississippi and Arkansas to Helena. This proved a memorable march from cla?ndon on White River to Helena, a distance of sixty miles, the company was absolutely without provisions of any sort. Curtis, who had charge of another company, learned of their plight and sent sufficient crackers so that each man had one during the sixty-mile march. When they reached the Mississippi, boats were hailed and provisions secured.

The next winter they were sent back to Mississippi and spent the entire winter chasing P??e around. They were on the continual march, never more than two days in a place. They were sent back to Pilot Knob and put into the army as it marched to Vicksburg. The company was all through the siege of Vicksburg and afterwards went to New Orleans where Grant turned them over to Banks and they were put on the d?nces. They were ordered to Texas to get the rear of Fort Matagorda. When they reached there, the fort had surrendered and they returned to New Orleans.

On October 9, 1864, Mr. Mattice was transferred by promotion to first lieutenant of Company H. First Wisconsin, Volunteers heavy artillery. He served in this capacity in the vicinity of Washington until discharged at the close of the war.

One reads with pride a war record like this. But Mr. Mattice has another record in which he proved quite as heroic. In 186? he entered the employ of the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad as a brakeman, later as fireman and then became an engineer. For thirty-five years he has battled with the elements and guided his iron horse up and down the roads of the divisions, centering in Austin. That is a long siege and the record is a brave one, well fitted for the heroic metal of a soldier. The remarkable feature of the record is that he never had a wreck. When one thinks of the thousands of lives that have been entrusted to his care and that he has carried in safety to their journeys end they feel like bowing in respect before this veteran engineer. Surely the work entrusted to him has been well done! Surely the record has been one of long and honorable service.

For two years he has suffered with diabetes and last December 24 he resigned his position on the road and gave up work. He has been confined to his bed since last Wednesday.

He leaves beside his wife, a son Oscar of Aberdeen, South Dakota, two daughters Lida L., Helen G., two sons Albert J. and Clarence W. all of Austin.

He was a member of McIntyre Post and the four Masonic orders, the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandry and Eastern Star. Of the latter he was a charter member. He was also member of the B. of L. E. and attendant of the Presbyterian Church.

The genial old soldier, whom was a delight to meet, will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances and in his family, no words can express the loss they sustain in his death.

The funeral will be held tomorrow Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the Congregational church, Rev Slone officiating. The services will be under the auspices of St. Bernard Commandery, G.A.R. and CoG. will act as escort and Tichy’s band will be in attendance. There will be prayer at the house at 2 p.m. The casket will not be opened at the church.

---

Austin Daily Herald
July 1, 1907 page 2 column 4

NOTICE COMRADES.

There will be a special meeting of McIntyre Post this evening at 8 o’clock to make arrangements to attend the funeral of Comrade A.F. Mattice. A full attendance is desired. By order of the Commander. John D. Smith

MASONS ATTENTION

All members of the Fidelity Lodge A.F. and A.M. are requested to meet at 1:30 sharp Tuesday afternoon to attend the funeral of our

late brother A.F. Mattice.

M.O. Anderson W.M.

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Provided to MNGenWeb by Dorothy Kunz, Oct. 2007

 

Birth: Nov. 27, 1904
Death: Sep. 10, 1995

Graveside services for Ethel H. Mattice, 90, of Evanston, Illinois were held Thursday, September 14, 1995, at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Andrew M. Lindal officiating.

She was born November 27, 1904, in Austin to Oscar and Emma (Dornack) Mattice. She spent her childhood in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She worked in Minneapolis and Chicago. She worked with the Milwaukee Railroad as personnel director and later at the Department of Health and Welfare in Chicago.

She is survived by brother; Albert Mattice, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; cousins, Helen Tallman, Austin, Alberta Hecker and Laurie Greenblatt, Mesa, Arizona, Donald Mattice, Henderson Nevada, Robert Minto, Seattle, Washington and Joyce Dustan, Missoula, Montana.

Provided to MNGenWeb by Dorothy Kunz; Oct, 2007

 

Birth: Mar. 2, 1875
Death: Oct. 21, 1943

Funeral services for Oscar Alston Mattice, 68, resident of Aberdeen, S.D., for the past 37 years who died Thursday at St. Luke's hospital in Aberdeen will be conducted at the Schutte funeral home Tuesday at 2:30 P.M.

Mr. Mattice's death came as a result of complications following an operation. The body arrived in Austin today, following services Sunday at the Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen with Rev. M.D. Bone officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The Masonic lodge will be in charge of tomorrow's services.

Mr. Mattice was born in Austin March 2, 1875, and grew to manhood here. He married Emma Dornack May 11, 1895, in Austin. In 1906 they moved to Aberdeen where they made their home from that time.

He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templer, Yelduz Shrine and of the Presbyterian church. He had been with the Milwaukee railroad for 52 years. He started as a call boy and worked his way up to the position of engineer, a position he held for 41 years.

Survivors include his wife, one son, A.F. Mattice, of Madison, a daughter, Miss Ethel Mattice, of Chicago, Illinois, two brothers, Albert of Austin and Clarence, of Beloit, Ill., and two sisters, Mrs. Harry Van Pelt and Mrs. Louis Minto of Missoula, Mont. He is also survived by three grandchildren. Two children preceded him in death. All of his brothers and sisters are in Austin for the funeral.

Provided to MNGenWeb by Dorothy Kunz; Oct. 2007

 

Austin Daily Herald
February 16, 1904

Mrs. Alston F. Mattice 1813-1904

The death of Mrs. Alston F. Mattice, which occurred at the home of her son, A.F. Mattice Monday evening at 6:30 o'clock, removes from Austin the one who perhaps has seen more of life and the experience which years bring than any other within our borders. For more than ninety years have the storms and sunshine of life encompassed her. The long battle is now ended and she rests from her labors.

Sally Ann Garrison was born August 25, 1813 in Schoharie, N.Y. She was married January 22, 1836 at Fulton, N.Y. to Alston F. Mattice. They resided in Sharon, Wis., Waterloo and Milwaukee. At the latter place her husband was engaged in the commission business. Twenty-three years ago they removed to Clark, S.D. where they lived with the exception of one year spent in Austin, until the death of Mr. Mattice, which occurred April 28, 1902.

After the death of the husband, Mrs. Mattice removed to Austin where she has since resided with her son.

Since the middle of last October she has been ill, though only since New Years has she been confined to her bed.

She was a woman of strong Christian character and has been a member of the Methodist church almost as long as she could remember. For the past few years her advanced age and feebleness prevented her attendance at church.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mattice, one son Oscar was killed in the civil war at New Orleans, forty years ago, one Louise Conklin died in Chicago from the effects of an operation eighteen years ago, and one son A.F. Mattice of this city survives. Ten grand children are living, besides a brother R.A. Garrison of Kansas City, a sister-in-law Mrs. C.E. Dutcher and son in Aberdeen, S.D., also a nephew in Brookings.

The funeral will be held from the Methodist church Austin.

---

Provided to MNGenWeb by Dorothy Kunz; Oct. 2007

 

Gerald "Gerry" Anton Wellik, 75, of Crystal, Minnesota, died on September 30, 2007, at home, surrounded by his family.

A 44-year resident of Crystal, and a 35-year resident of Gull Lake, Brainerd Minn., Gerry graduated from Elkton High School and the University of Minnesota. He served in the Army from 1953-1954. He was a beloved husband, compassionate father and devoted grandpa. Gerry spent 19 years farming with his father. After leaving the farm, Gerry served in the Korean War from 1953-1954.

He met Peggy Nielsen, his future wife, in Austin, and they married June 2, 1956. Gerry felt very fortunate to celebrate his 50th Wedding Anniversary with Peggy last year. Gerry graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in business. He began his career as a salesman and was a natural entrepreneur and businessman.

In 1967, he founded LSI Corporation of America, Inc., which became a major manufacturer of plastic laminate casework for schools and hospitals. Through his tireless work ethic, LSI grew to national prominence and was an industry leader. Gerry retired in 1999. This allowed him more time at his home on Gull Lake. Every weekend from May to October, Gerry would fish with his father, friends and grandchildren.

Being outdoors, watching sunsets on the deck with Peggy, taking an evening pontoon ride, and going for golf cart rides with his grandchildren were a few of his favorite things to do while at the cabin. He was an extremely involved Grandfather who rarely ever missed one of his grandchildren’s activities. Gerry never forgot his roots. He and Peggy supported the Southland School district in southern Minnesota for over 20 years by providing scholarships for graduating seniors. They strongly believed in education and offering assistance to students from rural areas.

Gerry was very proud of the Wellik Fitness Center at Southland High School where he and Peggy furnished fitness equipment for students and the community. He gave generously to the North Memorial Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Center and Residential Hospice, the Mayo Foundation, and the Southland Public Education Foundation. Every year he did door-to-door fund raising in his neighborhood for the American Cancer Society. Gerry was an avid sports fan and coached his childrens’ sports teams for many years. In 1979, he led his daughter’s softball team to a State Championship. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching high school and college sports. He was a University of Minnesota Gophers season ticket holder for many men’s and women’s sports teams. Spring vacation was postponed every year until the Minnesota State Boy’s High School basketball tournament concluded.

For several years Gerry was a successful Trans Am series sports car driver at Brainerd International Raceway, in Florida, California, Canada, and Mexico. Gerry continued to follow auto racing over the years. Other pastimes included: pheasant and duck hunting as well as fishing at Gull Lake and in Canada.

Gerry is survived by Peggy, his wife of 51 years; daughter Amy (Anne Gorde) and sons Philip, Jamie (Rebecca) and Danny; grandchildren Eleanor, Emma, Isabel, Zoe and Edison. He is also survived by sisters, Bette Paine (Joe) and Janet Shepherd; many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Lorraine (Kettner) Wellik of Elkton, Minn.; nephews Wayne Moore and Jeffrey Shepherd, and niece Donette Lee. Gerry will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues, and his little dog Rumple.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the North Memorial Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Center, 3435 West Broadway, Robbinsdale, MN. 55422 or the Southland Public Education Foundation, PO Box 291, Adams, MN. 55909.

Services will be Friday, October 5, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7520 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church and on Thursday, Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m., at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel 5125 West Broadway, Crystal.

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News obituary: A man of success

By Katie Johnson / katie.johnson@austindailyherald.com

Businessman, benefactor, basketball enthusiast - Gerald “Gerry” Wellik was a man of success and passion who loved small-town stuff.

“He was always interested in other people and what they were doing,” said son Jamie Wellik, whose father remembered his rural roots in Elkton, supporting area schools and renting out farms around Dexter.

After Gerry started his more than 200-employee company in Plymouth, Minn., he still wanted to hire kids from small towns “because of the work ethic,” Jamie said.

Gerry grew up in Elkton, the son of farmer, school board member and mayor Anton Wellik. He graduated from Elkton High School and the University of Minnesota. He joined the Army when men were being drafted for the Korean War; instead of waiting to see if he was called, he and some friends signed up.

Gerry settled in Crystal, Minn. a suburb of the twin cities, and married his wife, Peggy, in 1956. In 1967, he founded LSI Corporation of America, Inc., which became a major manufacturer of plastic laminate casework for schools and hospitals.

“He was tired for having to apologize for the poor quality of product for his customers, so he started his own company,” Jamie said. “He developed a reputation and quality that had a niche in that industry.”

Wellik's company sold their product to hospitals and schools across the country, and maintained business relationships with rural schools in southern Minnesota.

Growing up, Jamie said he remembers his father best as “hardworking.”

“He was up before dawn, and he just worked, tirelessly,” he said. “Out by seven, never home before six. He was always on top of things and going places.”

The Wellik children all spent time working for their father's company.

“He taught us how to do office cleaning, yard work, working in the factory, paperwork and filing,” Jamie said. “I worked for him eight years until after we sold it.”

Gerry helped coach his daughter's team to a national championship, held season tickets to U of M games, and helped build the Southland School District's Wellik Fitness Center.

In the 1970s, Gerry pursued another career: Trans Am auto racing.

“In his mid-40s, I don't know how it happened, but he took up auto racing,” Jamie said. “He had a good run and was pretty successful at it.” Gerry raced in Canada, Mexico City, Daytona Beach, Laguna Beach and the Brainerd International Raceway. He also raced with Paul Newman, who would visit him at his cabin on Gull Lake in Brainerd.

Gerry retired in 1999, which allowed him to spend more time with his grandchildren and at his beloved home on Gull Lake, where he and his wife had been vacationing since the 1970s. “It was kind of like a second parenthood; he had a chance to enjoy more free time,” Jamie said.

Retirement also allowed Gerry more time to pursue his philanthropic efforts in education: he donated generously to the Southland School District, and established scholarships there and at Grand Meadow. On one of his last days, despite his health, he met with former Southland superintendent Larry Thompkins to discuss the scholarship.

Despite retirement and his successes, Gerry did not enjoy traveling; he preferred staying at his home of 44 years in Crystal. Even when he was receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic, he came home as soon as possible, and disliked his extended-stay hotel.

 

Marjorie E. Ames, 92, of New Ulm, died on October 13, 2007, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.

Marjorie Evelyn Skjong was born on November 22, 1914 to Ole and Emma (Whitehouse) Skjong in Iowa.

On May 23, 1955 she married Harold Ames in Austin, Minnesota. She worked as a waitress at the Rose Room in Austin. In 1956 they moved to New Ulm, where she worked at the Weneitta Cafe. After that, she worked at B.F. Goodrich and Pentasote for 20 years before retiring in 1984.

Marjorie is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Doris Rice, Austin, Eunice (James) Urlick, Austin; sons and daughter-in-law, Ernest (Marlene) Hammero, Austin and Richard Hammero, Madelia; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Ames, Iowa; stepchildren, Jerry and Vicki Ames, Austin and Robert Ames, California; 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Lloyd Skjong, Walnut Grove.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold Ames on February 19, 1986; sister, Frieda Byers; brother, Clarence Skjong; sisters-in-law, Mary and Margaret Skjong; brother-in-law, Dell Byers and stepson Harold “Skip” Ames.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 18, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm. Burial followed in the New Ulm City Cemetery.

 

Daryl Clifford Benson, 59, of Austin, Minnesota, died on October 15, 2007, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

Daryl was born on October 9, 1948, to Clifford and Connie (Anderson) Benson in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The family moved to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, where Daryl graduated from high school in 1967. He later graduated from Waldorf College in 1969 and then attended Mankato State University. He started his own construction company, D. Benson Construction, which he operated until 1981 when he attended Austin Community College.

Following that, he completed his four-year degree at Mankato State in June 1986 with a Summa Cum Laude in Marketing Management. Daryl married Rhonda Hanson on September 8, 1995. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, A member of the Austin Pilots Association, he owned his own plane and spent lots of time at Leech Lake.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda; a son, Dylan, both of Austin; his mother, Connie Benson of Albert Lea; five brothers, Michael (Char) Benson of Lake Andrew; Gaylen (Sharon) Benson of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Curtis (Liz Bachtel) of Albert Lea; Craig (Vickie) Benson of Montrose, Colorado; Eric (Sarah) Benson of Hood River, Ore.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Benson, and by his grandparents.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Grace Lutheran Church.

Arrangements were by Worlein Funeral Home in Austin.

 

Ernest "Ernie" Loecher, age 95, of Austin, Minnesota, died on October 14, 2007 at the Austin Medical Center.

Ernest was born on March 29, 1912, to Martin and Mary (Kemmler) Loecher at Johnsburg, Minnesota. Ernest farmed the family farm in Adams, Minnesota, from 1934-38 when he purchased the Steichen Trucking Firm and trucked grain, livestock, delivered freight and even hauled mail.

He married Mary Ann Frein on June 22, 1937 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, Minnesota. In 1941 he sold the trucking business and moved to Austin where he started at the Hormel Company where he worked until his retirement in 1974.

Ernie did many jobs at Hormel including working in the ice house cutting ice and supplying ice cubes for local restaurants. During those years he also worked part time for the Botsford Lumber and Young's Company in Austin. Ernie worked hard all his life and enjoyed working. He was a man who his wife and children looked up to and tried to emulate.

At the age of 95 he was still in his own home. On March 6, 2007 he suffered a stroke and after spending his 95th birthday in St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, he spent the past several months at the Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. He was a Catholic and a member of St. Augustine Church, and was a past member of the Eagles and Moose clubs.

He is survived by three children: a son, Roger (Eileen) Loecher, Denver, Colorado, and their two children, Nikolas and Brianna; by daughters, Jean (Don) Arnold, Austin, Jean's children Terry, Tammy and Todd and Don's children Kevin, Keith, Christie and Thad; Deanna Brekken , Springfield, Mo., and husband Richard, their three children Melissa, Michelle and Michael; 12 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Gertrude Loecher, Adams, Minn.; Evelyn Loecher, Amherst, Wis., and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; brothers, William, Ben, Joe and Paul; sisters Caroline and Frances, half brothers Fred, Frank and John and half sister Anna.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. There was a prayer service on Wednesday evening.

The Clasen-Jordan Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

Delbert Lingbeck, age 75, of Austin, Minnesota, died on October 14, 2007, at Austin Medical Center. Delbert Calvin Lingbeck was born June 22, 1932 to Otto and Marian (Inman) Lingbeck, in Austin, where he grew up. He attended the Methodist church as a child and graduated from Austin High School in 1950. Delbert served his country from 1950 until 1954 in the Air Force. Stationed in Baltimore, Maryland -- he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After an honorable discharge, he moved to Charles City, Iowa for employment at Oliver Tractor Company.

He married Louise Augustin on January 18, 1958 in Austin. He began working as a letter carrier at the Post Office in Austin and retired in 1976 after suffering a heart attack. A member of Eagles, American Legion and the Conservation Club, Del was a collector.

Survivors include his wife, Louise, of Austin; a sister-in-law, Carol (Orpheus) Belden, Austin, Bernice Lingbeck, Prior Lake, MN; brothers-in-law, Fred (Delores) Augustin, San Marcus, Calif., Arthur (Bertha) Augustin, Austin, Paul (Mary) Augustin, Charles City, Iowa, Arlin (Evelyn) Anderson, Brainerd; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Nellie Mae Anderson and brothers, John and Arlin Lingbeck.

Memorial services were held on Friday, October 19, 2007, at First United Methodist Church in Austin. Burial was at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, with military rites by American Legion Post 91.

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

 

Paul Chrencik, Jr., age 93, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on October 14, 2007, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Paul was born on July 16, 1914 to Paul and Anna (Sagot) Chrencik in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Iowa, where he farmed for many years. He was a very hard worker and loved being outdoors. A member of the Lutheran faith, Paul moved to Austin when he retired. He moved to St. Mark's Lutheran Home and became active in the craft department. He enjoyed gardening and raised wonderful vegetables.

Survivors include various relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; by two sisters and by four brothers.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery, Osage, Mitchell County, Iowa.

 

Larry Miland, 66, of Austin, died on Oct. 12, 2007 at his home after a battle with lung cancer. Larry Dwayne Miland was born on January 29, 1941, in Bennington Township, Mower County, Minn., the son of Gunvick and Marie (Sterling) Miland. He attended school in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1959.

On December 28, 1959, he married Margaret "Marty" Sippel in the chapel at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The couple moved to northern Minnesota, where Larry worked in the taconite mines in Silver Bay and Babbit for five years. They later returned to Austin, where Larry served as an area supervisor for the St. Paul Pioneer Press until his retirement in 1985.

After his retirement, the couple purchased the Nicol Hobby store. They renamed the store Marty’s Hobbies and continue to operate it in downtown Austin. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of Austin; a daughter, Renee Ferrin, Duluth; a son, Sean (Elizabeth) Miland, Austin; five grandchildren, Rachael, Megan, Shane, Mathilda and Magnus; one brother, Dolvin (Donna) Miland, Belmond, Iowa; one sister, Gwen Hovden, Spring Valley and many other relatives and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy, Theron Miland; two sisters, Adeline Aulwes and Dee Farnsworth and his son-in-law, Shawn Ferrin

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Burial will be at a later date in the Bloomfield Cemetery. The Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

Margaret Stuhr, 83, of Austin, Minnesota, died on October 14, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Margaret Katherine Fink was born on August 10, 1924, in Rose Creek, Minnesota, to John and Kathryn (Mullenbach) Fink. On April 14, 1943 she married Arnold Stuhr. He preceded her in death on February 1, 1986.

Margaret was a retired employee of Hormel Foods -- having worked there for 40 years. Margaret was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and she was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy (Tom) Laite, Albert Lea; granddaughter, Christi Chirpich, Albert Lea; great-grandchildren, Tara and Ryan Chirpich, Albert Lea; sister, Myrtle Tesdahl, Austin; sister-in-law, Alvina Stuhr, Austin; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; and by four sisters, Dorothy, Donna, Mildred and Kathy.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin.

The casket bearers were: Terry Lahann, Dennis Guttormson, Donald Miller, Gary Miller, Steve Miller and Al Crom.

 

Anne M. Muzykiewicz, 92, of Adams, Minnesota, died on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at the Adams Health Care Center.

Anne was born on December 30, 1914 to Stanislaw and Katarzyna (Piech) Muzykiewicz in Hornell, New York. Anne was the executive secretary to the vice president at Chicago Title and Trust. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Anne is survived by a nephew, Stephen (Colette) Golombowski, Johnsburg, Minnesota; grand nieces: Cathy (Kurt) Hurst, Madison, Wisconsin, Maureen (Ed) Noterman, Adams, Minnesota, Laura (Mark) Schaefer, Taopi, Minnesota, Sharon (Joel) Haraldson, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Valerie (Al) Rieke, Rochester, Minnesota; Suzanne Finbraaten, Adams, Minnesota; by grand-nephews: Steven (Kara) Golombowski, Adams, Minnesota; Dan (Sandi) Golombowski, Onamia, Minnesota; and David Golombowski, Adams, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters.

Funeral services were held on Monday October 15, 2007 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Johnsburg, Minnesota. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

Adams Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

Allen Read, age 51, of Austin, died on Oct. 8, 2007, at his home.

Allen James Read was born on February 19, 1956 in Austin, to Lemuel James Read Sr. and Irene Maxine (Muckey) Read. After graduating from Austin High School in 1974, he worked as a painter, most recently at Callahan’s Sales and Service.

He is survived by his son, Robert (Krystle) Read, and grandchildren, Cody and Charisma (Carrie), Grand Prairie, Texas; by sisters and brothers, Linda (Mark) Flicek and children Sara, Patricia, and Melissa; Roger Read (Nancy Duncan) and children Nick, Samone, and Shannon; Nancy Clennon and children Willie and Amy; Laurie Read (Gary Schewe) and children Tara and Jennifer, Lemuel J. (Angie) Read, Austin; Evelyn (Jay) Kuhlman of Cedar Rapids; and his ex-wife Robyn and her parents Duane and Marceline Aberg of Grand Prairie, Texas.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Lemuel Read, Sr.

Services were held on Friday, October 12, 2007, at Crane Community Chapel. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, south of Austin.

Worlein Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

Norman B. Hildestad, age 77, of Albert Lea and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on October 8, 2007, at Saint Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Norman was born on January 4, 1930, at Lanesboro, Minnesota, the son of Martin L. and Esther M. (Rundquist) Hildestad. He graduated from the Lanesboro High School in the class of 1948.

Norman married Lorraine S. Jacobson on January 10, 1952, in Austin. He served in the Army from 1952 to 1954. He was employed as a conductor and brakeman with the Milwaukee Railroad until his retirement in 1986. Norman was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Hildestad, Albert Lea, Minnesota; by sons and daughters-in-law: Dwayne and LaKara Hildestad, Calhan, Colorado, David and Sandra Hildestad, Davenport, Iowa; by a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Ken Lewison, Austin; by six grandchildren; by seven great-grandchildren; by a sister, Margaret Kyro, Richfield, Minnesota; and by nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by two infant children, four brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 12, 2007 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

The Clasen-Jordan Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

Mower County News
Thursday, August 14th, 1930
Page 5, Column 3

Charles Bailey, Civil War Veteran, Passes Away At Home Here

Another of our "Boys in Blue" was called home Saturday. Charles Bailey, Civil War Veteran, was about the streets as usual until Friday.

He had visited with old friends and was stricken ill with paralysis and taken to his home. He passed away Saturday morning at the home, 406 East Alleghany Street.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the close of the day, at five o'clock at the Jordan Mortuary, another casket was draped with the American flag, the flag for which he fought.

Charles Warren Bailey was born in Andover, Mass., November 21, 1845. He was left an orphan when a lad of ten. His mother had died when he was about a year old and his father passed away when Charles was about ten years. He then came to make his home with an aunt, Mrs. Hannaora Shattuck, who was the mother of George Shattuck, founder of the Shattuck Military Academy at Faribault.

Charles had attended the schools in Andover and also attended Phillips Academy. He began his service to his country when a mere boy. At the age of 17, he enlisted and served until the end of the war.

His regiment from Massachusetts was the heavy artillery which defended Washington. He returned to Massachusetts after the close of the war, and a year later came west, first in Wisconsin, then going to Decorah, Iowa where he lived two years and where he married Gertrude Thompson. They came to the farm southwest of the city which he retained, and made a home there until 1922, when he came to Austin to live in retirement. Mrs. Dailey passed away nine years ago at the farm home.

Mr. and Mrs. Bailey had a fine large family, seven boys and seven girls, two boys, Edward and Thomas, died some years ago. The five sons living are James, of Minneapolis, Albert of Austin, and George, Charles and Oscar of Oakland; seven daughters, Cynthia at home, Isabelle Casey of Oakland, Lucy Christopherson of Austin; Martha Sterns of Gary, Ind.; Carrie Miller of Paton, Ia.; Emma Crerar of Centuria, Wis.; and Edith Cook of Aberdeen, S.D.; all of whom were present at the funeral Tuesday. There are 20 grandchildren.

Two brothers and a sister preceded him in death, one brother was killed during the Civil war, giving his life for his country.

Mr. Bailey was a man for his own home. Being of the earlier settler type, he did not affiliate with various lodges or societies. He was a member of McIntyre post, G.A.R. always keeping his record clear, but was no hand to attend meetings. he loved his flag and revered it, but while on the farm, found little time to come to gatherings an din his retiring years, he lived close to his home, his daughter, Miss Cynthia, making the home for the aged parent.

He had planned to move from the present home and was to occupy an apartment on River street. Here he thought he would be near his old friend, Dr. Wm. H. McKenna and others for friendship calls, and looked forward with pleasure to being in the new location and nearer some of the old time acquaintances. When he moved from the farm to the city, he had sole one piece of his land, but kept the old homestead and was interested in the progress, planning to go Monday to be about the place for the regularly threshing.

Mr. Bailey was one of the younger of the few remaining Comrades living in Austin. We shall miss him. He walked daily past our office, visiting along the way with all of his acquaintances and walked with steady step, alert and seemingly as well as in years gone by. His end was lovely and peaceful and he was not called to suffer long, but fell into sleep at the closing of his life chapter.

Submitted to MNGenWeb by Mark Ashley Oct. 2007

 

Austin Register
Thursday, February 2, 1905
Page 4, Column 5

Founder of Normal College Dead

E. M. Shelde, who Helped Establish Big Austin School,
Dies At Blooming Prairie.

E. M. Shelde, who was one of the founders of the Southern Minnesota Normal College and its first president, died at Blooming Prairie Wednesday.

The following from the "Blooming Prairie Times" tells of his death:

"E. M. Shelde died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dock on Wednesday morning of this week. Mrs. Shelde is a sister of Mrs. P. K. Dock and they came here about two weeks ago to visit for a short time, but he was taken seriously ill and gradually failed until the end. Dr. Shelde was 37 years old at his death and was born in Norway, coming to this country in 1882.

He was educated at Valapraiso, Ind., and afterwards conducted a Normal school at Kenyon. He founded the Southern Minnesota Normal School at Austin in 1896 and in 1899 entered the medical department of the State University, from which he graduated last June. He located at Zumbrota where he has been practicing since he graduated. Dr. Shelde was well known here and the sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved family.

A funeral service will be held at the Dock home Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock and the remains will be taken to Kenyon Friday morning for burial."

Submitted to MNGenWeb by Mark Ashley Oct. 2007

 

Beverly Sheedy, 80, of Savanna, Illinois, died October 7, 2007, at her home in Savanna.

Beverly Ann Clennon was born in Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, on December 31, 1926, to Arthur and Vada (Smith) Clennon.

Beverly married Neil Sheedy on August 15, 1957.

She is survived by her husband, Neil; by her children: Sue (Paul) Mills, Sandra (Bob) Wolfe, Edward (Judy) Allshouse, Tammy Humphreys, Tim (Jenise) Sheedy, Terry (Roger) Miller, Trudy Sheedy-Corlis; by 19 grandchildren; by 21 great-grandchildren; by brothers and sisters: Marion Ashton of Austin, Eugene (Donna) Clennon of Austin, Arthur Clennon of Austin, Gwenith Chain of California, Martin Clennon of Florida, and Erma Anderson of California.

She was proceeded in death by a son, Donald Allshouse, by a brother, Delbert Clennon, and by both parents.

Funeral Services were held at the Presbyterian Church in Savanna, Illinois on October 9, 2007, officiated by the Reverend Michael Wey. Burial was in the Savanna Township Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were made with Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna.

 

Marilyn Norma Starman, age 81, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on Friday evening, October 19, 2007, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. She was born on April 1, 1926, in Goodhue County, Minnesota, the daughter of Nels and Marie (Koberstein) Wangsness.

On June 10, 1951 she married Dale William Starman at Hegre Lutheran Church in Kenyon, Minnesota. The couple moved to Austin in 1959, where Marilyn worked for First National Bank as head teller and loan officer. She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, WELCA and served as a greeter and also volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Survivors include her son, Bill (Sharman) Starman of Austin; two grandchildren, Kelsey Lynn, Amanda (and friend Jason), three great-grandchildren: Ava, Catrina and Dayton; two sisters, Elaine Wangsness and Alpha Sathrum, both of Kenyon; a brother-in-law, George Hanson of Boulder, Colorado; and a sister-in-law, Melva Rew of Appleton, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Dale Starman on June 7, 1996; by a sister, Betty Hanson and by a brother-in-law, Curtis Starman.

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

The Worlein Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

Carlito L. Ortiz, three month old son of Castro Ortiz and Tamara Conde of Austin, died on Friday, October 19, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. He was born on July 10, 2007 in Austin, Minnesota.

Survivors include three brothers: Austin Mortenson, Terry Conde, and Enrique Maldonado; one sister Arianna Gutierrez; his Godmother, Trish Marin; and his grandparents, Linda Milian and Marvin Mortenson, all of Austin.

He was preceded in death by an uncle, Terry Mortenson.

A Funeral mass was held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, south of Austin.

 

Helen "Bunchie" Bachman, 84, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on October 16, 2007 at Adams Health Care Center.

Helen Rosalie Pyle was born on January 22, 1923, to William and Freda (Lange) Pyle in Cannon Falls, Minnesota.

She married Jerome "Bucky" Bachman on September 29, 1943. They made their home in Hastings, Minnesota. After Bucky died Bunchie moved to Austin where she lived with her mother, Freda, until her death in 1988. Bunchie was a saleswoman for Avon and a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church. Bunchie was a very spiritual person. She liked to collect spoons, plates, coins and stamps.

She is survived by her step-daughter Shirley Bachman of Hastings; her step-grandchildren: John (Tracy) Bachman of Grand Meadow, Minnesota; Tony (Lisa) Bachman of Chanhassen, Minnesota; Lynne Violett, Savage, Minnesota; and Laurie Bachman; by 11 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Jerome "Bucky" Bachman; and by a stepson, Gerald Bachman.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 19, 2007 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, with Father Joseph Fogal officiating. Burial was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

Hugh V. Plunkett, III, age 65,
passed away Oct. 15, 2007

A funeral mass was held on Wednesday October 24, 2007 at St. Olaf's Catholic Church, 215 S. 8th St., Minneapolis. Burial followed the mass, at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave., Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

In his life's work Hugh litigated matters ranging from product liability, commercial lending, securities, antitrust, insurance and industrial chemicals to prescription drugs. Other attorneys stated that he “Painted a picture in the courtroom.” He practiced extensively in the areas of class actions, multi-party law suits and multi-district litigation.

Hugh served as the law clerk to Justice Martin A. Nelson of the Minnesota Supreme Court. He was President of the Mower County and Tenth District Bar Associations. He was also a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Board of Governors and was Chairman of the Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Counsel. He was a member of the Board of Trustees, LAWPAC Minnesota State Bar Association. He was a member of the Board of Directors of community colleges for the state of Minnesota and a member of the Board of Directors of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. He was also a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

He was admitted to the bar of Minnesota in 1968, his preparatory education includes Saint Thomas Military Academy, Notre Dame University, and William Mitchell College of Law. Mr. Plunkett was a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher and active in the Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary; by his daughter, Tara; by a son, Sean (Mary Theresa); by granddaughters, Nina and Margot; by his mother, Lorraine; by a sister, Debbie; by a brother, John; and by a father-in-law, J.E. Murphy.

Arrangements were by Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona, and Gill Brother's Funeral Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

Evelyn H. Rasmussen, 90, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died on Friday, October 19, 2007 at North Iowa Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.

Evelyn was born July 2, 1917 in London Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Helmer and Carrie Foss. She was baptized and confirmed at Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, Minnesota, of which she was a member until 1987 when she joined First Lutheran of St. Ansgar.

On December 31, 1935 she married John H. Rasmussen at Albert Lea, Minnesota. To this union a daughter, Ramona, was born. Together they farmed in the Lyle/London, Minnesota area, retiring to St. Ansgar in 1975. Her husband, John, passed away October 20, 1999.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter Ramona (Craig) Patterson, St. Ansgar, Iowa; by two granddaughters, Julie (Christian) Paulson, Ankeny, Iowa, and Kimberly (Kent) Karschnik, Mountain Lake, Minnesota; by six great-grandchildren: Autumn, Bryce, Adam, Alex, Ashley, and Andre.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband John, by an infant grandson, Douglas, by two sisters, Mildred Hartley and Hazel Sola, and by a brother, Melder Foss.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial was in Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle, Minnesota.

 

Jean Arlene Friedrich, 80, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on October 17, 2007, at Our House Memory Care II. She was born on August 22, 1927, in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, the daughter of Silas and Selma (Anderson) Skaran. She moved with her family to Farwell, and after graduating from Kensington High School in 1945, Jean moved to Austin. She was employed in the office of Geo A. Hormel Company for a short time.

On October 18, 1947, she married Henry Friedrich in Austin. Henry died on December 21, 2002. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Jean had been a resident of Our House Memory Care since August 2005.

Survivors include one son, Daniel Friedrich, Austin; a foster son, Tom (Mary Ann) Battin, Austin; sisters-in-law, Caroline Lewis, Naomi Friedrich and Edna (Roger) Ludwig, all of Austin; Rozella Friedrich, Fort Collins, Colorado; brothers-in-law, John (Genevieve) Friedrich and William Friedrich, all of Austin; and Albert (Alice) Friedrich, Williamsburg, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Henry, and by a sister, Lorraine.

Memorial services were held on Monday, October 22, 2007, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Robert Iverson of Grace Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, south of Austin.

 

Alphia Eleanor Kinney, 78, of Austin, Minnesota, died on October 17, 2007 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born on April 21, 1929 to Peter Theolin and Alma Regina Oletta (Evenson) Engen in Prosper, Minnesota. Alphia attended country school near Dexter and graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1947.

She married Donald James Kinney on June 29, 1947 at Bear Creek Lutheran Church, Grand Meadow, Minnesota. They had six children. She was employed by Ankeny's Mini-Mart, the Austin Moose Lodge, the Old Mill restaurant, and the American Legion.

Survivors include her children, Michael P. Kinney, Austin, Steven J. (Penny) Kinney, Austin, Reneé S. (Mike) Pieper of Rochester, Minnesota, Daniel J. (Christine) Kinney, Johnston, Iowa, Tony E. (Shelly) Kinney, Austin; seven grandchildren: Emily-Ione (Kris) Evans, Jessica and Rebecca Pieper; and Noah, Tressie, Luke and Zach Kinney; a sister, Bernetta Taylor of Duluth, Minnesota; a daughter-in-law, Polly Isham Kinney, Jersey City, New Jersey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband in 1993; by an infant son, Gregory B. Kinney; by a brother, Edgar Engen; by sisters, Arlene and Eleanor Engen.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 22, 2007 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Austin with the Reverend Dan Kahl officiating.

Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, south of Austin. The Worlein Funeral Home in Austin was in charge of arrangements.

 

Beatrice Lucille Raker, 90, of Oceanside, California, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 in Oceanside.

Beatrice was born on September 19, 1917 in Howard County, Iowa, to Theodore and Catherine (Gilmore) Raker. She attended St. Joseph grade school in Cresco, Iowa. Her family moved to Austin in 1935 where she graduated from Austin High School.

Bea received formal beauty training in Minneapolis and operated a shop in northern Minnesota. In 1945 Bea moved to Hollywood, California, where she opened a beauty shop, and then in the 50's moved her business to Tarzana, California. In 1976 she obtained her realtor's license and became a broker and commercial land developer.

Survivors include her sister-in-law, Marian Raker of Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Catherine Raker; by her brother, Louis Raker; and by her sisters, Frances Neisen, and Marcella McKenzie.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Monday, October 22, 2007, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota.

The honorary casket bearer was Tom Neisen. The casket bearers were: Don McKenzie, Robert Raker, John Neisen, Darryl McKenzie, Gerald Neisen and Wayne Paulson.

Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.