ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA -- A memorial service for David Dean Lageson will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, with Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating.

Mr. Lageson, age 81, of Rochester, died on Sunday, December 23, 2007, at Saint Marys Hospital, following a lengthy illness with cancer.

He was born on April 14, 1926, in Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, and graduated from Austin public schools in 1944. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Force, until 1945.

He married Genevieve Griffin on May 29, 1947. He helped operate a mobile skating rink and then went on to join his father in starting Lageson Hardware Store in LeRoy, which he operated for 37 years. Upon selling the store, Mr. Lageson became an accountant and an income tax agent. He was also a Modern Woodmen Life Insurance representative, reaching the "Million Dollar Club" three times.

He married Vernida Stockdale on July 24, 1982, in Decorah, Iowa. In 1993, after he retired, the couple moved to Rochester. An American Legion member for 60 years, Mr. Lageson enjoyed traveling, square dancing, hunting, fishing, camping, tennis and golf, and was an avid wood craftsman.

Survivors include his wife, Vernida; four children: Lana (David) Carson of Rochester, Richard (Laura) Lageson of St. Louis, Missouri, Jennifer (Brad) Talmo of Rochester, and Kristen (John) Chermak of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; his five step-children: Jean (Carlos) Oliden of Seattle, Michael Stockdale of Mediapolis, Iowa, Mark Stockdale of Decorah, Janet (Mark) Erickson of North Liberty, Iowa, and Laverne (Andrea) Stockdale of Waseca, Minnesota; 25 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son and a sister.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester and an hour before the service Saturday at the church.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Lurene Anderson, age 85, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on December 26, 2007, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Lurene Stevens was born on Aug. 25, 1922, to Thomas and Magdalena (Wagner) Stevens in Eastman, Wisconsin.

She married Millford Anderson on July 27, 1940 in Austin, where they made their home and raised six children. A member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin, she enjoyed painting, crocheting and reading. Millford passed away on November 4, 2003.

Survivors include four daughters: Beverly Ann (Kenneth) Halliday, Austin; Shirley Mae (John) McReynolds, Fullerton, California; Karen M. (Larry) Kernohan, Maryville, Tennessee; and Patti Ann (Steven) Cooklin, Austin; two sons, Vernon J. (Sharron) Anderson, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Randy W. (Joni) Anderson, Twin Lakes; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a half-sister, Ruth Manthey, East Troy, Wisconsin; a brothers, Thomas R. (Joyce) Stevens, Staunton, Virginia; and a half-brother, John G. (Patti) Renner, Muskego, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Millford; by a brother, Robert Stevens; and by a half-brother, Matthew Renner.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday December 31, 2007, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery, south of Austin. Arrangements are by the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Eleanor Dell Halsey, age 96, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on December 24, 2007 at the Sacred Heart Care Center, Austin.

Eleanor was born on October 28, 1911 to Elmore and Hulda (Calvin) Olson, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science Degree on Education and Library Science. She taught in Minnesota schools for 44 years, the last 29 years were in the Austin Public School system. She retired in June 1975.

Eleanor is a member of First Baptist Church of Austin. After retiring from teaching she spent many happy years in the children's library there. She was a member of the National Education Association, the Minnesota Education Association and the Austin Area Education Association.

Eleanor is survived by her two sisters, Muriel Anderson of Albert Lea, Margaret Jensen of Owatonna, Minnesota; by a niece, Merrie (Ron) Rheaume, Minneapolis, Minnesota; by two nephews, Wayne Jensen, Winona, Minnesota, and Bruce (Donalie) Jensen, Albert Lea.

Eleanor was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Johnson, St. Peter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Interment will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Casket Bearers will be: Wayne Jensen, Bruce Jensen, Ron Rheaume, Roy Earl, Keith Schwartz, and Shaun Lynch.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Elizabeth Ferguson, age 79, died on December 19, 2007 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, surrounded by her loving family.

"Liz" was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She taught her family about the love of God, the Lordship of Jesus and respect of all of God's creation.

She is survived by her three sons: Dwight (Donna), St. Croix Falls; Terry, St. Anthony, Minnesota, and Richard (Donna), Fredrick, Wisconsin; by her grandchildren: MacKenzie Ferguson (Gabriel), Nathan Ferguson, Jessica (Brian) Chenal, Nicholas Ferguson, Dena Ferguson; by one great-grandchild, Noah Chenal; and by a brother, Dwight (Bonnie) Shroyer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard L. Ferguson; by her parents, Walter and Dena Shroyer; and by a brother, Don.

Funeral Services will be held on December 28, at the Austin Church of Christ at 2 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at Rose Creek Cemetery. Arrangements are being made with Edling Funeral Home.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Bueta Velma Thompson, age 92, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died on Sunday, December 23, 2007 at the Adams Health Care Center, Adams, Minnesota.

Bueta was born on June 25, 1915 in rural Brownsdale, Minnesota, to Clair and Nellie (Funk) Hamor. Bueta was baptized in the First Methodist Church. She attended country school in Mower County and the Austin High School.

On October 22, 1933 she married Albert J. Sweazey. The couple lived in Austin and moved to a farm near Blooming Prairie in 1948. They were the parents of three children: a son, Emmett, and daughters, Dorothy and Arletta. Albert Passed away January 3, 1974.

Buetta worked many years at Sears as a telephone operator. She was also a 4-H leader and taught many 4-H members how to make pies and bread. She managed the 4-H Dairy Bar and Food Stand at the Mower County Fair for several years. She was a member of the Udolpho Extension Club for 55 Years. Bueta enjoyed crocheting, knitting and quilting, making many afgahans and quilts. She enjoyed feeding birds and watching deer and other wildlife that were always near her home. Bueta loved being with her family and friends and entertaining them. Anyone stopping by would always find the coffee pot on and some delicious treats, like her famous carrot cake or pie.

December 2, 1978, Bueta married Lee Finn of Wadena, MN and he passed away January 21, 1991. On February 14, 1993, Bueta married Charles J. Thompson of Austin. Charles passed away July 18, 2003.

Bueta was a member of Crane Chapel in Austin and has been a resident of Adams Health Care Center for the past year.

Survivors include her son, Emmett (Jeannette) Sweazey of Austin; daughters, Dorothy (Roy) Bierschenk of Nashua, Iowa, and Arletta Asaad of Brownsdale; a sister Nellie (Jim) Sorenson of Wadena, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great-grandchildren.

Bueta was preceded in death by her parents, by her husbands, Albert Sweazey, Lee Finn, and Charles Thompson; by three brothers: Roger Hamor, Gilbert Hamor and Jerry Hamor; by two sisters-in-law, Helen Hamor and Margaret Hamor; and by one grandson, Kent Bierschenk.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2007 at Crane Chapel in Austin. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. The Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Casket bearers will be: Edsel Sprung, Allen Sprung, Doug Hiene, Michael Buttjer, Doug Bruggeman and Brad Bruggeman.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Birth: Jul. 22, 1919
Death: Dec. 1, 1994

AUSTIN, MINNESOTA -- Mabel E. Ziemer Gould, 75, of Belle Fourche, S.D., an Austin native, died of cancer Thursday evening (Dec. 1, 1994) at a daughter's home in Belle Fourche after a long illness.

Mabel Elizabeth Morgan was born July 22, 1919, on the Morgan family farm near Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1937. She and her family performed a weekly radio program on KATE. In 1940, she married Alfred Arthur Phillip Ziemer and they owned and operated Ziemer's Hatchery until their retirement in 1959. They retired to McAllen, Texas, and she returned to school there, graduating as a licensed practical nurse in 1964, and worked in the McAllen area specializing in terminally ill patient care. Mr. Ziemer died in 1972.

In 1974, she married John H. Gould. He died in 1978. Mrs. Gould was active in 4-H and the Methodist church. She was active in Austin politics and served on the Austin School Board.

Survivors include four daughters, Aneitta Elizabeth Grace Ziemer (Mrs. Marsden Albright) of Belle Fourche, Aleah Gail Sue (Mrs. Ervin) Richter, AdriAnne Alice Lois Herrera and Andonette Louise Faith (Mrs. Don) Drewry, all of McAllen; nine grandchildren; and two sisters, Glen Marie Morgan (Mrs. Donald S. Doughton) of Salem, Ore., and Grace Marlys Morgan (Mrs. Lester) Johnson of East Olympia, Wash. She was preceded in death by a son, a sister and a brother. There was a memorial service Sunday at Kline-Frost Funeral Home in Belle Fourche, with the Rev. Tom Haggar officiating.

A graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery in Austin, with the Rev. Wesley Johnson officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Belle Fourche.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Bruce R. Wallace, age 90, formerly of Albert Lea, Minn. passed away at his home in Medford, Oregon, on December 16, 2007.

Bruce was the former owner and president of the Wallace's stores in Albert

News obituary: Heart of gold By KATIE JOHNSON / katie.johnson@austindailyherald.com Bruce Wallace's department stores were legendary in southern Minnesota, known as one-stop-shops for small-town residents before big box discount stores converged on local retailers. His father began the first Wallace's grocery store in 1915 in Fairmont, and they eventually evolved into ladies' apparel stores. Wallace's department stores expanded to Austin, Albert Lea and Willmar. "They evolved as times changed," said son and former president Bob Wallace. "The whole retail climate changed. The only one that survived was Herberger's." Bruce's "junior department stores" carried merchandise ranging from children's clothing to linens to jewelry from the 1930s to the mid-1990s. Austin's store, located downtown where Hill Larson Walth & Buhs now resides, closed in 1993; the last Wallace's store closed in Fairmont a few years later. Bob said his father was best known for his kindness and was well-respected among employees. "We were considered really good family," he said. "He was a very caring and sincere individual." His father, as an independent businessman, spent much of his life at his stores, and retired at age 62 before moving to California with his wife, Fran, whom he met while she was working at one of his stores. Bob believes Wallace's was successful for so many years because of the people who worked in the stores. "I think it was the people who worked there who made it work," he said. Also, Bob said, "in those days you had customer loyalty. If you had a line of merchandise, you were exclusive in that time." "It is difficult today to be independent," he said. "The junior department stores competed too much with the big box stores." Sue Anderson-Beyer, the last store manager of the Austin location before it closed in 1993, said Bruce "truly cared about people." "A smile comes to my face when I think of the Wallaces," she said.

Lea, Austin, Fairmont and Willmar, Minnesota. He was the son of Robert "Bob" Wallace and Edna Colton Wallace of Fairmont.

Mr. Wallace was born in Fairmont, Minnesota, and graduated from Fairmont High School. He served three years in the Army Air Corp during World War II, two of those years spent in the South Pacific. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, a Rotarian, a Mason, a Shriner, a member of the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and life member of the Elks Lodge. After retiring, he and Fran moved to Lake San Marcos, Calif., where they lived for twenty years. In April of 2003 they moved to 822 Golfview #102, Medford, Oregon, to be closer to family. His parents and his sister, Gloria Spence, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, "Fran"; by a son, Robert "Bob" (Catherine), Fairmont, Minnesota; by a daughter, Kay (Dennis) Lair, Medford, Oregon; by three grandchildren, Kevin (Jen) Lair, Bend, Oregon, Kristin (Erik) Peterson, Medford, Oregon, Debra Wallace, Santa Cruz, California; and her mother, Julie, of San Marcos, California; and by three great-grandchildren.

 

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Mary A. Machacek, age 68, died peacefully at her home after a nine month battle with cancer.

Mary Ann Werner was born on the family farm in Meyer, Iowa, on September 9, 1939, to John and Julia Werner. The family moved to Austin in 1942. She attended St. Augustine Grade School, and graduated from Pacelli High School.

Mary was married to Rex Machacek, at St. Augustine Church, in 1958. Mary had numerous hobbies which include: sewing, gardening, refinishing antique furniture, camping, and spending time with her family.

Mary is survived by her husband, Rex Machacek; by her two children, Lynn (Brian) Klapperick, Austin, Kelly (Pat) Hansen, Burnsville; by seven grandchildren; by two great-grandchildren; by her sisters, Marjorie Michels, Stacyville, Iowa, and Theresa(Roy) Baldus, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by four brothers: John, Joseph, Donald and Leon Werner; and by a sister, Agnes Canny Pavlick.

Her casket bearers were: Jennifer Klapperick, Jeffrey Austin, Andrew Klapperick, Kathryn Austin, Gage Hansen, Kristina Austin and Jon Hansen.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Norma J. Diaz, 69, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on December 29, 2007, at the Austin Medical Center, after a long battle with cancer.

Norma was born June 26, 1938, in Austin, to Charles and Mable (Bailey) Wolfe. She married Miguel Diaz on January 7, 1954 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He preceded her in death on March 1, 1987.

Norma enjoyed traveling, baking, crafts, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was passionate about everything she did.

She is survived by her children: Virginia (Robert) Berg, Austin; Mike (Julie) Diaz, Austin; Dan Diaz, California; Lori Howard (Hal) Lauerl, Montana; Christine (Hugh) Whalen, Austin; Tony (Mary Jo) Diaz, Sheridan, Wyoming; Rick Diaz (Rita), Lansing; and Maria Diaz, Lansing; by 15 grandchildren; by five great-grandchildren; by a brother, Donald (Alberta) Wolfe, Austin; by a sister, Delores (Gene) Cafourek, Stewartville; by step-brothers, Rolland (Georgia) Dockham, Florida; and Chuck (Judy) Dockham, Anoka; by a step-sister, Marcella Mauer, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her husband; by her parents; by daughters, Lisa and Joan; by four brothers; and by five sisters.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at Mayer Funeral Home with Rev. Sherri Mason officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota.

Casket bearers were: Tony Diaz, Mike Diaz, Rick Diaz, Josh Diaz, Justin Hultgren and Nick Adams.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Duane E. Buchanan, age 87, of Oakland, Minnesota, died on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at St. Marks Lutheran Home, Austin, Minnesota.

Duane Everett Buchanan was born on March 22, 1920 in Webster, South Dakota, to John and Daisy (Becker) Buchanan. The family moved to the Austin area where Duane attended the Moscow School, Shaw School in Austin and the Austin High School. Duane served in the United States Army during World War II and was married to Violet Smith on May 21, 1939 at Northwood, Worth County, Iowa. The Buchanans lived in Oakland, Minn., where Duane was employed as a Bulk Oil delivery driver and also worked as a mechanic in Oakland. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin Post #91 American Legion and Fidelity Lodge #39 A.F. & A.M.

Duane enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, and was a volunteer of the forestry at Cass Lake, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, by six brothers, by three sisters and by one great-granddaughter.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery in Oakland.

Honorary Bearers were: Mike Harrom, Robert Karbowski, Eric Lueth, Paul Nordean, Lee Ulrich and Wayne Ulrich.

Duane is survived by his wife, Violet Elvira Buchanan, Oakland, Minnesota; by a son, Duane (Joan) Buchanan, Livermore, Colorado; by daughters Rosemary (David) Lestrud, Loveland, Colorado, and Sally (Burton) Magnuson, Austin, Minnesota; by a son, Robert (Barb) Buchanan, Racine, Minnesota; by a daughter, Penny (Wayne) Elsner, Sheboygan, Wisconsin; by two brothers, John (Jeanette) Buchanan, Springdale, Arkansas, and Neal (Marcella) Buchanan, Rogers, Arkansas; by a sister, Bonnie (Warren) Lenz, Rochester, Minnesota; by nine grandchildren; and by 12 great-grandchildren.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Suzanne K. Larson, 64, of Sargeant, Mower County, Minnesota, died on December 27, 2007.

Suzanne Kay Tollefson was born on August 1, 1943, the daughter of Nordahl and Marion (Bergstrom) Tollefson in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School and was united in marriage to Larry Larson on December 15, 1962, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Austin. She worked at Sargeant Grain Company, the family business since 1965, and retired in December of 2007. Suzanne was active at Evanger Lutheran Church serving her community and several organizations.

Suzanne is survived by her husband, Larry Larson, rural Sargeant, Minnesota; by two sons, Dean (Jamie) Larson, Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Donald (Melissa) Larson, West Concord, Minnesota; by a daughter, Ann (Steven) Garner, Fostoria, Ohio; by ten grandchildren: Amber, Baileigh, Christian, Elizabeth, Jacob, and Benjamin Larson, Joseph, Jonathan, Stacy, and Brandi; by two sisters, Marlene Harty, Stillwater, Minnesota, and Jane (Daryl) Prihoda, Austin; by two brothers, Gary (Kay) Tollefson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Dale (Renee) Tollefson, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 31, 2007, at Evanger Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant, Minnesota, with Rev. Lyle Aadahl officiating. Burial was in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Margaret Kramer, 77, of Austin, formerly of Rose Creek and Adams, died on December 29, 2007 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

Margaret Ellen "Peg" Klassen was born on September 14, 1930 in Rochester, Minnesota, to Theodore and Margaret (Costello) Klassen. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1948 and from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester in 1951.

She married Melvin Kramer in August 1972 in Plainview. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2004. She retired from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Peg's interests included music, dancing, traveling, and reading. She had a love for her family, friends and her nursing profession.

Survivors include her children: Donna Burkhardt, Forest City, Iowa, Shirley (Joe) Jennison, Rochester, Minnesota, Judy (Sam) Bradley, Phoenix, Arizona, and James (Marjean) Kramer, Orchard, Iowa; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jim (JoAnn) Klassen, Lanesboro, and Theodore "Toby" (Gail) Klassen, St. Charles; a sister, Virginia Tice, New Braunfels, Texas; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Roach, Lake City; and a brother-in-law, Ervin Kramer, Adams.

She was preceded in death by her husband; by her parents; by a brother; and by a step-brother.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at St. Edward's Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal and Father Don Connley officiating. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery in Johnsburg. A prayer service was held on Wednesday evening at Mayer Funeral Home.

Honorary casket bearers included: Michael Kramer, Tina Christisen and Lindy Bradley. Casket bearers were: Tim Burkhardt, Tom Burkhardt, Terry Burkhardt, Bart Klassen, Nicholas Bradly and Heidi Dube.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Patricia K. Matter, age 58, of Albert Lea, Freeborn county, Minnesota, and formerly of Lansing, Minnesota, died on December 26, 2007 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Patricia Haustein was born on May 23, 1949 to Frank and Betty (Kurrash) Haustein in Austin, Mower County, Minnesota. She grew up in Lansing and graduated from Austin High School. She raised her children in Glenville and spent the remainder of her life in Albert Lea. A woman of many talents, Patricia shared her creativity and caring with all. She also enjoyed shopping, gardening, cooking and decorating. She loved spending time with her two beloved grandchildren. Her family was the world to her.

Survivors include: two daughters, Malissa (Michael) Schnoor, Richmond, Texas, and Bridgett Allard, Phoenix, Arizona; a son, Shane Matter, Albert Lea; two grandchildren, Veronica and Jazzten Schnoor; and three sisters: Ann (Harold) Peters, Barb (Harold) Miller, both of Austin, and Becky (Steve) Peterson, Lansing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Betty Haustein; by one sister, Kathy; and by one brother, James.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, with Father Dale Tupper officiating.

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

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Margaret Ellsworth, age 86, a longtime resident of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on December 20, 2007 at the Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.

Margaret was born on April 10, 1921 in Elk River, Minnesota, to Christian and Belvina (Madsen) Holzem. She attended high school in Little Falls, Minnesota. She married Howard Ellsworth on October 5, 1940 in Elk River. He preceded her in death on November 24, 2005.

Margaret and Howard taught round and square dancing four times a week for 35 years while Howard worked at Hormel Foods and Margaret worked for the Drs. Richardson, DO, and as the school secretary for Pacelli High School.

Twenty-eight years ago, Margaret began teaching counted cross stitch and quilting through the Austin Community Education Program. She taught 3-4 classes per week for 25 years with many of the same students registering to take her classes again and again. She always worked to encourage and help her students increase their skills. She made many shop samples for local quilt shops. And she taught classes at the Calico Hutch in Hayward, Minnesota.

Survivors include a daughter, Mary Jane (Ellsworth) and Jerry Munley, Woodridge, Illinois; a granddaughter and husband, Melissa (Munley) and Brian Knotts, Lisle, Illinois; a great-grandson, Christopher Knotts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; by her parents, Christian and Belvina Holzem; by a sister, Ilene; by a brother, Leonard; and by a grandson, Jeffrey Ellsworth Munley.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. There was a CCW Rosary and a wake service on Friday evening at Mayer Funeral Home.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Ronald Charles Majerus, age 69, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on December 26, 2007 at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota.

Ron was born on December 12, 1938, in Austin, to Andrew and Viola (Meek) Majerus. He graduated from Austin High School in 1956. He served in the US Navy from 1956-1959 in New Brunswick, Maine. Ron has been the owner/operator of Anderson Radiator for over 40 years, and had retired from Hormel Foods after 25 years of service.

On October 20, 1960, Ron was united in marriage to Jeanne Armstrong in Mason City, Iowa. Jeanne passed away on May 25, 2005.

Ron loved spending time at his lake home with his family and friends. Ron was an active grandpa who adored his grandchildren.

Survivors include, a daughter Michelle (Steve) Jennings, Rochester, Minnesota; a son, Jeff (Holly) Majerus, Austin; seven grandchildren: Brooke Dokken, Lincoln, Nebraska, Matthew, Joseph and Lauren Jennings, Rochester, Minnesota, Michael, Emily and Amanda Majerus, Austin; four sisters: Barbara Wannarka, Austin, Janet (Mel) Haldorson, Austin, Janice (Bud) Teich, Anchorage, Alaska, Patricia Taylor, Bloomington, Minnesota; and a brother, Gary (Pam) Majerus, Austin.

Ron was preceded in death by a daughter, Dana Dokken; and by sisters, Dorothy Mandt, and Mary Lou Majerus.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 31, 2007 at the First Congregational Church with Rev. Jim Peck officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota.

Honorary casket bearers were: Richard Doty, Steve Sorenson, Bruce Berndt, Garth Seavey, and Virgil Loux. Casket bearers were: Al Greenman, Gary Stephans, Harry Hanson, Harold Sorenson, Bob Bos, and Greg Johnson.

The Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Birth: Feb. 20, 1916
Death: Jan. 12, 2005

Funeral services for Wilma E. Schilling, 88, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, were held on Monday, January 17, 2005 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Myrtle, Minnesota. The Rev. Jeff Wallager officiated.

Interment was in Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Wilma died on Thursday, January 13, 2005, at the Austin Medical Center.

Wilma Eileen Schilling was born on February 20, 1916, to Vance B. and Della P. (Richardson) Hotson in Lyle Township, Mower County. She graduated from Austin High School in 1932 and teacher's training in 1933.

Wilma taught school from 1933-1936. On Oct. 10, 1936, she was united in marriage to Verner A. Schilling at the First Lutheran Parsonage in Glenville. After her daughter, Jean, graduated from high school. Wilma went back to teaching in 1957 at the Glenville School System where she taught until her retirement.

She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and active in the women's group. Wilma was an avid collector of rocks, which she gathered from gravel pits and cross-country travels. Wilma and her husband traveled to all the states west of the Mississippi and to Canada at least once, although they saw a little of the East Coast, Europe, or Mexico.

Survivors include her daughter, Jean Legried of Oakland; grandson, Virgil and his wife, Michele Legried, of Byron; great-grandchildren, Cody and Chelsey Legried of Hollandale; sisters-in-law, Ruth Hotson of Milwaukee, Wis., Sylvia Hotson of Manly, Iowa, Arlene Hotson of Austin, and Luella Mittag of Albert Lea; and nieces and nephew.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Vance and Della Hotson; husband, Verner Schilling; son-in-law, Peder Legried; sister, Donna Hotson in infancy; brothers, Dale, Dean and Wayne (Bud) Hotson; sisters-in-law, Bertha, Lillian and Blanche Schilling; and brothers-in-law, Albert and Arthur Schilling and Waldemar Mittag.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

#1:

OBITUARY: Austin Daily Herald; Thursday, 25 October 1945; Front Page. Column 1.

Mrs. K. O. Wold, 87, Dies at Home Here.

Mrs. K. O. Wold, 87, died at her home on Chatham street last night. She had been an invalid for the past 10 years. She leaves three children, Walter, at Oakland, Calif., Ethel and Guy, the latter the well known druggist.

Funeral services will be at Jordan's mortuary Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev. A. K. Swenson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Her husband, the late K. O. Wold died in December 1937.

Submitted by Jim Johnson -- <uff-da-9@juno.com> Jan. 2008

---

#2:

OBITUARY: Austin Daily Herald, Austin, Minn.

MRS. K. O. Wold 1858 - 1945

Mrs. K. O. Wold, who died. Wednesday night at her home on Chatham street, was one of Austin's oldest and most highly respected woman, a woman whose name is associated with the civic movements of the past, to which she gave much time and ability, outstanding among them being St. Olaf church, the floral club that laid the foundation for our public library and the YWCA.

She was born, Petra Amelia Moe, at Sondahl, Norway, Oct. 21, 1858. When she was nine years' of age she came with her parents to Mashegan, Mich., and later to Long Lake in this state. She was still a girl when the family came to Austin and she got most of education in the schools here.

On Nov. 3, 1876, she was married to Knud O. Wold. Mr. Wold was then in the drug business in which he continued through his long lifetime and which is still in the family. They built their home at what is now numbered 306 S. Chatham street, a district that was then largely an oak grove. This house has been her home ever since.

To them were born three children, Walter Edward Wold, a druggist at Oakland, Calif., Ethel and Guy both of this city. She is survived also by two grandchildren, Jeanette Anderson of Stockton, Calif., and Edward Culver Wold, now with the army in India.

She became active in civic and church affairs early in life. AustIn was her home and she worked for its advancement along church and educational lines. The Ladies Floral club was an active organization set on giving the village a free library.

She was a welcomed member for it brought her ability and enthusiasm to the like forces of the organization. It was a proud moment when the organization placed its library in the basement of the court house and later to know that she had done her share towards the creation of the present splendid library.

It was the same kind of enthusiasm and ability that she entered the church work having joined St. Olaf Lutheran Church of which she was to be a member for 60 years. For a number of years she was the organist. she was a member of the Ladies aid for many years, women of the church had to work to raise funds for the erection of the building and maintenance. She was equally active maintenance mission work of the church.

Another institution called for Mrs. Wold's ability and good judgment, the Young Women's Christian Association, with which she was identified in its earlier years.

She was a woman of strong temperance views and was a member of the WCTU. she was also a member of the Eastern Star.

Ten years ago she suffered an attack that made her an invalid from that time, but through all those years she maintained her interest in things of civic and religious matters. The fine spirit of patience and cheerfulness stayed with her through that period of time. By her qualities of mind, unselfishness and tolerance she won her large circle of friends, most of whom have preceded her in death.

Submitted by Jim Johnson -- <uff-da-9@juno.com> Jan. 2008

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

THOMAS ELLIS [1825-1874] died in the town of Moscow on the 13th of September, 1874, having fought the good fight and finished his course.

He was a native of Wales. On coming to America he stopped a while in Ohio, and then pushed on to Wisconsin where, catching the tide that was setting so strongly into the new territory of Minnesota, he was brought out here in 1855, securing a place where he remained through life. He was in the army during the war, was a kind father and husband, and was sadly missed.

[Buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin]

"History of Freeborn County", 1882
Necrology

FYI: "Necrologies" were death records--a sort of combination obituary and biography--as listed in the 1882 "History of Freeborn County".

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#1:

PACE--At his residence near Oakland, April 17, 1879, of neuraglia of the heart, Israel H. Pace, aged 38 years and ten months. He was born in Bennington, Wyoming county, New York, in 1840. At age two his family moved to Wisconsin, and when he was sixteen they came to Moscow Twp., this county [Freeborn].

He was married to H. Rosanna Farr, December 9, 1867, and continued to reside in the same town with his father and and brothers, a respected and beloved citizen. He served as a loyalist three years in the war for the Union, in the 10th Minnesota regiment.

He leaves a wife and five small children, the youngest only six months. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Pace, who had been staying with a son in Hammond, Wisconsin, arrived the day after his death. The funeral sermon was preached Saturday at the schoolhouse, and the body was taken to the family lot at the cemetery in Austin.

Freeborn Standard, 4/24/1879

[Buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin]

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#2:

ISRAEL H. PACE - The year 1840, and Bennington, Wyoming county, New York, claims the subject of this sketch as the time and place of his birth. From the age of two years he lived in Wisconsin, coming to this place in 1856.

He was married on the 9th of December, 1867, to Miss Rosanna Farr. For three years he served his country in the Union army, in the Tenth Minnesota Regiment, and was slightly wounded at the battle of Nashville in September, 1864. He was a good citizen, friend and neighbor, and left a wife and five children. The bugle call that sounded the reveille for his rising in the other life, was on the 17th of April, 1879, at the age of 38.

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Freeborn Standard 6-18-1884

Moscow Twp. [Freeborn co.]-- In Moscow on the 9th of June, Pheramy, daughter of Joseph and Amanda Pollock, age 3 years and 8 months. She was buried in the Austin Cemetery.

[NOTE: The headstone at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Mower county, Minn., the lists birth date as Dec. 6, 1880, and the death date June 9, 1883]

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RICELAND TWP [Freeborn County, Minn.]:

DEACON ISAAC BAKER -- On the 24th of November, 1879, this estimable man closed the book of natural life, at the age of 73 years. His first apppearance on this stage of action was at Wood Creek, Washington county, New York, on the 24th of December, 1806. At the age of six his father's family moved to Pennsylvania.

When 22 years of age his marriage took place with Mrs. Phoebe Beardsley. In February, the year of his death, the golden wedding was observed. In 1843, he removed to Shirland, Winnebago county, Wisconsin, and from thence to Riceland, where he remained until 1870, when he removed to Austin [Mower county, Minnesota]. Mr. Baker and his wife were two of the six constituent members of the Baptist church at Shell Rock.

Source: Freeborn County American History and Genealogy Project

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JOHN S. CORNING [1827-1872] was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1827, where he lived until 1855 when he came to Minnesota, and erected the first frame house in Shell Rock, and for two years did two men's work -- run a saw-mill, kept a store and managed a hotel, and afterwards kept the Webber house in Albert Lea.

For twelve years before his death he kept a hotel in Austin. When 52 years of age, on the 10th of October, 1879, the gong sounded for him to retire from this world forever.

[Buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin (Mower county)]

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#1:

a.k.a. Sarah Calista (Gibson) Davison*

OBITUARY--

Died at Austin Minn., June 13th, 1899 of quick consumption, Calista (Mrs. George) Davidson**, of London, aged 22 years and 5 months. Her maiden name was Gibson, and she had been married to Mr. Davidson** only six months.

Services were held in the Bradbury school house in London, on Friday the 15th. She was buried at the Beacher** cemetery, Otranio**, Mower Co., on the Cedar River, next to her parents, also victims of the same disease.

Source: unknown Albert Lea paper
Freeborn County American History and Genealogy Project

*NOTE: Findagrave has her listed as "Sarah Calista (Gibson) Davison", and shows her buried in Woodbury Cemetery, Mower county, Minnesota.

**NOTES:
1. Mitch Helle says her surname should be Davison, rather than Davidson as it was originally in this obituary.
2. Mitch says the death year should be 1888, not 1899 as it was previously on this page.
3. Mitch says Bradbury should likely be Woodbury.
4. "Otranio" should be "Otranto", which is in Mitchell county, Iowa, rather than Mower county, Minnesota. Otranto is near to Woodbury cemetery, which is close to the Minnesota-Iowa border.
5. Mitch also says that "Beacher cemetery" is wrong, and should likely be given as "Beach cemetery" which is an alternate name for Woodbury cemetery.

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#2:

Calista Davison obituary

It again becomes our painful duty to record the death of one of our esteemed friends of London in the person of Mrs. Calista Davidson (sic), who died June 13th at Austin, of consumption ; age 22. Her maiden name was Gibson, and she had been married to George Davidson (sic) about 6 months.

They moved to Austin this spring, but was brought to London the scene of her youth for funeral services the 15th. Rev. Mr. Stanley of Austin delivered the sermon from Matt. 25 ch. 13 v. to an unusual large concourse of attentive and sympathetic hearers. It was the largest funeral that ever convened in London, there being 47 teams present besides many came afoot. A beautiful hearse was obtained from Austin to convey the departed and loved one to her last resting place beside her father and mother, in what is known as the Beecher (sic) cemetery on Cedar river.

A singular fact to the same Rev. Stanley conducted the funeral services of the father, mother and daughter in the same school house at different times. They all died of consumption.

A deep sympathy pervades the public mind over the loss of one so young and promising.

Newspaper: Freeborn County Standard
Publication Date: Wednesday, June 27, 1888
Research Credit: Mitch Helle, 9/3/2016

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OBITUARY: Austin Daily Herald; Thursday, 3 March 1932; page 13, column 7.

Mrs. J. C. Johnson

Funeral services for Mrs. J. C. Johnson will be held at 2 :00 o'clock. Saturday afternoon at the Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams. The body is expected to arrive there from Aberdeen, South Dakota at noon Saturday. Mr. Johnson and son Edwin are driving from Aberdeen to Adams and plan to arrive there tomorrow.

Mrs. Johnson lived in Austin for twelve years while Mr. Johnson was sheriff of Mower county and left for Aberdeen, S.D., with her family in 1913.

The Aberdeen, (S.D.) Morning American of Wednesday, contained the following announcement of Mrs. Johnson's death.

Mrs. Sarah Johnson, 601 Sixth Avenue southwest, wife of J. C. Johnson, Jr., and mother of Edwin O. Johnson, local automobile dealer, passed away at her home Tuesday night, she had been ill for two years

A prominent and active member of the Bethlehem Lutheran church of this city, Mrs. Johnson had gained many friends who express sorrow in her passing.

Born at Adams, Minn., February 9, 1865, Mrs. Johnson was 67 years of age.

She was married to J. C. Johnson Adams Oct. 31, 1889.

Since 1913 Aberdeen has been her home.

Surviving her in addition to her husband and son of this city are three other sons: Chester M. of Chicago, Dr. Carl J. and Dr. Aaron B. both of Louisville, Ky., and two sisters, Mrs. H. O. Wentzell, Moorehead, Minn., and Mrs. I. Tiegen, Adams, Minn.

One son preceded her in death in February, 1899.

The funeral will be held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Thursday at 11 a.m. with Rev. A. Edmer Moe officiating.

Burial will be at Adams, Minnesota, following services there Saturday.

Submitted by Jim Johnson -- <uff-da-9@juno.com> Jan. 2008

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[Austin Daily Herald: Thursday, 24 January 1901, page 2, column 1.]

Death of Sheriff Johnson's father.

John C. Johnson Sr., was born in Sjoe, Bergen Shift, Norway, January 1, 1824, and moved to this country, arriving here direct from Norway, June 1, 1861. He settled on the farm at that time where he has lived ever since.

He leaves a wife, four sons and four daughters to mourn the loss of a true father: John R. Johnson, Mrs. J. H. Knutson, and Mrs. Nils Anderson of Marshall; Nils C. Johnson of Adams; A. C. Johnson of Kenyon, Minn.; Mrs. Ida Oleson and John C. Johnson of this city, and Mrs. N.S. Gravdahl of Clayton township.

Submitted by Jim Johnson -- <uff-da-9@juno.com> Jan. 2008

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