Lucille Ann (Mrs. Kenneth) Johnson, 66, of Austin, passed on into Glory on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home after a long and courageous fight with Wegener's Vasculitis Disease.

Lucille was born Sept. 19, 1941 in Mankato to Leon and Marie (Miller) Schlekau. She grew up in Mankato where she graduated from Mankato West High School and went on to attend Mankato State University. She graduated with a degree in Library Science. While working as a child librarian, she met her future husband, Kenneth M. Johnson on a blind date. They were married six months later on Dec. 6, 1969 in Mankato. They made their home in Austin. Lucille was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed arts and crafts as well as spending time with family and her grandchildren, and she was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth M. Johnson, Austin; three sons, Matthew (Kelly) Johnson, Farmington, Jonathon (Tonya) Johnson, Warren, Mich., Nathaniel (Kathy) Johnson, Owatonna; four grandchildren; two sisters, Reve Rasmussen, Good Thunder, Karen Swank, Austin.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Marie Schlekau, and her sister, Shirley Gens.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Sunday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. The honorary casket bearer will be Rick Swank. The casket bearers will be Tom Pangrantz, Daniel Swank, Kerry Rasmussen, Tim Gens, Jim Hecinovich and Kevin Rasmussen.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Dorothy Hemann, age 80, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on March 30, 2008 at Austin Medical Center.

Dorothy Catherine Wagner was born May 8, 1927 to Barney and Catherine (Schneider) Wagner in Stacyville, Iowa where she grew up and attended school. After completing her education, Dorothy moved to Minnesota, making her home in Austin where she went to work for Ankenys.

She married Leo Hemann in April of 1946 in Austin. They continued to live in Austin and raised three children. Leo passed away on Jan. 8, 1974. Dorothy retired in 1992. A member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, reading and puzzles.

Survivors include two sons, Leslie (Linda) Hemann and David (Marlene) Hemann, Austin; one daughter, Judy (Alfred) Cook, Waltham; six grandchildren, Tammy, Kim, Gary, Laura, Vanessa and Julie; seven great grandchildren; five sisters, Veronica Anderson, Carpenter, Iowa; Marian Stanek of Colorado; Jeanette Klapperick, Austin; JoAnn (Richard) Holgate, Austin, Geraldine (Larry) Hendershot, Remer; three brothers, Albert (Kay) Wolf, Austin; Robert Wolf, Austin; Jim Wolf, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo and her parents, Catherine and Barney Wagner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa with Father John Moser officiating. Interment is at Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville, Iowa. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with a Rosary Service at 4 p.m. and visitation at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Memorials are preferred to the family.

[Original obituary posted in Austin Daily Herald -- April 1, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Gollen L. "Goldie" Johnson, age 87, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on March 29, 2008 at the Austin Medical Center.

Goldie was born January 10, 1921 in rural Austin Township to Palmer and Anna (Weber) Johnson.

He married Janet K. Clark in 1945 in Austin. She preceded him in death on May 7, 2005. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the American Legion (over 60 years), VFW and Sterling Silver Club. Goldie was a member of the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. Goldie worked for Hormel Foods in Austin for over 40 years. During his retirement he enjoyed playing cards, traveling, bird watching and gardening.

Survivors include his children, Diana (Melvin) Campbell, Guymon, Okla., Glenn (Nhung) Johnson, Oak Park, Ill., Wesley (Lana) Johnson, Austin; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings, Wayne Johnson, Austin, Mavis Madson, Austin, W. Paul Johnson, Austin.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Anna Johnson; brother, Clarence Johnson; sisters, Margaret Larson and Maxine Gerard.

Memorial services will be held 11 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with The Rev. Karen Behling officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91.

The honorary casket bearers will be his grandchildren, Mark Riley, Julie Sniffen, Susanne Johnson, Tara Miller, Keri Yerhart, Gina Judge, Chad Johnson and Melvin Campbell Jr.

Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Original obituary posted in Austin Daily Herald -- April 1, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

William "Bill" Renwick, age 68, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on April 2, 2008 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

He was born November 14, 1939 to Joseph and Eleanor (Madson) Renwick in Litchfield, Minnesota. When Bill was about three years old, the family moved to Austin, where he grew up and attended school. He joined the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. Included in his Navy career were three tours of duty in the Mediterranean. He married Judy (Waters) Halleland on July 22, 1995 in Austin. After retiring from the Navy, Bill worked as a printer. A member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, American Legion and VFW, he was an avid reader. He also enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing with the grandchildren and dancing with his wife. He moved to St. Mark's Lutheran Home last July.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; three sons, William Renwick, Jr., Guy Renwick, Dean Renwick; seven step-children, Julie (Brian) Thate, Jeff (Andrea) Halleland, Greg (Melissa) Halleland, Geri Olson (special friend, Todd), Joshua (Greselda) Halleland, Joseph (Amanda) Halleland, Genna (Sean) Mortensen; 23 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph (Mary) Renwick, James Renwick; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Joseph Renwick; one daughter, Macy; and his father-in-law, Ralph Waters.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1216. Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Ida Hesselgrave, 86, of Garrison, Minnesota, died on March 28, 2008 in a Garrison hospital from complications with Parkinsons disease.

Ida was born in rural Coleharbor, North Dakota, to John and Pauline (Kempf) Boger on February 2, 1922. She remembered as a child how easy her birthdate, 2-2-22, was to remember. She was raised and educated in the Coleharbor area.

She married Louis N. Hesselgrave on May 16, 1944. They were involved in farming until 1959 when they moved to Rose Creek, Mower County, Minnesota. In 1987 they moved back to Garrison.

Ida was a kind, caring person. She spent most of her life caring for those that needed help in ordinary everyday tasks. She was always willing to help friends and neighbors while living in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Her kindness was also shared with her family, who was most important in her life.

Ida is survived by three daughters, Daphne Wagner, Austin, Mary (Steve) Sizer, Lakeville, Minnesota, and Cindy (Mark) Cassem, Kasson, Minn.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Irene Boger, Garrison, N.D., Hilda (Ernest) Kohler, Ruby (Kermit) Westman, both of Benedict, North Dakota; brother, Melvin (Myrtle) Boger, Minot, North Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Martha Steinwand, and three infant brothers.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison. Burial was in the Garrison City Cemetery.

To sign the online guest register go to: www.garrisonthompson.com.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Irene Eugenie Titus, age 84, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on April 1, 2008 at the Sacred Heart Care Center.

Irene was born March 28, 1924, in the little family farmhouse-on-the-prairie, halfway between Vanguard and Pambruin, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Stollanus and Annette (Dubuc) Hebert. Irene attended schools at Radville and St. Boniface and completed three year's nurses training (Tache Hospital) in Winnipeg.

She worked as a nurse at Thief River Falls Hospital and State Farm Insurance in Roseville, Minnesota, from 1952-1962. On May 27, 1959, Irene became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

On Aug. 12, 1961, Irene Hebert and Richard Titus were united in marriage at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minn. Irene worked as a nurse at Children's Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.; St. Croix Falls, Wis., Hospital; and the Austin Medical Center. After achieving her real estate qualifications, she worked for Brill Real Estate.

Irene was adept at making clothes from scratch for all her daughters. She and her husband taught a large variety of weekly Ballroom Dance classes for nearly twenty-five years through the Austin Community Services.

Irene was an active member of St. Augustine WCCW-St. Anne's Unit, and the Austin Cotillion club.

Upon retirement, Irene was active in the Philomathian Library and Gift Shop and in the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society-offering classes on the benefits of non-smoking and nutrition.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Titus, Austin; children, Jacqueline (Jeff) Grossmann, Colts Neck, New Jersey, Renee Titus, Bloomington, Illinois, Michelle (Darrin) Gray, Waconia, Minnesota, Noelle Titus, Apple Valley, Minnesota, grandchildren, Lindsey, Cory, Angela, Daniel, Ashley and Dustin; families of brothers and sisters all from Canada, Rollande Guilbault, Louis Hebert, Aline Brunet, and Maurice Hebert; families of sisters-in-law, Joanne (Eugene) Cassidy, Rochester, Minn.; Mary (Jerry) Wilde, Austin; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Charlotte) Titus, Austin; Thomas (Janet) Titus, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Aline Brunet; sister-in-law, Jane Hebert; and brother-in-law, Pierre Brunet.

A funeral mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

The casket bearers will be Cory Titus, Jeff Titus, Troy Titus, Lindsey Titus, Mike Wilde, and Tim Cassidy. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to a favorite charity or to the Association of Frontal-Temporal Dementia.

The Mayer Funeral Home was om charge of arrangements.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Kenneth James Kirchner was born on January 3, 1928 at Brownsdale, Mower County, Minnesota, the son of Daisy (Wiser) and Ernest Kirchner. He passed away at home on April 1, 2008 after a brief but valiant fight against cancer.

As a boy he attended a one room country school and graduated from Austin High School (Austin, Mower County, Minnesota) in 1947. He served in the Navy for a brief enlistment. Ken was involved in the family cattle operation from a young age and later also drove cattle trucks for his brother, Ervin. Hired by Hormel in 1948, he worked there for 28 years.

On July 18, 1950, he married Margaret Heard at First Methodist Church in Austin. They had one daughter, Victoria, born in July, 1951. During one illness in the hospital over 30 years ago, Ken was looked after by several caring Philipino nurses, all of whom became family friends later. One of them, Lilia Johnson, has become like a special adopted daughter to the couple.

In 1960, they moved to a farm by Brownsdale, raising sheep, Duroc hogs, horses, and crops while both still worked full-time. After a short move to Arizona, they came back and purchased an old deserted farmstead near Dexter. All Ken's skills in carpentry, electrical and as all-around general handyman were called upon as they spent years updating the buildings, developing hardscaping and planting thousands of trees and perennials. The farm has become a showplace, with the landscape visited by garden clubs and tour groups from around the region. During all the renovations, they continued to work full-time jobs, raised more sheep and purebred Durocs, and showed at the National Barrow show.

Ken enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, painting, crossword puzzles and watching tv in the evenings. He fashioned jewelry of stones and silver and was a long time member of the Austin Gem and Mineral Society. He loved visiting with old friends at auctions and local fairs and shows. A member of the Root River Antique Tractor Association, he enjoyed restoring Allis-Chalmers tractors, and he spent many hard-working hours using his old WD-45. Through the University of Minnesota, Ken and Margaret became Master Gardeners and then certified Tree Care Advisors, donating many hours in that capacity in Mower County and at the MN Landscape Arboretum. Through their encouragement, many people have been bitten by the gardening bug.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Margaret of rural Dexter; his daughter, Victoria, Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Christine, Austin, Texas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 4, 2008 at Crane Community Chapel in Austin with Pastor Randy Swanson and Pastor Mark Goossen officiating.

Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Brownsdale, with military honors by Hayfield American Legion Post 330. Memorials are preferred to Crane Chapel or Mayo Hospice.

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

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Ray Louis Sash, age 97, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on April 1, 2008 at St. Marks Lutheran Home.

He was born on July 25, 1910 to Louis and Minnie (Reifschneider) Sash in Jasper County, Iowa. The family moved to Minnesota when Ray was 10 years old, making their home in the Brownsdale area. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Waltham, where he became a lifelong member. He attended country school in Waltham Township. He loved farming and being outdoors, so after completing his education, Ray began his farming career.

He married Evangeline Schramm on Oct. 28, 1939 at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he later became an elder and officer. A past board member of the Brownsdale Creamery Co-op, Ray supported 4-H and FFA projects for his sons. When they were young, Ray occasionally took them on fishing trips. The family traveled throughout the United States. Ray and Evangeline moved to Austin in 1994, and Ray became a resident of St. Marks in November of 2007.

Survivors include his wife, Evangeline, Austin; three sons, Tyrone (Paula) Sash, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Gerald (Carolyn) Sash, Austin, Richard (Linda) Sash, Albert Lea; six grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; twelve great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; sister, Blanche Tarvestad, Phoenix, Ariz.; brother, Elmer Sash, Brownsdale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie and Louis Sash; son, Rodney in 1984; four sisters and one brother.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Waltham with the Reverend Jeffrey Kuddes officiating. Worlein Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of arrangements. Interment is at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

[ Original obituary in Austin Daily Herald online, April 2, 2008 -- www.austindailyherald.com ]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Cynthia Louise Muhlbauer, age 46, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on April 3, 2008 at the Austin Medical Center.

Cynthia was born July 7, 1961 in Austin to James and Ruth (Bissen) Muhlbauer. She worked at St. Mark's Lutheran Home as a nursing assistant and at Viracon in Owatonna. Cynthia was a great seamstress and crafter who made quilts. She fought a brave battle with cancer and was independent to the end. Cynthia was very proud of her son, Eric. She enjoyed gardening and doing puzzles.

Survivors include her son, Eric Muhlbauer, Austin; her father, James Muhlbauer, Austin; her mother, Ruth Muhlbauer, Austin; her six sisters: Deb (Tom) Haugland, Austin, Linda (Dave) Miller, Austin, Stacey (Tim) Nazarro, Topeka, Kan., Cheryl Muhlbauer, Hayfield, Joleen Muhlbauer, Austin, and Joyce Muhlbauer, Austin; a godchild, Cortnee Muhlbauer; other nieces and nephews: Dan, Shayna, Bob, Maggie, Kyle, Caitlin, and Jake; and a great-nephew, Ethan.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Alma Muhlbauer, and Edmund and Loretta Bissen; and by two nephews, Jeremy Miller and Jacob Muhlbauer.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Joe Fogal officiating.

The honorary casketbearers will be: Kyle Miller, Dan Muhlbauer, Shayna Muhlbauer, Cortnee Muhlbauer, Bob Donovan, Caitlin Haugland, Jake Muhlbauer, Kris Hemann, Maggie Benson.

[Original obituary posted on www.austindailyherald.com, April 5, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Evelyn Marie Anderson, age 91, formerly of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, South Dakota.

Evelyn was born March 19, 1917 in Shieldsville, Minnesota, to William and Mary (Quinn) Duffney. On Nov. 4, 1939 she was united in marriage to LuVern O. "Bud" Anderson in Austin, Minnesota. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2004.

Evelyn and Bud lived in Austin for 48 years and their children attended local schools. Evelyn was a full time mother who cherished her family and spoiled her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to bake, especially around the holidays. Everyone looked forward to Christmas at Grandma's.

Evelyn was a devout Catholic. Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her compassion and sense of humor will be the topic of conversation around the "up north" campfires.

Survivors include her daughter, Sandra (Nicholas) Hurd, of Roseville, California; her sons, Raymond (Karen) Anderson, Watertown, South Dakota, and Randy (Myra) Anderson, Plymouth, Minnesota; and by 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Charlotte; her sister, Lucille Chavie; and by three brothers: Lloyd, Raymond and Richard.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father John Traufler officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and a 6 p.m. wake service on Monday at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

[Original obituary posted on www.austindailyherald.com, April 5, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Margaret L. Bjerke, 84, of Austin, died at St. Marks Lutheran Home on April 8, 2008.

Margaret Lorraine Peterson was born Nov. 26, 1923 in Rural Dexter to Clarence and Helga (Gunderson) Peterson. She was baptized and confirmed at Evanger Lutheran Church. She attended school in Elkton and graduated from Elkton High School in 1941. After high school, she attended teachers training in Austin for a year and taught country school in the Pleasant Valley and Dexter areas for four years. She met E. Kenneth Bjerke, and they were married Aug. 2, 1946 at Evanger Lutheran Church. The couple had four sons.

She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church where she was in the choir for many years and also a member of Circle. In her spare time, she grew roses, tuberous begonias and read. Margaret especially enjoyed listening to music and concerts. She was a member of the Mower County Senior Center, Mower County Humane Society, the Historical Society and the Nature Center. Margaret particularly liked corresponding and sending cards and letters for all occasions to her family and friends. She loved photography, visiting and traveling in her motor home with her family, and especially loved every minute of raising her boys.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 61 years, Kenneth; four sons, Brian (Susanne) Bjerke, Turtle Lake, Wis., Danny (Kay) Bjerke, Mason City, Iowa, Gary (Theanne) Bjerke, Bakersfield, Calif., and Scott (Susan) Bjerke, Eagan, Minn.; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth (Gene) Vermilyea, Stewartville; two brothers, Raymond (Shirley) Peterson, Dexter and Martin (Eillene) Peterson, Cross Lake; sister-in-law, Maria Peterson, Rochester; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Clarence Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Reverend Ron Barnett officiating. Interment will follow the service at Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Austin Daily Herald, April 10, 2008

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Helen Louise Moltz, 81, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died in an auto accident near Albert Lea on April 7, 2008.

She was born Dec. 3, 1926 to Paul and Louise (Nagele) Siewert in Elkton, Minn., where she grew up and graduated from high school. She married Marvin Barrows on Oct. 6, 1946. They made their home in Austin, raising five children. Helen enjoyed baking and her role as a homemaker. She began her career outside the home in 1962, working as a secretary in the Austin office of the Minneapolis Tribune. Marvin died on Dec. 17, 1974. A member of TOPS, Helen was also an outdoor walker.

She married Charles Moltz on April 21, 1984 at First Methodist Church. They belonged to the Promenaders Square Dance Club. Helen retired in Sept. of 1991 but remained active in church and belonged to circle.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Moltz, Austin; three sons, Gary B. Barrows, Pensacola, Fla., Charles (Kim Wilke) Barrows, Ham Lake, Duane Barrows, Minneapolis, MInn.; daughter, Linda (Michael) Quinn, Park Rapids; four stepchildren, Brian Moltz, Edina; Elaine (Dale) Erickson, Owatonna, Minn., Gayle (Randy Killian) Moltz, Melrose, Marlene (Ernest) Hammero, Austin; 11 grandchildren, Tony, Linda Kay, Aimee, Eli, Melissa, Jacob, Laura, Dylan, Brandon, Jesse, Mike; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Esther Williams, Valparaiso, Fla.; special friends, Betty Worts, Atchie Barrows and Doris Wilson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and Paul Siewert; two brothers, Frederich and Elmer Siewert; two sons, David and Jim; step-son, Allen; grandson, Gabriel.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2008 at First United Methodist Church in Austin with the Reverend Patricia Toschak officiating. Interment is at Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at church. Worlein Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of arrangements. The family prefers memorials to the church.

Austin Daily Herald, April 10, 2008

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Florence L. Vogel, 93, of Austin, Minnesota died on April 1, 2008 at the Austin Medical Center.

Florence was born Jan. 1, 1915 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Albert and Cora (Copsey) Vogel, the second oldest of five children. The family moved to Austin in Aug. of 1921. Florence graduated from Austin High School in 1932 and from the school's Teacher Training Department in 1933. She worked for both the City of Austin and the Mower County Treasurer's office as well Austin National Company. Florence was manager of First National Travel for 30 years.

Florence was a lifetime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder as well as Secretary for the session. She was also active in the Women's Association of the church. Florence was a 50-year member of the Austin Order of the Eastern Star and Zonta. Other service organizations she enjoyed working with were the Business and Professional Women's Club. One of her great enjoyments was working with the Order of Job's Daughters, an organization for young women. Florence volunteered for the American Red Cross and drove for Meals on Wheels for 12 years.

Survivors include her brother, Fred (Mayble) Vogel, St. Paul, MInn.; nieces and nephews, Jane Vogel, Donna Lee, Gary (Cheryl) Vogel, Dianne Vogel, Bruce (Sue) Vogel, David Vogel.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Arthur (Donna), Perry (Toni), Lewis (Betty); and nephew, Lewis Vogel.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael Olmsted officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Austin Public Library. Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home.

Austin Daily Herald, April 10, 2008

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Gerald "Jerry" Dunning, 75, of Hastings, Neb., formerly of Austin, died on April 4, 2008 at Haven Home in Kenesaw, Neb.

He was born April 29, 1932 to Royal and Hazel (Frayer) Dunning in Albert Lea, Minn. He was raised on the farm. He married Orletha "Letha" Bastianson on Sept. 27, 1952 in Austin, where they raised five children while Jerry worked at the Weyerhaeuser Box Factory in Austin. After the box factory closed, Jerry and Letha moved to Omaha, Neb., where Jerry worked at Malnove. In 1972 they moved to Hastings. Jerry was a maintenance supervisor at Great Plains Packaging until he retired in 1998. A former member of First United Methodist Church in Austin, he was a hard worker, a good father, husband, grandfather and friend of many - quite a jokester also. He will be sadly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Orletha "Letha," Hastings, Neb.; two sons, Thomas, Hastings; Steve (Cindy), Salina, Kan.; two daughters, Victoria "Vicki" (Tim) Meineke, Greenville, N.C.; Lori Nylander, Hastings; twelve grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna (Robert) Schaub, Austin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lanny and Anita Bastianson, Austin.

He was preceded in death by one son, Randy Dunning; parents, Hazel and Roy Dunning; sister and brother-in-law, Betty June and Wayne Anderson; brother, Delbert Dunning; great-grandson, Mason Dunning.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with The Reverend Dennis Tamke officiating. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday at Worlein Funeral Home. Interment is at Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Memorials are preferred to the family.

Austin Daily Herald, April 10, 2008

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Birth: Jun. 3, 1911
Death: May 17, 1987

Alice Luskow, died Sunday, May 17, at her home.

Miss Luskow was born in Lanesboro where she spent her early years and graduated from high school. She attended Winona Teachers College and taught several years in Minnesota school systems. After her teaching career, she moved to Austin and worked for the Austin Daily Herald. In 1963 she came to Owatonna to work for Jostens. She retired in 1973 as an editor supervisor.

Miss Luskow was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin.

Survivors include a twin sister, Ruth Johnson of Richfield.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin, with the Rev. John Enright officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. today and at the church one hour before services.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Death: Oct. 18, 1951

Funeral services were held recently at the Jordan Funeral chapel in Minneapolis for Mrs. John P. Snyder, sister of Mrs. Elizabeth Golden of Faribault, who passed away at her home in Minneapolis on Thursday, October 18, after a long illness.

The Rev. Leo Sandgren of Minneapolis officiated at the final rites and he and Mrs. Sandgren sang two songs. Interment was in Oakwood cemetery at Austin. Pallbearers all friends from childhood, were: Oliver Austinson, Peter Hoffner, Jacob Barwind, Albert Duenow, Gus Enerson and Jay Mortenson.

Many friends and relatives from Ross Creek, Lyle, St. Cloud, Minneapolis and Faribault, all in Minnesota, and from St. Ansgar, Iowa, attended the burial rites at Austin.

Mrs. Snyder, the former Johanna Stowe, was born and raised in Nevada township, Mower county.

At the age of 14, she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Six Mile Grove church. In 1908 she married John P. Snyder who survives her. A daughter, Marcella, died in infancy. Also surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Golden, Mrs. Helen Larson, Sheteau, Montana and Miss Clara Stowe, Minneapolis. The family lived at Montevideo for a time and at Farmington before locating in Minneapolis. A devoted homemaker, Mrs. Snyder enjoyed entertaining her many friends.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Birth: Aug. 14, 1912
Death: Jun. 21, 1994

AUSTIN, MINN.--Jacob R. Westra, Austin, father of Gary Westra of Owatonna, died Wednesday, June 21, at the Austin Medical Center, He was 82.

Mr. Westra was born Aug. 14, 1912, in Florence, Colo., the son of Simon and Mary (Van Dyke) Westra. Mr. Westra lived in Chicago before moving to Austin with his family when he was 8 years old. On Nov. 17, 1940, he married Alice Thor at Grace Lutheran Church, Austin. Mr. Westra served in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1943-46. He was employed by Hormel Inc. for 50 years.

He enjoyed woodworking and made many beautiful pieces of furniture. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. Mr. Westra was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church since 1946.

He is survived by his wife, Alice, Austin; two sons, Gary (and Linda) Westra, Owatonna, Dr. Bradley (and Barbara) Westra, Preston; a daughter, Cheryl (and Kerry) Anderson, Tyler, Texas; a brother, Simon Westra of Austin; six grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Austin. The Rev. Robert Stohlmann will officiate. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Oct 17, 1921

Charles T. Johnson died at his home, 704 West Oakland Avenue, at 11:30 Sunday. Heart trouble was the cause of his death.

Mr. Johnson was born in Denmark January 14, 1859, and came to this country when twenty-two years of age.

He was married to Martha Rossdine December 9, 1890. To them were born five children, three of whom are living, one dying at the age of eleven and the other at the age of four.

He was married to Miss Minnie Anderson of Taopi December 31, 1906. Two children were born to them, Amanda aged 14 and Clarence aged 12 years.

Mr. Johnson ran the College Shoe Shop for four years.

The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house and 2:30 from the Baptist Church.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Faribault Daily News
April 1, 1950

NORTHFIELD, MINN.--Funeral services for John O'Malley, for 12 years owner and operator of the Stuart Hotel in Northfield, who passed away at the Northfield hospital on Friday, March 24, after a short illness, were held on Monday, March 27, at 9:00 o'clock at the church of St. Dominic. The Rev. W. Leo Howley officiating. Burial was made in Rosemount. Pallbearers were Robert F. Shumway, and five nephews of the deceased including Edward and John J. O'Malley, LeSueur; Paul R. O'Malley, Fairmont; Thomas L. O'Malley, New Ulm; and John H. O'Malley of St. Paul.

John O'Malley was born October 4, 1880, at Taopi.

When a small child he moved with his parents to nearby Rose Creek. As a young man he was employed as station agent and telegraph operator with the Milwaukee railroad. While he was stationed in Rosemount he met Sade Devitt and they were married in 1905. He was transferred to Kenyon where they lived for six months and was later transferred to Rose Creek where they lived for several years. Having been interested in hotel and tea room business for several years Mr. and Mrs. O'Malley were employed by the Lowell Inn, Stillwater, in 1931. From there they came to Northfield to purchase the Stuart hotel in Northfield which they operated for 12 years. Due to a heart condition, Mr. O'Malley sold the hotel to the Arthur L. Roberts Corporation a year ago.

Since his retirement Mr. and Mrs. O'Malley vacationed in Florida and returned to Northfield where they resided in an apartment of the hotel. A member of a family of 13 children

Mr. O'Malley is survived by his twin sister, Miss Nelle O'Malley, Minneapolis and two brothers, Charles of New Ulm and Herbert of St. Louis Park and his widow, Mrs. O'Malley.

Relatives and friends from a distance attending the funeral services included Louis O'Malley, Austin; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hassler, Plainview; Mrs. E. O. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Meany, Jams F. Meany, Rose Creek; Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Herriges, Mrs. C. E. O'Malley, New Ulm; Mr. and Mrs. John J. O'Malley, Ed O'Malley, Mrs. W. W. O'Malley, LeSueur; Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. O'Malley, Fairmont; Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. O'Malley, Fairfax; Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Feeley, Farmington; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert O'Malley, St. Louis Park; Miss Nelle O'Malley, MInneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. John H. O'Malley, Mr. and Mrs. F. P. O'Malley, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Devitt, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. O'Connor, Mr. and Mrs. John Gearghty, Mrs. James J. Gearghty, St. Paul and Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Jell of Winnipeg, Can.

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Faribault Daily News, Faribault, Minn.

May 14, 1952

Palmer Jensen, 48, a Dexter farmer, died at the St. Olaf Hospital in Austin Tuesday morning. His wife is the former Anna Condon of Morristown.

Mr. Jensen is survived by his wife and seven children, Ardella, Bernice, Velma, Robert, Bernadette, Joyce, and Donald, all at home.

Also surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Jensen of Owatonna; and nine brothers and sisters, Adolph, Lawrence, Mrs. Irvin Prestegard, Joseph, Oscar, Agneta, Philip of Owatonna, Mrs. Charles Blazek of Mason City, Iowa and Judeen of Hope.

Services will be held Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Aurora Lutheran Church east of Owatonna. The Rev. E. R. Weeks, pastor of the Evungen Church at Hayfield, and the Rev. Mr. Brensten of Aurora will be in charge.

Interment will be made in the church cemetery.

Friends may call Wednesday evening at the Conley Funeral Chapel at Owatonna and for one hour at the church preceding the Thursday services.

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OWATONNA PEOPLE'S PRESS, Owatonna, Minnesota

March 13, 1914

Death of Henry Kraft; Former Owatonna Man Died at Osage, Iowa.

The remains of the late Henry H. Kraft were brought to Owatonna Thursday, February 26, 1914, from Osage, Iowa, for burial.

Mr. Kraft's death is greatly mourned by a host of friends both in Owatonna and in Osage.

Mr. Kraft was born in Elkton, Minnesota, December 27, 1887, and at the time of his death was 27 years, one month and twenty-one days old. He is a son of Mrs. Herman Kraft. Mr. Kraft will be remember by many Owatonna people.

He came to Owatonna three years ago and had employment with the Enterprise Laundry two years. Later he and his family moved to Osage, Iowa, where Mr. Kraft bought a laundry.

On the 30th day of March Mr. Kraft was married to Miss Julia Jorgenson of Steele County. Mr. Kraft is survived by a sorrowing wife and two children, namely Florence, two years old, and Paul, one month old, besides his mother, six sisters and four brothers. Mr. Kraft's death was caused by heart trouble.

The funeral services were held Friday, February 27th, 1914, at the German Lutheran Church on Oak Street.

The remains were laid to rest in the German cemetery. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

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Faribault Daily News, Fribault, Minnesota
March 3, 1949

Funeral services for Edward Stephan Baach, 52, who was killed instantly February 26 when a tractor he was driving overturned, were held Wednesday at the Blooming Prairie Methodist church, with the Rev. William Anderson of Hayfield officiating. Burial was in Blooming Prairie. Pallbearers were Carl Heil, Martin Donkers, David Froman, and E. J. Ruhnke, all of Faribault, Lawrence Ingvalson and Melvin Shelgren of Waltham. Son of Gustava and Kate Baach, he was born July 20, 1896, in Mower county.

A graduate of Bloming Prairie high school, and a veteran of World War I, he was married April 16, 1924, to Fern Wright in Barron, Wis. They lived in Bruce and Barron, Wis., Blooming Prairie and Waltham before coming to Faribault in 1945.

Mr. Baach is survived by his wife and mother; a son, William, St. Paul; a daughter, Mildred, Minneapolis; and two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Hanson, Brampton, N. D., and Miss Laura Baach, Blooming Prairie. Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mrs. Joseph Hanson, Brampton, N. D.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Seifert, Pelican Rapids; Miss Millie Wright, Wauwatosa, Wis.

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OWATONNA PEOPLE'S PRESS, Owatonna, Minnesota

August 18, 1994

Carl Joseph Fiebiger, 68, died Tuesday, August 16, 1994, at the Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie.

He was born at Waltham on September 2, 1925, to Joseph and Marie (Peterka) Fiebiger. On August 20, 1946, he married Rozetta Bickelhaupt, she died February 23, 1977.

He later married Helen Jukes Wanous on May 31, 1984, in Blooming Prairie.

Carl farmed in Blooming Prairie until 1965, then did carpentry work until he retired in 1988. He served in the Army from May 28, 1946, to October 3, 1947, mostly in Korea. Carl was active in VFW Post #878, and was Post Commander; a past member of the Lions and the Austin Moose Lodge; and was a life member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Kurtis Blome of Blooming Prairie, Carl and Jack Justice, Rosemount, Colleen and Doug Carlson, Harmony; son and daughter-in-law, Kelly and Peggy Fiebiger, Eagan; stepsons and daughters-in-law, John and Marilyn Wanous, Brownsdale, and Richard Wanous, Blooming Prairie, Billy and Deanna Wanous, Tucson, Arizona, Thomas and Julie Wanous, Blooming Prairie, David and Brenda Wanous, Blooming Prairie; 20 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Marilyn Fiebiger, Blooming Prairie, Robert and Donna Fiebiger, Bullhead City, Arizona; sisters and brothers-in-law, Frieda Kvasnicka, Hayfield, Dorothy and Larry Herron, Bloomington, Ruth and Elmer Berg, Emmons, Edith and Kenneth Kruckeberg, Blooming Prairie, Elizabeth and Robert Fredrickson, Hayfield, Hilda and Norm Turner, Austin; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marge Trom, Blooming Prairie, Rozella and Fred Friedrich, Ft. Collins, Colo., Nellie and William

Wanous, Brownsdale, Shirley and Don Meier, Brownsdale, Wally and Marcy Jukes, Austin, and Melvin Schmeling, Waltham. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, and one brother.

Funeral service was Friday, August 19, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie with Father Richard Dernek officiating.

Burial was in St. Columbanus Catholic Cemetery in Blooming Prairie.

Arrangements were made by the Blooming Prairie Funeral Home.

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Faribault Daily News, Faribault, Minn.

May 5, 1949

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha L. Radke, 69, who died Monday, April 25, were held Wednesday, April 28, at 2 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran church with the Rev. W. A. Lemke officiating. Pallbearers were Elmer, Leonard, Bernard and Vernon Radke, Robert and William Wobbrock. Burial was in Maple Lawn cemetery.

Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. August Wutschke, she was born November 29, 1879 in Ruben, Germany.

She came to this country in May, 1888, and lived in Waltham.

Her marriage to Adolph Radke took place in Waltham on May 27, 1903.

She came to Faribault in 1907 and made her home here ever since.

Mrs. Radke is survived by four sons, Elmer, Leonard, Bernard and Vernon Radke, all of Faribault; two daughters, Mrs. William Wobbrock (Selma), Faribault, and Mrs. George Cecka (Myrtle), Austin; three sisters, Mrs. Louise Piepho and Mrs. Edwin Drentlaw, Faribault, Mrs. Edwin Johnson, Minneapolis; three brothers, Albert, Max and John Wutschke, Faribault; and 23 grandchildren.

Relatives and friends from away who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Johnson, Mrs. Calvin Nelson, Minneapolis; Mrs. Augusta Steinbach, Mr. and Mrs. George Beneke, George Wertz, Mr. and Mrs. August Wollenburg, Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Ludwig, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Wutschke, Austin; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cecka, Savage; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Meese, Mrs. George Meese, Howard Meese, Kenyon; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Drentlaw, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Drentlaw, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Christopherson, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Gillespie, Northfield.

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Owatonna People's Press, Owatonna, Minn.

Dec. 11, 1998

Gebhard Leo Mullenbach, 81, died at his home Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998.

He was born October 25, 1917 to Matt and Mary (Kramer) Mullenbach in Johnsburg, Minnesota.

On October 6, 1943 he married Lorraine Koenig at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Austin. He was a retired dairy farmer.

He is survived by children Ron and LaVaughn Mullenbach of Brownsdale, Jim and Vickie Willford of Deer River, Rich and Vikki Mullenbach of Lodi, Calif., Bob and Deanna Mullenbach of Austin, Deb Zwiener of Rochester and Randy and Debbie Mullenbach of Garwin, Iowa; siblings Otto and Marcella Mullenbach of Austin, Leonella Yunker, Armella Mullenbach, Steve and Magdalena Freund, Marianne Mullenbach and Ida Winkels,all of Adams, as well as 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, on July 11, 1982, four brothers and two sisters.

Services were Saturday, Dec. 12, 1998 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Austin, Father Paul Nelson officiating. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ron Mullebach, Richard Mullenbach, Bob Mullenbach, Randy Mullenbach, Jim Willford and Otto Mullenbach.

The organist was Jan Muzik and the soloist was Michael Veldman.

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Owatonna People's Press, Owatonna, Minn.
Sept 29, 1960

Funeral services for Mrs. Darrell Baumgartner, 26, of St. Paul Road, Owatonna, were held yesterday (Wednesday) at 1 p. m. in St. John's American Lutheran church here with Rev. Elmer Ackermann, pastor, officiating. Burial was in the Rose Creek cemetery.

Mrs. Baumgartner died Monday morning in City hospital here.

Born LaVonne Adkins April 9, 1934, in Austin, she married Mr. Baumgartner Aug. 10, 1952.

Survivors include her husband, two sons, Steven and Ricky, at home, her father, Herman Adkins of Austin, mother, Mrs. Leonard Salsbury, and two sisters, Patricia Salsbury and Mrs. Harry (Joan) Warrington.

The local Conley Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

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Owatonna People's Press, Owatonna, Minn.
July 30, 1968

Funeral services for Greg O. Cummings, 10, of 574 McIndoe, who drowned Monday afternoon at the Municipal beach here, will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p. m. in local Trinity Lutheran church with Rev. Raymond Haugland officiating.

Burial will be in the Lansing township cemetery.

Greg was born Nov. 2, 1957, in Austin. He lived there until the family moved to Owatonna last December.

His father, John Cummings, is now employed here at Federated Insurance after having previously taught school in Janesville and Austin.

Survivors in addition to his parents include two brothers, Lynn, 5, and Clark, 3, his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Ulland of Corning, Minn., and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Cummings of Lansing, Minn. The local Woodrich-Ludford Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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Owatonna People's Press, Owatonna, Minn.
November 6, 1993

Olga Syverud Johnson, 83, of Rt. 1 Blooming Prairie, passed away Saturday, Nov. 6, 1993 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at First Lutheran church in Blooming Prairie with Reverend Clifford Schroeder and Reverend Richard Hegal officiating. Organist was Betty Ingvaldson, soloist was Marilyn Blume and casket bearers were: Roger Syverud, Lyle Noble, Steve Prihoda, Keith Johnson, Jeff Zwiener and Rodney Lund.

Olga Syverud was born on September 3, 1910 to John and Agnethe (Kopperud) Syverud in Corning, Minn.

She graduated from the Austin High School and married Odin Johnson on March 23, 1938 at Red Oak Grove Lutheran church. They farmed and lived in Udolpho Township.

Olga lived on the farm for the remainder of her life. Odin preceded her in death in February of 1983. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie and was active in many women's church organizations.

Survivors include: two daughters and a son-in-law, Marjoire Johnson of Lake Forest, CA, Janet and Ron Scheid of Rochester; one son and a daughter-in-law, Paul and Dianne Johnson of Blooming Prairie; five grandchildren; Anne and Alicia Johnson, Amy Shores, Kari and Tim Scheid; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Art and Mildred Syverud of Blooming Prairie, Arnold Syverud of Rochester; one sister, Clara Noble of Blooming Prairie and nieces and nephews.

Blooming Prairie Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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