Dean Pacholl, age 75, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died at St. John's Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, Freeborn county, Minnesota, on September 24, 2008.

Dean Francis Pacholl was born on January 9, 1933 to Joseph A. and Marie M. (Weaks) Pacholl in Austin, where he grew up and attended public schools, graduating from Austin High School in 1951. After receiving his BS degree in elementary education from Mankato State Teachers College in 1956, he went on to earn his Master’s at the University of Iowa in 1960. He did post graduate doctoral work at the University of Iowa in 1966-67 and received his specialist degree in media and technology at Mankato State University in 1973. During his 36 years in education, Dean taught in St. Louis, Mo., the University of Iowa, Brainerd, Nisswa and Pequot Lakes before his employment by the Austin Public School District. After 29 years as elementary classroom teacher, principal and media specialist, he retired in 1992.

He devoted his retirement years to writing, consulting, church and volunteer work. A member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, he served as soloist, choir member, Sunday School teacher, president, vice president and secretary of the Church Council; chairperson of Evangelism Committee and attended adult Bible classes. While in the Nisswa/Brainerd area, he attended Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baxter. He belonged to NEA, MEA, MEMO, Phi Kappa Phi, Mower County and Nisswa Area Historical Societies, AARP and MSU Alumni Association. He was also a volunteer for the adult reading literacy program and St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

Survivors include one brother, Richard (Mary) Pacholl, Austin; three nephews: Stephen (Colette) Pacholl, Fridley, Scott (Shannon) Pacholl, Austin, and Timothy Pacholl, Austin; one niece, Catherine (James) Good, Mankato; 14 great-nieces and nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Joseph Pacholl, and by niece, Susan Stephenson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29, 2008 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Brian Kom officiating. Friends may call from 4 - 7 p.m., Sunday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

[Original obituary posted on www.austindailyherald.com, Sept. 26, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Wilma E. Shade, age 90, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died at Adams Health Care Center on September 25, 2008. She was born on May 26, 1918 to Frank and Elizabeth (Koch) Thorpe in Kellogg, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended country school.

She married Lester Whitcomb in 1934 in Wabasha. They had four children. Lester died in the early 1970’s. Wilma returned to her studies later in life to earn a high school diploma and worked as a floral designer. On July 6, 1975, she married Victor Shade in Royal Oak, Mich. They moved back to Minnesota in 1981 to live on her husband’s home place south of Austin. Known as “The Parsley Lady,” Wilma enjoyed gardening, flowers and “going to town” to supply the local grocery stores with the fruits of her labor.

Survivors include her son, LaVerne (Phyllis) Whitcomb, Royal Oak, Mich.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, William Thorpe of Florida.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Leonard and Loren; a daughter, Nancy; husband, Lester Whitcomb and husband, Victor Shade.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.

[Original obituary posted on www.austindailyherald.com, Sept. 26, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Delephine Windfeldt, age 85, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died at North Memorial Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on September 25, 2008.

Delephine was born Dec. 5, 1922 in Fonda, Iowa to George and Anna (Assing) Schoon.

She married Arne Windfeldt on February 13, 1943. Following the war, Delephine and Arne lived in several communities including Austin; Viola Center, Iowa; Portage, Wisconsin; and Peterson, Minn. before retiring to Austin in 1987. It was in Austin that she worked for Gordon Electric for more than 20 years. A member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Delephine loved her walks, her vegetable and flower gardens and spending the last five winters in Florida. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the most.

She is survived by her children: Thomas (Carol) Windfeldt, Hopkins, Cynthia (E. Michael) House, Hudson, Ohio, Janis (Craig) Dugas, Ham Lake; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters: Margaret (Eldon) Erickson, Laurence, Iowa; Helen Hatteberg, Bella Vista, Ark.; brothers: Rudy (Lois) Schoon, Pomeroy, Iowa; Dick (Cathy) Schoon, Peace Dale, R.I.; Bill (Pat) Schoon, Portage, Wis.; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arne; sister, Lucy; and brother, Gerdy.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Glenn Monson officiating. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of arrangements.

[Original obituary posted on www.austindailyherald.com, Sept. 30, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Margaretha Maria Carlson, age 83, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on September 26, 2008 at Austin Medical Center.

She was born June 10, 1925 in Susterseel, Germany to Louis and Maria (Dalmen) Tillemans. She married Charles Carlson on Dec. 4, 1952 in Valkenburg, Holland. Margaretha was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church. Margaretha was a devoted housewife, a loving mother and grandmother. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing and making her home beautiful.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Carlson, Austin; daughter, Alexandra Carlson, Austin; twin sister, Henrica Darden, Orlando, Fla.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janeth and Keith Alm, Austin; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Christina Carlson; grandson, Phillip Hubbard; and brother, Hubert Palmen.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

[Original obituary posted on www.austindailyherald.com, Sept. 30, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Born: 29 DEC 1941
Died: 6 DEC 2004

Dallas Paul Bahr was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa on December 29, 1941, to Alvie and Thelma (Skou) Bahr; and died on December 6, 2004 in McAllen, Texas. A memorial service was held on December 18, 2004 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota.

Dallas loved cars and racing, He drag raced for years. He was a member of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) He and his brother Craig built many cars, including a 1957 Chevy Nomad that broke a world's racing record in the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA). When his son Brian was old enough to drive, Brian joined his dad racing most weekends every summer. Dallas displayed the trophies and awards he won racing through the years in his house and big shop/garage in Austin.

A resident of Adams, Mower county, Minnesota with his family for 13 years, Dallas was a member of the Adams City Council for six of those years. He was employed by Hormel Foods Corp. for 33 years. In 1988, he moved to Austin,

Dallas Bahr as a Freshman at St. Ansgar, Iowa high school in 1956

Minnesota. After retiring from Hormel in 1998, Dallas did a lot of camping with friends and family in Minnesota during the summer months and enjoyed his retirement home in McAllen, Texas every winter. He and his partner, LaVonne Srock, spent more and more time in Texas each year.

When people think of Dallas, they think of a man who loved to laugh, talk and keep busy. There was always a new project to work on and a new story to tell. He was a wonderful father and grandpa who loved his children and grandchildren and spoke about them with pride and joy.

He is survived by a son, Brian (Deb) Bahr of Rochester, daughter, Erin (Kennan) Kroll of Orono (Hennepin county, Minnesota); three grandchildren: Stephinee Bahr, Noah Bahr, Caleb Bahr; his partner, LaVonne Srock of Austin; sisters Marylyn (Allen) Hofland of St. Ansgar, Iowa; Marlene (Russ) Hulshizer of St. Ansgar; Mary (Russ) Bissen of Stacyville, Iowa; a brother, Craig (Jill Asbury) Bahr of Bettendorf, Iowa.

His was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie Bahr (on April 20, 1983), and Thelma (Skou) Bahr Rathjen, and by a brother, Delmer.

Interment was in St. Peter's Cemetery, Toeterville, Mitchell County, Iowa.
Service Folder Program.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Duane Huffman, age 66, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester on October 1, 2008. He was born on September 15, 1942 to Oscar and Agnes (Freiheit) Huffman in Austin, where he grew up and attended school.

He married Gloria Williamson on January 15, 1966 in Austin. To this union two sons, Dean and Mike, were born. After a few years Gloria died of cancer. Duane married Marilyn “Mert” Robinson on Aug. 19, 1972 in Austin. They had a daughter, Kim. Someone special Duane took under his wing, Jason, was also like a son. Duane enjoyed his job as machine operator at Elk River Concrete, but in 1991 he retired after 24 years due to rheumatoid arthritis. He loved the outdoors, raccoon hunting, deer hunting and fishing. In his early years Duane was at Chateau Speedway in Lansing every weekend, driving his stock car.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Huffman, Austin; two sons: Dean Huffman and Mike (Annette) Huffman, Austin; daughter, Kim (Nathan) Osmundson, St. Charles; five grandchildren: Amber, Jared, Nick, Austin and Jacob; three sisters: Maxine (Rolland) Brady and Wanita (Gene) Pfeifer, Austin; Viola Deyo, St. Paul; two brothers: Ronald (Barb) Huffman, Roy (Nita) Huffman, Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Oscar; first wife, Gloria; brothers: Eldon, Harold, Earl and Wesley; sister, LaVonne Norgaard.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor Ron Barnett officiating. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 3, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Berdella Johnson, 91, formerly of Waltham, Minnesota, died on October 1, 2008, at Golden Living Center East in Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota.

Berdella Elizabeth Hofschulte was born on Oct. 18, 1916, the daughter of William and Susan (Wever) Hofschulte in Mazeppa, Minnesota. Berdella was married to Orville Johnson on January 30, 1945, in Rochester. The couple farmed outside of Sargeant and Waltham areas and later moved to Waltham. Berdella enjoyed crocheting and knitting. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hayfield.

Berdella is survived by her son, Gary Johnson, Waltham; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orville in 1981; five sisters and two brothers.

Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hayfield. Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Hayfield is in charge of arrangements.

The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hayfield with the Reverend William Kulas celebrating. Interment will be in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery in rural Sargeant, Minn.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 3, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Lorraine Alice Hamilton, age 83, of Adams, Mower county, Minnesota, died on October 2, 2008 at the Adams Health Care Center.

She was born Sept. 15, 1925 at Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Cornelius and Pansy (Meyers) Erickson. She attended school at Big Fork, Minn. and later attended Riverland College in Austin. Lorraine was married to Clarence Hamilton on Nov. 17, 1943 at the Little Cedar Lutheran parsonage in Adams, Minn.

Lorraine was a member of the LeRoy Lutheran Church and the church circle. She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. She also liked playing cards, embroidering, doing word puzzles, reading and watching birds and butterflies.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 at LeRoy Lutheran Church with the Reverend Thomas Kolden officiating. Interment will be in the Little Cedar Lutheran Cemetery in Adams. Visitation will be at Adams Funeral Home on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and at LeRoy Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday from 1 -2 p.m. The organist will be June Torrison with soloist will be Ed Dahl.

Casketbearers will be Chris Eastvold, Chad Eastvold, Rodney Hamilton, Ryan Hamilton, Keegan Quinn and Ian Quinn.

Honorary bearers will be Sarah Brower, Melissa Burke, Tami Dodge, Heather Hamilton, Leah Hamilton, Megan Hamilton, Noah Milks, Phillip Milks and Cherri Neuschwander.

Lorraine is survived by sons: Robert (Sandy) Hamilton, Rochester, Minn., Roger (Mary) Hamilton, Rochester, Jack (Debbie) Hamilton, Byron, Minn.; daughters: Connie (Curt) Eastvold, Austin, Susan (David) Quinn, Innver Grove Heights, Minn., Patricia (Ron) Milks, Adams, Minn.; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren with another on the way; brother, Raymond Erickson, Talmoon, Minn.; sisters: Kathleen Henry, Big Fork, Bertha Bjork, Big Fork.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 3, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Muriel Hangge, age 93, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on September 30, 2008 at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.

Muriel was born on December 8, 1914 to Martin and Margaret Reagan in Rose Creek, Minn. She married George J. Hangge on July 30, 1946 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rose Creek. They lived in Austin for the whole of their marriage. Muriel was a country school teacher with her sister, Monica for many years. She taught third grade at Queen of Angels for 24 years. Muriel enjoyed life to the fullest and her grandchildren were a joy to her.

Survivors include her children: Cathy (Jim) Colling, Jordan, Mike (Sue) Hangge, Arden Hills, Joanne (Al) Hall, Plymouth; five grandchildren: Kristin, Aaron and Jae Hangge, William and Angela Hall; sister, Monica Johnson; sisters-in-law: Gen Reagan, Lucille Cress, Annie Grund and Alberta Gavin; brother-in-law, Ed Hangge.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George, on Sept. 21, 2002; brothers: John and Bernard Reagan.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 5 p.m. CCW rosary and a 7:30 p.m. wake service on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5-8 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 3, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Jeanne Adele Schneider, 81, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota died on September 30, 2008 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

Jeanne was born Aug. 3, 1927 in Austin to Mark and Adele (Wengert) Fink. On Jan. 7, 1947 she was united in marriage to John O. Schneider at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin.

Jeanne lived all her life in Austin and she was a friend to many. She was the loving matriarch of the Schneider clan. Jeanne loved to play cards and she loved to sing. She traveled to many places, she spent many vacations with her family, she loved to laugh and she enjoyed life.

Survivors include her children: Nancy (Roger) Reader, Onalaska, Wis., Linda (George) Pulchinski, Austin, John (Christine) Schneider, Green Bay, Wis., Mark (Jayne) Schneider, Apple Valley, Minn., Jeff (Kerry) Schneider, Farmington, Minn.; 13 grandchildren; six great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John, on Jan. 22, 1992.

Her motto to live by was, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘Woo hoo, what a ride!’”

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and a 7 p.m. wake service on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-8 p.m. and also from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The honorary casketbearers will be Ryan Reader, Mitch Schneider, Amanda Schneider, Kelly Schneider, Ben Schneider, Matt Schneider and Courtney Schneider. The casketbearers will be Jason Reader, Adam Pulchinski, Bethany Pulchinski, Andy Schneider, Dan Schneider and Josh Schneider.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 3, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Tressa Marie (Hall) Maxfield, age 91, of Austin, Mower county, MMinnesota, died on Oct. 1, 2008 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Tressa was born July 11, 1917 in Forest City, Minn. to William and Mary (Scott) Hall. On Aug. 19, 1936 she was united in marriage to Donald D. Maxfield in Charles City, Iowa. He preceded her in death on Feb. 23, 2000.

Tressa was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, playing cards, lunches with the girls and being with family. She will be missed by all.

Survivors include her children: Robert (Sharon) Maxfield, Owatonna, Ken (Jan) Maxfield, Pillager, Doris Olson, Rochester, Maxine (Parker) Bracken, Austin; daughter-in-law, Sandy Askland, Austin; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; brother, Chip (Audrey) Hall, Mission, Texas; sisters-in-law: Vivian Hall, Austin, Marian Hall, Austin.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Donald W. Maxfield, and grandson, Craig Maxfield.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 at Crane Community Chapel with Pastor Dale R. Christiansen officiating.   Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery south of Austin.

The casketbearers will be: Randy Maxfield, Justin Halverson, Jeremy Maas, Shelly Maxfield, Jaimen Wilson and David Bracken.

The Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 3, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Charles Herman (the German) Knippel, age 82, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on October 2, 2008 at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin.

Chuck was born on June 1, 1926 to Herman (another German) and Helen Knippel in Hayfield, Minnesota. He was married to Lila Marie Tiller on August 30, 1950 in Dodge Center, Minn. Lila grew up on a farm in the fine town of Kenyon, Minnesota, just a stones throw from Dodge Center and Hayfield. They lived in Austin for 58 years.

Charlie was usually ahead of the game in life. He was talented in many areas, selling nutri-bio vitamins in the 1950s. He was an auto mechanic and owned front-wheel drive cars such as a 1970 SAAB. He was a great gardener and a good shot for hunting pheasants. He sold Amzoil in the 80s. He had solar panels on his house in the 70s. He had a good “horse-sense” and taught his children well. He trained the family dog “Tubby” to hunt pheasants. Charlie was a merchant marine veteran of World War II. He believed in chiropractic treatment in 1950s (the amazing Dr. Schaub).

He worked hard at Hormel for 32 years, provided for a family, loved to talk to neighbors and strangers and could teach most anyone how to drive and shift the “three on the tree” (remember the H). If he wasn’t fishing or hunting, he was “fixing stuff.” Since his father was a mason, he could always mix up a mean batch of cement. If painting the famous white picket fence wasn’t just right, you found out immediately. He enjoyed looking for agates in a rock pile. He built perfect campfires for hot dogs and marshmallows. Besides having an “old car” in the driveway, he owned a two-speed 28-inch newspaper bicycle and a “chicken-powered” two-cycled, front whee- driven motor for a bicycle. His kids were thrilled when he gave rides on his “Wizard” motorbike. How about the underwater paddle machine in East Side Lake? Fireworks were in his blood. Charlie told his kids, “honor your mother.”

Winter sledding and tobogganing were fun; he went down Skinner’s Hill when he was 79 years of age. All of his trees were “grafted” with other varieties of trees and apples, the crab-apple tree had five different apples on it. We always had sling shots made from an annual tree trimming. All of his tools must be cleaned and oiled. His mechanical senses include plumbing, appliances and electrical repair. His allowances to the kids were most generous, he loved his wife and was a great dad.

Survivors include his wife, Lila (Tiller) Knippel; children, Ross (Mary) Knippel, Half Moon Bay, Calif., Craig (Teri) Knippel, Austin, Sue (Grant) Walsh, Petaluma, Calif.; four grandchildren, Tess Knippel, Kurt, Stephanie and Andrea Walsh; two step-grandchildren, Tommy and Lindsay Roberts; brother, Hilbert Knippel, Faribault; sister, Helen Paulson, West Concord; sister-in-law, Louise Knippel, Owatonna; brother-in-law, Del Paulson and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Floyd, Clifford, Eugene and sister, Joyce.

A memorial service will be held on Monday October 6, 2008 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Ron Barnett officiating and music by Neal Erickson. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Wanamingo, Minnesota.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 7, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

James Olander Knutson, 90, of Austin died on Oct. 4, 2008, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.

He was born Jan. 14, 1918, near Preston, Minn., the son of Knute and Clara (Moger) Knutson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the Union Prairie Lutheran Church. He attended country school near his home before moving to Austin. After moving to Austin, James worked first as an elevator operator and then on the hog kill for the Geo A. Hormel Company for thirty-two years, until his retirement.

He was married to Helen Barber and they were later divorced. On June 18, 1960, he was united in marriage to Loretta McGhie at Chatfield, Minn. The couple lived in Austin where they raised their family and lived near Crane Community Chapel. James enjoyed playing pin ball machines, old time music and playing cards. He had been a resident of St. Mark’s Lutheran Home for five years.

James is survived by his wife, Loretta Knutson, Austin; five children, Janice Glasgow, St. Paul, Minn., Sandra (James) Fitzgerald, Wabasha, Phillip (Randi) Knutson, Pueblo, Colo., Dennis (Debra) Knutson, Austin and Marlene (Robert) Connelly, Lanesboro; 22 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers and three sisters, Kermit (Joyce) Knutson, Lanesboro, Darrell (Doris) Knutson, Rochester, Charlotte Lillie, Austin, Mary Ann (Harvey) Knapp, Mason City, Iowa and Mylett Marquette, Harmony; as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David and five brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Dale Christiansen of Crane Community Chapel officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Sumner Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Chatfield, Minnesota.

The Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 7, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Donna M. Schara, age 85, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on October 4, 2008 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Donna was born on January 8, 1923 in Moneke, Iowa, to William and Olivia (Heglund) Schwinefus. She graduated from Claremont High School in 1941. After high school she worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, then in a munitions plant in Minneapolis during the war, later as a waitress in California, and also as a Telephone operator in Ossian, Iowa.

Donna married Charles Schara on February 22, 1951 at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Donna was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her family and her many friends.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Schara, Austin; daughters, Gayle (Dan) Jurkovich, Elk River, Minn., Robyn (Dale) Wirth, LaCrosse, Wis.; grandchildren, Gary (Dawn) Jurkovich, Jay (Erin) Jurkovich, Chris Solberg and Nicole Solberg; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, Mason and Cleo Jurkovich; brother, Wayne (Marjorie) Schwinefus, Decorah, Iowa; sister, LaVonne (Kermit) Anfinson, Ossian, Iowa; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church with the Reverend Jeff Forbes officiating. Interment will be in the Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Tuesday from 4 - 7 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday for one hour before the service. The organist will be Linda Anderson with vocalists Gary Jurkovich, Ron Schara and Debbie Nordland. Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund. The casket bearers will be Jeff Schwinefus, John Schwinefus, David Anfinson, Gary Anfinson, Ron Schara, Robert Schara, Rick Schara and Roger Schara.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 7, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

David Reisinger, 75, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on September 12, 2008 in Macon, Georgia after a lengthy illness.

David was born on June 22, 1933 to Louise and Dan Reisinger in Austin. He graduated from Austin High School in 1951. He graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa with a degree in animal science. He retired from Hormel Foods Company management after 35 years of service. Dave, and family, established a forest and wildlife preserve at their home in Corning, Iowa before moving to Georgia.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Kim (Jim) Bashor, Ancortes, Wash., Susan (Ben) Smith, Macon, Ga., Traci Reisinger, Warner Robins, Ga.; seven grandchildren; sister, Connie (Richard) Johnson, Austin; brothers-in-law, Richard (Sunni) Dyrland, Portland, Ore., Byron (Linda) Dyrland, Blackduck, Minn.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 7, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Jimmye Lou Hall, wife of former Hormel Executive Vice President James E. Hall, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2008 with her husband, children Judi, Joe and Jay by her side in Palo Alto, California.

She thoroughly enjoyed the 15 years she spent in Austin and treasured the many fine friends that she made there. She was born on September 9, 1926 in Bear Creek, Alabama; and enjoyed a full and varied life, including extensive world travel, a very successful business career and doting on her grandchildren. She was blessed with a story-book second marriage of 34 years with her surviving husband Jim and was a devoted best friend and soulmate to him.

Among her many accomplishments, Jimmye Lou was an avid pilot, having learned how to fly in 1945 when she was 19 and flew in the All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race (Powder Puff Derby) in 1959, finishing second place in an event that featured over 100 airplanes. Jimmye Lou also set a national drag racing record driving a Ford Mustang on October 24, 1964 in the American Hot Rod Association’s Winter Nationals.

She owned and managed a Piper Aircraft dealer and distributorship based in Phoenix, Arizona. It grew to be one of the largest Piper Aircraft distributorships in the country covering Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and northern Mexico from 1945-1972. Initially based in Phoenix they opened regional offices in Honolulu, Long Beach and San Jose bringing Jimmey Lou to the Bay Area.

Judi remembers her mother as the classiest, most elegant and lady-like women she has ever known. She gave selflessly to family and others and was a real inspiration to everyone who knew her. Her love for family was endless. I will miss everything about her: her beautiful smile, her contagious laugh, her sweet southern drawl. My life has a large hole that will slowly be filled, but my heart will miss her until we are together again.

Her son Joe will always remember her as a loving, nurturing mother with a passion for life and a great sense of humor. She treasured her grandchildren and her large group of family and friends. Her grace and love will be carried in his heart forever.

Jimmye Lou’s stepson Jay remembers her as a vivacious, warm and caring southern woman who filled the much needed role of surrogate mother with grace, love and real affection. She will be missed tremendously.

Jimmye Lou leaves behind her husband Jim Hall, Atherton, Calif.; daughter, Judi Boschi, Turlock, Calif.; son, Joe Shelton, Watsonville, Calif.; stepson, Jay Hall, Grass Valley, Calif; beloved grandchildren, Franziska Shelton, Sebastian Shelton, Clay Boschi, Alex Hall and Nick Hall. They will cherish the memories of their dear Mimi. She is also survived by her oldest sister, Frieda Arnold, Chattanooga, Tenn.; sister, Merry Gay Lorberg, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; brother, Brooks Faulkner, Smyrna, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Nancy Faulkner, Kennett, Mo. and a large and loving extended family.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Arlen Boschi, Turlock, Calif.; younger brother, Bruner Faulkner, Kennett, Mo. and older brother J.D. Faulkner, Kennett.

A private family graveside service will be held on October 7, 2008 at Alta Mesa Memorial Park Cemetery in Palo Alto, followed by a memorial service on October 21, 2008 at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kiwanis Club Foundation of Menlo Park, P.O. Box 311, Menlo Park, CA 94026 or to P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, P.O. Box 5617 Whittier, CA 90607-5617 in the name of Jimmye Lou Hall, chapter DC. This fund assists young women with tuition costs who normally would not be able to attend college.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 7, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

John Krull, age 67, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on October 5, 2008 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota, after a long battle with cancer.

John Robert Krull was born on August 20, 1941 in Austin to Ben and Laverne (Meyer) Krull. On June 21, 1963 he was united in marriage to Kathryn Golden in Las Vegas, Nevada. John started out working on the railroad and did many other jobs. He eventually ended up being a heavy equipment operator at Ulland Brothers for many years. John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and tinkering in his garage.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Kathy Krull, Austin; sons, Josh Krull, Hayfield, Judd (Anita) Krull, Neudrossenfeld, Germany; five grandchildren, Jared of Austin, Benjamin, Joshua, Philipp and Felicia of Neudrossenfeld, Germany; sisters, Suzanne (Dennis) Dock, Plymouth, Mary Jo (Jim) Schlichter, Austin; brothers-in-law, Don Bowman, Ft. Myers, Florida, Tom (Marge) Golden, Henderson, Nevada; mother-in-law, Hildegarde Golden, Austin; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara; father-in-law, Chuck Golden.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008 at Christ Episcopal Church with Father Scott Monson officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. John has donated his body to Mayo Medical Science for research.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, October 7, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Leola Genevieve Johnson, age 92, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on October 6, 2008, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

She was born on April 22, 1916 to William and Marie (Bramer) Countryman in Kasson, Minnesota.

She married Donald C. Johnson in Rochester, Minnesota in 1934. They moved to the Austin area in 1941. A member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Leola loved dancing, baking, and visiting. Don died on June 13, 1993. Leola moved to Tennessee briefly in 2001 and returned to make her home in Austin later that year. Leola became a resident of St. Mark's Lutheran Home in 2002.

Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl (Stennis) Cooper, Maryville, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Michael Holderness, Cary, N.C., Marc Holderness, Pequot Lakes, Laura Holderness, Dodge Center; Tamara Dempsy, Glencoe, Ill. and Donielle Stone, Louisville, Tenn.

She was greeted in heaven by her parents, Marie and William Countryman; husband, Donald C. Johnson; two daughters, Dawn in infancy and Janelle; son-in-law, Gene Holderness, and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with the Reverend Pamela Aandahl Solberg officiating. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

The Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Original obituary posted online at www.austindailyherald.com, Oct. 9, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Corrine Petersen, age 78, a longtime Stewartville resident, died on Oct. 6, 2008 at Stewartville Care Center, following a lengthy illness. She had been a resident of the care center since July 2005.

Corrine Lauraline Kirchner was born June 18, 1930, in Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, grew up on the family farm in rural Rose Creek and graduated from Rose Creek High School as valedictorian in 1947. She then received teachers training in Austin and taught rural school in Clayton Township, Mower County.

On Oct. 22, 1950, she married Sonke Petersen at St. John's Lutheran Church in Elkton. The couple farmed in rural Grand Meadow before moving to rural Stewartville, where they farmed for many years.

Corrine was a farmwife and worked part-time as a waitress at the Flame Restaurant in Stewartville and as a part-time substitute teacher in the Stewartville school district before opening and co-owning the Craftique gift shop in Stewartville. She also operated Corrine's Silk Flowers from her home and was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she was involved in WELCA, the church choir and Sunday school. Mrs. Petersen was a member of the Stewartville Senior Citizens and volunteered at the Stewartville Care Center, where she was part of the Family Council. She was involved in her children's 4-H, was a member of the University of Minnesota Extension Service-Home Council, and was chairwoman of the Southeast Minnesota District. She was an active member of Friendly Neighbors, Sunshine Club and other social groups. Music was a passion for her. She enjoyed singing, dancing, gardening, and time spent with her many family members and friends.

Survivors include four daughters, Diane (Ron) Kolberg, Pettibone, N.D., Rosanne (Chuck) Smith, Moore, Okla., Jenny (Tim) Kollasch, Rochester and Judy Fitzmaurice, Barnegat, N.J.; three sons, Thomas (Liane), Chaska, Minn., Duane, Zumbro Falls and Larry, Hayfield; two sisters, Mildred (Willard) Ballantyne, Brownsdale and Alice (Elmer), St. Ansgar, Iowa. Other survivors include 18 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter, Lauraline.

She was preceded in death by her husband on January 31, 2008; by her parents, Carl and Ottilie Kroneman (Lembke) Kirchner; by a sister, Maleta; and by a brother, Alvin.

The funeral will be held on Monday, October 13, 2008, at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville, with the Reverends John Heille and Robert Bergland officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Stewartville. Griffin-Gray Funeral Home of Stewartville is handling the arrangements.

[Original obituary posted online at www.austindailyherald.com, Oct. 9, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Robert M. “Bob” Fitzgerald, age 88, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, and formerly of Jackson and Wabasha, died on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota.

He was born on December 2, 1919 in Wabasha, the son of Edward and Ann (Kohn) Fitzgerald. He attended St. Felix School in Wabasha and graduated from Savior of the Divine Word High School in Eppworth, Iowa. He then attended college in Erie, Pa. He served in the US Army during WW II, serving in the European and Middle Eastern campaigns.

On September 9, 1950 he married Catherine Rill at St. Johns’ Catholic Church in Winona. Bob worked for 43 years for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1982. The family lived in St. Paul, Winona, Wabasha, Rochester, Jackson and Austin while he working for the telephone company. In 1983 he received his life insurance license and worked for seven years as a sales representative and sales manager for Purple Cross Insurance, a funeral insurance company. He and Catherine have lived in Austin for the past 31 years.

Bob was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin and was active in the Cursillo Movement there. In his years spent in Wabasha in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Bob was an active volunteer for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, serving a term as president of its foundation. He was also a member of the Wabasha City Council and a member of the Wabasha Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Wabasha VFW Post #4086. In his earlier years he was active also with the American Red Cross. He was a volunteer for the Telephone Pioneers.

In Jackson, Bob was a member of the ambulance crew for the Jackson Raceway. He was a 40-year member of the Kiwanis Club and a member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. His interests included woodworking, fishing, and traveling, especially to Gulf Shores, Ala. His true pastime though was the game of golf. He enjoyed being a member of the Cedar River Golf Course in Adams and playing golf elsewhere with his friends. He especially loved his Irish heritage.

Bob is survived by his wife, Catherine Fitzgerald, Austin; by daughters and sons-in-law: Patti (Michael) Ryan, Mount Sinai, N.Y., Mary (Stephen) Leach, Jackson, Minn., Carol (Dennis) Spathis, Rochester, Minn., Erin O'Keefe, Champlin, Minn.; by four grandchildren: Garrett and Jillian Leach and Corey and Cody Ryan; and by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary (Bernard) Semler, Lake Forest, Illinois, Margaret Musante, Redwood City, California.

One brother, Edward, preceded him in death.

A funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha with the Reverend Milo Ernster officiating. Interment will be in St. Felix Cemetery. The Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post #4086 and the Wabasha American Legion Post #50 will perform military rites.

The Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha is in charge of arrangements. Personal messages may be sent to the family at www.abbottfh.com.

[Original obituary posted online at www.austindailyherald.com, Oct. 9, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Robert Thomas Higgins, age 94, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on Friday afternoon, October 10, 2008, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

He was born on May 23, 1914, in Albert Lea, Freeborn county, Minnesota, the son of Joseph James and Anna Marie (Schenhfen) Higgins. He was baptized on May 31, 1914, at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea. He attended school in Albert Lea at St. Theodore Catholic School.

In April of 1938, Robert met Maxine Runden, they were engaged on Christmas Day 1939, and were united in marriage on July 13, 1940, in Northwood, Worth county, Iowa. After his marriage, Robert worked for Gene Hanf bartending and working the Saturday night dances. In 1943, he began working for Wes Hanf in the Comphy Bar in Mankato, as well as working in Austin repairing pin ball machines, phonographs and slot machines.

Robert served in the United States Army from December 11, 1943, until his discharge on May 3, 1946. He served with the 611th Field Artillery attaining the rank of Private First Class. After his discharge, Robert returned to his job at the Geo A. Hormel Plant in Austin where he worked until his retirement in 1976.

The family took yearly fishing trips up north and traveled to all 50 states as well as Robert and Maxine traveling to Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Robert enjoyed gardening and until 2001 he always had a large garden. He was a member of the Golden Age Club, Hormel Retirees and the Hormel Men's Breakfast Group.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine Higgins of Austin; two children, Thomas (Pat) Higgins of Austin and Carol Ann (Steve) Olson of Wesley, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Kristen Kiecker, Kelly Higgins, Michelle Peterson, Gina Nelson Higgins, Angela Higgins, Shannon Petievick and Scott Higgins; fourteen great grandchildren; one brother, Bernard (Virginia) Higgins of Albert Lea; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and by three brothers: Leo, Edward and Leonard.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Pastor Ron Barnett, officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91.

The Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, is in charge of arrangements.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, Oct. 13, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Myrtle Mary Loewen, age 94, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on October 10, 2008, at the Austin Medical Center.

She was born on September 14, 1914 to Fredrick and Emma (Ahrens) Eggert in Johnstown, Wis. She started elementary school at St. John's Lutheran School and then moved to Lincoln Elementary School.

After graduation from Grand Meadow High School, she worked in the kitchen of St. Olaf Hospital until her marriage to Arthur Loewen on October 2, 1948 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Austin. They made their home in Austin where they raised their son, David. A member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Myrtle enjoyed flowers, gardening, crafts, knitting, crocheting and traveling.

After 49 years of marriage, Arthur passed away September 25, 1998 at their home. Myrtle lived in her home for over fifty years until her death.

Survivors include her son, David Loewen, Austin; sister-in-law, Esther Eggert, Austin; nieces; and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; by her parents; and by four brothers: Francis, Rudolph, Jerome and Milton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Austin with the Reverend Warren Schmidt officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery south of Austin.

The Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Original obituary posted online on www.austindailyherald.com, Oct. 13, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

LEROY, MINNESOTA — Memorial services for Mae Monsen will be held on Wednesday October 15, 2008 at the Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams with the Rev Shari Mason officiating. Burial will take place at the Six Mile Grove Cemetery in rural Lyle, Minn.

Mrs. Monsen, age 86, of LeRoy, Mower county, Minnesota, died on Friday evening, Oct. 10, 2008, at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota.

Mae Margaret Monsen was born on September 18, 1922 in Osage, Mitchell county, Iowa, to Earnest Meister and Lilly Troge Meister. She attended and graduated from Adams High School in 1940 and was united in marriage to Joseph K. Monsen on December 12, 1942 at the St Olaf Lutheran Parsonage in Austin, Minn. In 1946, the couple moved to a farm near Taopi, Minnesota.

Mrs. Monsen was a farm homemaker and before that she worked at Hormel in Austin and cleaned houses. After their retirement she worked at the Tree House. Mae loved crocheting, baking, cooking, dancing, bowling, and gardening. She liked what she did, everyday. Mae was a founding member of the Lodi Farmeretts, a member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church and was very active in its circles, fund raisers, and Lutheran Brotherhood.

She is survived by her three daughters: Gloria Heathman Aanonson (Leland) of Rose Creek, Minn., Carol Agee of Rochester, Minn., and Lori (Kirk) Baumbach of Byron, Minn.; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; five brothers: Melvin Meister of Bella Vista, Ark., Luther (Ruby) Meister of Austin, Minn., Vern Meister of Rochester, Roy (Gladys) Meister of Bloomington and Dean Meister of LeCenter; and one sister, Daisy (Curtis) Larson of Austin, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband on June 14, 1999, by a granddaughter, by a son-in-law, by two sisters, and by four brothers.

The Hindt Funeral Home in LeRoy is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are requested to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Research.

[Charles City Press, www.charlescitypress.com, Oct. 13, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Duane C. Hanson died on October 13, 2008 in Springfield, Oregon, from complications following surgery.

Duane was born on November 12, 1932 in Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, to Alvin and Mildred (Kolpen) Hanson. After graduating from Austin High School in 1950 he went into the Air Force.

He married Patricia Jones on July 11, 1954 in Austin; and worked for Hormel Foods for 32 years.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; sons: Ronald, Rick and Rod; brothers: David and John; sisters: Patricia Magee, Deanna Tischer, Cynthia Hanson and Suzanne Hoffman; and four grandkids.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008, at Daneland Mobile Home Park’s recreation center in Eugene. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. Andreason’s Cremation and Burial Service, (541) 485-6659, is in charge of arrangements.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

The memorial service for Marjorie June Nash of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, will be held on Friday October 17, 2008 at Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel, Albert Lea, Freeborn County, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Albert Lea. Marjorie died on Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at the Austin Medical Center, Austin. She was 81 years old.

Marjorie was born in Lerdal on November 23, 1926, the daughter of Charles K. and Irma K. (Johnson) Wangen. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1943 and later from Minneapolis Business College. She married Garland E. Nash. Marjorie had lived in Albert Lea until moving to Austin in 1953.

Marjorie was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Austin. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, painting and traveling. She was an avid Gopher Football Fan and loved attending their games. She also loved watching her nieces and nephews in their many activities.

Marjorie is survived by her children: Craig Steven Nash of Austin and Jori Lynn Nash also of Austin; sister, Bev Moen of Albert Lea; niece and nephew, Marti (James) Lillesve of Plymouth, Michael (Julie) Moen of New Richland; great nieces and nephews: Tami (Matt) Bryan of Savage, Tony Lillesve of Plymouth, Joshua, Alex and Adam Moen of New Richland.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Garland E. Nash; parents and brother-in-law, Cleon Moen.

Marjorie will be greatly missed and fondly remembered as being the first to offer a helping hand. She always put others first. Blessed be her memory.

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Bethel E. “Betty” Shaw, age 86, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on October 15, 2008, at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, Minnesota.

She was born on July 22, 1922 to William and Esther (Sperry) Danley in Brownsdale. After growing up in Brownsdale, Betty lived most of her life in Austin.

She married Donald O. Shaw on Jan. 6, 1945 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church and she worked at Hormel Foods for more than 38 years. A member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and Women of the Moose, Betty enjoyed cooking, canning, fishing and boating at their summer home in Lake City, Minn. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Donald; two sons, Dennis (Marsha) Shaw and Brian (Lynnae) Shaw, both of Austin; three grandchildren: Emily, Brendan and Justin Shaw; and a great-granddaughter, Rylee Shaw.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by a grandson, Darren Shaw; and by five brothers: Lyle, Kenneth, Doug, Hugh and Daryl Danley.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Pastor Ron Barnett officiating. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Hormel Institute for Cancer Research at 801 16th Ave. N.E., Austin, MN 55912 and please note "In memory of Betty Shaw.

Arrangements are by Worlein Funeral Home in Austin.

[ Austin Daily Herald online, Oct. 17, 2008 == www.austindailyherald.com ]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Lawrence Hugh Daniel Goodew, age 85, of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota, died on October 16, 2008 at Grand Meadow Healthcare Center.

Lawrence was born April 10, 1923 in Red Rock Township, Mower County, to George and Grace (Elder) Goodew. On Nov. 22, 1953 he was united in marriage to Stella Anna Christensen at First United Methodist Church in Austin. Lawrence was an employee of Hormel Foods, having worked for 39 1/2 years.

Survivors include two children, Julie (Mike) Pratt, Austin, Steve (Deb) Goodew, Austin; step-children, Marilyn (Mike) Toogood, Rochester, Mike (Heidi) Mellum, Okeechobee, Fla.; three grandchildren, Jeremy Martin, Austin, Nicholas Shaler, S.C., Lucas Goodew, Austin. He is preceded in death by his wife, Stella; three sisters and six brothers.

Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Austin Daily Herald online, Oct. 17, 2008 == www.austindailyherald.com

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

b: Jan. 24, 1853
d: Sep. 29, 1944

Asben S. Rolfson, son of Rolv and Sevena Anderson, was born on Jan. 24, 1851, on a farm near Stavanger, Norway. At the age of 14 he stowed away on a sailboat coming to America and landed in Quebec. From there he made his way to Baraboo, Wis. He worked on river boats on the Mississippi river and at various jobs around LaCrosse, Wis. for about five years; then went back to Norway.

After a short trime he returned to the U. S. bringing his younger sister and brother with him. They came to Rochester, where Mr. Rolfson became employed on a farm for a season. He then came to Brownsdale and engaged in farming which became his life's work. He retired from the farm and moved to Austin in 1919.

In 1876 he was united in marriage to Anne Tennyson. To them were born a daughter, Anne, (Mrs. M. M. Haynes) and a son, Markus, both of whom preceded him in death. His wife passed away in 1881 and in 1884 he was married to Mary Fuller. To this union were born six children: Roy, Guy, Frances (Mrs. Chas. H. Waldon) and Earl of Brownsdale, Merrill and Myrtle (Mrs. Palmer A. Ulland) of Austin.

Mr. Rolfson died at his home, 602 W. Maple St. on Friday morning Sept. 29, 1944, after a short illness.

Besides his wife and children, he is survived by 23 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. Interment was in Greenwood cemetery near Brownsdale.

Austin Daily Herald

Research credit: Betty Armstrong

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Burton Ingvalson, age 88, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Our House Memory Care in Austin.

Burton Irvin Ingvalson was born on April 8, 1920 to Bennie and Ida (Hanson) Ingvalson on the family farm near the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. He graduated from high school and served in the Army Air Force from October 1942 through November 1945.

Burton was married to Signe Tollefson in 1941 at the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member and served on the church council and the Red Oak Grove Cemetery Board. The Ingvalsons lived on and farmed the homestead and several other area farms that he rented from 1948 until retiring and moving to Austin in 1989. While on the farm he was also the Pioneer Seed salesperson, active with the Farm Bureau, also served on the Blooming Prairie School Board and served as its chairman. He also served with the Minnesota Schools Boards Association for several years.

Later in life the Ingvlasons split their time between their homes in Minnesota and Mesa, Arizona. Burton enjoyed fishing -- no matter if it were a trip to the dam in Waterville to catch bullheads, a northern Minnesota lake or Reindeer Lake in Canada with his sons. He was a hardworking and proud man, proud to be a “steward of the land.” He was known for his nice looking farmstead, straight rows of corn, his “range” tractors and equipment and his clean car.

Burton is survived by his wife, Signe Ingvalson, Austin, Minnesota; by two sons, Brian (Lezlie) Ingvalson, Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Robert (Barb) Ingvalson, Richfield, Minnesota; by a granddaughter, Karla (Jeff) Ruhr, Maple Grove, Minnesota; by grandsons, Boyd (Michelle) Ingvalson, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Kevin Ingvalson, Prior Lake, Minnesota; by a great-grandson, Zachary Ruhr; by a brother, Roger (Booncey) Ingvalson, Chattanooga, Tennessee; by Shirley Ingvalson, Mora, Minnesota; and by nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Keith in 2000.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 20, 2008 at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin with the Rev. Gene Leiter Officiating. Interment will be in the Red Oak Grove Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. and at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church on Monday from 10 to 11 a.m.

Casketbearers will be William Bell, Dale Tollefson, Boyd Ingvalson, Kevin Ingvalson, Jeff Ruhr, James Mooney, Michael Bell, Robert Schmidt and Craig Ingvalson.

[Original obituary posted on www.austindailyherald.com, Oct. 19, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb

 

Luther K. Larson, 91, most recently of Field Crest Care Center, died Oct. 20, 2008 at Season’s Hospice in Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota. He was a devoted and loving husband, supportive and encouraging father and grandfather, and a faithful, devoted member of Evanger Lutheran Church.

Luther Kalmer Larson was born to Lewis and Sophia (Starks) Larson at their rural Dexter, Mower county, Minnesota, home on March 6, 1917. Luther was baptized and confirmed in Evanger Lutheran Church where he remained a lifetime member, except for a short period of time during World War II. In his youth, Luther loved to hunt, fish, trap and ride his horse, Beauty. He passed these passions on to his boys, as he continued to hunt and fish throughout his life.

He married Opal Sylva Spiten on November 10, 1939 at the parsonage in Hayfield. When they were first married, they spent a short time living in Austin, and then moved to Seattle, Wash. for the war cause during World War II. Luther worked as a welder in the shipyards while residing in Seattle. He returned to Larson farm when his father was injured in an accident and needed help running the farm. Luther and Opal lived out their lives on the Larson family farm, eventually purchasing it from his father.

Luther also worked as a welder, mechanic, truck driver, shop foreman and Mower County maintenance superintendent for many years while maintaining his farm. Luther continued to live on the farm for two winters after Opal passed away in 2003, and then he moved to Crest View Villa in 2005.

During his retirement years, Luther loved to raise fruit, vegetables and flowers. He especially enjoyed raising gladiolus, which won numerous awards at shows and fairs. He also enjoyed delivering his gladiola floral arrangements throughout the community as spontaneous gifts, as well as his homemade jams and jellies. Luther also loved birds. His feeders were attended every morning, and he kept a log of when they arrived in the spring and left in the fall. The winter birds had a heated bird bath and drinking water. I’m sure they have missed him the last three years, as we will miss him in the future.

Luther and Opal were both proud of their Norwegian heritage, frequently flying a Norwegian flag on their farm and thoroughly enjoying a couple of trips to visit relatives in Norway. They also looked forward to preparing lutefisk and lefse at Evanger lutefisk suppers.

Throughout his life Luther served his community in countless ways. He was continuously active in his church, Sargeant Township positions and as Mower County Commissioner from 1957-1969. Luther, also being passionately interested in the schools, served on the District 91 school board and was elected to the State School Board Association representing the First District. He was president of the Friends of Minnesota Schools and acted as a lobbyist in the state legislature for six years on their behalf. Luther participated in the local 4-H organization as an adult leader for many years. In addition, he was also enthusiastically involved in the original community plans for the Field Crest Care Center. Eventually he became the vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the Elderly Housing Corporation which resulted in the construction of Crest View Villa.

Luther was preceded in death by father, Lewis; mother, Sophia; infant brother, Elliot; brother, Glen; 9-month-old son, Steven; two sisters: Sylvia Hunter and Helen Hull; and his wife, Opal.

Luther is survived by three sons: Gary Larson, Golden, Colo., Kenneth (Barbara) Larson, Bloomington, Minn., Roger (Sharon) Larson, Hayfield, Minn.; daughter, Lou Ann (Bob) Larson-Gaston, Lincoln, Neb. and seven grandchildren.

Visitation will be from, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Hayfield and one hour before the service at the church on Friday. The funeral service for Luther Kalmer Larson will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at Evanger Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant, Minn. with the Reverend Lissa Kahl officiating. Interment will be in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Evanger Building Fund.

[Original obituary posted online at www.austindailyherald.com, Oct. 21, 2008]

©2008 MNGenWeb