Adam Joseph Bruggeman, infant son of Kim and Steve Bruggeman of Rose Creek, was stillborn Thursday, November 13 at the Austin Medical Center. Adam is survived by his parents, a brother, Travis, a sister, Anna, and preceded in death by a brother, Samuel. Also surviving are grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Private services were held with interment at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, Rose Creek.

St. Ansgar Enterprise - - Published November 22, 2003

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

ST. ANSGAR, IOWA — Boneta Pederson, 77, of St. Ansgar, died Sunday (March 16, 2003) at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Austin Minn. with the Rev. R. Allan Flint, officiating. Burial will be in Woodbury Cemetery in Lyle, Minn. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, 207 S. School St. in St. Ansgar.

Boneta L. Pederson was born February 7, 1926, to Harry A. and Agnes (Mangen) Young in Austin, Minnesota.

She married Olaf Pederson on October 22, 1944, in Austin, Minn. They were married during World War II. During the war, Boneta worked in a defense plant in the Twin Cities.

After Olaf returned from the Navy, they farmed on the family farm near Carpenter, Iowa. Boneta’s love was for her Lord and Savior and her family.

She enjoyed gardening and doing special things for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She crocheted afghans and enjoyed baking and cooking and being a country wife. No one made sugar cookies like Grandma Bonnie. Boneta was an ordinary woman who had an extraordinary influence on her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, and daughter, Beverly.

Boneta is survived by her husband, Olaf, of Carpenter; four sons, Donald and Penny Pederson, of Garner, and their children, Jessica and Frank Duregger, of Fort Myers, Fla., and their children, Chanel and Macy, Piper and Ross Charlton of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Cole Pederson of Garner; son Marvin and Jill Pederson, of Jeffers, Minn., and their children, Sara and Terry Hemann, of Little Cedar, and their children, Brooke, Jacob, and Kaitlyn, Josh Pederson of Mankato, Minn., Tim Pederson of Harlan, and Phil Pederson of Brookings, S.D.; son, Paul and Margaret, of Carpenter, and their children, Lucas and Stacy Brown and daughter, Ella Mae, of St. Angar, Nathan, Kjersti, and Sam, of Carpenter; son Steve and Sue Pederson, of Monticello, Ind., and their children, Kelsi, Israel, and Drew. Her grandchildren, Kris (Cooper) Gunn and husband, Tony and children, Austin and Kalee, of Los Angeles, Calif., Tom Cooper of Los Angeles, Calif., and Kathi (Cooper) Ferguson and husband, Kevin and children, Joshua and Grace, of Los Angeles, Calif.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, (641) 713-4920.

[Mason City Globe Gazette]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

AUSTIN, MINNESOTA - Helen Ethelyn Sylvia Berg, age 77, of Austin, died Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the Austin Medical Center, Austin, Mower county, Minnesota.

Helen was born Nov. 15, 1931 in Ottertail County, Minnesota, to Oscar Emil and Agnes Mildred (Mikkelson) Hagen. She spent her childhood growing up on the farm in Fergus Falls, Minn. The family moved to southern Minnesota in 1942. Helen was confirmed at the Mona Lutheran Church in Mona, Iowa in 1946. She graduated from Austin High School in 1949. Prior to her marriage, Helen worked at Dwights' and at the Austin clinic.

Her marriage to George C. Berg took place on May 6, 1950 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. To this union were born five children: Larry, Vicky, Randy, Bill and Jennifer. Helen along with her husband, George were members of the Austin Art Club. Helen loved working with color and creating something beautiful on canvas. She created many beautiful oil paintings that she sold or shared with family. One of her oil paintings, "Caring and Sharing" was made into a print and graced the cover of "The Farmer Magazine" in 1987.

Helen was a crochet master of doilies and doll clothes, many of which were made without a pattern. She was an excellent homemaker and prided herself on creating a loving home for her family. Her children were the greatest pride of her life. Helen was a very spiritual woman and enjoyed reading her bible. She found much comfort in the companionship of her cats throughout her life.

Survivors include her five children and their families: Larry (Bea) Berg, El Paso, Texas, Anthony, Andrea, Adam and their mother, Peggy Wilcox; Vicky (Jim) King, Austin, Amy, Brian, Jonathan; Randy (Deb) Berg, Austin, Luke, Emily; Bill Berg (Mary Leuning), Austin, Seth and his mother, Pam Haugen; Jennifer (Dan) Rondeau, Chaska, Minn.; two great grandchildren, Amber, Eligh; brother, Dr. Vernon L. (Marilyn) Hagen, Bettendorf, Iowa; sister-in-law, Ella Berg, Austin, Minn.; nieces and nephews; special cousin, Kathy Linder Pederson; dear friends, Rita Gamez, Ann Winegar.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, Oscar and Agnes Hagen; and her brother, Oscar A. Hagen.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p..m. on Monday and one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Tuesday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

The casketbearers will be Luke Berg, Seth Berg, Brian King, Jon King.

[Austin Daily Herald, March 8, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Loren Keith "Smokey" Enfield, age 84 of Austin, died at his home Thursday, March 5, 2009.

Loren was born Nov. 22, 1924 to Elga and Ellen (Cummings) Enfield in Osage, Iowa, where he grew up and after completing his education, he moved to Austin to work at Geo. A. Hormel & Co.

In 1942 he entered the United States Army, serving in the Ranger Unit in Europe as a tank driver. Awarded two Purple Hearts, he served as a prisoner of war. After his discharge, he returned to Hormel, working in the flavor seal warehouse, driving a fork lift.

He married Wanda Beth Harden in November 1946. Loren and Wanda later divorced. He retired from Hormel Foods in 1986 and was a rural carrier for the Minneapolis Tribune.

A member of First United Methodist Church, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the VFW, Loren enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball, photography, cooking and snowmobiles. He was able to fix everything. He operated snowmobile dealerships for Polaris, Rupp and Brute. Loren was a gunsmith and owned and operated Smokey’s Gun Shop for many years.

Survivors include sons: Larry (Gwen) Enfield, Ely, Minn., Michael (Cindy) Enfield, Austin, Minn., Tom (Lisa Sanders) Enfield, Austin, David (Ginny) Enfield, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Dan Enfield, Austin; daughter: Penny (Randy) Deters, Brownsdale, Minn.; daughter-in-law: Dianna Enfield, RochesteR; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sisters: Margaret (Ray) Jacobson, LeRoy, Minn. and Dorothy Bergan, LeRoy; and nieces, nephews and other relatives

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his son, Steven on Oct. 6, 2005 and a brother, Geraldean “Dean.”

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2009 at First United Methodist Church in Austin with the Rev. Dennis Tamke and Rev. David Simersen officiating. Friends may call from 4 to7 p.m., Sunday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at LeRoy Lutheran Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

[Austin Daily Herald, March 8, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

John B. Friedrich, 95, of Austin, died on March 7, 2009, at the Austin Medical Center.

John Benjamin Friedrich was born October 11, 1913 in Rowley, Iowa to Wilhelm and Olga (Klingfuss) Friedrich. John served his country during World War II with the U, S. Army, 28th Infantry and was a prisoner of war for four months and 22 days at the end of the war. On Aug. 15, 1946, he married Genevieve Gartner in Austin. John worked for the City of Austin for over 30 years and retired as a heavy equipment operator. John was a member of First United Methodist Church and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Genevieve, Austin; sisters, Caroline Lewis, Austin, Edna (Roger) Ludwig, Austin; brothers, William Friedrich, Austin, Albert (Alice) Friedrich, Williamsburg, Va., Naomi Friedrich, Austin, Rosella Friedrich, Ft. Collins, Colo.; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Patricia M. Toschak officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Friends may call at the Worlein Funeral Home from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1216 and the American Legion Post 91 in charge of military rites.

[Austin Daily Herald, March 9, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

AUSTIN, MINNESOTA - Alice Snowbeck, 85, of Burr Oak Manor, died Saturday (July 19, 1997) at the Austin Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Andrew Lindahl officiating. Burial will be in the Union Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Stacyville, [Mitchell county,] Iowa.

Friends may call at the Worlein Funeral Home, 1801 Fourth St. N.W., from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. The family prefers memorials.

Alice was born on May 2, 1912, in Johnsburg, Minn., to George and Elizabeth (Fischer) Ziegler. At an early age, Alice moved with her family to a farm northwest of Stacyville where she attended school.

She married George Snowbeck on Aug. 12, 1942, in Albert Lea. They lived in California during World War II and moved back to the Stacyville area until 1959 when Alice and George moved to Lyle, Minn. Alice moved to Burr Oak Manor in January of 1996.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Dona Ziegler of Lyle, Minn.; three grandchildren and their spouses, Darwin and Kathy Ziegler of Kasson, Minn., Randy and Kathy Ziegler of London, Minn., and Gary and Cindy Ziegler of Lyle, Minn.; six great-grandchildren, Trenton, Mary, Cory, Colleen, Megan and Sarah; and one sister, Ruth Becker of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant granddaughter, three brothers, Carl, Earl and Floyd, and a sister, Myrtle Weber.

[Globe Gazette]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

AUSTIN, MINNESOTA - LeRoy Edward Schulz, 95, of 200 First Ave N.E., Austin, died Sunday (Jan. 26, 1997) at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Crane Community Chapel, Austin, with the Rev. Joe Matt officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour before services at the chapel.

LeRoy Edward Schulz was born Feb. 9, 1901, in Farmington, the son of Edward G.F. and Mary Zender Schulz. He received his schooling in the Farmington schools.

He was united in marriage to Pearl Mae Duff on Oct. 7, 1925, in Minneapolis.

He left Farmington in 1936, moved to Castle Rock until 1938, moved to Austin in 1938 until present. He was employed at Dugan's Sport Shop for 12 years, retiring in 1966. He worked as a bulk agent for Mobil Oil Company, Austin; drove city bus in Austin, and was a custodian for Austin Public Schools. He loved to play cards and he loved his family and friends. He was a member of Odd Fellows (Past Noble Grand) and recently honored as a 75-year member. He was a member of AARP, Golden Age and Crane Community Chapel.

Survivors include two sons, Clayton Schulz and his wife, Beverly, Mason City, Iowa; and Fred Schulz and his wife, Nancy, Lubbock, Texas; one daughter, Janis L. Schlimmer, Newburgh, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Stapf, Farmington; and special friends, Mildred Baldus, Austin, and Earl and Gert Nielsen, Oakland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Mae Duff, who died May 28, 1980; his parents, Edward and Mary; three brothers, Clarence "Mike," Roland "Sonny," and Milton in infancy; three sisters, Olive Boyd, Myra Quinell and Mildred Schulz; and one granddaughter, Dawn.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Crane Community Chapel or charity of choice in LeRoy's memory.

[Globe Gazette 1/29/1997]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ingeborg Katherine Knudsen, 103, of Lyle, died on March 10, 2009 at Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

She was born on June 19, 1905, the youngest of five girls, to Knute and Carolyn Kallison in Koling, Denmark where she grew up and married Anders Knudsen on March 31, 1926. They left the old country to begin their married life in America, arriving in Albert Lea, Minn. in May of 1926. On November 6, 1937, a son, Thomas LeRoy, was born. Ingeborg became an American citizen on Sept. 18, 1939, a very proud moment for her. For four years they worked at American Gas Company, after which they rented a farm near London for eight years.

Ingeborg enjoyed working on the farm with her husband, and she especially liked working with the horses. In 1941 they moved to a farm in the Lyle area. Anders passed away in 1961. An active member of Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church and then Our Savior’s Lutheran in Lyle, Ingeborg also belonged to Jewish Mission Society, WCTU, Sudan Missions. She enjoyed traveling. She will be remembered for the wonderful lunches she served to family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Thomas (Elta) Knudsen; grandsons, Anders (Cynthia) Knudsen, James (Kim) Knudsen; granddaughter, Ruth (Joseph) Smillie; 11 great-grandchildren, all of St. Ansgar, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters, and two daughters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2009 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lyle with Pastor Barbara Finley-Shea officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at church. Interment is at Six Mile Grove Cemetery, rural Lyle. Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lyle.

[Austin Daily Herald, March 11, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Delores “Dee” Monson, 80, died on March 9, 2009 at Shalom Estates.

Delores was born June 25, 1928 in Minneapolis to Alfred and Ada (Zarth) Lundh. She attended Lutheran Bible Institute in 1948 and graduated from Bethesda School of Nursing in 1952. Delores married Dr. Bennitt Monson on Sept. 21, 1952. She was an active member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church. She loved reading, drawing and taking care of her family.

She is survived by five children, Debra (Jeffrey) Couture, Steven (Janel) Monson, Karla (Paul) Mullenbach, Mary (Craig Bergum) Monson and Kristin (Loren) Kiefer; four siblings, Raymond Tegner, Lorraine Qual, Marilyn Heerdt, and Marguerite Rynearson; nine grandchildren, Toby Mullenbach, Shelly (Juan Bueno) Mullenbach, Michael Mullenbach, Cameron (Stephen) Pickering, Danial Monson-Bergum, Mitchell and Shelby Monson, Chase and Paige Kiefer and one great-grandchild.

Delores was preceded in death by her husband and a sister, Carol Lundh.

The funeral service for Delores “Dee” S. Monson will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2009 at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, 308 NW Lewison Street, Adams, Minn. with Pastor Shari Mason officiating. Burial will be at Little Cedar Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester and an hour before the service on Friday at church. Memorials can be directed to the Alzheimers Disease Research Center, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes.

[Austin Daily Herald, March 11, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Clarence Adolph Louis Meyer, 92, formerly of Austin, died on March 8, 2009 at Meadow Manor Nursing Home in Grand Meadow.

He was born April 9, 2009 in Bertrand, Neb., to Henry and Emma (Koch) Meyer. Clarence attended school at Bertrand, and was married to Dorothy Clayton on June 18, 1944 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, Minn. He worked as an auto mechanic in several area garages before going to work for the Minnesota Highway Department. He was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale where he was a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League, the Men's Club and he sang in the choir. Clarence enjoyed woodworking and helping with many projects at the church, he also played the saw and the harmonica.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Dorothy Meyer, Grand Meadow, Minn.; son, Richard (Rick) Meyer, Winfield, Kan.; daughter, Cheryl (Dennis) Ree, Austin; grandsons, Jason Ree and Jesse Ree; granddaughter, Alicia Ree; great-grandchildren, Madison Ree, Peyton and Ashton Ree; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Henry Meyer, Emma Meyer Einspahr; step-father, Ferdinand Einspahr; sisters, Clara, Helen and Esther.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, Minn. with the Reverend Jeff Sage officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and for one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. The family prefers memorials to the Our Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Music will be by Gary Clayton. Honorary Bearers will be Bud Blanchard and Jim Carlson. Casket Bearers will be Jason Ree, Jesse Ree, Dennis Ree, Joe Davison, Ray Peterson and Verland Lange.

[Austin Daily Herald, March 11, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Sep. 3, 1876
Oct. 7, 1929

CLAUDE ROEBUCK DIES AT ROCHESTER HOSPITAL

Claude Roebuck died yesterday morning at the Rochester State Hospital where he had been the past six months. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon at the Jordan Mortuary, Rev. Warner Johnson officiating, and burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Mr. Roebuck was born Sept 3, 1873 in Kasson. At the age of 20 he moved to Marshall where he lived until two years ago when he came to Austin to make his home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Roebuck. He was married about 25 years ago at Marshall. He was a member of the Woodmen lodge of Marshall.

He is survived by his wife, his son Wilmont; two daughters, Irene and *Elizabeth; his father W. A. Roebuck; two brothers, Ray and Bert and one sister, Mrs. Nellie Blowers. His mother died July 3 of this year.

[Note: The daughters were Irene & Bernice. Elizabeth was Claude's mother's name.]

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

William Abner Roebuck
Dec. 23, 1844
May 14, 1934

Wm.A. Roebuck Dies, Last Survivor Of McIntyre Post

Military Funeral Planned for Veteran of Civil War

William A. Roebuck, eighty-nine, Austin's last member of the Grand Army of the Republic , died here yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Roebuck was the only surviving member of the McIntyre Post No. 56, in which he had taken an active part until the post was disbanded. He was one of Austin's last two Civil War veterans, being survived by P.P. Rice.

He will be missed, particularly on Decoration Day, for this was an event he cherished and attended the services year in and year out. He was the only Civil War veteran able to attend the Decoration Day program last year.

Living in Mower county for thirty-five years, Mr. Roebuck had a host of friends and was familiarly known by them as "Dad". He was active until last winter when his health declined. Death came to him yesterday at 3:50 p.m. at the home of his son Bert, at 807 W. Maple Street.

William A.Roebuck was born in Mercer county, Ohio, on December 23, 1844. He later went with his family to Pleasant Mills, Indiana. A boy only sixteen years old, he enlisted as a bugler in Company C eleventh regiment of the Indiana cavalry and served in the Civil War for a period of three years when he was honorably discharged. Because of his age, he had to secure the permission of his parents in order to enlist in the service of his country.

In later years, Mr. Roebuck often recalled with pride a few occasions on which he met President Abraham Lincoln, once at a political rally in Ohio and again while Mr. Roebuck was serving in the Union Army.

In 1867, Mr. Roebuck moved to Kasson, Minn., and was one of the pioneer settlers of Dodge county. He was married at Mantorville on June 25, 1872 to Elizabeth B. Getman

Thirty-five years ago, he came to Mower county and has lived on a farm north of Austin for about ten years when he moved into Austin.

The Austin members of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Women's Relief Corps joined in the celebration of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Roebuck on June 25, 1922. The celebration was staged in the G.A.R. hall and was one of the last events celebrated by the G.A.R. in the building that still stands on north St. Paul Street.

His wife passed away on July 3, 1929. She had been a member of the Women's Relief Corps and after her death Mr. Roebuck kept up her membership in this organization and attended the meetings.

Mr. Roebuck was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Methodist Church. His life was an example of patriotism and the weather was never too inclement to keep him away from a veterans' meeting or a patriotic gathering. He had a large circle of friends among both the old and the young and was always heartily welcomed at the Veteran of Foreign Wars and Women's Relief Corps gatherings.

He is survived by two sons Bert of Austin, and Ray, of Owatonna, and one daughter, Mrs. W.S. Blowers. He leaves fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A short service will be held for relatives from the home of Bert Roebuck, at 807 W. Maple street, at 4:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon with a military funeral fron the Methodist Church at 4:30 o'clock. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.

[from the Austin, MN newspaper]

---

Note: from Shirley Hemingway:

Mr. Roebuck was preceded in death by 4 of his children: a son Claude, who died in 1929, and three daughters: Lula, Matie & Idell, who all died of diptheria in 1882.

A Mower County News front page article on June 29, 1922 covered the Roebuck's Golden Wedding Anniversary. Here is some information from that article...

"Following their marriage Mr. & Mrs. Roebuck lived in Kasson for about seventeen years, moving then to the Teeter farm, a mile and a half north of this city. A number of years later they moved to Marshall where they resided for seven years, returning to Austin in September, 1920."

"Mr. Roebuck served for two years in the Civil war as bugler for General Stewart of the 11th Indiana Cavalry which was with the Army of the Cumberland. The battles of Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee, were the principal engagements of this regiment."

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Sep. 16, 1905
Sep. 18, 1959

Bert (Buck) Wilmont Roebuck was born September 16, 1905 in Marshall, Minnesota. His parents were Claude and Alberta (Phillips) Roebuck.

He spent his childhood in Marshall, Minnesota and later moved to Austin, Minnesota. In Austin he worked for the W. L. Chapman Company and then later the George Hormel Company before entering World War II.

While in the U.S. Army from June 1942 til August 1945 he was in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Adrennes, Central Europe (France, Belgium, Holland and Germany). He spent 23 months overseas. He received the Good Conduct Medal, The Purple Heart, The Silver Star Medals and ETO Ribbon with 5 Bronze Battle Stars.

Later he lived in Albert Lea and the St. Paul area.

Bert was a gentle and soft-spoken man. He loved the dogs and also raised them. Bert also had a great interest in guns.

Bert is survived by two daughters Julain and Laila, sisters Irene and Bernice and many other relatives.

Mr. Roebuck passed away September 18, 1959 at the Fort Snelling Hospital at the age of 54 years and 2 days. He is buried at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Written by Bert Roebuck's daughter Julain

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Dec. 11, 1883
Oct. 29, 1970

Amanda Anderson Huseby was born Dec. 11, 1883, at Adams, Minn., the daughter of Nils and Ingrid Anderson.

She was a lifetime resident of the Adams community and attended McKinley Country School and the Southern Minnesota Normal College, Austin. On Oct. 28, 1913, she married Bennie J. Huseby at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams.

She had been assistant postmistress at Adams, and taught at Windom, Marshall and Clayton Country Schools and Adams Public School and was a member of the ALCW and Mission Circle.

Mrs. Huseby died Oct. 29, 1970, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home, Austin.

She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Bernie (Edith) Neus, Adams; two sons, Aaron and Byron Huseby, Adams; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Ernest (Coramae) Anderson, Adams.

Funeral services were held Oct. 31, at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Rev. Wayne Quibell officiating. Interment was in Little Cedar Cemetery with the Adams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Arvid and Arden Neus, Allen and Brian Huseby, Elnathan Anderson, Lloyd Boyum.

Out-of-town persons attending came from Galesburg, Ill., Mason City, Iowa, Minneapolis, Rosemount, Virginia, Winona, St. Charles, Minn.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Nils Olai Anderson
Mar. 27, 1861
Mar. 27, 1948

Nils Olai Anderson, son of Amond Kloster and his wife, Carrie, was born on a farm in Fayette County, Iowa, on March 27, 1861. He grew up there attending the local rural school, and later continued his education by attending Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, and Upper Iowa University at Fayette. He then taught for a short time in Iowa and taught several terms after coming to Minnesota in 1883.

On March 8, 1883, he was married to Ingri Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Johnson, and the happy couple enjoyed a God-blessed marriage which lasted a little more than sixty-five years.

In 1885 Mr. Anderson purchased land in Marshall township, what is now the Robert Utzke farm, and the Andersons made that their home until 1908, when they moved to their present home in the village of Adams.

Since coming to this section of Minnesota, Mr. Anderson has played a very prominent part in the business, political and religious life of the community. He served as assessor and as town clerk of Marshall township while on his farm; he served as assessor of the village of Adams for five years. For many years he operated a general insurance agency in Adams; for a considerable length of time he was president of the Mower County Insurance Company and was on the board of directors for twenty-one years.

He was secretary of the Adams Cooperative Creamery for a number of years and he was a director of the Farmers State Bank of Adams at the time of his death. He had been a member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church since he moved from Iowa. He was on the building committee that had charge of the erection of the present Little Cedar Church, and he served as secretary of the congregation for sixteen years.

Mr. Anderson suffered a stroke several years ago, but made a good recovery and had been quite active, working around his home and making his daily trip to town, until a week ago Sunday when he began to fail in health. He suffered a severe stroke on Saturday evening, March 27th and passed away shortly there after, his death occurring on his eighty-seventh birthday.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Amanda (Mrs. B.J. Huseby), Ida and Coramae (Mrs. E.S. Anderson), all of Adams; one brother, Amond of Beresford, S.D.; five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters.

Mr. Anderson was a sincere Christian, a trusted and respected farmer and business man, a kind and loving husband and father, and a sociable, loyal and accommodating friend and neighbor. His death leaves a vacant place in the home, the church, and the community that will be hard to fill.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ingeri Katrine Johnson Anderson
Dec. 31, 1864
Apr. 6, 1954

Mrs. Ingeri Johnson Anderson youngest daughter of John C. and Marie Roe Johnson, was born in Adams Township, Mower County, Minn., Dec. 21, 1864. She was baptized by Pastor C.L. Clausen and confirmed by Pastor B. Gjeldaker in Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams.

On March 8, 1883, she was united in marriage with Nils Anderson at Ossian, Iowa, by Pastor John Bjorgaas. They made their home on a farm five miles northwest of Adams until 1908, when they moved to the village of Adams.

She passed away at her home in Adams on April 6, at 1:10 p.m. at the age of 89 years, 3 months and 15 days. She is survived by three daughters, Amanda (Mrs. B.J. Huseby), Ida, Coramae (Mrs. E.S. Anderson), all of Adams; five grandhildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away March 27, 1948, and two daughters, Cora May in 1894, and Janet in 1918.

Mrs. Anderson had been a life-long member of the Little Cedar Lutheran Church of Adams. She had taken an active part in the work of the Ladies Aid at first in the West Aid and also in the present Ladies Aid organization and mission circles. She was presented a life membership pin in Little Cedar Ladies Aid in June, 1951. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in March, 1948.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Bennie Johan Huseby
Dec. 21, 1887
Jun. 17, 1978

Bennie Johan Huseby was born Dec. 21, 1887, on a farm near Adams.

He was a lifetime resident of the Adams community; attended country school; Southern Minnesota Normal College, Austin; graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture in 1908. On Oct. 28, 1913, he married Amanda Anderson at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams.

After graduation from the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture, he returned to Adams and joined his father in operation of a dairy farm. Parnership-management of the 600-acre dairy farm and pure-bred Holstein herd was continued in later years with his two sons, Aaron and Byron.

He managed his own full-line insurance agency for many years and was president and then secretary to the Mower County Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. for a total of 47 years.

Ben was an active member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church and served on many committees.

Over the past 65 years he had held many executive positions and served on various boards in his community, county, state and nation, of which included several trips to Washington to testify before House and Senate committees regarding farm legislation, and also Federal Grand Jury Duty.

In November, 1972, he suffered a stroke. After being hospitalized for some time, he entered St. Mark's Lutheran Home, Austin, Dec. 6, 1972, and remained there till Sept. 30, 1977, when he came to the Adams Health Care Center, Adams.

On June 11, 1978, he suffered another stroke and passed away June 17, 1978, at the Adams Health Care Center.

It is not so easy to document the thousands of hours he had spent and the thousands of miles of muddy and snow-covered icy roads he had travelled by buggy, by car and on foot to fulfill commitments he had made to an individual or to attend some meeting.

Despite the incredible number of things he got done in a day, he never seemed harassed or pushed, but was always cheerful and calm with an encouraging grin on his face. Perhaps it is this spirit of confident optimism, of faith in God and in his people that will have to be considered B.J.'s greatest gift to all those he knew and served so well.

Ben is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Bernie (Edith) Neus, and two sons, Aaron and Byron Huseby, all of Adams, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother and sisters, and his wife, Amanda, who passed away Oct. 29, 1970.

Funeral services were held June 20, 1978, at 1:30 p.m. at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams. Interment was in Little Cedar Cemetery, Adams, Pastor Allen Gunderson officiating. Mrs. Gerald Meier was organist. Casketbearers were Allen Huseby, Arvid Neus, Brian Huseby, Art Boyum, Lloyd Boyum, Maynard Lewison.

Blessed be his memory.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Johanne Marie Johnson Gravdahl
Feb. 10, 1863
Jun. 3, 1935

Funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon, June 6th at 2:30 o'clock at the Little Cedar Lutheran Church for Mrs. Mary Gravdahl, who on the afternoon of June 3rd, during a despondent moment, lost the courage to continue to face life and brought about her own death by drowning.

Burial was made in the Little Cedar Cemetery, with Rev. Alfred Breivik officiating.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Wilbur Byron Koloen
Jul. 1, 1920
Jun. 25, 1943

Memorial services for Wilbur Koloen were held at Little Cedar Church last Sunday morning at 11:00 o'clock. The service began with the usual Processional Hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy", during which the congregation was standing and the Senior Choir marched in. Then followed the opening prayer, the opening hymn, No. 212 in the Hymnary, the Confession of Sin, the Kyrie, the Gloria, the Collect and the Epistle Lesson for the day. Before the sermon the audience sang, "God Bless Our Native Land." Rev. Breivik chose for his text John 6:40. He said in part:

As Christians we hold citizenship in two realms. We are citizens of the United States of America, and citizens of the Kingdom of God. We enjoy privileges and have responsibilities in both of these realms. As citizens of these United States we certainly enjoy many blessing among which are the blessing of liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the right to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience. America has become the symbol of freedom, opportunity, and happiness for oppressed men everywhere.

But as citizens of the United States we also have obligations and responsibilities especially when our nation is at war. War is a terrible thing, and every right thinking person hates war. But when our nation and our way of life have been attacked by aggressive forces that would destroy the things we hold most dear, there is only one thing for us as citizens to do, and that is to rise solidly in defense of our country.

So when our boys and girls, men and women, in response to our country's call, go out into the various forms of war service we send them forth with our blessing and our prayers. We honor them for their obedient loyalty and pray that they may be found faithful, brave and strong in the line of duty. We pray that, if it be God's will, they may be restored to us sound and well.

We know that all will not come back alive. We already have one gold star on our service flag. Staff Sergeant Wilbur B. Koloen has made the supreme sacrifice. He died that we might not be enslaved by a foreign power. He died that we may continue to enjoy all the freedom prevailing in this country. He died that we might continue living the American way of life. But he still lives. As Christians we are members of another Kingdom. We know that there is a life after this. He spoke briefly on the blessings of eternal life as the comfort and consolation to the bereaved.

After the sermon the American Legion in a body marched to the front of the church to their reserved seats, headed by the color bearers, while the audience was standing. Having taken their places all were seated, the color bearers standing at attention.

The Senior Choir sang, "Abide with Me", and the following obituary was read:

Staff Sergeant Wilbur B. Koloen, was born in Adams, Minn., July 1, 1920. He was baptized in the Little Cedar Church on July 18th the same year. He received his early Christian training in the home in the Little Cedar Week-Day Bible School, and in the confirmation class. He was confirmed May 12, 1935 in this church. After confirmation he was a member of the Luther League and the Church Choir. He attended the Bible Camp one summer from which he received great spiritual blessings and assurance in his Christian faith.

His secular education was received in the Adams Public Schools, graduating from high school in 1939. He was very active in almost all extra activities in the high school, such as basketball, football, and other sports. He also had a keen interest in music and was a member of the high school band.

He attended the Basic course of instruction in Infantry Arm, at the Citizens' Military Training Camp held under the auspices of the War Department of the United States, at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota during the summer of 1937, and during the summer of 1938 he attended the Red Course of Instruction in Cavalry Arm, at the Citizens' Military Camp held under the auspices of the War Department of the United States, at Camp Harry McHenry, Fort Des Moines, Iowa, for which he received Military Training Certificates. He was a lover of horses and took much pleasure in horseback riding.

He volunteered in the United States Army, March 19, 1941. He was first placed in a Medical and Hospital Corps unit and stationed at Fort Warren, Cheyenne, Wyoming. He took up the study of Dentistry and set out to specialize in this highly technical course, attending a special school at El Paso, Texas for three months.

However, as much as he liked the Medical Corps, he had a keen desire to get into the air. His wish was gratified when he was permitted to transfer his enlistment to the Army Air Corps His training in the air took him from his initial air corps training center at San Antonio, Teas to Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas, Nevada; Wendover Field, Utah; Scribner Nebraska; Sioux City, Iowa; Kearney, Nebraska and then across to the eastern seaboard and down at Bangor, Maine. He flew across the Atlantic Ocean from an undisclosed base the latter part of April 1943, going to Great Britain. He was very faithful in writing home. Every week and often twice a week there would be a letter from Wilbur. His last letter to his folks was dated June 24, 1943.

On June 25, 1943, he was participating in a one-thousand-plane raid over Northwest Germany, when twenty-six fortresses were shot down by anti-aircraft fire and fighter planes.

On July 2nd his parents received a telegram from the War Department in Washington, D.C., stating that Wilbur was missing in action, and that when further information was received they would be promptly notified. On September 4th another telegram came stating that Wilbur was killed in action on June 25th. A letter from the War Department followed confirming the message of the telegram that Wilbur died on June 25th.

Shortly afterward his parents received the following message from the Secretary of State, dated September 27, 1943:

My Dear Mr. Koloen:

You will shortly receive the Purple Heart medal, which has been posthumously awarded by direction of the President to your son, Staff Sergeant Wilbur B. Koloen, Air Corps. It is sent as a tangible expression of our country's gratitude for his gallantry and devotion.

It is sent to you, as well, with my deepest personal sympathy for your bereavement. The loss of a loved one is beyond man's repairing, and the medal is of slight value; not so, however the message it carries. We are all comrades in arms in this battle for our country, and those who have gone are no, and never will be, forgotten by those of us who remain. I hope you will accept the medal in evidence of such remembrance.

Sincerely yours, Henry L. Stimson

Our sympathy is extended to the parents and relatives. May the thought that he gave his life unselfishly in the service of his country be of sustaining comfort to them. In the words of General G. C. Marshall in a letter of September 13, 1943: "Wilbur Koloen died a gallant soldier's death in our battle for liberty and decency. I hope you will find consolation in the fact that he sacrificed his life in the service of the people of America and the cause of democracy throughout the world."

"God grant us wisdom in these coming days, and eyes unsealed, that we clear visions see of that new world that He would have us build, to life's ennoblement and His high ministry."

Dr. Louis A. Huseby, on behalf of the American Legion, presented Mr. and Mrs. Koloen with the American flag.

Many memorial wreaths were given by the parents, relatives and friends.

The services closed with a duet by Mrs. E.S. Anderson and Mrs. N. V. Torgerson who sang, "Till the Last Bugle Blows" and the Benediction.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Oct. 10, 1891
May 1, 1985

Elizabeth Koloen, 93, formerly of Adams, Minnesota, died Wednesday at St. Mark's Lutheran Home at Austin.

The former Elizabeth Lewison was born Oct. 10, 1891, in Adams township, Mower County, the daughter of Lewis and Betsy Lewison. On April 10, 1920, she married Isaac Koloen at Adams. He died in 1972.

She was a retired seamstress, who had operated a business out of her home in Adams. She was a gold Star member of the Adams American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church at Adams and its Ladies Aid.

Survivors include three sisters, Clara Torgerson of Adams, Mrs. Stephen (Blanche) Wolfe of Rochester and Mrs. Clifford (Juletta) Iverson of LeRoy, and one brother, Olaf Lewison of Orland, Calif. One son, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death.

The funeral is at 2 p.m. Saturday at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, the Rev. Nancy Wigdahl officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service Saturday.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Betsy Gordon Lewison
Nov. 3, 1866
Jul. 15, 1945

Mrs. Betsy Lewison was born November 3, 1866 at Valdres, Norway, of parents Embrick and Anna Gordon. She was baptized and confirmed in Norway where she also spent her childhood days and received her education.

At the age of 17 she emigrated to America and came to Mason City, Iowa where she lived about 8 years. In 1891 she was united in marriage to Lewis Lewison. This union was blessed with eight children, all of whom are living. After her marriage she moved to Adams, Minnesota with her husband and settled on a farm two and one-half miles northeast of Adams. This place remained her home until about nine years ago when she moved into the Village of Adams. The last three years she has made her home with her daughters.

Mrs. Lewison was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church. From the time she came into this community she has been an active member of Little Cedar Congregation and Ladies Aid. She had a pleasing disposition and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Lewison was blessed with good health until she developed diabetis about 15 years ago. On June 28th she was taken to St. Olaf Hospital for treatment of a foot trouble which developed into gangrene. She passed away July 15th at the age of 78 years, 8 months and 12 days. Her husband preceded her in death 21 years ago.

She leaves to mourn her passing five daughters, Mrs. Laura Quale of Austin; Lizzie (Mrs. Isaac Koloen), Mrs. Clara Torgerson, of Adams; Blanche of St. Paul; Juletta (Mrs. Clifford Iverson) of LeRoy, three sons, Alfred, Melvin and Olaf, all of Adams. She also raised another boy, Willie Anderson, who passed away in 1938. She also leaves 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren to mourn her passing. Two of her grandsons, Wilbur Koloen and Sydney Torgerson, gave their lives in the service of their country. Also surviving are three brothers, Embrick and Knute of Adams, Olaf of Taopi, and one sister, Joren of Taopi. Her sister, Carrie (Mrs. Gilbert Finkelson) passed away several years ago.

On Wednesday, July 18th at 1:30 p.m. a brief service was conducted by Rev. Breivik at the home of Mrs. Clara Torgerson. A solo was rendered by Miss Deloris Lewison. At 2 p.m. services were held at Little Cedar Lutheran Church. Mrs. Nordeen Torgerson and Mrs. Ernest Anderson sang two very apprpriate selections.

She was laid to rest at Little Cedar Cemetery.

Relatives and friends from out-of-town who attended the funeral were: Blanche Lewison, St. Paul; Laura Quale, Mrs. John Larson, Mrs. Myrle Larson, Mr. and Mrs. John Sathre, Mr. and Mrs. John Benson of Austin; Neva Quale, Hjalmer Finkelson, Florence Gordon; Byron Lewison of the USN; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Finkelson, Harris, Minn; Mrs. Kenneth Knutson, Lakefield, Minn; Mrs. Earl Nicolaus, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Hilding Quale, Chester, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. John A. Johnson, Preston, Minn; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Knutson, Clear Lake, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Tuchtenhagen, Albert Lea, Minn. Mrs. Glendon Whitesides, Mr. and Mrs. Nels Hiller, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Iverson, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Iverson, Leroy; Mrs. Theodore Bagstad, Mrs. L. Dahl, Mrs. Minnie Boltzell, Lyle; Mrs. Donald Torgerson, Miss Peggy Scott, St. Paul; Mr. and Mrs. N.E. Scott of Rose Creek.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Alfred Lewison
Dec. 26, 1893
Jul. 18, 1953

Alfred Lewison was born on December 26th, 1893 in Adams Township, the son of Lewis and Betsy Lewison, and passed away July 18, 1953 at the Baldner Rest Home in Adams.

He lived on the farm until he entered the service in World War I. After his discharge he returned to the farm where he made his home until 1936 when he moved into Adams.

He was baptized and confirmed in the original Little Cedar Church in Adams Township, He had a pleasing disposition and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Alfred had been in failing health for the past year but in January this year he became seriously ill and was taken to the Veterans Hospital at Fort Snelling where he remained until March. His sister, Mrs. Laura Quale cared for him at her home in Austin until June 7 when he moved to the Baldner Rest Home. He remained here until his untimely death.

He leaves to mourn his passing five sisters: his twin, Mrs. Clara Torgerson of Adams; Mrs. Laura Quale of Austin, Mrs. Isaac Koloen (Elizabeth) of Adams; Mrs. Stephen Wolfe (Blanche) of Los Angeles Calif., and Mrs. Clifford Iverson (Juletta) of LeRoy; and two brothers, Melvin, of Adams; and Olaf of Orland, Calif. Other survivors are five nieces and eight nephews. His mother and father preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon from the Adams Funeral Home and from the Little Cedar Lutheran Churh, with Rev. M.L. Witte officiating. Pallbearers were: Hilding Quale, Kermit Quale, Donald Torgerson, Kermit Iverson, Byron Lewison and Milo Lewison. The American Legiona and Auxiliary attended in a body.

Burial was in the family lot of the Little Cedar Cemetery.

Relatives and friends from the following towns were here for the services: Orland Calif; Minneapolis, St. Paul, Austin, Rose Creek and LeRoy.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Dec. 26, 1893
Jun. 6, 1987

Clara Torgerson, 93, a lifelong Adams-area resident, died Saturday at Adams Health Care Center.

The former Clara Lewison was born December 26, 1893, near Adams.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Aaron (Eunice) Huseby of Adams; a son, Don of Austin; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Steve (Blanche) Wolfe of Rochester and Mrs. Clifford (Julleta) Iverson of LeRoy; and a brother, Olaf Lewison of California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar, a son, Sydney, two great-grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.

The funeral is 1:30 PM Tuesday at Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams, with the Rev. Allen Gunderson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

#1 of 4 items:

Sgt Sydney Marvin Torgerson
Feb. 1, 1919
Oct. 25, 1943

[Obituary from the Adams Review, Adams, Minnesota, November 4, 1943]

"With this issue we commence our ninth year of publishing the Review and with it comes the hardest task we have yet endured, that of publishing the account of the death of one of Adams' finest youths and one of our best pals, Sgt. Sydney Torgerson of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"Monday evening Mrs. Clara Torgerson received a telegram from the War Department informing her of the death of her son, Sergeant Sydney Torgerson. Sydney was killed while heroically attempting to stop the advance of the enemy somewhere in the Solomon Islands. [Note: actual cause of death was accidental, not combat-related.]

"Sgt. Torgerson is Adams' second war victim, the first being his cousin, SSgt. Wilbur Koloen, and it is the second for the same family. They were both grandsons of Mrs. Betsy Lewison.

"To mourn his tragic passing he leaves his mother, Mrs. Clara Torgerson, one sister, Mrs. Aaron Huseby and one brother, Lt. Donald Torgerson who is stationed somewhere in the Pacific. Also two grandmothers, Mrs. Carrie Torgerson and Mrs. Betsy Lewison. "As the news spread of his untimely death it seemed as though a blanket of gloom was placed over this entire community, each heart seemed to have been touched. As we attempt to express our sympathy to his bereaved mother, words seem to fail us, as it is with blurred vision that we watch the mats descend into the assembling elevator."

 

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#2 of 4 items:

With this issue we commence our ninth year of publishing the Review and with it comes the hardest task we have yet endured, that of publishing the account of the death of one of Adams' finest youths and one of our best pals, Sgt. Sydney Torgerson of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Monday evening Mrs. Clara Torgerson received a telegram from the War Department informing her of the death of her son, Sergeant Sydney Torgerson. Sydney was killed while heroicly attempting to stop the advance of the enemy somewhere in the Solomon Islands.

Sgt. Torgerson is Adams' second war victim, the first being his cousin, St. Sgt. Wilbur Koloen and it is the second for the same family. They were both grandsons of Mrs. Betsy Lewison.

To mourn his tragic passing he leaves his mother, Mrs. Clara Toregerson, one sister, Mrs. Aaron Huseby and one brother, Lt. Donald Torgerson who is stationed somewhere in the Pacific. Also two grandmothers, Mrs. Carrie Torgerson and Mrs. Betsy Lewison.

As the news spread of his untimely death it seemed as though a blanket of gloom was placed over this entire community, each heart seemed to have been touched.

As we attempt to express our sympathy to his bereaved mother, words seem to fail us, as it is with blurred vision that we watch the mats descend into the assembling elevator.

Credit- Shirley Hemingway

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#3 of 4 items:

Birth: Feb. 1, 1919
Adams, Mower County, Minnesota

Death: Oct. 25, 1943

Sergeant, United States Marine Corps. Entered the service from Minnesota.

"With this issue we commence our ninth year of publishing the Review and with it comes the hardest task we have yet endured, that of publishing the account of the death of one of Adams' finest youths and one of our best pals, Sgt. Sydney Torgerson of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"Monday evening Mrs. Clara Torgerson received a telegram from the War Department informing her of the death of her son, Sergeant Sydney Torgerson. Sydney was killed while heroically attempting to stop the advance of the enemy somewhere in the Solomon Islands. [Note: actual cause of death was accidental, not combat-related.]

"Sgt. Torgerson is Adams' second war victim, the first being his cousin, SSgt. Wilbur Koloen, and it is the second for the same family. They were both grandsons of Mrs. Betsy Lewison.

"To mourn his tragic passing he leaves his mother, Mrs. Clara Torgerson, one sister, Mrs. Aaron Huseby and one brother, Lt. Donald Torgerson who is stationed somewhere in the Pacific. Also two grandmothers, Mrs. Carrie Torgerson and Mrs. Betsy Lewison.

"As the news spread of his untimely death it seemed as though a blanket of gloom was placed over this entire community, each heart seemed to have been touched. As we attempt to express our sympathy to his bereaved mother, words seem to fail us, as it is with blurred vision that we watch the mats descend into the assembling elevator."

Obituary from the Adams Review, Adams, Minnesota, November 4, 1943.

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#4 of 4 items:

NOTE: There is a cenotaph in his memory at Little Cedar Cemetery, Adams, Mower County, Minnesota.

Parents:
Oscar Theodore Torgerson (1888 - 1937)
Clara Lewison Torgerson (1893 - 1987)

Burial:
Manila American (ABMC) Cemetery and Memorial
Manila, Philippines
Plot: Plot H Row 9 Grave 105

Information by: Janet Stephenson

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Harold Lavern “Sam” Samuelson, age 84, of Austin, died Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie, Minn.

Sam was born Nov. 30, 1924 to Wilfred and Abbie (Pedersen) Samuelson of Rose Creek, Minn. At 16, he had to quit school to run the family farm when his father died suddenly in 1941. On June 2, 1947 he married Roma Rae Bendtsen at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rose Creek. Sam and Roma lived in Rose Creek for 24 years, during which time they raised their five children: Penny, Jo, Rebecca, Rhonda and Jay.

A hard-working provider for his family, Sam first worked for the Landherr Rose Creek Produce for 19 years before it was sold, then for Sheedy Bros. Dairy in Austin for 13 years and finally as a custodial engineer for 15 years in the Austin Public Schools. Soon after retiring in 1989, he started work again driving bus for Cedar Valley Services. Sam had a special rapport with the Cedar Valley employees with disabilities, and really enjoyed those eight years as their bus driver. He retired a second time in 1994.

Sam and his wife, Roma were avid square dancers for 38 years. They also enjoyed camping, family vacations, travel and sight-seeing. They felt blessed to be able to travel much during retirement.

Sam was a kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, friend, neighbor and since 1971, an active parishioner of Queen of Angels Church. He was devoted to his wife, his children and to the other people in his life — never to “things.” He cherished every second of time spent with his family. Supporting his loved ones and friends in any way he could was always an absolute priority for him. We will miss him so much!

Survivors include his wife: Roma Samuelson, Austin; children: Penny (Steven) Kinney, Austin, Jo (Dennis) Lowe, Albert Lea, Rebecca (Eddie) Butts, Milwaukee, Wis., Rhonda (Michael) Halbach, Plymouth, Minn, Jay (Angela) Samuelson, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, cousins, aunts and uncles.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2009 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Sunday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Rose Creek.

The casketbearers will be Steven Kinney, Dennis Lowe, Darrell Lowe, Chris Lowe, Ryan Lowe, Jay Samuelson, Michael Halbach, Eddie Butts. Memorials are preferred to Queen of Angels Church, Prairie Manor Nursing Home or Arc.

Austin Daily Herald, March 13, 2009

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Clarence Adolph Louis Meyer, 92, formerly of Austin, died on March 8, 2009 at Meadow Manor Nursing Home in Grand Meadow.

He was born May 19, 1916 in Bertrand, Neb., to Henry and Emma (Koch) Meyer. Clarence attended school at Bertrand, and was married to Dorothy Clayton on June 18, 1944 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale. He worked as an auto mechanic in several area garages before going to work for the Minnesota Highway Department. He was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale where he was a member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League, the Men’s Club and he sang in the choir. Clarence enjoyed woodworking and helping with many projects at the church, he also played the saw and the harmonica.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Dorothy Meyer, Grand Meadow; son, Richard (Rick) Meyer, Winfield, Kan.; daughter, Cheryl (Dennis) Ree, Austin; grandsons, Jason Ree and Jesse Ree; granddaughter, Alicia Ree; great-grandchildren, Madison Ree, Peyton and Ashton Ree; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Henry Meyer, Emma Meyer Einspahr; stepfather, Ferdinand Einspahr; sisters, Clara, Helen and Esther.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale with the Reverend Jeff Sage officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and for one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. The family prefers memorials to the Our Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Music will be by Gary Clayton. Honorary Bearers will be Bud Blanchard and Jim Carlson. Casketbearers will be Jason Ree, Jesse Ree, Dennis Ree, Joe Davison, Ray Peterson and Verland Lange.

Austin Daily Herald, March 13, 2009

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ardis Lorraine Christianson, age 90, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died early Wednesday afternoon, March 11, 2009 at Manly Care Center in Manly, Iowa.

Ardis was born December 1, 1918 to Martin and Nina (Miller) Reese in Waseca County, Minn. She was confirmed at Hartland Lutheran Church. She married Norman Christianson on Aug. 25, 1940 in Ellendale. They made their home in the New Richland area until 1955 when they moved to Austin.

Ardis was a talented seamstress, often making clothes without a pattern and learned to do upholstery work. As a young woman she loved being outdoors, riding her horse, dancing and going for walks. A very gentle, thoughtful person, she was very happy and considerate of others. Ardis loved being a mom and was always there for her family. Her baked goods, especially her bread, were part of the warm, loving environment she provided for them. Norman passed away on April 5, 2001. In later years Ardis received loving care while living at Comforcare in Austin, Good Samaritan in Albert Lea and Manly Nursing and Rehab in Manly.

Survivors include two daughters: Diane (Jim) Oldenburger, Osage, Iowa; Norma (Gary) Nelson, Lyle; two sons: Dale Christianson, Waseca, Minn.; Dean (Deb) Christianson, Watertown, S.D.; 14 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; two brothers: Donald (Adeline) Reese, New Richland; Martin “Junior” (Beatrice) Reese of Grand Prairie, Texas; three sisters: Ardella Olson (her twin), New Richland; Doris Voigt, Mason City; Iowa, Maxine Hanson, Albert Lea.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman in 2001; a son, Daniel; a brother, Merle Reese and two sisters, Bernice Hendrickson and Viola Hemingway.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2009 at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, 24873 155th St., New Richland, with Pastor Glenn Monson officiating. Visitation is one hour before the service. Interment is at LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to donors’ choice. Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Austin Daily Herald, March 13, 2009

©2009 MNGenWeb