Violet Meyer, age 90, formerly of Austin, died Thursday, February 10, 2000, at THorne Crest South in Albert Lea, where she was a resident.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Duane and Sharon Freund, Cottage Grove, Minn, Gary and Janet Freund, Bloomington, Minn.; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren.

· Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 14, 2000 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating.

· Visitation: one-half hour before services Saturday at the church.

· Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

· Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 11, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

MANKATO, MINNESOTA - Darlene Rose (Wencl) Freerksen, 59, died Saturday, February 5, 2000, at Mankato Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital of cancer.

She was born Dec. 31, 1941, at Austin to William and Freida (Vieltorf) Wencl. She graduated Austin High School. Following graduation, she worked as a nurse's aide for St. Mary's Hospital , Rochester, and later moved to Faribault, where she worked for Faribault Regional Hospital.

She married James Dean Freerksen Aug. 5, 1967, at Rochester. They moved to St. Peter, where she worked as a senior human services technician until retiring in 1997 after 34 years of employment.

She was a member of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church. Her hobbies included collecting angels and Disney characters, plus bird watching, crocheting and spending time with grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, James; one son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Kristine Freerksen; three daughters and sons-in-law, Elline and Mike Simota, LeCenter, Kelley and Robert Emmers, LeCenter, and Amy Freerksen, St. Peter; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Allan Gerlach, Pipestone, Betty Lou and Duane Mallan and Kimberly Wencl, all of Austin; five brothers and sisters-in-law, William, Montgomery, David and Connie, Cleveland, Raymond and Marsha, Tallahassee, Fla., Charles and Jayne and Daniel, all of Austin.

· Funeral: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2000, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Peter, with the Rev. Charles Degner officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Becky and Rhonda Wencl, Paula Wallace, Veronica Haavig, Cheri Wencl; and grandchildren: Adam and Lea Freerksen, Jack Kari and Abby Simota, Sarah Luke and Zachary Emmers, Kristi and Brandon Freerksen and Katie and Natalie Johnstone. Active pallbearers will be Brent Mark and Jason Freerksen, Mike and Doug Gerlach and Bill Wencl, III. Music will be provided by James Bakken, organist, with Holly Springer, soloist.; and 12 grandchildren.

· Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2000, at Klein Funeral Home, St. Peter and one hour before services Wednesday at the church.

· Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Peter.

· Funeral Home: Klein Funeral Home of St. Peter.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 9, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Paul A. Heimermann, 88, formerly of Austin, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000 at St. Cloud.

He was born Dec. 9. 1911 in Stacyville, Iowa, to Michael and Ann (Rauen) Heimermann. On June 7, 1939, he was united in marriage to Adella Moeller at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. Paul was a retired employee of Hormel Foods, a longtime Eagles member and a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, where he was an usher. He was a bowler and played Hormel League softball.

Survivors include two songs and daughters-in-law Wayne and Mary Jo Heimermann, Stone Mountain, Ga., Dale and kay Heimermann, St. Cloud, daughter and son-in-law Marlene and Robert Webb, Delafield, Wis.; ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren, three sisters and brothers-in-law: Stella and Leo Smith, Stacyville, Rose Mullenbach, Osage, Iowa, Dorthy and Loris Larson, Austin, three brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph Heimermann, Evans, Colo., John and Theresa Heimermann, Blooming Prairie, Gilbert and Shirley Heimermann, Audstin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Adella on Dec. 25, 1995; brothers and a sister: Gregor Heimermann, Cecilia Gilgenbach, Francis Heimermann, Sylvester Heimermann and Michael Heimermann.

· Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 2000, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Nelson officiating.

· Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2000, with a 6:30 p.m. wake service at Mayer Funeral Home and also 9-10 a.m. Thursday.

· Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

· Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home of Austin.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 8, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Bonnie F. Cassidy, age 83, died Monday, February 7, 2000 st St. Mark's Lutheran Home where she was a resident.

Survivors include three daughters and a son-in-law, three grandchildren, a sister, two brothers and a sister-in-law.

· Funeral: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2000 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church.

· Burial: Calvary Cemetary

· Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 8, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Blanche Jahnke, age 96, 1110 11th Street NW, died at her home January 31, 2000.

She is survived bu one daughter, Marilyn (Mervin) Jensen, Las Vegas, 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Richard Webber and one daughter, JoAnn Evenson.

There was no service; her body was donated to the Mayo Clinic.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 8, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Edward J. Vaith, 76, of 1109 Fifth St. NW, Austin, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000, at Burr Oak Manor.

He was born July 9, 1923 at Ellendale, Minn., to Edward H. and Anna (Haubenschield) Vaith. He married Elizabeth M. Maloney Oct. 25, 1947, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Austin. They were married almost 53 years, and had five children.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943, wounded in combat in the South Pacific and honorably discharged in 1946. He moved to Austin in 1942 and was a retired employee of Hormel Foods Corporation, where he worked 39 years, 10 months until retiring in 1982. He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and St. Augustine Catholic Church. He played cards, read, movies and time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; daughter and son-in-law, Vicky and Tim Pease, Minneapolis; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Roni Vaith; daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and Dennis Jorgenson, Julie and Larry Thomas and Mary Vaith, all of Austin; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; a sister, Vivian Ruzek and sisters-in-law, Marcella Vaith, Austin, Dorothy Vaith, Duluth.

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

· Service: Held Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Nelson officiating. Pallbearers were Jarid Vaith, Jason Vaith, William Vaith, Zac Pease, Robert Hahn, and Mark Maloney.

· Interment: Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91.

· Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home of Austin.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 7, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Lloyd W. "Red" Barnett, 74, of 1105 11th St. Austin, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 2, 2000 at Burr Oak Manor.

He was born Feb. 21, 1925, in Bradley, S.D., the son of Oscar and Cetha (Wyant) Barnett. He moved to Austin in the early 1930's. While attending Austin High School, he was an outstanding wrestler and football player, graduating in 1943. He served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945 on the USS Porterfield in the Pacific. He then attended Austin Junior College. On April 10, 1948 he married Donna Godfredson. Red worked at Hormel's for forty-two years and retired in 1984. He loved to refinish furniture, enjoyed his family, friends, fishing and hunting. He belonged to the VFW and American Legion and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. His greatest joy was his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and the time spent with family and friends, camping near Aitkin. His loving support will be missed by his wife of 51 years and his three daughters and their families.

Survivors include wife Donna; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Tom Branden, Austin, Nancy and Terry Rohne, Austin, Kathy and Bill Slowter, Minnetonka; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law James and Delores Barnett, Austin, Clayton "Spike" Barnett, Austin, Kenneth Barnett, Boise, Idaho, Shirley Barnett, Austin, William "Ool'a" and Marge Barnett, Austin, Don and Cleo Barnett, Austin; sisters and brothers-in-law Ruth and Harry Wallem, Dexter; Margaret and Merritt "Sonny" Cook, Isle; Linda and Fred Drehobl, Chicago, Ill., nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Pallbearers will be Ron Barnett, Jeff Barnett, Curt Barnett, Brian Barnett, Bruce Tait, Mark Onth.

Honorary pallbearer Bob Kelly

· Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bruce Kronen officiating.

· Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and at the church one hour before the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 4, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Nicolas Commorato, (Nick The Tailor), age 94, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home where he resided.

He is survived by a sister, Marianna Grimes, Austin and a brother, Anthony Commorato, Milwaukee, Wis., nieces and nephews.

· Service: A funeral mass will be celebrated 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 7, 2000 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Virgil Duellman officiating.

· Internment: will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rite by American Legion Post #91.

· Visitation: There will be a 7 p.m. wake service on Sunday evening at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 12 to 1 p.m. on Monday.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 4, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Betty L. (Greiner) Grinstead, 58 of Cottage Grove, formerly of Austin, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 at home.

Betty was born an identical twin on March 20, 1941 in Austin, to Robert and Blanche (Bedford) Greiner. She and her sister Bonny Sue were born on their father's 25th birthday.

At the age of four the family moved to Lyle, Minn. where she attended school, graduating in May of 1959.

On Feb. 23, 1960 she was united in marriage to Richard D. Grinstead at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Lyle. Following their marriage they resided in Panama City, Fla., where her husband was serving in the US Air Force. This this union were born four children Marcus, Allyn, Carmen, and Lisa; and nine grandchildren.

Betty accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a Youth for Christ Crusade under the preaching of Rev. Billy Graham on Nov. 6, 1949.

She was a beloved wife of Richard for 40 years; loving mother of Marcus (Charleen), Allyn (Randy) Rooney, Carmen LaForte (Special friend Aaron Griffin), and Lisa (Floyd) Eichman; special grandmother to nine grandchildren; daughter of Blanche Greiner; loving sister of Georgia (Hilmore) Williams, (Twin sister) Bonny (Warren) Toavs, and Becky (Harlan) Bergene; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by her father Robert Greiner; grandparents; and a nephew Thomas Pepper.

· Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000 at Kok Funeral Home, Cottage Grove, Minn, 7676 80th St. South (651-459-2875)

· Interment: Private interment

· Visitation: Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 4, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Donald T. Herringer, 69, Austin, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2000 at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born April 10, 1930 in Austin to Hilton and Olga (Johnson) Herringer.

Don graduated from Austin High School in 1948. After high school he enlisted in the US Airforce in 1951 in Milwaukee, Wis. until he was discharged in 1955 at Castle Airforce Base in California. After the service he traveled the country delivering cars to different car dealerships. He was also a night watchman for Georgia Pacific in northern California. He then moved to Austin and was a machinist in the metal shop at Streaters Litton Industries in Albert Lea until his retirement. Don enjoyed politics and loved to debate any issue.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Paul and Wendy Herringer, Cottonwood, Calif.; granddaughters Lindsey Herringer, Tonya Herringer, Katie Herringer.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

· Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000 at Clasen-Jordan Chapel with Pastor Gordon D. Larson officiating.

· Interment: Enterprise Cemetery in Austin

· Visitation: Friends may call at Clasen-Jordan Chapel on Saturday for one hour before the service at the chapel.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 4, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

O'tilia B. "Tillie" Lunachek, 102, formerly of 800 First Drive NW, Austin, died at Burr Oak Manor Wednesday morning, Feb. 2, 2000.

She was born Nov. 27, 1897 in Decorah, Iowa to John and Anna Macal. Tillie married Edward Lunachek, and they farmed near Brownsdale for many years before moving to Austin in the 1960s. An industrious worker, Tillie was known for her fondness of flowers and keen gardening ability. Upon the death of her husband in 1974, she moved into an apartment, at the Pickett Place and most recently Burr Oak Manor. She belonged to The ZCBJ Lodge. A highly-spirited woman of great physical and emotional strength, she shared her warm, jolly humor with all those she encountered. Her bright, dancing blue eyes and lighthearted wit will be missed by all who were blessed with her presence.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Evelyn and Warren Thomsen, Austin; grandson and wife, David and Julie Thomsen, Austin; granddaughter and husband, Penny Lou and Doug Marshall, Rochester; great grandson Michael Thomsen, Minneapolis, great granddaughter and husband Angie and Rodney Davila, Minneapolis; great-great grandson Dominic Davila.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; twin sons, Lester and Leonard; six brothers.

Casket bearers are Roy Bagne, David Thomsen, Michael Thomsen, Rodney Davila, Julie Thomsen, Ron Macal.

· Service: 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 5, 2000 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Randy Petersen officiating.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery

· Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein's one hour before the service.

Memorials preferred to Burr Oak Manor activities department.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 4, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ronald D. Bellrichard, 56, of Apple Valley, Minn. and formerly of Mondovi, Wis., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 1 at his home in Apple Valley.

Bellrichard was born on April 2, 1943 in Austin to Irving and Ethel (Holdgrafer) Bellrichard. He married Patricia Bednar on Feb. 8, 1964 in Austin. They were later divorced.

Bellrichard farmed in the Austin area, later moving to Mondovi in 1972, where he was employed as a district sales manager for several seed companies. He moved to Apple Valley in 1996 and was employed as an auto salesman.

He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Mondovi and enjoyed gardening, bowling, golf and a variety of sports.

Bellrichard is survived by five children, Troy (Pam) Bellrichard of River Falls, Wis; Lisa (Kevin) Fedie of Eleva, Wis; Sean Bellrichard and Cary Bellrichard, both of Shakopee, Minn. and Tony Bellrichard of Bloomer, Wis; seven grandchildren; his mother, Ethel Bellrichard of Austin; two brothers, Dale (Margaret) Bellrichard of Austin and Loren Bellrichard of Pekin, Ill; three sisters, Joan Bellrichard of Apple Valley, Janet (Tom) Musser of Oneonta, N.Y. and Marilyn (Jerry) Majkrzak of Vadnais, Min.

He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Jean Gomer.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Feb. 5, 2000 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Mondovi, Wis., with the Rev. Woodrow Pace officiating. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

The family will recieve friends at the church for one hour preceding the Mass. Kjentvet and Smith Funeral Home in Mondovi is assisting the family.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Nora J. Distad, 98, formerly of 2903 Fifth Ave. SW, Austin, died Feb. 1, 2000, at Burr Oak Manor where she had been a resident for six days.

She was born Oct. 11, 1901 in Westfield Township, Dodge County, Minn. to John and Julia (Leen) Distad. Nora was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. She attended the rural school in Westfield Township. On moving from Hayfield to Austin in 1971, she became a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She retire in 1967, her last employment a salesgirl at Austin Bakery.

She is survived by her sister Ruth Distad, Austin; brothers and sisters-in-law Clarence Distad, Austin, Clifford and Evelyn Distad, Northfield; nephews Robert Watkins, John Distad, David Distad, James Johnson, nieces Mr. Vernal Moore (Janice), Mrs. Eugene Trom (Mary), Mrs. Judy Perala; several grand nephews and grand nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Hazel Watkins, Olive Watkins, Marguerite Johnson, brother Walter.

· Service: 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Harold Usgaard officiating.

· Interment: Fairview Cemetery, Hayfield.

· Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and at the church one hour before the service on Saturday.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 4, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Maxine M. (Berg) Smith, 79, died January 31, 2000 in Sun City, Arizona.

Maxine graduated from Lyle High School and attended a two year business college. She taught in a business college in Tucson.

She also was a mortgage loan clerk and FHA foreclosure case manager. She also worked in Trust Agreements and Deeds.

Maxine moved to Arizona in 1951 and was married December 1951 to Edwin E. Smith. They had no children. Maxine moved to Phoenix in 1975 to live with her sister Jean Berg.

She is survived by sisters Jean Berg, Sun City, Ariz. and Ilene Aldahl, Austin; brother and sister-in-law Charles and Dorothy Berg, Lyle, Minn; many nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services will be in Sun City, Ariz. Feb. 4, 2000.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Naurice Stanton, 79, formerly of Austin, died Jan. 25, 2000 at San Diego, Calif.

He is survived by his wife Irene (Erickson) Stanton; sons Gary Stanton, Bakersfield, Calif., Gene Stanton, Portland, Ore.; brothers Glen Stanton, Brownsdale, Dale Stanton, St. Ansgar, Iowa, Wayne Stanton, New Hampton, Iowa, Don Stanton, Austin, Gerald Stanton, Minneapolis, Loren Stanton, Austin, Norman Stanton, New York; sisters Holly Young Eugene Ore., Lois Hunting, Grandview, Wash.; three grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was held Feb. 1, 2000 in San Diego.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Jill Bos of 609 9th St. NE died Monday evening due to injuries received in an auto accident.

Jill was born July 28, 1983 in Austin to William and Barbara (Ree) Bos.

No words can say how we feel, Jill. We will miss you terribly and think of you always.

Jill enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her friends. She was a junior at Austin High School and had participated in volleyball and in choir. She loved to shop and spend as much of Dan and Mom's money as she could. When she was home, she spent much of her time talking to her dad, listening to music, writing and forever talking on the phone. In our family she was definitely "Daddy's Little Girl." Jill worked at Reed's Fourth Avenue. she was a very happy and outgoing person who cared for everyone no matter what. She smiled a lot and we will miss that. She spoke so highly of many friends and adults as we as her parents are very proud of her for that. We love you Jill, always and forever.

She is survived by her parents Bill and Barb Bos, Austin; brothers Josh Bos, Jeremy Bos and Jake Bos, Austin; grandmothers Darlene Bos and Joyce Ree, Austin; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandfathers: William F. Bos Sr. and Kenneth M. Ree.

The honorary casket bearers will be Jeff Bos and Tim Bos.

The casket bearers will be Matt Houston, Matt Brandsoy, Kenny Ree, Jason Ree, Jesse Ree and Curtis Sorenson.

· Service: 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 4, 2000 at Crane Community Chapel with Pastor Randy Petersen officiating.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery

· Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Dr. Richard William Rush Sr., 78, of Phoenix, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999.

He was born on July 14, 1921 in Austin, Minn. He was a retired doctor of geology.

Dr. Rush earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York City. He taught geology at the University of Texas in Austin. he explored the Andes Mountains for Creole Oil of Caracas, Venezuela from 1957 to 1958. He also taught in Iowa City, Iowa, in the early 1960's and at the former Arizona State College in Flagstaff from 1963 to 1969.

He is survived by daughters, Lucy Rayner, Flagstaff and Cindy (Peter) Leitner, Arlington, Va.; son Fritz (Kathy) Rush, Flagstaff; daughter-in-law Bonnie Talakte, Scottsdale; brother James (Agnes) Rush, Austin, Minn.; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Irene Rush, and son Richard William Rush Jr.

Private services will be held at the Church of Epiphany in Flagstaff.

The family requests that all contributions be made to your local hospice

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Harold Kenneth Clifford, 86, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2000, at Sacred Heart Care Center, Austin, where he was a resident.

Survivors include two sons and daughters in law, Kenneth and Delores Clifford, Hewitt, Texas, Brad and Linda Clifford, Austin; six grandchildren Greg, Kim, Gina, Melissa, Michelle, and Scott; four great-grandchildren; and a half sister, Betty and James Agee, Atlantic, Iowa.

Pallbearers are Ray Smith, Dan Gunderson, Harlan Severson, Gene White, Arlin Sawyer and Sid Baldwin.

· Service: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2000, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Harold Usgaard officiating. Organist will be Neil Erickson and soloist S.W. (Woody) Veriede.

· Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 2, 2000, at Mayer Funeral Home, Austin, and one hour before services Thursday at the church.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

· Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home of Austin.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 2, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Shirlee Alene Walker, 74, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2000 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Wash. She had suffered from a combination of major health problems for several years.

Shirlee was born November 26, 1925 at the farm of her parents in Freeborn County, Minn. to Edwin M. and Alma (Gunderson) Thompson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. She attended Austin High School. She was a self employed Beautician and a resident of Seattle for 42 years.

Shirlee had been married to Lloyd Megason of New Boston, Texas for seven years. She married Max M. Walker on Nov. 23, 1947 in Tacoma, Wash.

She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law Judie and Michael Crooks, Everett, Wash., Barbara and Al Henriques, Vancouver, Wash. and Michelle and Dan Stephens, Lynnwood, Wash. and step daughter, Sheila Young and family, Bellevue, Wash. She also leaves ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews and many cousins. She will be dearly missed and in our hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Max in 1973 and one daughter, Patricia Walker in 1991, her parents and four brothers and two sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 11002 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, Wash. at 11 a.m.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 2, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Milo Randal Morgan, 88 of Austin, and formerly residing at the Twin Towers, died Monday, Jan. 31 at Adams Health Care Center.

He was born May 22, 1911 in Moscow Township to John and Anna (Showers) Morgan.

He is survived by sons and daughters in law: Richard and Cleone Morgan, Minneapolis, Larry and Bonnie Morgan, Jonesboro, Ark., daughter and son-in-law Beverly and Bruce Johnson, Chippewa Falls; and eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

· Service: Private Funeral services will be held at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Lou W. Nemeth officiation.

· Interment: Enterprise Cemetery

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 1, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Francis I. Ries, 86, Rochester, died Jan. 31 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

She was born Frances I. Monty on Nov. 22, 1913 in Rochester, but was raised in Austin, where she attended school.

She married Carroll W. Ries on June 17, 1940. She was a partner in her husband's photography business in Austin for many years. They exhibited their photography competitively in the N4C photography group. They were also active in the Austin Camera Club. They retired near Garrison, Minn., and she moved back to Rochester after her husband died.

She is survived by daughters Bonnie (Mrs. Francis) Peterson, Rochester, Carole L. Walsh, Rochester and Vicki Prokasky (Mrs. Howard) Donohue, Stewartville; one grandchild, four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; and a brother, David Monty of Austin.

· Service: 1 p.m. Thursday at Zumbro Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lester Horntvedt officiating.

· Visitation: Friends may call one hour before the service Thursday.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 1, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Carl J. Winkels, 82 of 1500 2nd Avenue SW, died Saturday, January 29, 2000, at Austin Medical Center.

Survivors include two brothers and a sister in law, Ernest Winkels, Mapleton, and Raymond and Carrie Winkels, Austin; a sister, Margaret Ulwelling, Adams; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

· Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 2, 2000, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Austin, with the Rev. Louis Cook officiating.

· Visitation: one hour before services Wednesday at the church.

· Interment: In the spring at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Adams.

· Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home of Austin.

[Austin Daily Herald, Feb. 1, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Elbert F. Sheely, 94, Elkton, died this morning at the Adams Health Care Center.

· Service: Monday, Jan. 24, 2000 at Dexter United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Wilson officiating.

· Interment: Dexter Cemetery

· Visitation: Friends may call the Adams Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

[Austin Daily Herald, January 21, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ralph Anton Harnesk, 98, Stewartville, died Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2000 at Seasons Hospice

He was born April 2, 1902 at Brockton, Mass. He married Agnes Olson April 20, 1935 at Cameron, Wis. She died in 1984 and he married Irene Lowrie Nov. 28, 1985 in Stewartville.

Mr. Harnesk studied music at the Boston Conservatory, and was church organist Cameron, Wis., Chicago and Rockford, Il. From 1956 to his retirement in 1967 he served as organist at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. After retirement he lived in Largo, Fla. for ten years before moving to Minnesota. He had a lifelong love for classical music and spent much of his life at keyboard of organ or piano.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. He was active at Stewartville Senior Citizens and enjoyed travel and walking.

He is survived by daughter Lois Ingalls, formerly of Stewartville and one son Roger Harnesk, Belvidere, Ill.; step daughters Jean Nelson, rural Stewartville, Barbara Mathison and Kathryn Sackett, Rochester; step sons Donald Lowrie, Rochester, Lloyd Lowrie of Oronoco, Minn.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and a step great-great-grandchild.

· Service: A memorial service is pending at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville.

Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville in charge of arrangements.

[Austin Daily Herald, January 20, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Alice E. Justice, 88, of 1412 Sixth Avenue NW, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 12, 2000 at United Hospital in St. Paul. She was born on March 19, 1911.

She is survived by sons Donald and Geneva Igou, Dexter, Jack and Carol Justice, Rosemount; daughter Geraldine K. Steele, Rosemount; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister Gertrude Feterl, Salem, S.D.; brother Paul S. Honrath, Stockton, Calif.; nieces and nephews.

· Service: A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:45 on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2000 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating.

· Interment: Calvary Cemetery

· Visitation: There will be a 7 p.m. wake service at Mayer Funeral Home on Friday where friends may call from 4-8 p.m.

[Austin Daily Herald, January 13, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Darlene O. (Graves) Wegner, 61, of 200 First Avenue NE, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2000 at Burr Oak Manor.

Darlene was born Jan. 11, 1939 in Austin, Minn. to Charles and Mary (Gallagher) Graves.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Cary and Deb Heyer, LaCrescent, Chris Heyer, Austin, Craig and Cindy Heyer, Austin; four grandchildren; brothers and a sister-in-law Harold and Mary Graves, Brainerd, Jackie Graves, Austin; two sisters and brothers-in-law Gordon and Clela Brastad, Long Prairie, Minn., Donna and Elmer Mullenbach, Adams.

The casket bearers will be Cary and Deb Heyer, Craig and Cindy Heyer, Chris Heyer and Darwin Mullenbach.

The organist will be Tim Frank.

· Service: 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, 2000 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Stohlmann officiating.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

· Visitation: Friends may call from 5 until 8 p.m. on Thursday evening at Mayer Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church.

Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home.

[Austin Daily Herald, January 13, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Kenneth Hilding Nelson, 85, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000 at Owatonna Hospital.

He was born April 30, 1914 in Taylor Falls, Minn. the son of Axel and Anna (Peterson) Nelson. Ken graduated from Taylors Falls High School. His family then moved to Madison Lake, Minn. where Ken attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter and worked with his father in the Creamery business. In 1944 Ken moved to Austin and was the manager of Marigold Dairies for 25 years. He became Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at Austin Community College and also had a Dairy Fresh Distributorship. In 1945, Ken married June Ardis Hubbard at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. They were married for 55 years. Ken loved his family, played golf, fished, enjoyed their condo in Sun City, Ariz. and his grandchildren.

In March of 1999, Ken and his wife moved to Owatonna to be closer to their children. Ken had a very active life though he had Parkinsons Disease for the last six years. His last days were very peaceful. Ken was a life member of the Osman Shrine. He was very active in Lion's and later years in Kiwanis Club.

He is survived by his wife, June A. Nelson, Owatonna; daughters Melanie Nelson Smith, Owatonna, Janelle Miller, Edina, Camille and Pat Wheeler, Eagan; nine grandchildren; brother Warren Nelson, Taylors Falls; sisters Harriet Lance, Detroit Lakes, Muriel Bloom, Lindstrom, Minn., Patty Moulton, McLane, Va.

· Service: A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2000 at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. John Lestock of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.

· Visitation: Friends may call at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, Jan. 7, 2000 from 1-2 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to the Owatonna Area Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church.

[Austin Daily Herald, January 6, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Dr. A.J. Lee, 76, 400 14th St. SW, Austin, died Tuesday morning, January 4, 2000 at his home. He was born on November 26, 1923.

He is survived by his wife Mary; sons and daughters-in-law Kevin James and Marieanne Lee, Corvallis, Ore., Terrence J. and Patricia Lee, Chapel Hill, N.C.; daughters and son-in-law Sharon and Kevin Sheridan, St. Paul, Maureen Carver, Austin; eight grandchildren; brother Douglas Lee, Fayetteville, N.C.; sisters and brothers-in-law Jeanne and Ed Hill, Fredericksburg, Va., Patricia and Lyle Bergo, Mason City, Iowa, Jaroldine and Richard Murphy, Austin.

· Service: Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, 2000 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Nelson officiating.

· Visitation: There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Thursday evening at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9-10 on Friday.

There will be no reviewal

Military rites by American Legion Post No. 91

[Austin Daily Herald, January 5, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Thelma S. Warner, 71, 105 21st St. NE, Austin, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2000 in her home after a short illness.

Thelma married Robert E. Warner on October 22, 1949.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; children Gregory Warner, wife Elaine, Byron, Minn., Michael Warner, wife Geraldine, Plymouth, Minn., Peggy Freitag, Husband Roger, Austin, Terry Coleman, husband Bruce, Austin, Connie Charnecki, husband Dennis, Austin; nine grandchildren and siblings Beauford Chapman, Austin and Mildred McKee, Mesa, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, a brother and five sisters.

Private services were held at her home.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be missed by all. Memorials may be sent to The Austin Medical Hospice. The Worlein Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

[Austin Daily Herald, January 12, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Judith Ann Bjorgo, 69, of Austin, Minnesota, died on July 15, 2009 at Austin Medical Center in Austin.

She was born May 26, 1940 in Austin, to Lloyd and Ella (Exelby) Nelson. Judy graduated from Austin High School. On April 29, 1961, Judy married Gordon L. Bjorgo in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Over the years she worked as a manager at Phil's Uniform Shop, Goodman Jewelers and Midwest Wireless. In her spare time Judy liked to keep busy going shopping, going to the casino and traveling. She particularly enjoyed being involved in the Miss Austin and Miss Minnesota pageants in Austin. Judy always looked forward to her yearly trip to Las Vegas with the girls. Once a month, she would get together with her schoolmates to go on various outings. She especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren. Judy was a member of the Eagles and St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Judith is survived by her son, Michael (Darcie) Bjorgo, Austin; grandchildren, Samantha and David; step daughter, Shawne (Terry) Gunsallus, Austin; step grandchildren, Christina, April, Heather and Cory; step son, Shane (Jean) Lack, Fredericksburg, Va.; step grandchild, Hannah; brother, Robert Nelson, Austin; aunt, Gladys Delmont, North Hollywood, Calif.; nieces, nephews and Cousins; foster son, Keith Heim, Texas; foster daughter, Debi Salinas, Austin.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ella Nelson; husband, Gordon Bjorgo; sisters, Lorrain Price and Lois LaValley; brother Kenneth "Shag" Nelson.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Todd Portinga, AiM officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and for one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Judy received a kidney transplant in 2004 from donor Darcie Bjorgo. In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center 200 1st Street SW Rochester, MN 55905.

[Austin Daily Herald, July 16, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb