Lucile Alice Struthers, 77, of Adams, died Friday, May 19, 2000, at Austin Medical Center.

She was born April 17, 1923, in Pocahontas County, Iowa, to William and Amelia (Hewlett) Struthers. She graduated from Des Moines Township school in 1940. On June 2, 1946, she married her third cousin, Arnold Struthers in Jackson, Minn. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting and reading. She also worked at the Stacyville Nursing Home for 20 years. Lucile was a member of the Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams and was involved with the Church Circle No. 2.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, George Struthers and Linda Cooper of Adams, Dean Struthers, Adams, Andy (Joann) Struthers of Kellogg, Joe (Rachel) Struthers, Minneapolis, Merlin Struthers, Medford, DeWayne Struthers, Owatonna, Ivan Struthers, Altura; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan Struthers of Owatonna, Nancy (Lowell) Williams of Rochester, Sue Struthers of Champlin; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Elmira Struthers of Pocahontas, Iowa; Ruth Thorsen of West Bend, Iowa; Sadie Struthers of Algona, Iowa; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arnold Struthers, two sisters, one brother and one grandson.

Honorary casket bearers will be Dustin Berding, Derek Struthers, Katherine Knetter, Emily Brekke, Hanna Brekke, Brandon Feijo, Molly Feijo, Devon Feijo and Hannah Grabau.

Casket bearers will be Bill Struthers, Laurie Feijo, David Williams, Christina Brekke, Anna Struthers, Amy Grabau, Andrew Struthers and Mary Struthers.

Organist will be Majie Meier.

· Services: 2 p.m. Monday, May 22 at Little Cedar Lutheran Church with the Rev. Thomas T. Kolden officiating.

· Interment: Little Cedar Cemetery in Adams.

· Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 23, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Joseph L. Thiele, 87, 1811 Oakland Ave. West, died Monday, May 29, 2000, at St. Mark's Nursing Home.

Joe was born Nov. 29, 1912, in Breda, Carroll County, Iowa, to Leo Thiele and Anna Lengeling. He was the third oldest of eight children and the eldest son. He attended Mount Carmel Catholic Church and School. In 1925, he and his family moved to Elma, Iowa, where they farmed.

Joseph was married in 1943 to Evelyn C. Swenson. Of that marriage were born Yvonne, Jerome and Galen. Evelyn died in 1964.

He married Georgia S. (Dolly) Olson in 1969 and they celebrated their 31st anniversary on April 11. In 1970, Dolly adopted his sons. Joe was retired for the last 20 years, having been employed at Persinger Equipment Inc. (John Deere) and previously known as Fossey Implement since 1952. He always had a great love of farming and enjoyed being a salesman dealing with the area farmers. In the years before Austin, Joe worked as manager of Ward's Farm Stores in Austin, Worthington and Ames, Iowa. At periods of time, he also was employed by Thill Implement of Rose Creek, Jim Lebens Fordtown and Alger Ace Hardware.

He was an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church all his years in Austin. He was a lifetime member of Knight of Columbus Council No. 1201. He was very proud of his association with the Fourth Degree Knights and held the position as Faithful Navigator. For many years, Joe was the manager of the Knights of Columbus concession stand at the Mower County Fairgrounds.

Joe and Dolly have been active members of many local clubs. They enjoyed being with their friends; always together, you could find Joe and Dolly out socializing and having a good time whenever there was a good band playing. Going on trips to many parts of the United States, also wintering in Apache Junction, Ariz., was one of their great joys.

He loved working in his yard, gardening, woodworking and good music. A good joke always was ready to be told. He was hardworking and energetic most his life up to the last couple of years, but always keeping his strong deep Christian faith.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia Thiele, Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne (Thiele-Halverson) and Kenneth Bell, Austin; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerome J. (Kristin) Thiele, Eau Claire, Wis., Galen L. (Cecilia) Thiele, Bentonville, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Clara (George) Bayer, Elma, Iowa; brothers and sisters-in-in-law, Lawrence (Norma) Thiele, Venture, Iowa, Henry (Dorothy) Thiele, Phoenix, Ariz., Leo (Magdalen) Thiele, Austin, Harold (Kathleen) Thiele, Elma, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Leona, brother Carl at the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, his first wife, Evelyn C. Swenson in 1964, and two grandsons, Charles J. Thiele and Dean J. Halverson.

Joe was a loving and caring husband, dad and grandpa.

· Service: A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 1 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Louis Cook and Father Gregory Leif officiating.

· Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

· Visitation: There will be a 7 p.m. Knights of Columbus rosary today at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. and also from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 31, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Donald M. Tolstead, 83, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, May 8, 2000 at the Tompkins Memorial Health Center, Fort Dodge.

Donald was born June 26, 1917 at Taopi, Minn. He grew up in Taopi and attended school there. He then attended Adams High School, Adams, Minn. In 1942 Donald married Lucille Heffern at Austin. He then served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in the European Theater of Operations. Following his discharge from the service the couple made their home in Southeastern Minnesota, later moving to Oelwein, Iowa then Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mr. Tolstead worked for the Chicago Great Western and Chicago Northwestern Railroads for more than forty years, retiring in 1978. The couple then moved to Austin. He has been a resident at Friendship Haven since November 1999.

He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille, Fort Dodge; son, Thomas, Maple Grove; daughter, Diane Rollins, Fort Dodge; two grandchildren; brother, Robert, San Antonio, Texas, sisters, Shirley Meyer, Austin, Marilyn Smith, Stockholm, Wis.

· Service: Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at the Chapel On The Hill, Friendship Haven, Fort Dodge.

· Interment: Burial of cremated remains will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Grand Meadow Cemetery, Grand Meadow, Minn. There will be no visitation.

Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fort Dodge is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be left to Friendship Haven.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 10, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Margaret M. Turbenson, age 71, of Route 1, Austin, died Monday afternoon, May 22, 2000 at Burr Oak Manor.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil Turbenson, Austin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosemary and Gerald Stevens of Hastings and Pat and Richard Balster of Hastings; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral service: 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 26 at Mayer Funeral Home with the Rev. Harold Usgaard officiating.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Friday.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 23, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Elijah Nyles Vaughn, 23, Austin, died Saturday, April 29, 2000 at Austin Medical Center following a long battle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 14, 1977 in Austin to Elliot and Pamela (Evans) Vaughn.

Elijah was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He graduated from Austin High School in the Class of 1995. He had worked for Godfather's Pizza and George's Pizza and most recently was working for Bell Liquor and Steve's Pizza. Elijah was a Jeopardy enthusiast and enjoyed all subjects of trivia. He enjoyed spending time with his friends playing disc golf, going to music festivals, playing chess, and camping. He like hunting and fishing and was a big sports fan. Elijah loved being with his family and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

He is survived his mother Pamela Vaughn and Special Friend John Kruger, Austin; father Elliot Vaughn, Austin and Special Friend Jean Maher, Circle Pines, Minn., sisters and brother-in-law Angie and Jeff Thomas, Spring Valley, Michelle McLaughlin, Spring Valley; brother Cuyler Vaughn, Austin; grandparents Russell and Donna Shelton, Belvidere, Ill., Eleanor Vaughn, Austin; aunts, uncles, nieces , nephews, and cousins, Special Friend Heather Livingood, Austin.

He was preceded in death by Grandfather Lester Vaughn, Grandmother Evelyn Beckman, cousin Macy Renwick.

Honorary bearers Katherine Erbes, Justin Graves, Lee Moen, Pete Greenman, Brian Engles, Joel Rector.

Casket bearers Dustin Nystel, David Wytaske, Jesse Kneeskern, Darcy Wytaske, Greg Quam, Jerry Fodness

· Service: 1:30 Wednesday, May 3, 2000 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Greg Mannel officiating.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

· Visitation: Friends may call at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Tuesday, May 2, 2000 from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday May 3, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church for one hour before the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 1-2, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Jasmine Veraza, infant daughter of Yolanda Reyes and Raymundo Veraza, was born Friday, May 12, 2000, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

Survivors include her parents, Yolanda Reyes and Raymundo Veraza; grandparents Josefina Reyes and Rolando Reyes; uncle and aunt Reynaldo Veraza and Laura Veraza, all of Austin.

Private family services were held at Oakwood Cemetery.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 16, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Enos LeRoy Wagoner, 87, formerly of Mapleview, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000 at his home in St. Paul, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Bessie Wagoner; second wife, Luella Wagoner; daughter, Melva Wagoner; sons, Stafford and Gerald Wagoner; grandson, Gerald Wagoner; five brothers and two sisters.

· Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Rev. Louis G. Cook officiating.

· Interment: Calvary Cemetery. The Olaf B. Damm VFW Post No. 1216 is in charge of military rites.

· Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and on Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 30, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Gordon L. West, age 88, of Austin, died Monday, May 22, 2000 at Burr Oak Manor after a courageous fight with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born September 19, 1911 in South Branch, Minnesota to Dennis and Emma (Larson) West. He married Pearl Smith Nov. 24, 1938, in Argyle. After working at Wilson and Company in Albert Lea, Gordon retired in 1970. Following retirement, Gordon and Pearl Moved to Buffalo, Wis., then came to Austin in 1996 to be near family. He was a member of the Moose Lodge (past governor), Legion of Moose and Lyons Club of Cochrane, Wis. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, but his real love was baseball, which he played for many years with the Albert Lea Packers.

Survivors include his wife, Pearl; three daughters, Phyllis Heilmann of Marietta, Ga., Lee Ann West of Columbia Heights, Irene (Bill) Frohreich of Austin; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Funeral services: 1 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Petersen officiating.

Interment: A private interment will be held at a later date.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and one hour before the service on Thursday.

[Austin Daily Herald, May 23, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Jenny Aaby, 87 and a resident of St. Mark's Lutheran Home, Austin, died at Austin Medical Center - Mayo Health Systems Hospital Thursday, June 15, 2000.

She is survived by a son, Calvin, Normal, Ill.; and cousins.

Casket bearers will be Elmer Akkerman, William Newell, Kenneth Bjerke, Greg Larson, Dean Johnson and Ray Riley.

· Service: 11 a.m. June 19 at Faith Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Brad Bode, Rochester, officiating.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester

· Visitation: 4-7 p.m. June 18 at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church Monday one hour before funeral services.

The family prefers memorials to Faith Lutheran Church or the Mower County Humane Society.

Austin Daily Herald, June 18-19, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Thaddeus "Ted" Anderson, 75, of Austin, died Saturday, June 10, 2000, with his family present at Burr Oak Manor Nursing Home, Austin.

Private family memorial services are being planned in Minneapolis and California.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary of Austin is in charge of arrangements

Austin Daily Herald, June 12, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

John V. Austin, 72 of 413 29th St. SW, Mason City, Iowa, died Monday, June 12, 2000, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

John Vernon Austin was born March 9, 1928, at Tipton, Iowa, son of Edward V. and Bessie L. (Austin) Austin. He married Joan M. Nack January 24, 1954, at Farmington.

He grew up in Austin. He served in the Navy during World War II.

He was a carpenter and worked at Builders Supply in Mason City and was a sheet metal worker for many years until retiring in 1990.

He enjoyed his grandchildren, woodworking and traveling.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include five children, Catherine DeRoos and husband William, Rockwell, Dave Austin, Mason City, Iowa, Roger Austin and wife Tammy, Glastonbury, Conn., Karen Marcotte and husband Jess, Mason City, Iowa, and Shelly VanNess and husband Philip, Mason City, Iowa; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joan; daughter Teresa Lugar, daughter-in-law, Sue Austin; granddaughter, Rachel Austin; one brother, Roger Austin; and one sister, Opal Sweazey.

· Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2000, at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE, Mason City, Iowa, with the Rev. Kaffiy Graves of Hospice of North Iowa officiating.

· Interment: Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City with military honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

· Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. today at Hogan Bremer Chapel until service time Thursday.

· Funeral Home: Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel of Mason City, Iowa.

Austin Daily Herald, June 14, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Clara D. Bue, 90, Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, June 26, 2000 at Comforcare Care Center in Austin.

Clara "Helen" Deckard Bue was born on June 18, 1910, in Brown County, Ind., to James Thornton Deckard and Lilly Grace White Deckard.

Helen was the youngest of six children. In her pre-teen years her mother, Lilly, died and the family moved to Iowa. After several year of crop failures her father moved to Glenville and opened a store. There he met and married Julia, who proved to be a wonderful stepmother. She graduated from the ninth grade at Glenville, and often talked of the Glenville Girls basketball team for which she played center. She went to high school in Albert Lea. She moved to Akron, Ohio in 1927 and studied dance. Helen was a ballet dancer in a musical when she met and married Otis Robinson in 1930. They traveled around the country for a year and returned to Glenville in 1936. Three daughters were born to this union. Deloris Aquirre, Nedra Iosello and Romelda Quam.

Helen married Shirley Torgram Bue in Iowa. They moved to Missouri in 1947 where Terry A. Bue of Austin was born, then moved to Oakland in 1951. Shirley and her second son, Thomas Thorton preceded Helen in death. It was not until Helen moved from Oakland to Rochester and went to work at the Kahler Hotel as a reservation clerk that she began to use her first name. The years in Rochester were busy ones for Clara, being involved in a successful campaign to close adult book stores in Rochester, she organized the Rochester Kitchen Band that still exists today and would volunteer help to whoever needed it, including clean up after a tornado that destroyed most of Charles City, Iowa. The last ten years, before retiring, she worked for PORT a state organization that prepared prisoners for release back into mainstream society, and a battered women's shelter.

She is survived by her children, Terry and Sally Bue, Deloris and John Aguirre, Nedra and Christopher Iosello, Sr., Romelda Quam, of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister, Marie Collins of Sarasota, Fla.; brother Lloyd T. Deckard, Phoenix,; sister-in-law, Madge Hartman, Albert Lea; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Shirley; son, Tom; brothers, Dewy Deckard, Cross Lake and Frank Deckard; sister, Eva Lockart.

· Service: 11 a.m. Friday, June 30 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with Chaplin Jerald Loper officiating.

· Interment: Stateline Cemetery, Northwood, Iowa.

· Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour before the service.

Austin Daily Herald, June 27-30, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Alvin Louis Chapek, 52, Albert Lea, died on Tuesday, June 13, 2000, at the Albert Lea Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends.

Alvin was born on Feb. 11, 1948, in Austin, the son of Louis and Anne (Vomacka) Chapek. He grew up and attended school in Austin and moved to Albert Lea in 1965. On March 26, 1966, Alvin was united in marriage to Joyce R. Freese, in Austin. Alvin was employed at Streaters for 34 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, camping, and splitting wood. Alvin loved spending time with his grandchildren.

On March 26, 1966, he married Joyce R. Freese in Austin.

He was employed at Streater's Manufacturing for 34 years.

He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping, splitting wood and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, Albert Lea; children, Jeanette Stahl and fiancee Cliff Burton, Clarks Grove and their children, Randy Lee Stahl II and Brandi Jessica Branham, William and his wife Cathie Jo Chapek, and their children, Sean Louis Chapek and Seth William Chapek; his mother, Anne, Albert Lea; sisters, Louise and her husband Richard Peterson, Genevieve and her husband William Krueger, and Joyce Peterson; sister-in-law, Lois Chapek; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Alvin was preceded in death by his father, Louis; brother, Arthur; and nephews, Randy and Andy Chapek.

Alvin will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

· Service: The service was held June 17 at the Assemblies of God Church with Pastor Lee Freshour officiating.

· Interment: The Bohemian national Cemetery, Myrtle

· Visitation: Visitation was at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home Friday and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Austin Daily Herald, June 14 & 20, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Alonzo Converse, 91, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died at the home of his son Gene Converse in Lake Alfred, Florida.

Mr. Converse was a resident of Austin from 1940 until moving to Florida in October, 1999. He was employed in the beef kill department at Hormel Foods for many years. He was married to Blanche Converse for 61 years, preceding him in death in 1999.

Mr. Converse is survived by his son Gene, Lake Alfred, Fla.; grandsons Scott and Jeff; two great-grandchildren; one sister; nieces and nephews.

· Service: A memorial service will be incorporated into the 11 a.m. Sunday, June 4 worship service at the Salvation Army Citadel at 409 First Ave. NE.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Converse donated their bodies for research at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Austin Daily Herald, June 2, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Merle Eugene Cornelius died June 16, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester.

He was born December 21, 1944, in Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, the youngest child of Lenny Cornelius and Isabelle (Cornelius) Anderson. He attended Blooming Prairie grade school and Albert Lea High School.

He was a professional floor covering installer until recent years and currently was manager of R&F Apartments in Austin. He enjoyed fishing, camping, collecting Native-American artifacts and reading about American history.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Mark Schlichter, Blaine; sister, Lorraine Rosenthal and husband Darrell, Austin; two brothers and sister-in-laws, Dale and Barbara Cornelius, Denver, Colo., and LeMoyne Cornelius and Gloria Haugen, Albert Lea; a niece, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by both parents; stepfather, Carl M. Anderson; brother, Lloyd Cornelius, Seattle, Wash.; and a cousin James Wyant, Austin.

· Service: 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass on June 20 at St. Edward's Catholic Church with the Rev. Hubert Boschert officiating.

· Interment: Fairview Cemetery, Moscow.

· Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. today, June 19, at Mayer Funeral Home and 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday.

· Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home of Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, June 18-19, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Russell T. Eastburn, 74, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died Sunday, June 11, 2000, at Burr Oak Manor Nursing Home, Austin.

He was born June 4, 1926, at College, Calif., to Russell L. and Marquerite (Tolson) Eastburn. He joined the Navy on June 15, 1944, at San Diego, Calif., and served aboard the USS Menard (APA-201), USS Iowa (BB 61) and USS Miami (CL-89) and earned a Good Conduct Medal plus Philippine Liberation, Victory Medal World War II, Asiatic Pacific and American Theatre Ribbon commendations before being honorably discharged May 25, 1947, at San Francisco, Calif.

Russell lived in Austin since 1948, when he opened Eastburn Floor Service and Ceramic Tile Shop.

He was a private pilot, enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and music.

He was a member of American Legion Post No. 91 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1216.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Marie Eastburn, Minneapolis; daughters and sons-in-law, Lynette and Gary Loecher, Austin, Monica (Eastburn) Waltz, Owatonna, Kristine and Russell Tuchek, Austin; ex-wife Vickie Eastburn; friend Dorothy Tapp, Hampton, Iowa; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

· Service: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2000, at Worlein Funeral Home.

· Visitation: One hour before services today, June 14, 2000.

· Interment: 11 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2000, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Honorary casket bearers are grandchildren Chad, Tommy, Cory L., Cory T., Keven, Logan, Mike and Tyler.

· Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, June 12-14, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Marian Katherine Graves, 75, of 400 15th Ave. SW, Austin, died Sunday, June 18, 2000, at St. Mark's Lutheran Homes.

She is survived by children and spouses, Donna (Don) Salisbury, Reno, Nev., Bobbi (Dean) Thompson, Ames, Iowa, Jay Graves, Reno, Nev. David Graves, Charlotte, N.C., Marcia (David) Vold, Faribault, Jerry Graves, Brownsdale, Bradley (Bernie) Graves, Albert Lea; 23 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Mitchell, Sacramento, Calif., Lola Olson, Colorado Springs, Colo., Beth Snyder; brother, Donald Selix, Ellensburg, Wash.; nieces, nephews and cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

· Service: Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Brownsdale United Methodist Church with the Rev. Donald D. Budd officiating.

· Interment: Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale.

· Visitation: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and one hour before the service at the church Friday.

Austin Daily Herald, June 20-22, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Calvin Corwin Guild, 70, died after a short illness in Houston, Texas on April 26, 2000.

Calvin Guild graduated from Austin High School, Austin Community College and the University of New Mexico as a mechanical engineer. His expertise included rocket engines, and he was retired from the Johnson Space Center, where he worked for NASA. He served in the Army from 1948 to 1952 in the European occupation.

His wife Wanda Guild and daughter Audrey Guild, both of Houston survive him. Other survivors include brothers, Henry Guild, Aitkin, Lawrence Guild, Austin; sisters, Alice Meppen, St. Paul, Ida Jahren, Austin, and Evelyn Richards Calhoun, LA.

His son, Bradley Guild; his parents; a brother; and two sisters preceded him in death.

He was a member of Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, where a memorial service was held on May 11th.

Austin Daily Herald, June 28, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Laura E. Hammermeister, 98, Austin, died June 19, 2000 at Comforcare Care Center.

She was born April 5, 1902, to Fred A. and Mary L. (Miller) Studer, Dexter Township, in Mower County. She was the second child born to the family of six children. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church her entire life, being baptized there in 1902 and confirmed in 1917.

Laura attended public school at Elkton High School when it first was consolidated, and then continued her education at the Minnesota Normal Training School, which was located in Austin. She became a teacher and taught at four Mower County country schools, those being District No. 50, the Remington School, Monitor School No. 121, and the Maple Lear School No. 106. She taught school for about 17 years, and then married Lloyd on June 14, 1939 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. They lived on the home farm at Dexter Township and farmed. She enjoyed her large vegetable garden and flowers, along with her chickens and Lloyd's cows. In earlier years she sang in the church choir and also taught Sunday School for about 25 years. Laura was very active in the Ladies Aid at Trinity, holding various offices, and in Circle No. 3. Upon their retirement, Lloyd and Laura moved to Austin, where Laura also was a member of the Austin Hoe and Grow Garden Club and took the humanities classes at the Senior Citizens Center.

Together with friends they enjoyed some traveling. She lived with Lloyd at their home in Austin until March 3, 2000, when she was taken to Comforcare. She is remembered by many as their country schoolteachers and by others as a person who never had a harsh word to say about anyone.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd, of 61 years of marriage; nieces and spouses, Joyce (Bill) Bennett, Long Beach, Calif., Mary Taylor, Medford, Ore., Judy (Harlin) Kriehn, Austin; nephews and spouses, Robert (Linda) Hammermeister, Signal Hill, Calif., John (Bettie) Hammermeister, Long Beach, Calif., and Gene Studer, Rose Creek; great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Helen, Veta, and Alice; and brothers, Ernest and Lawrence.

Pallbearers include Randy Stephenson, Charles Hinderaker, Charles Crawford, Jesse Ronne, Hilbert Christgau, and David Hammermeister.

· Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dexter township, Route 5, Austin with pastor Brian Kom officiating. Soloist is Gordon Handeland with Donna Handeland as organist.

· Interment: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church cemetery

· Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. June 23 and one hour before the service at the church Saturday.

Austin Daily Herald, June 23, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Charles L. Hinsch, 71, Sargeant, Mower county, Minnesota, died Wednesday, June 14, 2000 at St. Mary's Hospital from complications of cancer.

He was born Feb. 28, 1929 in New Sweden Township, Nicollet County and married Shirley Jean Finck April 20, 1952 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ft. Dodge, Iowa.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his discharge and marriage he was employed at the Tobin's Packing Plant at Ft. Dodge until 1953. The Hinsch's moved to the Dexter area and in 1957 to the Sargeant area. He was employed by the Milwaukee, Later the Soo Railroad Line from 1955 till retiring in June of 1991.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Sargeant, where he held various church offices. He was an active member of the Hayfield American Legion Rothie Post No. 330. Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. He was a member of the Sargeant Village Council and long time mayor. He held various offices with Local United Transportation Union in Austin.

He is survived by daughters, Mary Jean (Ken) Cleveland, Spring Valley, Wanda (Darrell) Boley, Dexter, Nancy (David) Prins, Hayfield. Carla (Tony) Matson, Austin; sons, Mark (Sue) Hinsch, Sargeant, Gordon (Ellen) Hinsch, Rochester, Miles Hinsch, Rochester; 16 grandchildren; sisters, Emmie Brewer, Grand Bay, Ala., Donna (Jack) Fletcher, Humboldt, Iowa, Marvel Evans, Grand Bay, Ala.; brothers, Ronald (Dickie) Hinsch, Olive Branch, Miss., Jerry (Nancy) San Marcos, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

· Service: The service was held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sargeant on June 19 with Pastor Ronald Prigge officiating.

· Interment: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Sargeant

Austin Daily Herald, June 20, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Charles (Chuck) Hartgrave, 48, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester after a brief struggle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 8, 1951 in Austin to Charlie and Hannah (Van Lengen) Hartgrave. Chuck was baptized and confirmed at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Austin. He graduated from Austin High School in the class of 1969. He was self-employed, working in the lawn care business. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He was a true and loyal son and friend.

He is survived by his partner of 22 years Mary Dahl, Austin; mother and father, Charlie and Hannah Hartgrave, Austin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Hazel (Eugene) Salisbury, Austin, Charlotte (Howard) Clark, Edmond, Okla.; many aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Casket bearers were Robert Kos, Rod Hanson, Craig Dombrock, Mike Salisbury, Jim Salisbury and Howard Clark.

· Service: 1:30 p.m. June 24 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Russ Wangen officiating.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Austin

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the American Cancer Society.

Austin Daily Herald, June 25, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Audrey Frances Jeffers Houston, 90 of Princeton, formerly of Brainerd, died Friday, June 23, 2000, at the Elim Home in Princeton.

She was born Oct. 28, 1909, in Austin to Franklin Patrick and Anne (Laufle) Jeffers. She married Gilbert Lincoln Houston on June 13, 1932, in Washburn McLean County, N.D. She was a member of Park Methodist Church in Brainerd and was VIP with the Brainerd Senior Citizens Center in Brainerd. Audrey and Gilbert lived in Austin until Gilbert's retirement from Hormel Foods Corp. in Austin in the late 1970s. They moved to the Brainerd area, living in Nisswa, Stark Lake and Brainerd. Audrey enjoyed traveling, playing cards and fishing and being with family.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Vicki Houston and Bill and Bev Houston, all of Austin, John and Alvis Houston, Remer; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Curt Wilson, Ramsey; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Annie and Frank Jeffers; husband Gilbert Houston, daughter and son at birth, sister and brother.

A private family service will be held.

Arrangements are by Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

Austin Daily Herald, June 26, 2000

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James Franklin Jensen, 38, of Ellendale, died Friday, June 16, 2000, in a motorcycle accident.

James was born June 14, 1962, in Logan Sport, Ind., and moved to Austin in 1971. Jim graduated from Austin Central High School in 1981.

Jim was stationed in the Philippines with the Air Force for three years. After his service to his country, he returned to the Austin, Ellendale area where he was employed at Virocom of Owatonna until 1997. Jim was currently working in the construction field.

He is survived by his mother, Ethel Jensen, Austin; brothers, Allen Jensen, Austin, John Jensen, Mankato; aunts and uncles, Larry and Patricia Naatz, Mapleview, Mike and Pamela Bartel, Janesville; cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father DuWayne A. Jensen.

· Service: 2 p.m. June 20 at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale, with the Rev. Arne Halbakken officiating.

· Interment: Geneva Cemetery, Geneva.

· Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. June 19 at Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, and one hour before services Tuesday at the church.

· Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, circa June 20, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Abdus Salam Joarder, 82, of 1100 14th St. NW, Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin.

Final rites and interment for Mr. Joarder will be held in Chuadanoa, Bangladesh.

Austin Daily Herald, June 28, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Wilfred "Will" Krebsbach, 77, Hot Springs, Arkansas, died Saturday, June 10, 2000, at his home.

He was born Nov. 13, 1922, in Johnsburg, Mower county, Minnesota.

He was an Army veteran of World War II, member of FFA, retired from Camp Couchdale after 20 years, Eaton Corporation after 28 years in Chicago and Philadelphia as a foreman/manager manufacturing automatic lift trucks.

He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy (Bob) Cubelic, Palatine, Illinois, Anna (Robert) Weise, Philadelphia, Pa., Diana (Rick) Ramsey, Fairfax, Virginia; son, Jim Krebsbach, Washington, D.C.; six grandchildren; sisters and brother-in-law, Angie (Joe) Slowinski, Lansing, Odelia Mayhew, Austin; brothers and sister-in-law, Ambrose (Helen) Krebsbach, Rose Creek, Walter Krebsbach, Austin; many nieces and nephews; best friend, Alta Jean Mooney, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by parents, Matt and Christina Junger Krebsbach; sisters, Genevie Pavlik, Marie Hommez; sister-in-law, Ann Krebsbach.

· Service: The Memorial Mass was Friday, June 16 at ST. Mary's Catholic Church, Hot Springs with Rev. Msgr. Leo Riedmueller officiating.

· Visitation: Was June 15 at Gross Funeral Home with a 7:30 rosary

Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society

Austin Daily Herald, June 20, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ellsworth George Krueger, 86, died Saturday, June 17, 2000, at Maple Manor Nursing Home, where he lived.

Mr. Krueger grew up in rural Eyota and farmed for 10 years in the St. Charles area before moving to Rochester in 1947. He was employed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation for 31 years, retiring in 1978. He was a supervisor for MnDOT.

He belonged to the Rochester Eagles for more than 50 years.

Mr. Krueger was born Aug. 19, 1913, near Eyota. He married Frances Bierman on Feb. 19, 1936, at Eyota, and they later divorced.

Surviving are three sons and a daughter, Bernie Krueger of Reedley, Calif., Robert (Kirsten) Krueger of Grass Valley, Calif., Judith Anne (Gary) Anderson of Rochester and Rickey (Connie) Krueger of Rochester; a brother, Loren (Donna) Krueger of Sioux Falls, S.D.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

· Funeral service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, at Macken Colonial Chapel in Rochester. The Rev. Allan Vrieze will officiate.

· Viewing: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the funeral home on Tuesday.

· Interment: Grandview Memorial Gardens, Rochester.

Austin Daily Herald, June 19, 2000

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Edward Lawrence LaVallie died Wednesday, May 31, 2000, at Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea. He was 72 years of age.

Edward was born Aug. 5, 1927, in Marshall, the son of Henry and Emma (Paradis) LaVallie. He lived in the Hollandale area until moving to Albert Lea in 1943. He attended school in the Albert Lea School District. Edward was united in marriage to Alice Ladlie on Nov. 17, 1964. He was employed by the city of Albert Lea in its Sewer Department. He was owner of LaVallie Excavating, retiring in 1995. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Edward was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Eagles Club. He was an active member of the Solo's Club and card club. He loved dancing and bowling, woodworking and taking care of the yard. Edward also enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Steven (Diane) LaVallie, Owatonna, Rick (Sharon) LaVallie, Wells, Jan (Jamie) McGinnis, Olalla, Wash., Jay (Christine) LaVallie, Sioux Falls, S.D., Gary (Amy) Distad, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Susan (Greg) Vieregge, Alexandria, Julie (Fran) Gallagher, Fargo, N.D.; several grandchildren; sister, Sylvia Baldus, Austin; brothers, Hector LaVallie, Chula Vista, Calif., and Francis LaVallie, Backus, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alice, sister Laura Gilgenbach and brother Gordon LaVallie.

· Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3 at St. Theodore Catholic Church, Albert Lea, with Father Robert Schneider officiating.

· Interment: Graceland Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veterans Organizations.

· Visitation: Friends may call at Bonnerup Funeral Service from 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Austin Daily Herald, June 2, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

#1:

Kathleen V. LeVasseur, 76, Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on June 14, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Linda LaVasseur, Plover, Wis., Mark and Jodell LaVasseur, Austin, Kevin LaVasseur, Cortez, Colo.; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Eddie Wilson, Lubbock, Texas, Julie and David Durocher, New Port Richey, Fla.; former husband, Norman LaVasseur, Mesa, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Glayds Wanous, Owatonna, Alice and Harvey Sathre, Adams, Arvella and Richard Noterman, Perris, Calif.; sister-in-law, Clara Johnson, Rochelle, Ill.; nieces, nephews and cousins.

· Service: 11 a.m. June 19 at Crane Community Chapel with the Rev. Randy Petersen officiating.

· Interment: Hayward Cemetery

· Visitation: Friends may call at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and one hour before the service at the church.

[Austin Daily Herald]

---

#2:

Kathleen V. LeVasseur, 76, Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died June 14, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota.

She was born January 1, 1924, at Hayward, to Walter and Anna (Monson) Johnson. She graduated Adams High School in 1941 and married Norman LeVasseur July 30, 1944, at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams. In 1938, she moved with her family to a farm near Oakland. She was a homemaker most of her life, living on a farm near Lyle. She had been a resident of Pickett Place in Austin for about six years. Kathy was a strong and tender mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She lived with strength, courage and a zest of life. She was a member of Crane Community Chapel and involved in many church activities. She also volunteered for activities at Pickett Place. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and friends. We celebrate her life, her adventurous spirit, generous nature and her abundant love of family and friends. She enriched the lives of all she touched. Kathy will be missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Wayne and Linda LeVasseur, Plover, Wis., Mark and Jodell LeVasseur, Austin, Kevin LeVasseur, Oregon, Lisa LeVasseur, Cortez, Colo.; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Eddie Wilson, Lubbock, Texas, Julie and David Durocher, New Port Richey, Fla.; former husband, Norman LeVasseur, Mesa, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gladys Wanous, Owatonna, Alice and Harvey Sathre, Adams, Arvella and Richard Noterman, Perris, Calif.; sister-in-law Clara Johnson, Rochelle, Ill.; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Woodrow Johnson.

· Service: 11 a.m. June 19 at Crane Community Chapel with the Rev. Randy Petersen officiating. Casket bearers are Matthew Hall, Kale Durocher, James LeVasseur, Whitney Hall, Andrew LeVasseur, Emerlee LeVasseur. Honorary casket bearers are Bryn LeVasseur, Erick LeVasseur, Katie LeVasseur, Lacey LeVasseur, Kelsey Durocher.

· Interment: Hayward Cemetery

· Visitation: 4-8 p.m. June 18 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and one hour before services Monday at the church.

· Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary of Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, June 18, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Michael J. McDermott, 60, Rome, Italy, died Monday, June 26, 2000 at Gemelli Hospital, of cancer.

Mr. McDermott, a 1958 graduate of Pacelli High School, resided in Italy for the past 29 years. He was trade officer with the Canadian Embassy in Rome.

He is survived by his wife, Louise; two sons, Griffith Jones, Orange NSW Australia, and Alexander Jones, Rome; two daughters and sons-in-law, Eliza Jones and Daniele Mari, Rome and Iris Jones and Rishad Noorani, Rome; four grandchildren; sister, Judith McDermott, Austin; aunt, Elinor Cunningham, Waseca; cousins.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at S. Carlo ai Catinari, Rome. Casket bearers will be Grif Jones, Alex Jones, Dan Mari, Rishaad Noorani.

Austin Daily Herald, June 29, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

William "Bill" Frederick August Milbrath, 85, 1903B Burr Oak Drive, Austin, died at Sacred Heart Hospice Thursday, June 1, 2000.

He was born Feb. 8, 1915, in Austin, Mower county, Minnesota.

Except for college, military services and an architectural apprenticeship, he lived in Austin his entire life.

Following graduation from the University of Minnesota School of Architecture in 1941, he worked for Green Giant Co. He served in the Army Air Corps in 1942, including duty overseas in Saipan, Marianna Islands.

In 1943, he married Beulah Fisher in Hastings, Neb.

After his 1945 honorable discharge, he and his family moved first to LeSueur, Minnesota, to Osage, Iowa, and to Austin in 1950.

He was a practicing architect for 36 years and designed numerous private homes, schools, churches and community buildings, including Holy Cross Lutheran Church and school, the Austin Daily Herald and the Austin Fire Department.

He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Austin, worked on committees and sang in the church choir. He also participated in the Austin Noon Lions Club, Austin Male Chorus, CSI and AIA and served on the Mower County Board of Adjustment from 1978 to 1996.

His hobbies were gardening and woodworking.

Survivors include his wife Beulah; sister, Augusta Milbrath Kraegel, Silver Spring, Md.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Sallie and Richard Koenig, Minnetonka, Pamela and Donald Leonard, Austin, and Kathleen Milbrath, Minneapolis; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Schuldt Milbrath, father, the Rev. William Milbrath and sister, Clara Milbrath Hamilton.

Casket bearers will be Anne Elrod, Lamon Elrod, Laura Groen, Tony Groen, Karyn Koenig, Kimberly Koenig, Jonathan Leonard, Benjamin Leonard.

· Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2000, at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. William Natzke officiating.

· Interment: Oakwood Cemetery with graveside military rites by American Legion Post No. 91 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1216.

· Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. today at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

· Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, June 5, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Delmar R. "Blackie" Morgan, 73 of 1900 Fourth Ave. SE, Austin, died Friday, June 16, 2000, at his home, following a four-month illness.

He was born Dec. 10, 1926, to Donald and Laura (Olson) Morgan at Mona, Iowa.

He attended Lyle Public Schools and joined the U.S. Navy on Feb. 2, 1944 and served as a seaman aboard the USS Ashtabula. After receiving the American Area Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, Philippine Liberation and World War II Victory medals, he was honorably discharged Oct. 16, 1947.

He married Betty Ruth Payne on April 9, 1949, at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams.

After working 34 years at Hormel Foods Corp., he retired in 1976.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and bowling.

Survivors include wife, Betty; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Mary Morgan, Austin; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Greg McAllister, Shoreview, Diane and Don Daily, Austin, Debra and Stephen Kneeskern, Austin, Pam Burzinski, Austin, Sheila and Gary Van Osdel, Mahnomen, Laura Bellin, Austin; 11 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Spencer and Irene Morgan, Austin, Larry and Lenore Morgan, New Brighton; sisters, Barbara Wilder, Austin, Margaret Capretz, Austin; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a grandson, aunts and uncles.

· Service: 11 a.m. June 20 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Arvid Jovaag officiating.

· Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. today, June 19, at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour before services Tuesday.

· Interment: Grandview Cemetery, rural Austin, with military rites by Austin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1216 and American Legion Post No. 91. Casket bearers will be grandsons Scott Hill, Jesse Kneeskern, Donald Daily Jr., Tyler Morgan, Brad Morgan and Kevin Morgan. An honorary casket bearer will be Brandon Smith.

· Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, June 19, 2000

©2009 MNGenWeb