Edward "Eddie" J. Bjerke, of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday evening at Grand Meadow Health Care Center.

He was born October 24, 1920, in Grand Meadow to Martin Bjerke and Hilda Simonson Bjerke and graduated from Grand Meadow High School. On July 31, 1942, he entered the Army Air Force and served during World War II as a sergeant working as an Army airplane and engineer mechanic for the European, African, Middle Eastern service. He was honored with the World War II victory medals and was discharged Oct. 31, 1945.

On May 21, 1944, he married Lila J. Olson; they had four children. His wife died in 1986. Eddie was a Hormel Foods employee for 38 years and was a member of the Masons and American Legion.

He is survived by daughters, Sheila (Denny) Benson, and Cindy (Paul) Stier, both of Grand Meadow, Jeannie McDonnough, Macomb, Illinois; son John (Sharilyn) Bjerke, Wabasha; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Service: Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the United Church in Grand Meadow with the Rev. Tom Wilson officiating.

Interment: Grand Meadow Cemetery

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home in Grand Meadow.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 12, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Harold L. Lysne, 90, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on Sunday, September 10, 2000, at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 17, 1909, in Corning to John and Olive (Herr) Lysne. He attended country school near Corning. He married Alene Tipton in 1935. He was employed as a mechanic at Hormel Food Corp. for more than 40 years. Alene died in 1959. Harold married Lola Kruger on Dec. 6, 1968, in Austin.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and playing cards with his family and friends.

He was survived by his wife, Lola Lysne, Austin; daughters and sons-in-law, Judy (Mike) Wolfe, Tempe, Ariz., Pam (Alan) Wigant, Austin; stepchildren, Barb and Jens Jensen, Austin, Larry Kruger, Austin, Becky and Steve Schneberger, Cloquet; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Alene, sister Helen Corpuz, brother John Lysne, and two grandchildren.

Service: A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Northwest Church of Christ with the Rev. Boyd Kuester officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and on Thursday at Northwest Church of Christ one hour before the service.

There will be no reviewal.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 12, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Helen Stiles Brown, 95, of Grand Meadow, Mower county, Minnesota, died on Thursday at Grand Meadow Health Care Center in Grand Meadow, where she had lived since March 1999.

She was born April 22, 1905, in Pleasant Valley to Harry Wakefield and Laura Olson Wakefield. She attended Grand Meadow High School and graduated in 1924. She then received normal training in Austin and taught school in rural schools near Grand Meadow, Dexter and Racine. She later taught fifth grade at Grand Meadow.

On May 19, 1926, she was united in marriage to George Stiles in Grand Meadow. He died Nov. 5, 1952. She later was united in marriage to Harold Brown on April 13, 1955, in Iowa. He died Nov. 24, 1984.

Surviving are a daughter, Carman (Morse) Atkinson, Rochester; sons Ronald Stiles, Brookshire, Texas, James, (Beverly) Stiles, Freer, Texas, Neal (Linda) Stiles, Justin, Texas; stepdaughter-in-law Rachel Brown, Merced, Calif.; 24 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 16 stepgreat-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Winnifred Nashold, Grand Meadow, Mildred Olson, Mankato.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, daughters, Kathryn, Lorna, Betty; son Bobby, stepdaughters, Marion, Betty; stepson, Harold Brown Jr., stepgranddaughter Norm Jean, sisters, Sybil, Velva and Eunice; brothers, Percy and Dale.

Service: 10:30 a.m. today at United Church of Grand Meadow with the Rev. Tom Wilson officiating.

Interment: Hamilton Cemetery.

Visitation: An hour prior to the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 11, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ernest N. Durst, 69, of Largo, Florida, a former Austin area resident, died Friday morning Sept. 8, 2000, in Biloxi, Miss., where he was visiting.

Ernest was born on November 10, 1930, in rural Pine Island and moved to the Grand Meadow and Spring Valley area with his family in 1944. He served in the Korean War and lived in Austin until moving to Florida in 1984. He married Virginia Wright in Rochester on Dec. 26, 1956, and they later were divorced.

He had a long-time companion, Janice Tucker.

He is survived by two daughters, Michelle (John) O'Neill of Millville, Cheri Dee Harrison, Fountain Hills, Ariz.; two granddaughters; three brothers, Roger, Rochester, Douglas, Apple Valley; David, Ault, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his sister Lucille (John) Stucky and parents Sam and Mabel Durst preceded him in death.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service is being held in Largo this week and also at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester at 10 a.m. Saturday with Pastors Linda Helberg and Alice Durst co-officiating.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday before the service.

Interment: Interment of the ashes will follow at Spring Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the family or Bethel Lutheran Church.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 11, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Ardis M. (Severson) Shirk, 79 of Caledonia, died Friday, Sept. 8, 2000, at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, Wis.

She was born June 6, 1921, at Austin, the daughter of Ray and Gretta Severson.

She married Donald S. Shirk on Nov. 2, 1939, at Austin.

She lived all her life in Austin until moving to Caledonia in 1996. She was a homemaker and belonged to the Church of Christ in Austin and also volunteered at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center.

Survivors include a daughter, Patricia and her husband LeRoy DeWall, Caledonia; two sons, Glen Shirk, Rochester, and Donald R. and his wife Gail Shirk, Marietta, Ga.; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; a sister, LaVonne Dickinson, Washington; a brother, Dayle Severson, Washington; three sisters-in-law, Mary and Florence of California, Blanche and her husband, Harry, Nelson, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, two sisters, Lucille and Joyce, a brother, Wayne and her parents, ray and Gretta, plus a grandson.

Service: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Church of Christ, 103 Second St. SW, Austin, with the Rev. David Defor officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. tonight at Worlein Funeral Home and an hour before services Tuesday at the church.

Memorials: American Diabetes Association.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 11, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Elsie Alma Eppen, 92, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died Monday, Sept. 4, 2000, at Sacred Heart Care Center.

She was born March 26, 1908, on a farm in Mower County. She was the seventh of 10 children born to Ferdinand and Wilhelmina (Frohreich) Wendorf. She attended public school in a one-room schoolhouse near her home and graduated from the eighth grade. She also attended parochial school at St. Michael's Lutheran Church.

She moved to Austin and met Marldene (Dean) Eppen. They were married on Jan. 1, 1932; he died in December 1999.

She liked flowers, fishing, playing cards and dancing. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church for more than 67 years.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene and Joan Eppen, Thousand Oaks, Calif., Gary and Ann Eppen, Chicago, Ill.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Florence Wendorf, Austin; sister, Dorthea Wendorf, Austin; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three great-grandchildren, seven brothers and sisters.

Service: 9 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. William Natzke officiating. Organist will be Doraine Graff.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery in Austin.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. today at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and on Thursday for a half-hour before the service at the church.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 6, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Harry Clifford Finkelson, 92, of Madelia, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2000, at Austin Medical Center.

He was the son of Peter and Clara (Hanson) Finkelson and was born Oct. 17, 1907, in Adams. Harry grew up and attended public school in Adams. He married Eva May Youngdahl on May 27, 1932, at Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams. They made their home in Austin, as Harry worked for Hormel for several years. In 1954, they farmed near Madelia for many years and then moved into Madelia. During their retirement, they devoted their time to various volunteer activities, including visiting residents at Luther Memorial Home and serving meals to seniors.

Surviving are three brothers, twin brother Wilhelm, Raymond and wife Florian, both of Austin, Harvey and wife Barbara of Afton, Wyo.; two sisters, Kerney Adams, Austin, Lugille and Lorin Wood, Cheyenne, Wyo.; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Norman; two sisters, Irene Ramseth, and Hazel Jansen, an infant brother and an infant sister.

Service: Was held Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia with the Rev. David Wall officiating.

Visitation: Was held an hour before the service at the church.

Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Madelia

Arrangements are by Pilgrim Funeral Home in Madelia.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 6, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Minnie May Hanson, 95, of Austin, died Sept. 3, 2000, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

She was born July 9, 1905, in Sherburn to John and Viola (Boring) Thrasher. Minnie married William Hanson on Feb. 6, 1927, in Austin. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, baking and flowers. She belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors include sons Roland and Lola Hanson of Blooming Prairie, Ronald and Nancy Hanson of Oakland; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband William; a daughter, Viola Pieper; and a son, William J. Hanson.

Service: 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with the Rev. Harold Usgaard officiating. Kiven Lukes will be the soloist accompanied by Neal Erickson on the organ.

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

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Casket bearers are Lawrance Pieper, Chris Hanson, Vincent Pieper Jr., Jeannie Hanson, Brent Hanson and Willis Hanson.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 6, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Elinor Brookhart Twiggs, 84, died Aug. 30, 2000, in Minneapolis.

She was born Aug. 11, 1916, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. Leslie S. Brookhart and Anna R. Mills Brookhart.

The long-time resident of Austin attended Oberlin and Antioch Colleges and received her master's degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1939.

She was a member of PEO Chapter No. 22 in Austin, past president of the Mower County Medical Auxiliary, past board member of the Minnesota State Medical Auxiliary and a member of First Congregational Church.

Survivors include four children, Susan E. Knowles, Minneapolis, Dr. Leo B. Twiggs, Miami, Fla., Dr. John T. Twiggs, Marshfield, Wis., and Anthony S. Twiggs, Edina; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Leo F. Twiggs.

Service: Memorial services are planned for Oct. 5, 2000, following interment at Fort Snelling, St. Paul.

Memorials: PEO Chapter No. 22, in care of Anthony Twiggs, 5117 Benton Ave., Edina, Minn. 55436.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 6, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Vera E. Berndt, 90, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on Sunday, September 3, 2000, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea.

Vera was born on August 8, 1910, in Northwood, Iowa, to Olaf and Josephine (Johnson) Berg. She married Chester Berndt on Aug., 11, 1934, in Austin. She worked for Hormel Foods Corp. for a short period of time and at Goggins Candy for about three years. She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross in Austin. She enjoyed camping with her family and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a good cook and liked flowers.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Bruce (Roberta) Berndt, Austin; daughter and son-in-law Carol (Jacobson) and Dane Wendland of Albert Lea; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; sister Bernice Borge of Albert Lea; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chester Berndt, one brother and two sisters.

Casket bearers will be Rick and Mike Berndt, Lynn Jacobson, Dane and Justin Wendland and Fabian Telemantes.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with Rev. James I. Mikkelson officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery

Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and Thursday for an hour before the service at Clasen-Jordan Chapel.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 5, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Diane D. Dahlback, 59, Austin, died Wednesday, August 30, 2000, at Methodist Hospital, in Rochester.

She was born April 22, 1941, in Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota, to Lester and Gladys (Mogen) Hanson.

Diane graduated form Austin High School in 1959. While in high school she completed her courses for cosmetology. She was a beautician for 35 years and had owned and operated Special Touch for 15 years, retiring in 1994. She married Duane Dahlback on April 8. 1961 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. She enjoyed walking with her friends, biking, traveling and reading. She like playing tennis, playing cards, gardening, and flowers. She especially loved spending time with her family. Diane was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and was involved in many church activities in including teaching Sunday school, church circles, and involved in the church decorating committee.

She is survived by her husband, Duane Dahlback, Austin; sons and daughter-in-law, Troy Dahlback, Portland, Roe., Thomas (Laurie) Dahlback, Apple Valley; daughter, Traci Burton, Austin; five grandchildren; parents, Lester and Gladys Hanson, Austin; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Richard Borman, Fresno, Calif., mother-in-law, Irene Vietor, Austin; aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service: 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Harold L. Usgaard officiating.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery. Casket bearers will be James Herrick, Charles Brandt, Mary Herrick, Norbert Schmitt Jr. Robert Dahlback, Phyllis Schmitt.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Saturday and on Sunday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church for one hour before the service at the church.

There will be no reviewal.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 1, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Magdalene (Maggie) Freund, 83 of Adams, Mower county, Minnesota, died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester.

She was born Aug. 14, 1915, at Johnsburg to Matthew and Mary (Kramer) Mullenbach.

She graduated from Adams High School and worked in Austin before marrying Stephen Freund Sept. 28, 1938, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Johnsburg. The couple lived at St. Ansgar and Meyer in Iowa before moving to Adams in 1952.

She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, antiquing and crafts.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include husband, Stephen Freund, Adams; sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Nancy Freund, Gallatin, Tenn., Dennis and Judy Freund, Lake Forest, Calif.; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and William Colter II, Scottsdale, Ariz., Judy and Kevin Underdahl, Vista, Calif; Rita and Gene Miller, LeRoy; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Leonilla Younker, Adams, Armella Mullenbach, Adams, Mary Ann Mullenbach, Adams, Ida Winkels, Adams; brother and sister-in-law, Otto and Marcella Mullenbach, Austin; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, two sisters.

Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Adams, with the Rev. Gregory Leif officiating and Adams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Helen King will be organist and the Sacred Heart Church Choir will sing. Casket bearers will be Jeff Underdahl, Lori Miller-Beach, Dana Kinder, Jennie Anderson, Lisa Krapf, John Colter, Steve Freund, Kari Miller, William Colter III, Eric Freund, Stephen Freund.

Interment: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery.

Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Tuesday with a 4:30 p.m. rosary and a 7 p.m. prayer service at Adams Funeral Home. Also 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Adams Funeral Home.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Wendy Groh, age 41, of 911 NE 5th Ave., Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2000 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. She was born Sept. 8, 1958 in Austin to Gary and Rose Marie (Schultz) Groh.

She received her AA degree from Austin Community College, attended Mankato State University for one yeer, and she received her BS in home economics and business at UW-Stout, Wis.

Survivors include her parents, Gary and Rose Groh of Austin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayde and Lynette Groh of Austin; Troy Groh of Austin; Chad and Michelle Groh of Austin; grandmother, Sally Groh of Lyle; cousins, an aunt and uncles.

She was preceded in death by two grandfathers, one grandmother and an aunt.

Service: Worlein Funeral Home Saturday, at 2 p.m.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour before the service on Saturday.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 1, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Mary A. Johnson, 59, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2000, at Owatonna Hospital.

Mary Martin was born May 20, 1941, in Austin to Esther Frisby and Charles Martin. Mary married Richard Johnson on May 1, 1963, in Mason City, Iowa. Mary was a homemaker all her life. They lived in Lyle until 1971 and moved back to Austin in 1982 and then to Owatonna in 1989.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Mary Barbara (Ken) Shuck and Cindy (Jeff) Bruce; a son, Richard Zachary (Charity) Johnson, all of Owatonna; brothers Charles (Molly) Martin, Austin, George Martin, Austin, Butch (Darlene) Martin, Inver Grove Heights, John (Jeanette) Martin, Austin; sisters: Alice Mae (Dennis) Whelan, Albert Lea, Elizabeth Tuttle, Coon Rapids; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, two sister-in-laws and a niece and nephew.

Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna with the Rev. Peter Klein officiating.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery in Newry.

Visitation: Friends may call at Brick-Postlewaite-Meger Funeral Home at 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and also at the church for an hour preceding the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 5, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Lois Iva Lunde 73 of Eden Prairie, and formerly of rural Austin, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2000, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina.

Lois Iva Skophammer, daughter of Thomas and Inanda (Kvidt) Skophammer, was born Jan. 7, 1927, in Freeborn County. She received her education in Albert Lea and worked at Munsingwear in Albert Lea as a seamstress.

On June 9, 1951, she married Olaf Lunde at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church parsonage. Following their marriage, the couple lived and farmed the Lunde family farm for 47 years.

In 1998, they moved to Eden Prairie to be near their children.

Lois was a member of Moscow Lutheran Church and WEICA in addition to teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school and serving as a 4-H leader.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, canning and letter-writing.

Survivors include husband, Olaf Lunde, Eden Prairie; four daughters, Jean Lunde, St. Paul, Ruth Lunde and her husband, Patrick Reagan, Hudson, Wisc., Barbara Lunde-Kvale and her husband, Thomas, Toledo, Ohio, and Becky Lunde-Olson and her husband, Michael, Chanhassen; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Skophammer and Duane Skophammer and his wife, Carmen, all of Albert Lea; one sister, Phyllis Ulland and her husband, Ross, Hollandale; and one uncle and cousins.

Service: 11 a.m. Monday at Moscow Lutheran Church, rural Oakland, with interim pastor Scott Duffus officiating.

Visitation: 3-5 p.m. today at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church Monday one hour before the service.

Interment: Moscow Lutheran Cemetery.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Wilbur F. "Wib" Volkart, 86, died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000, at Austin Medical Center.

He was born March 9, 1914, at LeRoy, Mower county, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Freda (Linde) Volkart. He graduated from LeRoy High School and married Ruby Lucille Whiteside March 26, 1942, at Osage, Iowa. His wife died August 10, 1991.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aircraft mechanic at Sarasota, Fla. until his discharge in 1946. He returned to LeRoy and worked as a mechanic for the LeRoy Farmers Co-op/John Deere.

Survivors include two sons, Mike and his wife, Cindy, Shakopee, and Jere and his wife, Nancy, Watertown, S.D.; one daughter, Sue and her husband Clay Spangenberg, Upper Marlboro, Md.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one sister, Beverly, and her husband Wayne Swancutt, New Port, Oregon.

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

Service: 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, LeRoy, with Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service today at the church.

Interment: LeRoy Cemetery.

[Austin Daily Herald, Sept. 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

James Albert Clayton, age 89, of Austin, Minnesota, and formerly of Brownsdale, Minnesota, died peacefully on July 21, 2009, at Austin Medical Center surrounded by his entire family.

Jim, as he was called, was born in Norman County, Minn. to Albert and Maude (Bircher) Clayton on June 21, 1920. After grade school he worked locally as a farmhand until 1936 when he moved to rural Brownsdale to work on his uncle Dick Clayton’s farm. He worked there and for other farmers until 1940 when he joined the National Guard at Moorhead, Minn. He was a corporal in the Army in the Pacific Theater of World War II for nearly five years. Upon discharge he returned to Brownsdale and started his 35-year employment at Hormel Foods. James had been retired from Hormel for nearly 30 years.

In 1946, Jim joined Our Savior's Lutheran Church and on March 30, 1946 he married Jeanette Rettig, who lives to mourn his death more than 63 years later.

During Jim’s 30 years of retirement he spent 22 winters in Ranchero Village in Weslaco, Texas. There he enjoyed many new friends, playing bridge and other card games, painting, fishing in the ocean, trips across the bridge to Mexico and a climate where he could wear shorts year ‘round. During Minnesota summers Jim enjoyed attending auctions where he often bought decrepit old furniture and turned them into beautiful finished antiques. He collected old silverware and spent hours identifying their patterns and age. Jim enjoyed cooking, fishing, camping, traveling and often combined these trips with square dancing.

Jim enjoyed years of morning coffee with his friends at Greenway in Brownsdale and at Lord and Irene’s in Weslaco. He was a lifetime member of the Austin VFW, and a volunteer fireman in Brownsdale for many years. He enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings.

Jim had three open heart surgeries, the first in 1971 where his prayer for “just three more years” was answered. He and his family were blessed with nearly 38 more years. He was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend anyone could ask for. Blessed be his memory.

Jim leaves three daughters: Mary Siet (Steven), Anne Fifer, Ruth Vale (Jim), and two sons: James R. (Raycy) and Stephen. He also leaves five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two sisters, and one sister-in-law (Lillian Rettig).

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, his best friend and son-in-law, Dr. William Fifer, and his beloved grandson, Michael Moses Peterson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, with Pastor Jeffrey Sage officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service, reception following.

[Austin Daily Heerald, July 26, 2009]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Esther Marie Bolstorff, age 95, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at Good Samaritan Center in Forest City, Iowa.

She was born October 3, 1905, to Aaron and Rose Thompson in rural Mower County, Minnesota. Esther graduated from Austin High School and taught school in Lyle, helped care for her parents and was a nursing assistant. She married Frank A. Bolstorff on Nov. 1, 1931, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin. They farmed near Lansing until moving to Grand Rapids. After 30 years they returned to Austin. Frank died on March 3, 1988. Esther moved to Forest City, Iowa, in March of this year and on the first of June moved into Good Samaritan Center.

Survivors include sons, Douglas (Helen) Bolstorff, Eagan; David (Donna) Bolstorff, Forest City, Iowa; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sisters, Carrie Nicholson, Sarasota, Fla.; Hazel Vadnais, St. Paul; brother, Ronnie Thompson, Lansing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank; two brothers, Lee and Reuben and one sister, Mable Thompson.

Service: 2 p.m. Friday, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church with the Rev. Myrwood Bagne officiating.

Interment: Lansing Cemetery. Casket bearers are Anthony Bolstorff, David Bolstorff, Douglas Bolstorff, Peter Bolstorff, Gretchen Steichen, Lynn Strole. Honorary casket bearers are Barbara Bolstorff and Kathy Bolstorff.

Visitation: Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service.

Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 2, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Elwood "Woody" Loberg, 76 of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, November 3, 2000, at Austin Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 19, 1924, to John and Minnie (Iverson) Loberg at Albert Lea. He served in the Army during World War II.

He married Jean Kemp in England in 1946 and worked for Hormel Foods Corp. for 35 years. He was a member of the Eagles, Moose Lodge, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations and St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Loberg, Austin; children, Barb (Dick) Ferson, Dexter, Dodie (Roy) Votruba, Winona, John (Virginia) Loberg, Germantown, Wis., and Roy (Mary) Loberg, Fridley; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Margerat.

Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Kris Wee officiating.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church Tuesday.

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

[Austin Daily Herald, November 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

#1 of 2 items:

Neva Viola Orcutt, 91, Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2000, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

She was born March 24, 1909, in Lyle, Mower county, Minnesota, to George and Selma (Johnson) Dufty. Neva lived in the Austin area all her life and was a teacher in the public school system for 46 years. She married George W. Orcutt in 1933 in Austin. She was a long-time member of the Austin Church of Christ and was a member of the Minnesota Education Association.

Survivors include her husband, George W. Orcutt, Austin; daughters, Joann (Harry) Stevens, Austin; Nancy Thatcher, Circle Pines; son, William (Barbara) Orcutt of Austin; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Della (Hugh) Thompson of Carrollton, Texas; Georgia Dufty of Dodge Center; brothers, Fred (Linda) Dufty of Streamwood, Illinois; Harland Dufty of Denver, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Violet Howard, and a brother, Irvin Dufty.

Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday at Worlein Funeral Home with the Rev. Russell Wangen officiating.

Interment: Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery. Casket bearers are Brian Barnett, Jay Barnett, Ben Orcutt, Alex Orcutt, Richard Hull, Murray Bollinger, Maria Stevens.

Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and at the church one hour before the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 3, 2000]

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#2 of 2 items:

Neva Orcutt, 91

Neva Viola Orcutt, 91, Austin, died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2000, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

She was born March 24, 1909, in Lyle to George and Selma (Johnson) Dufty. Neva lived in the Austin area all her life and was a teacher in the public school system for 46 years. She married George W. Orcutt in 1933 in Austin. She was a long-time member of the Austin Church of Christ and was a member of the Minnesota Education Association and was active in the Art and Travel Club.

Survivors include her husband, George W. Orcutt, Austin; daughters, Joann (Harry) Stevens, Austin, Nancy Thatcher, Circle Pines; son, William (Barbara) Orcutt of Austin; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Della (Hugh) Thompson of Carrollton, Texas, Georgia Dufty of Dodge Center; brothers, Fred (Linda) Dufty of Streamwood, Ill., Harlan Dufty of Denver, Colo.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Violet Howard, and a brother, Irvin Dufty.

Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday at Worlein Funeral Home with the Rev. Russell Wangen officiating.

Interment: Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery. Casket bearers are Brian Barnett, Jay Barnett, Ben Orcutt, Alex Orcutt, Richard Hull, Murray Bollinger, Maria Stevens.

Visitation: Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and at the funeral home one hour before the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 7, 2000]

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Irene Hilda Stewart, 96, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital.

She was born March 1, 1914, in Rochester. She married George W. Stewart and was a lifelong Rochester resident. She was a retired housekeeper at ReMac Motel.

She is survived by children, Barnetta Arnold, Austin, and Mary Lou Stewart, Rochester; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Mavis) Rausch, Rochester; and a sister, Emma (Orville) Quarstad, St. Paul.

She is preceded in death by her husband, two daughters, a son, and 10 brothers and sisters.

Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ranfranz Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeffrey Frese officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery

Visitation: One hour prior at Ranfranz Funeral Home.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 3, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Muriel C. Geannakouri, 78, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home, where she resided.

Muriel was born June 26, 1922, in Brandt, S.D. to Edgar and Josie (Hoven) Erickson. She was a homemaker, worked at Star Vending and did waitress work. Her hobbies included reading, crossward puzzles and playing cards. She volunteered for the DFL Party and she enjoyed visiting with friends and family.

She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law: Dianne and Charles Case, Heber Springs, Ariz., Mary and John Morrison, Austin, Marcia and Warren Perry, Austin; four grandchildren; one great grandson; brother, Duane Erickson, Medford, Ore.; sister, Delphia Talyor, Twin Peaks, Calif.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a grandson.

Visitation: The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home.

Private burial will be in the Kenneth Cemetery in Kenneth, Minnesota.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 7, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Robert R. Perry, 82 of Brownsdale, Mower county, Minnesota, died Sunday, November 5, 2000, after a brief illness at Austin Medical Center.

He was born in Rolling Green Township Oct. 1, 1918. He was employed for 34 years at Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin.

Survivors include his wife, Luella, Brownsdale, daughters, Joann (Paul) Green, Longmont, Colo., Phyllis (Richard) Sorensen, Rosemont; sons, Warren (Marcia) Perry, Austin, and Lloyd (Pam) Perry, Hopkins; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Myrtle Perry, a daughter, Judy, and a sister, Lela Curtis Reinartzson.

Service: Private family graveside services will be held.

Visitation: No reviewal or visitation is planned.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 7, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Olaf M. Johnson, 86, Rose Creek, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2000, at the Austin Medical Center, Austin, Mower county, Minnesota.

Olaf was born on October 26, 1914 in Mitchell County, Iowa, to Ole and Nellie (Smith) Johnson. He served in the U.S. Army, 3rd Battalion of the Medical Corp during World War II, 1942-1945.

He was united in marriage to Mary Monica Reagan on Jan. 8, 1951, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rose Creek. Olaf was owner-operator of Standard Oil in Rose Creek for many years, a charter member of the Rose Creek Fire Department for 34 years, past commander of the Adams American Legion and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. He enjoyed many fishing trips, caring for his garden and playing cards with his friends.

He is survived by his wife Monica Johnson, Rose Creek; sister; Marjorie Bugge, Austin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Muriel and George Hangge; sisters-in-law, Adele Reagan, Austin, Genevieve Reagan, Rose Creek; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Adeline Johnson and Mildred Peterson.

Service: A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Peter's Catholic Church with Father Ruben Spinler officiating.

Visitation: There will be a 7 p.m. wake service on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Interment: St. Peter's Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 146.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 9, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Tony Deblon, 49, died Friday, November 3, 2000, at the Hospice of the Valley Care Center, after a 13 month battle with prostate cancer.

He was born April 10, 1951, in Austin to Bill and June Deblon. Tony graduated from Austin High School, Austin Community College, and Austin VoTec with an associate degree in electronics. He worked for US West for 22 years and was an avid golfer. He will be missed very much by his friends there and his other family the Sebastians and friend Mikel.

Tony is survived by three sons: Tony, Nate, and Jesse; his mother, June; two sisters, Mary and Terri; and a brother, Bill.

He was preceded in death by his father Bill, and sister Fran.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower, Phoenix, Ariz. 85014 in memory of Anthony William Deblon.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 9, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Doris M. Gustafson, 73, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000, at Burr Oak Manor where she was a resident.

She was born on June 14, 1927, in Cannon Falls to Lars and Marie (Njos) Berg. She married Herbert Gustafson in Faribault. Doris had been a resident of Burr Oak Manor in Austin since 1984.

Survivors include daughters, Eileen (Dan) Dryke, Shelby Township, Mich., Nancy (Brian) Black, Oakgrove, Ore., Kathleen (Steve) Hernandez, Manvel, Texas, and Renee (Dann) Child, LaGrange, Ga.; son, Richard (Ruth) Weatherston Mountain View, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Mabel Ploumen, Cannon Falls, Caroline Himes, Cannon Falls, Evelyn Boser, Richfield, Louise Hagen, Glenwood; brothers, Oscar Berg, Long Prairie, Donald Berg, Hastings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Worlein Funeral Home with the Rev. James I. Mikkelson officiating.

Interment: Cannon Falls Cemetery in Cannon Falls.

Visitation: Friends may call one hour before the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 10, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Dail Delmar Lorimor, 79, of Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2000, at his home.

He was born Oct. 15, 1921, in Tracy to Loren Lorimor and Ida Pearl. He served in the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945 during World War II and fought in the battle of Peleliu Islands.

He married Grace V. Olson on March 24, 1946, at Hayward Lutheran Church, Hayward. He worked at George A. Hormel & Co. for 41 years, retiring in 1982. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and snowmobiling. He was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion and Eagles Club.

He is survived by his wife, Grace V. Lorimor, Austin; a son and daughter-in-law, Jack (Sheila) Lorimor, Austin; two daughters and son-in-law, Sherry (Richard) Beilke, Burnsville, and Kimberly Lorimor, Austin; two sisters, Inez Huber and Betty Bednar; a brother, Arnold "Barney" Lorimor; a grandson; two stepgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Frances Coyle; a brother, Lee Lorimor; and a half-sister, Mary Ann Pearl.

Service: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church with the Rev. Harold Deye officiating.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery, Austin. American Legion Post No. 91 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1216 are in charge of military rites. Honorary casketbearers are Brian Beilke and Andrew Erkeneff. Casketbearers are Brad Bednar, Dennis Bednar, Ronald Coyle, Bruce Olson, Gary Lorimor and Thomas Lorimor

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church one hour before the service on Tuesday.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 13, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Merriel Iris Kuether, age 88, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Sunday, November 12, 2000, at the Austin Medical Center.

She was born on February 11, 1912, in Cherokee County, Iowa to George D. and Gittie (Parcel) Good. She received her education in Iowa and Minnesota. On October 24, 1928, she was united in marriage to Ervin Frank Kuether at Danube, Minnesota. They moved to Olivia in 1938 and to Austin in 1952. Ervin died on Dec. 29, 1971.

Survivors include one son, Roger G. Kuether, Austin; one son-in-law, Myer Holien, Renville; one daughter-in-law, Ione Kuether, Rochester; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one daughter, Shirley Holien; two sons, Jerome and Daniel; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Service: 2 p.m., Thursday at Worlen Funeral Home with Brother Ed Petersen officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service on Thursday.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 16, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Gina Riste Stelter Elvidge, age 92, died Wednesday, November 15, 2000.

Gina Katherine Riste was born Jan. 21, 1908 to Oll Grundahl Riste and Anna (Mellum) Riste in Larchwood, Iowa. She was baptized at Rock Lutheran Church in Hills and confirmed at Opdahl Lutheran Church in Florence. She attended Twin Lakes Country School and Ruthton High School.

After her father died in 1919, the family moved to Florence, Minn. Upon completing her schooling, she worked for author Darragh Aldrich and family in Minneapolis.

On May 24, 1928, she and Ernest R. Stelter were married at Opdahl Lutheran Church, Florence. They lived in Marshall and Worthington, then farmed in rural Lynd, Wegdahl, Granite Falls and Clarkfield. She also worked with Ernest at their Minnow-O-Round Fishing Lure company in Boyd.

After moving to Granite Falls, Ernest died on March 29, 1960. She was employed as a chef at several restaurants in Granite Falls. She also enjoyed working as a salesperson for the Avon Company.

Gina and Roy B. Elvidge were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Granite Falls on Sept. 28, 1968. They lived in Marshall where she was employed at Kentucky Fried Chicken and the Marshall Country Club. Roy died Oct. 18, 1984.

She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary for over 50 years. She enjoyed fishing and gardening.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanine (Ramsey) Johnson, Austin; son and daughter-in-law, Duane (Donna) Stelter, Spicer; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Ernest Stelter and Roy Elvidge; sisters, Ida Riste and Irene Peschon and brother, Carl Riste.

Service: 1:30 a.m. Saturday at Wing Bain Funeral Home, 595 14th Ave., Granite Falls with Rev. Leo Deitemeyer officiating.

Interment: Hillcrest Cemetery, Granite Falls.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the charity of donor's choice or St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Granite Falls.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 16, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Maxine A. Fletcher, 80, resident of Brainerd, formerly of Austin, died Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.

She was born April 27, 1920, in Webster, S.D. to James and Olga (Kumm) Kellogg. She was employed as a packer for Hormel Company. Maxine married Galen Fletcher on April 23, 1944, in Austin. She move to Brainerd in 1990 after 67 years in Austin.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Merlyn (Shirley) Fletcher, Lakeshore; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Galen in 1998 and sister Lucille Kellogg.

Service: Funeral services were held Nov. 11 at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.

Interment: Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Brainerd.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 17, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Virginia Wackler, 85, died Sunday, November 19, 2000, at the Adams Health Care Center in Adams.

She was born October 10, 1915, in Deer River, to Ray Wood and Elma (Knutson) Wood and was raised on a farm near Taopi. She attended school through the eighth grade in Adams and in Feb. 1946, she was united in marriage to Harvey Wackler and they made their home in Kansas City, Mo.

She is survive by a brother John Wood and his wife Betty, Taopi; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother and two sisters.

No services are planned.

Interment: Little Cedar Cemetery rural Adams

Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home in LeRoy was in charge of arrangements.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 21, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

#1:

Marilyn Kay Solomonson, 60, Austin, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2000, at Waseca Medical Center in Waseca after a short illness.

She was born to Fredrick and Anna (Sonderland) Schwab on March 30, 1940, in Forest City, Iowa. Marilyn spent most of her childhood in Mason City, Iowa, with her mother, Anna Jensen; stepfather, Pete Jensen; and stepbrothers, Jewel Jensen, Rick Jensen and Mick Jensen. She was a 1958 graduate of Mason City High School and was active in school choir and many other activities. On Aug. 21, 1960, she married David Solomonson at North Prairie Lutheran Church in Scarville, Iowa. They moved to Austin in August 1963, where Marilyn worked at Tempo, Sears, Cedar Valley as an aide for the handicapped and as a home health aide for many years. She was active in the Austin Women Faculty Group, Austin Diabetes Group, St. Olaf Lutheran Church Book Study and Austin Senior Citizens Center. She loved to eat out with her friends, travel, go to parties and other social activities with her husband and spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include husband, David; sons, Mark (Becky) Solomonson, Byron; Steven (Rose) Solomonson, Shoreview; daughters, Pam (Scott) Rew, Waseca, Sara Solomonson, Waseca; seven grandchildren; mother, Anna Jensen of Waseca; stepbrother, Rick Jensen, Florida; Mick Jensen, Florida; aunt; uncle and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fredrick Schwab, her stepfather, Pete Jensen and a stepbrother Jewel Jensen.

Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Kristin K. Wee officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church one hour before the service.

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 21, 2000]

---

#2:

MARILYN KAY SOLOMONSON

AUSTIN, MINNESOTA - Marilyn Kay Solomonson, 60, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, November 20, 2000, at Waseca Medical Center in Waseca after a short illness.

She was born to Fredrick and Anna (Sonderland) Schwab on March 30, 1940 in Forest City, Iowa. Marilyn spent most of her childhood in Mason City, with her mother, Anna Jensen; stepfather, Pete Jensen; and stepbrothers, Jewel Jensen, Rick Jensen and Mick Jensen. She was a 1958 graduate of Mason City High School and was active in school choir and many other activities.

On Aug. 21, 1960, she was united in marriage with David Solomonson at North Prairie Lutheran Church in Scarville, Iowa. They moved to Austin in August 1963 where Marilyn worked at Tempo, Sears, Cedar Valley, as an aide for the handicapped and as a home health aide for many years.

She was active in the Austin Women Faculty Group, Austin Diabetes Group, St. Olaf Lutheran Church Book Study and Austin Senior Citizens Center.

She loved to eat out with her friends; travel, go to parties and other social activities with her husband and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She loved the people she worked with and will be sorely missed.

Survivors include her husband, David; sons, Mark (Becky) Solomonson, of Byron, Minn., and Steven (Rose) Solomonson, of Shoreview, Minn.; daughters, Pam (Scott) Rew, of Waseca, Minn., and Sara Solomonson, of Waseca, Minn.; grandchildren, Blair, Bryce and Brett Solomonson, Tyler, Alicia and McKinsy Rew, and Tehya Cleaves; mother, Anna Jensen of Waseca, Minn.; stepbrothers, Rick Jensen, of Florida, and Mick Jensen, of Florida; aunt, Galene Deines, of Florida; uncle, Stanford Sonderland, of Lake Mills; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fredrick Schwab; her stepfather, Pete Jensen and a step brother, Jewel Jensen.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minn. with the Reverend Kristin K. Wee officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Worlein Funeral Home, 1801 N.W. Fourth St. in Austin, Minn. and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or of the donor's choice.

Worlein Funeral Home, (507) 433-5000.

[Globe Gazette (Mason City Iowa) Nov. 21, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Debbie K. Sayles, 46, of Austin, Minnesota, died of breast cancer Monday, November 20, 2000, at Methodist Hospital, Rochester Minn.

She was born April 25, 1954, in Austin, to Robert and Dorothy (Majerus) Mandt. She graduated form Rose Creek High School in 1972 and attended the Austin Junior College. She worked at Methodist Hospital for about a year as a nurse's aide. Debbie married Dean Sayles, on Sept. 7, 1974, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Rose Creek. She had worked at Sacred Heart Hospice as a nurses aide for a few years. Debbie began working at the Wee Learning Center as a teacher's aide.

She was very committed to teaching her young students and loved being involved with them. Debbie loved children and was in charge of the Queen of Angels nursery. She also was very involved in all aspects of the Enterprise 4-H Group including being an adult leader for a number of years, the local and state fairs, and different exhibits. She had worked with the cancer support group and relay for life and she was on the Austin Town Board as an elections clerk. Debbie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Dean Sayles, Austin; daughter, Julie Sayles, Austin; sons, Scott Sayles, Austin, Craig Sayles, Austin; parents, Robert and Dorothy Mandt, Rose Creek; brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry (Ruth) Mandt, Vancouver, B.C., Al (Brenda) Mandt, Rose Creek; sister, Jodi Mandt, Bloomington; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Dorothy Sayles, Austin; brother-in-law, Wayne Sayles, Austin; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy (Jim) Bartlett, Austin, Rhonda (Dean) Borgstahl, Owatonna, Karen (Rick) Sundberg, Austin; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, brother-in-law, Mark Sayles.

Service: 1:30 p.m. Friday at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with the Rev. Virgil S. Duellman officiating. Soloist will be Cece Kroc.

Interment: Enterprise Cemetery in Austin. Honorary bearers are Rita Hanegraaf, Janet Jacobsen, Janet Stephenson, Mary Anne Romeo, Pat Morse, Patty Sayles, Jenny Smith.

Casket bearers are Randy Stephenson, Sheldon Sayles, Larry Jensen, Dave Morse, Chuck Romeo, Bob Jacobsen

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with a 5:30 p.m. Rosary and 7:30 p.m. prayer service also on Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.

There will be no reviewal

[Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, November 22, 2000]

©2009 MNGenWeb