Helen L. Murphy, 97, of Grand Meadow, and formerly Austin, died Thursday, May 9, 2002, at Meadow Manor Nursing Home, Grand Meadow.

She was born on December 18, 1904, in Kansas City, Missouri, to William and Clara (Eastlee) Orcutt.

Helen grew up in the Lyle area, graduated from Lyle High School and received teacher training in Austin.

On Nov. 19, 1938, she married Thomas L. Murphy in Austin.

Helen taught at several country schools for 15 years. She was also a homemaker and delivered eggs to several area families. The couple moved to Austin in 1979, where Helen remained until May of 1999 when she moved to the Meadow Manor Nursing Home in Grand Meadow. She enjoyed Bible study, cooking and baking angel food cake and doughnuts.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jerry Swank, Austin; two grandchildren; brother, George Orcutt, Austin; sister, Mary Jean Austin, Albert Lea; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, Evan Orcutt and John Orcutt.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at First Baptist Church in Austin with the Rev. R. Allan Flint officiating. Organist will be Vicki Heers and soloist will be Walter Tomhave. Casket bearers will be Jeff Campbell, Noel Austin, Terri Ihlow, Bill Orcutt, Jacob Swank and Cassandra Campbell.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Austin.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Harold M. Myrland, 86, of Austin, died Friday, May 17, 2002, at his home.

He was born June 14, 1915, in Zearing, Iowa to William and Clara (Helvig) Myrland. He grew up in Roland, Iowa and graduated from Roland High School in 1933. In 1937, he graduated from Luther College in Decora, Iowa with a degree in mathematics.

On July 9, 1939, he married Genevieve Brooks at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nevada, Iowa.

On March 9, 1942, he joined Hormel Foods. In August 1943, he was inducted into the United States Army. When he was honorably discharged in 1945, he returned to Austin and Hormel. When he retired from Hormel 36 years later, he was Corporate Manager of Industrial Engineering.

He was a member of the Masons, Kiwanis and SCORE. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin, where he was an Elder, Deacon, choir member and Sunday School teacher.

He was an avid student of business, loved to travel, was an expert woodworker and helped retired people with their taxes.

Survivors include wife, Genevieve Myrland, Austin; daughters and son-in-law, Diana and Ken Lewis, Sunfish Lake; Karen Gooch, Edina; one granddaughter; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Herbert Hansen, Carvallis, Ore.; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Willard Myrland.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., today, May 20, 2002, at the funeral home and Tuesday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 2 p.m., Tuesday, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin with the Rev. Andrew M. Lindahl officiating. Organist will be Darlene Berhow and soloist will be Jeannie King. Casket bearers will be Dick Robinson, James Phillips, Lonnie DeLaney, Jordan Bergland, Carroll King, Don Myrland and Dick Myrland.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Memorials: To State Services for the Blind, 2200 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55114-1840 or to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 802 Fourth Street SW, Austin, MN 55912.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Hazel S. Naversath, 91, of Austin, and formerly of Lyle, died Monday, May 20, 2002 at Sacred Heart Care Center, Austin, Mower county, Minnesota.

She was born July 19, 1910, in Lyle, to W.B. and Lizzie (Olson) Helfritz. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lyle.

She was educated in the Lyle schools and attended nurses training at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin.

On Oct. 11, 1939, she married Orville B. Naversath in Lyle. They farmed near Toeterville, Iowa. They later moved to Lyle where Hazel resided until moving to Sacred Heart Care Center in June 2000.

She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school for several years. She was also a member of Naomi Circle.

Survivors include sisters, Gladys Jorgenson, Austin; Lois Quindt, Grinnell, Iowa; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Beverly Helfritz, Austin; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and one sister.

Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m., today, May 22, 2002, at the funeral home and Thursday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lyle with the Rev. Barbara Finley-Shea officiating. Organist will be Pam Sampson and soloist will be Brad Nelson. Casket bearers will be Jim Jorgenson, Terry Jorgenson, Nathan Jorgenson, Larry Murphy, Larry Helfritz and Bill Helfritz.

Interment: Six Mile Grove Lutheran Cemetery, Lyle.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Lewis C. "Lewie" Neubauer, 78, of Austin, died Friday, May 17, 2002, at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born June 28, 1923, in Austin, to Fred and Marion (Lewis) Neubauer.

On May 10, 1947, he married Bonnie Holm at Central Presbyterian Church in Austin. Lewie was a retired employee of the George A. Hormel Company. He loved spending time with his family, friends and Willie. He also loved to read and listen to music, especially Jazz.

Survivors include wife, Bonnie Neubauer, Austin; daughters, Diane Wacholz, Austin; Denise Neubauer, Brooklyn Park; two grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Lorraine Hensel, Denver, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation: The family will greet friends following the service.

Service: 1 p.m. memorial service, Friday, May 24, 2002, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church with Revs. Andrew Lindahl and Robert Morgan officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Julie Ann Noterman, 48, of Phoenix, Ariz. died May 2, 2002, at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

She was born May 5, 1953, in Austin, Mower county, Minnesota, to Arnold and Helen (Gerber) Noterman. They lived on the family farm south of Adams. She graduated as valedictorian in 1971 from Adams High School. In 1975, she received a degree in biology from Carleton College.

She moved to Tucson, Ariz. and from 1975 to 1981 worked as a research assistant at the department of radiology, University Medical Center. She also worked as a research technician in the department of internal medicine at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Tucson. After years of research work, she founded and published the Tucson LifeLine, a newspaper for alternative health and awareness. In the 1980s, she founded and published Ecocultural Perspectives which replaced LifeLine. After shutting down publication, she moved to Phoenix, Ariz. in the early 1990s where she became a founder of the Institute for the Celebration of Cultural Diversity (ICCD) and became involved with International Friends of Transformative Art (IFTA). She worked at Browne of Phoenix where she met her husband, Stephen Michael Barnes. She became a quality assurance manager. She completed her masters degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University in December 2001.

She was the author of a book of poetry, 'Bloodletting,' and enjoyed photography, collage work and stained glass and studied alternative healing methods and spirituality.

Survivors include husband; mother, Helen Noterman, Adams; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Teresa and Gary Smith, Adams; Claire and Roger Simon, Adams; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and John Merdan, Avon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary Noterman, Adams; Gene Noterman, Adams; Fredric Noterman, Adams; Edward and Maureen Noterman, Adams; Daniel and Karen Noterman, Adams; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents and infant brother.

Service: Was at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Phoenix, Ariz.

Funeral Home: Whitney-Murphy Funeral Home, Phoenix, Ariz.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Violet H. Pater, 78, of Waltham, died Monday, May 27, 2002, at the Austin Medical Center.

She was born Oct. 28, 1923, in Ada, to Albert and Mathilda (Mueller) Wutschke. On Dec. 1, 1940, she married Albert Pater at Trinity Lutheran Church near Waltham. Violet enjoyed spending time with her family and camping with friends.

Survivors include husband, Albert, Waltham; daughter, Marlys and Charles Zane, Minnesota City; sons, Darrell Pater, Waltham; Dennis Pater, Waltham; Scott and Shelly Pater, Waltham; Tim and Lynn Pater, Byron; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Rose Techau, Owatonna; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, one sister and a great-grandson.

Visitation: Family will greet friends at a luncheon following the service at the church on Saturday.

Service: 1:30 p.m. memorial service, Saturday, June 1, 2002, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church near Waltham with Pastor John Heruth officiating.

Interment: St. Michael's Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 30, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Beverly A. "Babe" Peterson, 62, of Austin, died Monday, May 6, 2002, at her home.

She was born Nov. 8, 1939, in Bagley, to Iver and Eva (Pratt) Johnson. She moved to Austin with her family when she was young and graduated from Austin High School. She worked for the Hormel Foods Corporation from 1957 until the present time.

On June 29, 1963, she married Ronald Peterson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Beverly was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the St. Olaf Church Choir. She enjoyed spending time with family, grandchildren, going to the races and gardening.

Survivors include husband, Ronald Peterson, Austin; sons and daughters-in-law, Bradley and Annette Peterson, Brownsdale; Timothy and Alexa Dolan Peterson, Austin; daughter, Cathrene Peterson, Austin; six grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Helen Johnson, Austin; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Dan McNally, Waukesha, Wis.; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wally and Barb Peterson of Blooming Prairie; Patty Peterson, Spokane, Wash.; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister and one nephew.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., today, May 8, 2002, at the funeral home and Thursday at the church one hour before the service.

Service: 2 p.m., Thursday, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roberta Flood officiating. Organist will be Neal Erickson and soloist will be Pat Hulet. Casket bearers will be Eric Johnson, Mark Hunter, Joseph Hunter, Richard Johnson, Jr., Daniel Bjerke and Todd Johnson.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Thelma P. Rathjen, 88, of Austin, died Thursday, May 23, 2002 at the Austin Medical Center.

She was born August 9, 1913, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, to Lou and Louise (Pingle) Skou. She attended school in Alden, Iowa, and graduated as salutatorian of her class.

In 1931, she was married to Alvie Bahr in Buckeye, Iowa. They farmed in the Alden and Buckeye area until 1952 when they moved to a farm north of St. Ansgar.

On June 12, 1976 she married Elmer Rathjen of Austin. The couple farmed near Austin until they retired in 1995. They moved to the Cedars of Austin where she resided at the time of her death. She was a seamstress and had a huge garden on the farm and loved flowers and reading.

Survivors include husband Elmer Rathjen, Austin; children Marylyn and Allen Hofland, St. Ansgar, Dallas Bahr, Austin, Marlene and Russell Hulshizer, St. Ansgar, Craig and Jill Bahr, Bettendorf, Iowa, Mary and Russell Bissen, Stacyville; step children, Lee and Ruth Rathjen, Austin, Joyce and Bruce Blank, Phoenix, Ariz., Edwina Wayne, Pequot Lakes; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; sisters Nova Smith, Kansas City, Mo., Wilma Gehrke, Iowa Falls, Iowa, Anne Brookshier, Lexington, Kan.

She was preceded in death by her husband Alvie; parents; son, Delmar; grandsons, David and Peter.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 26, 2002, at Mayer Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church on Monday.

Service: 1 p.m., Monday, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Joe Schularick officiating.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 25, 2002

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#2:

THELMA P. RATHJEN

AUSTIN, Minn. - Thelma P. Rathjen, 88, died Thursday, (May 23, 2002) at the Austin Medical Center.

Her funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Grace Lutheran Church, with Pastor Joe Schularick officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Mayer Funeral Home, 600 Second St. N.W., Austin, Minn., and will continue one hour before the service at the church Monday.

Thelma was born Aug. 9, 1913, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, to Lou and Louise (Pingle) Skou. She attended school at Alden, Iowa, and graduated as salutatorian of her class.

In 1931 she was united in marriage to Alvie Bahr at Buckeye, Iowa. They farmed in the Alden and Buckeye area until 1952, when they moved to a farm north of St. Ansgar.

On June 12, 1976, she was united in marriage to Elmer Rathjen of Austin. The couple farmed near Austin until they retired in 1995. They moved to the Cedars of Austin, where she resided at the time of her death.

Thelma was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was an excellent seamstress and had a huge garden on the farm and loved flowers and reading.

Survivors include her husband, Elmer Rathjen, Austin; children, Marylyn and Allen Hofland, St. Ansgar, Dallas Bahr, Austin, Marlene and Russell Hulshizer, St. Ansgar, Craig and Jill Bahr, Bettendorf, and Mary and Russell Bissen, Stacyville; stepchildren, Lee and Ruth Rathjen, Austin, Joyce and Bruce Blank, Phoenix, Ariz., and Ewina Wayne, Pequot Lakes, Minn.; 26 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Nova Smith, Kansas City, Mo., Wilma Gehrke, Iowa Falls, and Anne Brookshier, Lexington, Kan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvie; parents; son, Delmar; and grandsons, David and Peter.

Mayer Funeral Home, (507) 433-1817

[ Globe Gazette, May 24, 2002 ]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Marion Arthur Sash, 85, died Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at the Austin Medical Center, Austin.

He was born Aug. 6, 1916, to Lewis and Minnie (Riefschnieder) Sash in Laurel, Iowa. The Sash family moved to the family farm near Brownsdale.

On Sept. 13, 1942, he married Lorraine Buxton at the Church of Christ in Austin.

Marion farmed in the Brownsdale area all his life. He loved carpentry, worked as an electrician helper and put up steel dome buildings on farms. He also loved company of family and home.

Survivors include wife, Lorraine Sash, Brownsdale; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Debbie Sash, Eldon, Mo.; Ben and Lalia Sash, Denver, Colo.; Thomas Sash, Plant City, Fla.; Norm and Cindy Sash, Portland, Ore.; Carl and Nancy Sash, Jacksonville, Ore.; daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Rick Slatter, New Castle, Calif.; Leah and Ed Tuter, Colorado Springs, Colo.;

19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers and sister-in-law, Ray and Evangeline Sash, Austin; Elmer Sash, Brownsdale; sisters, Freda Heikes, Mantorville; Blanche Tarvestad, Phoenix, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Inez Heikes, Faye Heikes and Florence Browning.

Visitation: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2002, at the funeral home.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home with Rev. Randy Petersen officiating.

Interment: Greenwood Cemetery, Brownsdale.

Funeral Home: Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, Brownsdale.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Albert Lee Schmeichel, 82, of Hastings, and formerly of Austin, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002, at Regina Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 31, 1919, in McLaughlin, S.D., to John and Elizabeth Schmeichel. In June 1942, he married Stella Perry. He was employed with the Hormel Meat Company for nearly 40 years until his retirement.

Survivors include wife, Stella Schmeichel, Hastings; son, Charles (Lisa) Schmeichel, San Francisco, Calif.; daughters, Barbara, Nevada; Suzanne (Gary) Gerlach, St. Paul; Joan (John) Samuelson, Hastings; Jean Schmeichel, Mendota Heights; Ann (Craig Anderson) Schmeichel, Elkton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the chapel.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2002, at Regina Chapel in Hastings with Father John Marley officiating. Pallbearers will be John Samuelson, Gary Gerlach, Craig Anderson, Josh Samuelson, Jerad Samuelson and Jim Schmeichel.

Interment: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery, Hastings.

Funeral Home: Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, Hastings.

Austin Daily Herald, May 1, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Tillie Marie Senjem, 99, of Hayfield, died Sunday, May 5, 2002.

She was born December 14, 1902, in Sargeant Township, Mower county, Minnesota, to Ole Pederson (Dragge) Johnson and Annie Marie Hegna. She spent her childhood on the Johnson family farm, Hayfield. She was baptized and confirmed at Evanger Lutheran Church.

On Sept. 15, 1926, she married Earl Oswald Senjem at Evanger Lutheran Church. They spent their first years in the Rock Dell area. In 1932, the couple moved to Hayfield, where they remained. Tillie was a homemaker.

Tillie and Earl loved to fish at Lake Kabetogama, Winnebigosh, Lake of the Woods and Mille Lacs Lake.

Tillie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Hayfield and Grace Circle.

Survivors include husband, Earl Senjem, Hayfield; son and daughter-in-law, Beaumont and Ruth Senjem, Hayfield; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel Senjem, Rochester; nieces and nephews.

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

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at the funeral home and one hour before the service on Wednesday.

Service: 10 a.m., Wednesday, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield with Rev. Stephan Sandness officiating.

Interment: Fairview Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, Hayfield.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Alvin Sprandel, 82, of Austin, died Friday, May 3, 2002, at the Veteran's Admin-istration Medical Center, Minneapolis.

He was born Oct. 5, 1920, in Sleepy Eye, to Herman and Amelia (Benson) Sprandel.

On May 25, 1940, he married Katherine Haley in Northwood, Iowa.

Alvin entered the United States Army June 26, 1944, serving in World War II where, as a field lineman, he installed, repaired and maintained permanent military telephone and telephone lines. He spent eight months overseas and was honorably discharged Jan. 28, 1946, at Camp McCoy, Wis.

He lived in the Austin area most of his life where he was employed by George A. Hormel & Co. for 45 years.

He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting and gardening.

He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the VFW and American Legion.

Survivors include daughters, Patricia (Charles) Noel, Cambridge; Janice (Robert) Shuck, Albert Lea; sons, Donald (Barbara) Sprandel, Austin; Richard (Lisa) Sprandel, Walker; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Katherine; two sisters; two brothers; one granddaughter.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at the funeral home and Wednesday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m., Wednesday, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert Stohlmann officiating.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Lewis D. "Poncho" Sorensen, 15, of rural Dexter, died Sunday, May 5, 2002, in a motor vehicle accident.

He was born April 8, 1987, to Lewis D. Doss and Brenda R. Sorensen in Austin.

A lifelong resident of the Dexter area and a student at Southland Schools in Adams, he was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Elkton and of the Red Rock Rangers 4-H club in Brownsdale.

Survivors include brothers, Lance Sorensen and Kenny Horne, both of rural Dexter; grandmother, Charlotte Sorensen, rural Dexter; uncles, aunts, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Sorensen; and grandfather, Donald Sorensen.

Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at the funeral home and Thursday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m., Thursday, at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Elkton with the Rev. Daniel Wee officiating.

Interment: Union Cemetery, Bixby.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Frances L. Stolzenberg, 80, of Austin, died Tuesday, May 28, 2002, at her home.

She was born March 8, 1922, in Red Wing, to Carl and Catherine (Toner) Benson. She graduated from Red Wing High School with the class of 1940, went on to the University of Minnesota and graduated from Nurse Training in 1944. After graduating from college, she enlisted in the United States Army Nurse Corps. She served in India and, after 16 months of service, she was discharged and worked in Michigan for several years before becoming Director of Nursing Services at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin.

On June 20, 1967 she married Ray Stolzenberg in Red Wing. Frances retired from nursing in 1978.

Survivors include husband, Raymond Stolzenberg, Austin.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., today, May 30, 2002, with a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and a 6:30 p.m. wake service and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91, VFW Post #1216 and Austin Spam Post #570.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 30, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

David E. Thompson, 74, of Staples, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at Greater Staples Hospital.

He was born October 11, 1927, in Austin to Melvin and Alice (Albright) Thompson. He grew up and attended school in Austin. From 1946-1941 he was a member of the Merchant Marines. After his service in the Merchant Marines he returned to Austin and worked as a dry cleaner.

In 1968, he moved to Minneapolis and was a manager of a dry cleaning business until his retirement in 1998. In 1999, he moved to Staples, Minn.

Survivors include wife, Billie Thompson, Staples, Minn,; son Steven (Anne) Thompson, Rochester; brothers, Glenn (Margaret) Thompson, Rochester, Benny Thompson, Austin, Ronald (Lorene) Thompson, Fla., Lowell (Mary) Thompson, Rochester, Daniel (Carol) Thompson, Fairfax; sisters, Wanda (Carstin) Overby, Austin, Nancy (Vernon) Tripp, Salt Lake City, Utah, Sandra (Jack) Petersen, Albert Lea, Judith (Darwin) Moon, Wanamingo; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Thompson; sister, Theo Thompson.

Visitation: One hour before the service on Monday at the mortuary.

Service: 1 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2002, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with Bishop Robert Flatt officiating.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Tilmen Maynard Tollefson, 87, of Blooming Prairie, died Sunday, May 12, 2002, at Prairie Manor.

He was born May 30, 1914, to Tollef and Serena (Ruluf) Tollefson in Freeborn County. He grew up near Red Oak Grove.

On Oct. 6, 1934, he married Verlie E. Christianson in Albert Lea. The couple moved to Hollandale in 1941 where they farmed, raising vegetables. In 1962, they bought the family farm where they lived until they moved to Blooming Prairie in 1978. He enjoyed building and repairing things and playing cards. He was a member of the Eagles Club, the Moose Lodge and a lifetime member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

Survivors include son, Darrel (Marlene) Tollefson, Burnsville; Jean Gappa, Albert Lea; Judy (Robert) Remker, Blooming Prairie; 10 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Arnie; sister, Tilla Trihus.

Visitation: 5 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at the funeral home and Wednesday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in rural Austin with Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating.

Interment: Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home.

Memorials: To Red Oak Grove Church, Prairie Manor or United Cerebral Palsy.

Austin Daily Herald, May 13, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Gertrude E. Toth, 80, of Austin, died Sunday, May 12, 2002, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home. She was born July 24, 1921. She married James Toth. She worked as a dietary aide.

Survivors include daughters, Patti Toth, Austin; Trudy Mueller, Owatonna; two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Toth.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Service: 11 a.m. memorial service, Saturday, May 18, 2002, at Crane Community Chapel with Pastor Randy Petersen officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Martha Tuinder, 90, of Austin, died Thursday, May 16, 2002, at Sacred Heart Care Center. She was born July 18, 1911, in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Henry and Henrietta (Meffert) Schipper.

On Aug. 30, 1930, she married Jacob G. Tuinder in Austin. She was a homemaker who enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, and being with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Tena and Johnnie Jansen, Brownsdale; Donna and Lincoln Cole, Austin; son and daughter-in-law, Jacob Jr. and Linda Tuinder, Wilmer, Ala.; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, sisters, one grandchild, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., today, May 19, 2002, at the funeral home and one hour before the service at the church on Monday.

Service: 11 a.m., Monday, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Pastor Stephen Kurtzahn officiating.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

#1 of 2 items:

Ruby Wells-Kulas, 78, of Austin died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 in McAllen, Texas.

She was born in Blue Earth, Minn. March 27, 1923 to Andrew and Hilda (Carlson) Olson. She graduated from Austin High School. She married Louis Graff in 1947, who passed away 1953. In 1970, she married Wright Wells and was widowed in 1977. In 1998, she married Lambert Kulas, of Austin, who survives her in death.

She worked at Northwestern Bell for two years and was stationed at the Naval Unit Radio Communications headquarters in Miami, Fla. until December 1945. She was a Red Cross volunteer, a patron and board member of the YWCA where she taught bridge. A disabled veteran, she was a member of DOES, SPAM Post American Legion and Eagles Auxiliary.

She is also survived by sons Duane L. "Dewey" Graff, of Edina, and Eric H. Wells, of Minneapolis.

Service: Pending.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Memorials: Chrysalis Center for Women, 4432 Chicago Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55407.

Austin Daily Herald, ca. Feb. 10, 2002

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#2 of 2 items:

Ruby F. Wells-Kulas, 78, of Austin, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, in McAllen, Texas.

She was born March 27, 1923, in Blue Earth, to Andrew Olson and Hilda Carlson. She graduated from Austin High School. After two years of employment with Northwestern Bell, she enlisted in the WAVES, attending boot camp at Hunter College in New York and radio training in Oxford, Ohio. She was stationed in Miami, Fla. with the Seventh Naval Unit Radio Communications HQ until December 1945.

She married Louis Graff in 1947. He died in 1953. In 1970, she married Wright Wells. He died in 1977. In 1998, she married Lambert Kulas of Austin.

Ruby was a Red Cross volunteer and a patron and board member of the YWCA where she taught bridge. A disabled veteran, she was a member of DOES, SPAM Post American Legion and Eagles Auxiliary.

Survivors include husband, Lambert Kulas; sons, Duane Graff, Edina; Eric Wells, Minneapolis; one granddaughter.

Visitation: One hour before the service.

Service: 2 p.m. memorial service, Saturday, June 1, 2002, at Worlein Funeral Home with the Rev. Orlin Mandsager officiating.

Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Dexter.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 29, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Kenneth G. Williamson, 76, of Austin, died Thursday, May 23, 2002, at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born January 6, 1926 in Udolpho Township, Minn., to Joseph and Selma (Lee) Williamson.

On April 11, 1947 he was married to Margaret Viola Olstad in Blooming Prairie. He enjoyed spending time with his family along with fishing, hunting, woodworking, camping and his dog, Leetzie.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Eagles Club and a lifetime member of the VFW. He was a retired employee of Hormel Foods.

Survivors include his wife Marge Williamson, Austin; daughters, Mary Kaye (Wayne) Peterson, Austin, Cathy (Robert Lee) Tidemann, Austin, Debra (Jerry) Horejsi, Kasson, LuAnn (Doug) Reimers, Austin, Merry Austin (Robert) Wagner, Austin; son, Dennis (Karen Jensen) Williamson, Winona; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Syrlene) Williamson, Austin; sisters, Maxine Miller, Blooming Prairie, Sylvia (Clayton) Swenson, Blooming Prairie, Lorraine (Merlin) Turvold, Belvidere, Ill.; sister-in-law, Lorene Williamson, Blooming Prairie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, one granddaughter.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2002, at Mayer Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.

Service: 1 p.m., Wednesday, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Harold Deye officiating.

Interment: Red Oak Grove Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and VFW Post #1216.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 25, 2002

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Louise Elizabeth Wood, 83, of Austin, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at Austin Medical Center.

She was born, April 2, 1919, in Dodge Center to Alexander and Bertha (Schuck) Weir. She graduated from Austin High School in 1936. In October 1937, she married Willard Wood.

She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, UMW and enjoyed her involvement with the annual bazaar and chicken and biscuit luncheon. Two years ago, the couple moved from their home to the St. Marks Apartments and she was a resident of St. Marks Lutheran Home more recently.

Survivors include husband; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Sharen Wood, Apple Valley; one grandson; three great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by brothers and sisters.

Visitation: 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2002, at the church.

Service: 11 a.m., Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Austin with the Rev. Patricia Toschak officiating. Organist will be Ruth Monson and soloist will be Debbie King Quale.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Dodge Center.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

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Elmer Luverne Wuertz, 80, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, May 28, 2002, at Abbot Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis.

He was born Oct. 15, 1921, in Lakeville, to Bernhard G. and Dorthea (Bolgren) Wuertz. He was baptized Nov. 3, 1921, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rosemount and later moved with his parents back to the Waltham area where he was raised, went to school and helped on the family farm. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church May 9, 1935.

After graduation from Austin High School in 1939, he began working at Geo. A. Hormel & Co. He joined the Army and served as an X-ray technician during World War II in North Africa and Europe.

After the war, he returned to Austin and married Sadie M. Greer on Oct. 7, 1945, in Lanesboro. They had two daughters. Sadie died April 2, 1976.

He married Lorraine D. Meyer on Sept. 29, 1979, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Austin where they made their home. They spent winters in Harlingen, Texas.

A member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Elmer was involved in church council, radio broadcast, Lutheran Laymen's League and the Sunday School program. He belonged to the American Legion Honor Guard, which included the funeral unit, and participated in parades.

He enjoyed friends and family, Minnesota Twins Baseball, square dancing and tinkering with cars and motors.

Survivors include wife, Lorraine Wuertz, Poway, Calif.; daughters, Margaret Schuster, Minneapolis; Mary Liston, Rochester Hills, Mich.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Sadie; two children in infancy.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., today, May 30, 2002, at the funeral home and Friday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m., Friday, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. William Natzke officiating.

Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Waltham with military rites by American Legion Post 91.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 30, 2002

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Bertha Francis Yarwood, 93, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, May 10, 2002 at Austin Medical Center.

She was born May 24, 1908 to Henry and Mary (Davis) Orth in Illinois.

She married Ray L. Yarwood on November 11, 1926 at her home in Austin. A lifelong Austin and Lansing area resident, Bertha loved her garden, flowers and her yard. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her family. She was a member of Lansing United Methodist Church where she belonged to Ladies Aid.

Survivors include her daughter Rosemary Kuether of Austin; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Gladys Swanson of Austin; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ray; parents; four brothers and two sisters.

Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 12, 2002 and one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Service: 11 a.m., Monday at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dennis Tamke officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Memorials: To the American Heart Association.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Jack Charles Yauger, 76, of Austin, died Tuesday, December 25, 2001, at Fieldcrest Nursing Home in Hayfield, Minnesota, of cancer.

He was born Oct. 2, 1925, in Fort Worth, Texas to Lines M. and Bessie Pottorff Yauger. He moved to Austin in 1931 where he graduated from Austin High and Austin Vocational School. He joined the Navy in 1943, serving in the Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1946. He served in the Korean War.

On Oct. 23, 1949, he married Darlene Hatfield at First United Methodist Church in Austin. He was employed at Hormel Foods Corporation as a mechanic until retirement in 1984 and at the Cedar River Country Club. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include wife, Darlene, Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Jim Locke, Hayfield; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cherry Yauger, Le Center; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Arnold Dahl, Wabasha; Robert Hatfield, Austin; Ronald and Virginia Hatfield, Austin; sisters-in-law, Pauline Hoff, Austin; Joan and Richard List, Austin; Betty and Ralph Farley, Phoenix, Ariz.; nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Emma Belle and Mary; brothers, Alen and Lewis.

Service: 10:30 a.m. graveside service, Friday, May 10, 2002, at the cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

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Charles Wilson Zook, 68, of Perry, Iowa, died Sunday, May 5, 2002, at Perry Lutheran Home, Perry, Iowa of complications of cancer.

He was born Sept. 27, 1933, in Austin, Minnesota, where he grew up. He graduated from Austin High School.

On July 17, 1955, he married Helen Marie Fisher at St. John's Lutheran Church in Stewartville. The couple lived in Perry and Waukee, Iowa. Charles was a longtime employee with the railroad and transportation industry.

He was a member of First Methodist Church of Perry and Teamsters Local 147 in Iowa. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed antiquing, woodworking and collecting model railroad cars.

Survivors include son, Douglas Zook, Bagley, Iowa; daughter, Jacqueline Zook, Madison, Wis.; two grandchildren; one great-grandson; sisters, Deanna (William) Hulme, Ramsey; Marsha Hovland, Minneapolis; Sherri (Changeez) Banikarim, Laluz, N.M.; Fanchion Corkill, Austin.

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

Visitation: Wednesday at the funeral home for one hour before the service.

Service: 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at the funeral home with the Rev. Jef Olson officiating.

Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Griffin-Gray Funeral Home, Stewartville.

Austin Daily Herald, May 2002

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Rachel "Clare" Alger, 90, of Austin, died Thursday, June 13, 2002, at Adams Heath Care Center.

She moved to Austin in 1996 to be near family. She and Floyd Alger lived most of their married life in Bismarck. Floyd died in 1992.

She was a full-time mother.

Survivors include children, Dick Alger, Austin; David Alger, Detroit Lakes; Marion Alger Volk, Lake Arrow Head, Calif.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

Service: A private memorial service in Bismarck, N.D. is pending.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 20, 2002]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Merle Peter Andersen, 72, of Austin, died Saturday, June 1, 2002, at VA Medical Center, Minneapolis.

He was born on July 4, 1929, in Austin, to Theordore and Ethel (McCorkill) Andersen.

On June 29, 1953, he married Donna Bakken in Austin.

Merle served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Employed by Weyerhaeuser of Austin, he enjoyed fishing, gardening and his grandchildren.

Survivors include wife, Donna, Austin; sons, Rick, Tulsa, Okla.; Mark, Austin; Dan (Tamara), Sand Spring, Okla.; Nicholas, Austin; daughters, Vicky (Mike) Arndt, Austin; Patti (Ed) Clarke, Tulsa, Okla.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Theordore, Lansing; Kenneth (Sadie), Lyle; Paul (Trish), Lyle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Julie McGuire; brothers, Bill and Jack.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2002, and one hour before the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home with Pastor Randy Petersen officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 4, 2002]

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George M. Barnett, 68, of New Brighton, has died.

Survivors include mother, Florence Holmquist; sons, Brian (Lisa); Jay (Jane); former wife, Nancy Thatcher; three grandchildren; brother, William (Lauretta).

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., today, at the funeral home.

Service: 10:30 a.m. graveside service, Wednesday, June 26, 2002, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Lane #5.

Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Washburn-McReavy Northeast Chapel, Minneapolis.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 25, 2002]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Bernice Amelia Berg, 96, formerly of Austin, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at St. John's Lutheran Home, Albert Lea.

She was born June 1, 1906, at Altura, to Oscar W. and Martha (Simon) Berg. She went to college in Winona and had five years education beyond high school. She was a junior high school English teacher for many years. Her first teaching position was in Okabena for three years. She then decided to move to Montana and where she taught for 12 years. She returned to Austin where she taught seventh and eighth grade English until her retirement in 1971.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Austin and served on many governing boards and women's organizations.

She was an avid bridge player and a member of the travel club, traveling in Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East and throughout the continental United States.

She resided at the Cedars in Austin until moving to St. John's Lutheran Home in Albert Lea four years ago.

Survivors include cousins, Alberta Duncan, Portola Valley, Calif; Dorothy Semper, Nazareth, Pa.; and friends.

Service: 1:30 p.m. memorial service, Saturday, June 22, 2002, at the First Congregational Church in Austin with the Rev. James Peck officiating.

Interment: Lewiston Cemetery, Lewiston.

Memorials: To the American Cancer Society or to donor's choice.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 20, 2002]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Donald S. Berg, 79, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, June 16, 2002, at Season's Hospice, Rochester.

He was born Aug. 29, 1922, in Cambridge, to Bernard and Sadie (Anderson) Berg. His family moved to the Oakland area where he lived until 1942. He graduated from Austin High School in 1941. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines in 1942. After discharge, he moved to Albert Lea and worked for Johnson Cleaners. In 1947, he moved to Austin and had a small trucking business. He became involved in the real estate business in 1967.

On Nov. 22, 1958, he married Marilyn Hansen at Queen of Angels Church in Austin. Don enjoyed working in the yard, feeding the birds and visiting coffee shops to have coffee and visit.

Survivors include wife, Marilyn Berg, Austin; sister, Atlanta Zech, Austin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Sadie; step-father, Irvin Legried; brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Vivian Berg; brothers-in-law, Orville Peterson and Gordon Zech; a nephew.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2002, with a 6:45 p.m. wake service on Wednesday and from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 18, 2002]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Richard W. Bergstrom, 80, of Austin died Thursday, June 27, 2002, at his home.

He was born June 4, 1922, in Austin, to William and Myrtle (Reynolds) Bergstrom.

He was baptized and confirmed at the Moscow Lutheran Church and attended school in the Austin area.

He was married to Eunice Underland on July 25, 1941 at the Moscow Lutheran Church.

He owned and operated Bergstrom Livestock Equipment, located in the former Oakland Creamery.

He spent time visiting with his many friends, enjoyed meeting guys Hayward to play cards on Friday and Saturday mornings and having coffee daily at McDonalds.

He was an avid card player and enjoyed dining out.

He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin Post #91 American Legion, Olaf B. Damm Post #1216 VFW, served in various offices while a member of the Moscow Lutheran Church and served on the Moscow Township Board.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice Bergstrom; daughter, Judy (Gerald) Mittag, Glenville; son, Jim Bergstrom, Austin; daughter-in-law, Jeanne (Ron) Wangen, Oakland; brother, Arnold (Helen) Bergstrom, Austin; sisters-in-law, Clara Chilson, Lyle, Minnie Underdahl, Austin; brother-in-law, Ordell (Ethel) Underland, Albert Lea; four grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Jerry, parents, sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Nordahl Tollefson.

Service: 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2002, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roberta Flood and the Rev. Greg Mannel Officiating.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home and one hour before the service at the church.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Memorials: To the Austin Medical Center Hospice Program.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 29, 2002]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

BORN IN AUSTIN

Marian K. Boverhuis, 67, of Clarks Grove, died on Saturday, June 1, 2002, at her home of cancer, surrounded by her husband and children.

She was born May 5, 1935, in Austin, to Kermit and Minnie (Underland) Underdahl. She was baptized and confirmed at the Moscow Lutheran Church. Marian attended Austin High School.

On June 18, 1952, she married Howard Boverhuis at the Moscow Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Clarks Grove for the past 42 years.

Marian was a member of the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church and a family member of First Baptist Church, Clarks Grove. She was also a member of the Hannah Circle, the Home Makers Club, 500 Card Club and the Good Morning Bowling League.

She enjoyed golfing in the Women's league at Clarks Grove and Freeborn.

Survivors include husband, Howard, Clarks Grove; children, Russ (Terri) Boverhuis, Bloomington; Dale (Cheryl) Boverhuis, Geneva; Cindy (Stan) Nelson, Clarks Grove; Maribeth (Shawn) Walton, Albert Lea; Shelly (Bryan) Edwards, Lake George; mother, Minnie Underdahl, Austin; mother-in-law, Louise Boverhuis, Hollandale; brother, Curt (Shirley) Underdahl, Austin; sister, Hazel (Floyd) Hansen, Hayward; 19 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kermit; father-in-law, Reinder Boverhuis; brother-in-law, Bernard Boverhuis.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., today, June 4, 2002, at the funeral home and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.

Service: 11 a.m., Wednesday, at the First Baptist Church, Clarks Grove.

Interment: Hollandale Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, Albert Lea.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 4, 2002]

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Lydia Anne Christgau Fankell, 94, of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, Iowa.

She was born on March 26, 1908, to Otto and Hannah (Baumgardner) Goetsch in Dexter Township.

She attended Austin Central High School in Austin.

On June 24, 1931, she married Edgar Christgau. They purchased a farm 10 miles east of Austin and lived there until Edgar's death in 1977.

She helped Edgar write insurance for Mower County Farmers Mutual and worked as a sales clerk in Austin.

On May 5, 1979, she married Everett Fankell at Trinity Lutheran Church, Dexter Township. They moved to Clear Lake, Iowa. The couple enjoyed bus tours throughout the United States. They also visited Hawaii, Greece and England.

Lydia was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Dexter Township, confirmed by Pastor Otto Hohenstein in 1908. She sang in the church choir for over 30 years, and was active in the Ladies Aid Society. While living in Clear Lake, she was an active member of the Senior Citizens Center.

Survivors include sons, Loren, Yuma, Ariz.; Hilbert, Clear Lake, Iowa; Wayne, Clear Lake, Iowa; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Rose Heikes, Austin; Alma Studer, North Branch.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edgar, in 1977; second husband, Everett, in 2001; brothers, Arthur, Leonard and Harvey Goetsch; sisters, Elsie Studer and Tillie Carson.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 23, 2002, at the funeral home and Monday at the church from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Monday, at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dexter Township with the Revs. Robert Seifert and Jerome Gernander officiating.

Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Dexter Township.

Funeral Home: Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, Iowa.

Memorials: To Trinity Lutheran Church in Dexter Township, or the Senior Citizens Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.

[Austin Daily Herald, June 21, 2002]

©2009 MNGenWeb