Harry A. Bauers, 76, of Austin, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, at his home.

He was born April 4, 1926, in Freeborn County, to Benard and Ella (Behrends) Bauers. On April 22, 1972, he married Sandra L. Jensen at the First Methodist Church, Albert Lea. Harry farmed north of Lansing for 43 years before he and Sandra moved to Austin. Harry worked at the OMC in Owatonna for 14 years. He enjoyed working on cars, attending auctions, antiquing and dancing.

Survivors include wife, Sandra Bauers, Austin; daughter, Leah Bauers, Stewartville; sisters, Frieda Miller, Albert Lea; Betty Bale, Rochester; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Herb Bauers.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, and today for one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Service: 1 p.m., today, at the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Baker officiating.

Interment: Hillcrest Cemetery, Albert Lea.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, October 8, 2002

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Robert P. Blackwood, 77, of Green Valley, Arizona, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2002, in Green Valley, Arizona.

He was a Hormel retiree, an Air Force Captain, a member of P-51 Pilots Association and the Quiet Birdmen.

Survivors include children, Roberta Blackwood, Minneapolis; Grant Blackwood, Rochester.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Blackwood.

Service: A memorial service will be held later this fall in Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Oct. 12, 2002

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Roland "Ron" E. Blom, 65, of St. Francis, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2002.

Born in Austin, he was a retired salesman for John Deere. He enjoyed his retirement home in Mesa, Arizona.

Survivors include wife of 45 years, Janet; children, Melody (Dave) Karanen; Dave (Kathy); Kris (Brian) Suhon; 11 grandchildren; mother, Katheran; brother, Gary Blom; sister, Gen Thorsen; niece, nephew, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rudy Blom; sister, Barbara Brown; and granddaughter, Marah Beth.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., today, Oct. 6, 2002, at the funeral home and Tuesday for one hour before the service.

Service: 10 a.m., Tuesday, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 Fourth Ave. S, Anoka.

Interment: Hoflander Church, Rose Creek.

Funeral Home: Methven-Taylor Funeral Home, Anoka.

Austin Daily Herald, Monday, Oct. 7, 2002

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Funeral services for Phyllis Brummond, 71, of Fairmont, Minn. will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont with the Rev. Steve Svoboda officiating. Burial will follow the service at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont.

Mrs. Brummond died Wednesday morning, Oct. 2, 2002, at Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, 2002, at Olson-Zaharia Funeral Home in Fairmont and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Phyllis A. Weas, the daughter of Arthur and Zella M. (Goodrich) Weas, was born July 18, 1931, in West Liberty, Iowa, where she attended school. She was united in marriage to Dwayne Brummond on Jan. 3, 1955, in Nebraska. Following their marriage they moved to Litchfield, Minn. In 1975, they purchased a liquor store in Austin, Minn. Phyllis was a sales clerk with Brauns in Austin for 10 years. Dwayne died May 19, 1993. Phyllis moved to Fairmont, Minn. in 1995. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont

Survivors include one daughter, Linda Nielsen and her husband, Gary, of Fairmont, Minn.; four grandchildren, Damon Nielsen and his wife, Heidi, of Blue Earth, Minn., Maia Obernolte and her husband, Lee, of Fairmont, Minn., Sean Nielsen of Fairmont, Minn. and Deanna Nielsen of North St. Paul, Minn.; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Weas and his wife, Marge, of Grove City, Minn.; two sisters, Ruth Serbousek and her husband, Bill, of Pierre, S.D. and Evelyn Saxen of Bonsall, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two grandchildren, Damon Knud and Gary Lee, Jr; and a sister, Carol Jensen.

Austin Daily Herald, Thur., October 3, 2002

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BORN IN MOWER COUNTY

Elizabeth Magdalene DeMoss, age 86, of Blooming Prairie, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, at Prairie Manor Nursing Home.

Elizabeth was born Oct. 29, 1915, in Mower County, Minn., the daughter of Axel and Anna (Larsen) Nelsen. She graduated from Austin High School in 1932.

In 1935, she was married to Leonard Dugan. They later divorced. On Sept. 6, 1956, Elizabeth married George DeMoss at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Elizabeth began working for the Geo. A. Hormel Co. on Aug. 14, 1947, where she worked until retiring on Nov. 9, 1973. She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the Danish Sisterhood.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George DeMoss; parents; brother, Kenneth Nelson; and nephew, Ron Nelson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002, at 10 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roberta Flood officiating. Interment will be in the Enterprise Cemetery, rural Austin. Visitation will be held at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and for one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday morning.

Organist will be Neal Erickson. Soloist will be Coni Nelson. Casket Bearers will be Paul Nelson, Jim Lind, Dayton Rayman, Michael Munson, Larry Gorden and Dave Larson.

Survived by: Stepchildren, Gail and Don Reisch of Englewood, Colo., Tom and Glenda DeMoss of Tucson, Ariz., Joan DeMoss of Washington, DC; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gladys Nelson of Austin, Minn.; nieces and husbands, Coralie and Dayton Rayman of Glenville, Minn.; Linda and Jim Lind of Rose Creek, Minn.; nephew and wife, Paul and Coni Nelson of Austin, Minn.; nephew's wife, Mary (Mrs. Ron) Nelson of Stockton, Calif.; great-nieces and nephews.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, October 8, 2002

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Phyllis Ardell Gerhart, 80 of Austin, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home, Austin.

She was born Oct. 16, 1921, to Elmer and Jennie (Opsal) Fretty in Swea City, Iowa. She grew up in Armstrong, Iowa and was baptized and confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church. The family moved to Minnesota in 1937, where Phyllis graduated from Ellendale High School in 1939. She attended cosmetology school for two years and became a licensed beautician, worked in Adams and later owned a beauty shop in Austin.

On Feb. 7, 1953, she married Matthew Gerhart at St. Augustine Catholic Church. The last few years she lived at the Cedars. Matt died Nov. 22, 2000. Phyllis enjoyed playing golf and doing needlework. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Survivors include sister, Muryne Bonnes, Austin; brother, Kenneth (Norma) Fretty, Grand Meadow; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Lowell and Verle; and sister, Beverly.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., today, Oct. 1, 2002, at the funeral home and Wednesday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. David Schierenbeck officiating. Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002

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Roy Emil Grundmeier was born June 24, 1917, in Red Rock Township, Mower County, Minn., to Emil and Olga (Gomer) Grundmeier.

When Roy was two years old, his father passed away. Because of this hardship, Roy and his younger brother went to live with their maternal grandparents in Windom Township, Mower County. Roy attended Sunnyside Country School and graduated from Rose Creek High School. After graduation he spent some time working for the Hormel Company in Austin. Because his desire was the country, Roy went to farming. On Aug. 23, 1938, Roy was united in marriage to Lillian Klaehn. Together they farmed in the Elkton, Grand Meadow and Dexter area until moving to the Sjodahl farm in Dell Grove Township, near Sandstone, in March of 1961. In August 1998, the Sandstone Square Apartments became their home. Roy died on Oct. 1, 2002, at the apartment after being bedridden for six weeks. He was 85 years old.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother, a grandson and stepfather.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lillian of Sandstone, Minn.; two sons, Frank and wife, Jane, of Hinckley, Minn. and Larry of Dexter, Minn.; step-brother, Donald Kraft and wife, Mable, of Austin, Minn.; four grandsons, Joel and wife, Julie, of Forest Lake, Minn., Eric and wife, Linda, of Littleton, Colo., Bret and wife, Cheryl, of McGregor, Minn. and Todd of Adams, Minn.; eight great-grandchildren, Wade, Kari, Dean, Ryan, Megan, Holly, Wyatt and Raeann.

Funeral Services for Roy will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dell Grove Township, Sandstone, Minn. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, 2002, at Hansen's North Pine Funeral Home in Sandstone. Interment will be held at the church cemetery following the service on Saturday.

Arrangements by Hansen's North Pine Funeral Home of Sandstone.

Austin Daily Herald, Thur., October 3, 2002

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Einer Jacobson, 95, of Grand Meadow, died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, at the Grand Meadow Health Care Center, Grand Meadow.

He was born March 23, 1907, in Grand Meadow to Ole and Ingeborg (Skifter) Jacobson. On Sept. 17, 1930, he married Nina Stearns. She died Sept. 5, 1958. Einer was remarried Sept. 17, 1960, to Dora Ruud. She died July 5, 1985. Einer farmed, worked for Ben Wright Produce and also for Mower County Highway Department. He really enjoyed playing cards.

Survivors include daughter, Beverly (Louie) Thorson, Willmar; son, Norman (Beverly) Jacobson, Grand Meadow; step-daughter, Shirley (Norbert) Skaren, Ostrander; daughter-in-law, Sharon Ruud, Rochester; seven grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; stepson, Ronald Ruud; two sisters and three brothers.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., today, Oct. 3, 2002, at the funeral home and Friday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 1 p.m., Friday, at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church with the Rev Bernard Daiker officiating.

Interment: Grand Meadow Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home, Grand Meadow.

Austin Daily Herald, Thur., October 3, 2002

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David Harlan Johnson, 64, of Austin, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, at Austin Medical Center emergency room.

He was born April 6, 1938, in Blooming Prairie, to Palmer and Ora (Hanson) Johnson. He graduated from the Blooming Prairie High School in 1956 and attended the Austin Vocational-Technical School. He served in the United States Navy and was married to Patricia Anne Lightley on March 17, 1961, in Mason City, Iowa. David worked as a mechanic for H&S Carburetor and Electric, L.C.L. Transit and A.B.F. Freight, retiring on Sept. 25, 1998. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the Teamsters.

Survivors include wife, Pat Johnson, Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Brad Stout, Austin; sons and daughters-in-law, Ross and Mary Johnson, Rochester; Wade and Grace Johnson, Spring Valley; five grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Beverly and Joe Swenson, Blooming Prairie; Marlys and Richard Spinler, Austin; Hjordes and Bruce Ebeling, Blooming Prairie; brother and sisters-in-law; Darrell and Mary Ann Johnson, Blooming Prairie; Sharon Johnson, Geneva; mother-in-law, Clarice Lightly, Austin; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Karen and Roger Kruger, Austin; Dean Lightley, Austin; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Marvin Dean; brother, Gale.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, 2002, at the funeral home and Saturday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 2 p.m., Saturday, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roberta Flood officiating. Casket bearers will be Jody Johnson, Peter Kruger, Jon Kruger, Craig Spinler, Don Peterson and David Symes. Interment: Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Oct. 12, 2002

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Dean Roger Johnson, 71, of Austin, formerly of Blooming Prairie, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, at Austin Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 18, 1930, to Howard and Ella (Williamson) Johnson in Austin. He attended country school near Austin and helped on the family farm. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 until 1954 when he returned home to farm with his father.

On March 2, 1957, he married Rosemary Margaret O'Connor at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie. Dean worked in construction for a short time, then for Harrington Service for 10 years, followed by 20 years at Lysne Construction. After retirement from construction in the late 1980s he continued to farm in Newry Township, moving to Austin in 1992. He was a member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church, VFW Post 878 and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed being with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Rosemary, Austin; sons, Dean (Lisa) Johnson, Blooming Prairie; Mike (Rita) Johnson, Blooming Prairie; three grandchildren; sisters, Jurine (Art) Gerber, Austin; Phyllis (Burnell) Turvold, Belvidere, Ill.; Cleone Johnson, Austin; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Arlene Reed and Elvira Johnson.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, with a 4 p.m. Ladies Rosary and an 8 p.m. Scripture service at the funeral home and Friday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie with Father Richard Dernek officiating.

Interment: At the church cemetery with military rites by VFW Post 878 of Blooming Prairie.

Funeral Home: Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home.

Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002

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Edward I. Kerling, 91, of Austin, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 22, 1910, in Canby, to Mathias "Matt" and Katherina (Meyer) Kerling. On Dec. 4, 1948, he married Violet Miller at St. John's Lutheran Church, Austin. Ed was a retired employee of Hormel Foods.

Survivors include wife, Violet Kerling, Austin; daughters, Norma Jean and David Bitner, Minneapolis; Carol and John Perkins, Minneapolis; Terry Hagen, Monticello; sons, David and Janice Jepsen, Sacramento, Calif.; Jerry and Renee Jepsen, Watertown, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Mathilda "Tillie" Schumacher, Austin; Adeline and Clinton Christianson, Blooming Prairie; Lucille and Don Ramlo, Austin; brothers, Albert and Francis Kerling, Green Valley, Ariz.; Leo and Ramona Kerling, Austin; Vernon and Pat Kerling, Sparta, Wis.; nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 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 Rev. Robert Stohlmann officiating. Casket bearers will be Janice Jepsen, Carol Perkins, David Jepsen, Leo Kerling, John Perkins and Vernon Kerling.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Monday, Oct. 7, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Janice Kay Larson, 64, of Spring Park, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2002, in Waconia.

She was born Jan. 13, 1938, to Archie and Mildred Larson in Austin, where she grew up.

Survivors include sister, Millie Buchanan, Cass Lake; Shirley Finnegan, Lyle; companion, Carol Taylor, Spring Park; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation: One hour before the service on Wednesday.

Service: 11 a.m. memorial service, today, Oct. 2, 2002, at the funeral home. Interment: Private family interment.

Funeral Home: Huber Funeral Home Chapel, 1801 Commerce Blvd., Mound.

Austin Daily Herald, Wednesday, October 2, 2002

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Catherine M. Loecher, 68, of Adams, died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital.

She was born Aug. 26, 1934, in London, to Arend "Shorty" and Katherine (Taggert) Hogeboom. She graduated from high school and married to Robert Joseph Loecher on June 7, 1954, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. Catherine babysat and worked for the Farmers State Bank of Adams. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include husband, Robert Loecher, Adams; daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Dana Gorski, Waseca; Cynthia and Pat Johnson, Adams; Beverly and Jim Kohner, Winona; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Tammy Loecher, Adams; James and Kathy Loecher, St. Charles; Jeffrey and Jane Loecher, Adams; 15 grandchildren; sister, Mary Tschann, Austin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward and Verna Irvin, Whithouse, Texas; John Irvin, Waterloo, Iowa; James and Katherine Taggert, Norfolk, Va.; Paul and Chris Irvin, Austin; Evelyn Irvin, Austin; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by a son, Joseph; grandchildren, Adam Gorski and Hope Loecher; parents; sister, Margaret; brothers, Joseph and David.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., today, Oct. 3, 2002, with a 5 p.m. Wake Service and 7 p.m. Rosary Service and on Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Service: 11 a.m., Friday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Gregory Leif officiating. Casket bearers will be David Mandler, Terry Ruechel, John Douty, Lester Loecher, Paul Irvin, Jr. and David Tschann.

Interment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Adams.

Funeral Home: Adams Funeral Home, Adams.

Austin Daily Herald, Thur., October 3, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Olaf Berthold Lunde, 79, of rural Austin, died Sept. 28, 2002, at Castle Ridge Care Center, Eden Prairie.

He was born Jan. 25, 1923, to Peter and Emma (Stoa) Lunde in Moscow Township. He graduated from Austin High School in 1942. He worked on the family farm, raising championship Chesterwhite hogs. On June 9, 1951, he married Lois Skophammer at Central Freeborn Lutheran parsonage. A lifetime member of Moscow Lutheran Church, he was involved in a number of church activities and 4-H club. He enjoyed speaking Norwegian, visiting with family and friends, gardening, all sports and reading the Bible. In 1998 Olaf and Lois moved to Eden Prairie to be near their daughters. Lois died Sept. 1, 2000.

Survivors include daughters, Jean Lunde, St. Paul; Ruth Lunde, Chanhassen; Barbara Lunde-Kvale (Thomas), Toledo, Ohio; Becky Lunde-Olson (Michael), Chanhassen; eight grandchildren; brother, Harold (Sarah) Lunde, Bowling Green, Ohio; nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home and Saturday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m., Saturday, at Moscow Lutheran Church, rural Austin, with the Rev. LaDonna Ekern officiating.

Interment: At the church cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Memorials: To the Moscow Lutheran Church sound system.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Elizabeth L. Lysne, 92, of Blooming Prairie died at Prairie Manor Nursing Home Friday, October 4, 2002.

She was born December 13, 1909 to Peter and Anna (Halbig) Schiltz in Maple River Township, Carroll, Iowa. She married Marvin Beneke January 7, 1931; he died a few years later. She worked as a waitress in Brownsdale for a short time. On September 8, 1951 she married Howard F. Lysne in Grand Meadow. She was employed as a clerk at Harriet's Dres-wel in Blooming Prairie. A member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church, she belonged to women's circle. She was secretary-treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary and also enjoyed gardening, cooking, making ceramics, rosemalling and sewing.

Survivors include daughter-in-law Joan (Roger) Beneke Markytan, Elysian; two grandchildren; five great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son Kenneth Beneke, one sister and four brothers.

Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2002, at the funeral home with a prayer service at 4 p.m. and one hour before the service at church.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Monday, at St. Columbanus Church with Father Richard Dernek officiating.

Interment: St. Columbanus Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home, Blooming Prairie.

Austin Daily Herald, Saturday, October 5, 2002

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Margaret K. Maloney, 84, of Austin, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, at her home.

She was born March 7, 1918, in Austin, to Henry and Katherine (Gillegenbach) Riles. In 1942, she married Cyril Joseph Maloney at Camp Barkeley, Texas. Margaret was a retired employee of Hormel Foods.

Survivors include son, John Patrick and Ethel Maloney, Honolulu, Hawaii; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Howard Riles, Grand Meadow; sister-in-law, Margaret Madson, Austin; nieces and nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Kenneth Riles; sister-in-law, Hazel Riles.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002, with a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and a 6 p.m. wake service and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating. The casket bearers will be Paul Riles, Dick Riles, David Riles, John Riles, Vince Maloney and Ray Maloney. Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, October 8, 2002

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Donald G. Murphy, 73, of St. Paul, formerly of Austin, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, at his home.

He was born Dec. 12, 1928, in Austin, to Ernest W. and Martha Mae (Brown) Murphy. He graduated from Austin High School in 1948 and enlisted in the United States Army. He moved to St. Paul after discharge from the Army.

He enjoyed football and baseball games and loved his pet dogs.

He worked as a parts cleaner for Northwest Airlines.

Survivors include sister, Fern Lickteig, Austin; brother, Ernest and Clara Murphy, Austin; nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy Estes; brother, Warren Murphy.

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

Service: 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, at the funeral home with Rev. James Peck officiating.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Virginia G. Myers, 84, of Austin, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, at Fairview Nursing Home, Dodge Center.

She was born May 11, 1918, in Austin, to Edward and Gertie (Skjeveland) Arens.

On June 21, 1941, she married Harvey John Myers at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin.

Virginia enjoyed playing bingo, playing cards and bowling. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include daughter, Karen and Robert Kliest, Lombard, Ill.; sons, John and Cynthia Myers, Dodge Center; Gary and Sandy Myers, Owatonna; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Maxine Christensen, Austin; Marilyn Snyder, Hudson, Ohio; brother, Fayette Arens, Los Angeles, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers, Daniel and Eugene.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002, with a 6:30 p.m. wake service and one hour before the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home with Father Kurt Farrell officiating. Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, October 8, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

BORN IN ROSE CREEK

Funeral services for Reka E. Neitzel, age 63, of Albert Lea, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, at Calvary Baptist Church. Pastor Glen Stevens will officiate. Interment will be in Hollandale Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. today at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Reka was surrounded by her family at home as she entered the presence of Jesus, her Savior, after a courageous battle with cancer. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, she will be dearly missed.

Reka Eleanor Neitzel was born June 26, 1939, to Melvin and Mary (Loverink) Waalkens in Rose Creek. She attended Hollandale Elementary and Albert Lea High Schools. Reka was a lifelong resident of Freeborn County. On March 14, 1959, she was united in marriage to Dale Neitzel in Hollandale. Reka was a member of Crossroads Evangelical Free Church and active in a Tuesday Bible Study group. She volunteered for Naeve Partners in Health, enjoyed traveling, attending Southern Gospel Music Festivals with her husband, and spending time with her family and friends. Family was very important to Reka.

Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Dale Neitzel; daughter, Carla Neitzel of Anoka; son, Rod Neitzel and wife Deb of Owatonna and children Rachel Powell and husband Mason and their daughters, Chelsea and Corrie of Owatonna, Jennifer Douty and husband Andrew and their children, Samantha and Jacob of Austin, and Kim Nelson and her daughter, Alyssa of Austin; daughter, Mary Knutson and husband Tim and their children, Jordan, Jonah and Hannah of Albert Lea; daughter, Sharon Evenson and husband Jamie and their children, Ashley and Ryan of Albert Lea; son, Scott Neitzel of Albert Lea; and "chosen daughter," Cindy Harris of Anoka; brother, John Waalkens and wife Judy of Glenville; sisters, Marge Buckmaster and husband Louie of Shawnee, Okla., Babe Enderson and husband Larry of Albert Lea, and Bev Huston and husband Lynn of Austin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Deli Neitzel of Coon Rapids, Audrey Sorenson and husband Howard of Albert Lea, Richard Neitzel and wife Susie of Mankato, and Karen Hendrickson and husband Laurel of Albert Lea; and nieces and nephews.

Reka was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Mary Waalkens; her mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Augusta Neitzel; her brother-in-law, Myron Neitzel; and her nephew, Bruce Neitzel.

Memorials are preferred to the Crossroads Evangelical Free Church Harvest the Land Fund or to the Crossroads Community Hospice.

Austin Daily Herald, Oct. 12, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Donald R. Nelson, 82, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, October 1, 2002, at his home.

He was born on November 27, 1919, in Austin, to Chris and Sophie (Jorgensen) Nelson. He graduated from Austin High School and went on to serve in the United States Army as a medic from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. He earned a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and several other medals.

On Oct. 17, 1942, he married Marjorie Brimacomb in Austin. In retirement Don enjoyed golfing, dancing, woodworking, traveling and looking for golf balls. He was a retired employee of Hormel Foods.

Survivors include companion, Naida Samuel, Austin; daughter, Susan and Bill Erickson, Austin; son, Gregg and Mary Nelson, Bloomington; daughter-in-law, Julie Nelson, Owatonna; four grandchildren; sisters, Mildred Britton, California; sister-in-law, Buehla Nelson, Minnesota.

He is preceded in death by his wife; son, Randy; brothers, Ray and Floyd; sisters, Laura and Alice.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., today, Oct. 3, 2002, at the funeral home and Friday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 3 p.m., Friday, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Pat Toschak officiating. The casket bearers will be Don Erickson, Leif Erickson, Bob Erickson, Jesse Nelson, Seth Nelson and Jim Samuel.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Thur., October 3, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Cassandra Jane Nordland, died Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester.

She was born Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, to Brian and Janine (Stephenson) Nordland.

Survivors include parents, Brian and Janine Nordland, Owatonna; brother, Jacob Nordland, Owatonna; grandparents, Gary and Darlene Nordland, Austin; Stanley and Jane Stephenson, Austin; paternal great-grandmother, Ethel Slindee, Brownsdale; maternal great-grandmother, Eva Srnec, Winona; aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandfather, Theodore Slindee; paternal great-grandparents, Glen and Myrtle Nordland; maternal great-grandfather, William Srnec and maternal great-grandparents, Ben and Louina Stephenson.

Service: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, at the funeral home with Rev. Glenn Monson officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Harold LeRoy Riemann, 82, of Rushford and formerly of Stockton and Austin, died on Friday, October 4, 2002 at Community Memorial Hospital, Winona, surrounded by family.

Harold was born on July 26, 1920 in Stewartville to Dexter and Ada Edmo (Bloxham) Riemann.

On October 27, 1945 he married Caroline Virginia Paradise, at St. Clement's Catholic Church, Minneapolis. She preceded him in death on August 18, 1993. Harold served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked as a plumber for several plumbing contractors in the Winona and Rochester areas. After retiring as a plumber, he worked for St. Mary's Press, Winona. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rushford; the Plumbers & Steam Fitter, Local #6, Rochester; VFW, Austin; Minneiska Saddle Club; served on City Council of Stockton for 8 years; Sunrise Riders Saddle Club & Valley Riders of Winona and a past member of Austin Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include son, Michael (Margo) Riemann, Stockton; daughters, Patricia Glynn, St. Charles (Duane Wait, Winona), Melanie A. (Roger) Brand, Rushford, and Theresa (Kevin) Northouse, Winona; grandchildren Douglas, Laura, Julie, Matthew, Mark, Michael, Martin, Maxwell, Mitchell, Mason, Amy (James), and Jennifer (Christopher); great-grandchildren Tammy, Victoria, Samantha Jo, Corbin, and Cody; brother Wilbur Riemann, Austin and special friend Eleanor Schwan, Winona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Caroline, an infant brother and two sisters.

Casket bearers will be grandsons Douglas, Matthew, Mark, Michael, Christopher and James.

Honorary casket bearers will be grandsons Martin, Maxwell, Mitchell and Mason.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, October 6, 2002, at the funeral home and at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. A 7:30 p.m. prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Sunday.

Service: 10 a.m., Monday, at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Minnesota City, with Rev. William Kulas, pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, officiating.

Interment: St. Paul's Cemetery, Minnesota City. Veterans burial rites provided by VFW Neville-Lien Post #1287.

Funeral Home: Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Winona.

Austin Daily Herald, Saturday, October 5, 2002

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Emily Force Schwerr, 88, of Mankato, died Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at Oaklawn Health Care Center, Mankato.

She was born Oct. 28, 1913, in Mankato, to William and Agnes (Moen) Force. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1931 and Mankato State University with a B.E. degree in 1936.

On Oct. 23, 1952, she married Harold H. Schwerr in Osage, Iowa. She taught elementary school for 36 years, 28 of them in Austin, retiring in 1975. On April 25, 1981, she moved back to Mankato. She was a member of Local, State and National Education Associations, Austin YWCA, a life member of the Blue Earth, Brown and Nicollet Counties Historical Societies. In retirement she had memberships in the Austin and Mankato Retired Teachers groups and was a life member of REAM (Retired Educators Association Minnesota). She also belonged to Friends of the Library, Mankato.

Survivors include husband, Harold, Mankato; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Fanny, Pensacola, Fla.; Thomas and Pat, Sheridan, Wyo.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces and nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William and Donald; sisters, Helen Spitzack and Della Jackson; brothers-in-law, Melvin Spitzack and Ray Jackson.

Visitation: Was one hour before the service

Service: Was 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 30, 2002, at the funeral home with Chaplain Jim Dye officiating.

Interment: Woodland Hills Memorial Park.

Funeral Home: Woodland Hills Funeral Home, Mankato.

Austin Daily Herald, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002

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Joyce Ann Spinler, 47, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002, at Owatonna Hospital after a four and one-half year courageous battle with breast cancer.

She was born June 29, 1955, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Harold and Alice (Johannsen) Beckman. Joyce graduated from Blooming Prairie High School with honors in 1973. She was confirmed at St. Michaels Lutheran Church in rural Waltham. On Sept. 21, 1974, she married her high school sweetheart, Kevin Spinler.

From 1973 to 1977, she worked at Federated Insurance. From 1977 to 1997, Joyce worked side-by-side with her husband and children on the family dairy farm. From 1998 to 2002, she worked at the Owatonna Clinic Mayo Health Systems, in Health Information Systems. While her children attended St. Isidore's, she was a teacher's aide and school board member.

She also taught Sunday School for many years. Joyce was a former lector and choir member at Holy Trinity Church. Joyce was a member of St. Elizabeth's Guild and WFLA. Joyce participated in several Relay for Life events. She enjoyed motorcycling and camping in the 1970's, loved traveling, especially to England and France to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and the trip to Disneyworld in Florida. Joyce loved cats, especially Molly and Tosha, was an avid Vikings fan, and enjoyed poetry and readings. Her most precious time was that spent with her husband, children and friends, especially her coworkers at the Owatonna Clinic.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin Spinler of Owatonna, Minn.; daughters, Rebekah Spinler of Apple Valley, Minn., Emily and Tom Hutchins of Minneapolis, Minn., Stacey Spinler of Owatonna, Minn.; son, Kyle Spinler of Owatonna, Minn.; brother, Jerry and Lana Beckman of Hayfield, Minn.; sisters, Jille and Howard Peterson of Oakland, Minn., Judy and Olgar Himle of Austin, Minn., Julie and Tony Vann of St. Paul, Minn., and many aunts, uncles, niece, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Beckman, her mother, Alice Johannsen, her step-father, one brother, one niece and many other relatives.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church in Litomysl. Rev. Tim Biren will be officiating. Burial will be in the Holy Trinity Church Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Owatonna Area Hospice or Holy Trinity Church.

Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002

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Beverly J. Stanton, 73, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, in Hopkins. She was born and raised in Austin. She was active in her church.

Survivors include husband, Gerald; children, David Stanton; Diane (Neil) Hyde; Dennis (Deborah) Stanton; Douglas (Deborah) Stanton; Dawn Stanton; seven grandchildren; brother, Rodney Boelter, Austin; sister, Donna Hunter, Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lorraine.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, and Monday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m., Monday, at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 South Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park.

Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Washburn McReavy Strobeck Johnson Chapel, 1400 Mainstreet, Hopkins.

Austin Daily Herald, Oct. 2, 2002

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Vesta Moltz Staples, 91, formerly of Brownsdale and Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday morning, Oct. 6, 2002, at the St. Croix Nursing Center, New Richmond, Wis.

Vesta Lydia Moltz Staples was born Feb. 5, 1911, in Broadland, S.D., daughter of Ben and Mary (Gascoigne) Moltz. Her mother and brothers died in the flu epidemic of 1918. Vesta and her sister, Mathilde, went to Austin, Minn., to be raised by Paul and Cora Dahlke, who was their father's sister. Vesta graduated from Austin High School in 1929 and Normal Teacher Training, Austin, in 1930. She taught school for two years in one-room schools in the Brownsdale/Waltham area.

On March 25, 1933, she married Mark Staples in Owatonna, Minn. After their marriage, Vesta was a busy farm wife and loving mother of five children. In 1955, she and her husband Mark built a roller rink in Brownsdale, which they owned and operated for several years. They also had roller rinks in Waseca and Dodge Center, Minn. Throughout the years, she worked in partnership with her husband Mark in their farming and roller rink operations. She was a member of Crane Community Chapel in Austin, Minn. In their earlier years, she served on the School Board of District #37 east of Brownsdale and was involved with the family in 4-H activities. She loved fishing, cooking, canning, flowers and baking cookies and rolls for her family. Vesta was blessed with a special aura of love and shared it liberally, always thinking of others rather than herself.

Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Darlene and Delmas Studer, North Branch, Minn.; Joanne and Larry MacVey, Blue Grass, Iowa; sons and daughter-in-law, Delmer Staples, Greenfield, Mo.; Mark Paul and Jeaneen Staples, Star Prairie, Wis.; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband, Mark; daughter, Greta Bissell; brothers, Benjamin and Merrillin; "adopted" parents by whom she was raised, Paul and Cora Dahlke; sister, Mathilde Moltz Kehret Neu; half-sister, Lorraine Moltz Pappas; half-brother, Leland Moltz; four grandchildren.

Pallbearers are grandchildren Dale Studer, Dennis Studer, Douglas Studer, Terry MacVey, Randy Staples, Jon Staples and Scott Staples.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Crane Community Chapel in Austin, Rev. Petersen officiating.

Visitation will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and one hour before the service Tuesday at the church.

Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale.

Austin Daily Herald, Monday, Oct. 7, 2002

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Phyllis A. Svenson, 72, of Austin, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002, at her home.

She was born June 6, 1930, in Udolpho Township, to Herman and Clara (Billadeau) Miller. On Sept. 2, 1950, she married Henry S. Svenson at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. Phyllis was a homemaker and mother. She loved playing cards with family and friends at the Senior Center. She did woodworking and sewing.

Survivors include daughters, Linda (James) Stark, Austin; Darla (Dean) Blowers, Mantorville; son, Wesley Svenson, Austin; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Duane (Janette) Miller, Faribault; John (Rena) Benson, Madison; sisters, Marcella Sorenson, Austin; Audrey Seira, Faribault; Doris (Peter) Kent, Selina, Kan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Svenson; son, Robert Svenson; parents; brothers, Edwin Miller, Orville Miller and Delbert Miller; sisters, LaVonne Timmerman and Marjorie Wilde; granddaughter, Judith Stark.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002, at the funeral home and Friday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m., Friday, at Crane Community with Pastor Randy Petersen and Father Paul Nelson officiating. The casket bearers will be Alan and Nancy Stark, Rich and Christine Schyma, Jason and Amy Orris.

Interment: Enterprise Cemetery, Rose Creek.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Memorials: To the American Cancer Society -- Breast Cancer Research.

Austin Daily Herald, Oct. 16, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Jay Winston Torgrimson was born June 4, 1942, to Lyle and May (Thorsten) Torgrimson in Austin, Minn. He passed away at his home on Oct. 8, 2002, after a very courageous battle with cancer.

He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Jay graduated from Austin High School in 1960. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church.

He married Charlene Peterson on Feb. 8, 1964, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Jay and Char had three daughters, Barbara, Jaylene and Shannon. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, who he loved very much.

Jay worked for Hormel for 38 years and retired in November 1999. He then began a second career as a custom cabinet maker. Jay had finally found his true calling and enjoyed every minute he spent working in the shop.

Jay also was a member of the medic unit with the Army Reserves out of Rochester.

He is survived by his wife, Char; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Marc Retterath, Rosemount, Minn.; Jaylene and Scott Winkels, Farmington, Minn.; and Shannon and Mike Mohn, Fridley, Minn.; six grandchildren, Katie and Allison Retterath, Alex and Zachary Winkels, Blake and Jenessa Mohn; mother-in-law, Thelma Peterson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dianne and Robert Maile, Marshalltown, Iowa; and Jerry and Sharon Peterson, Rosemount, Minn.; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, May and Lyle Torgrimson; brother, Teddy Torgrimson; grandchildren, Amanda Torgrimson-Branden and Jake Retterath; and father-in-law, Elmer Peterson.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Service: 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, 2002, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Austin.

Interment: Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Verda Mae Thompson Kent Viker, 73, of Stewartville, died Monday, Oct. 14, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital.

She was born July 22, 1929, in Racine. On Dec. 19, 1953, she married Norman E. Viker in Rochester. He died May 16, 1985. Verda was a homemaker and enjoyed music, baking, fishing and her grandchildren.

Survivors include stepsons, Larry (Patricia) Viker, Zumbro Falls; Roger Viker, Rochester; sons, Dennis (Bonnie) Kent, Elizabethville, Pa.; Eugene Viker, Rochester; Darwin (Tekla) Viker, Austin; Bobby (Patricia) Viker, Rochester; daughters, Rita (Bob) Wren, Bradley, Ill.; Beverly (Rick) Williams, Fort Meyers, Fla.; Debbra (James) Andersen, Rochester; 23 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lola (George) Lawson, Stewartville; Marlyn Iverson, St. James; brother, Harold "Pete" (Lenora) Thompson, Silver Bay; special friend, Ervin Hodge.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters; one brother; one great-grandson.

Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002, at the funeral home and Friday at the church for one hour before the service. There will be no public reviewal.

Service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Byron with the Revs. Douglas Westerlund and Frezil Daniel-Westerlund officiating. Interment: Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Funeral Home: Vine Funeral Home, Rochester.

Austin Daily Herald, Oct. 16, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb

 

Willis Clifford "Bill" Wedeking, 75, of Austin, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002, at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born May 18, 1927, in Lakefield, to William and Amanda (Hodnefield) Wedeking. He attended school in Lyle and Austin. He worked in the shipyards on the West Coast before entering the United States Navy on April 19, 1945. He served in the Pacific during World War II attaining the rank of Seaman First Class and was discharged on Aug. 19, 1946. He returned to Minnesota where he worked in Lyle driving truck.

On Aug. 12, 1950, he married Mayphene R. Graff in Austin. They made their home in Austin where Bill worked for the Geo. A. Hormel Company until his retirement in 1984. Mayphene died Oct. 25, 2001.

Bill enjoyed working in his garage, fixing cars and being the neighborhood handyman.

He was a member of VFW 1216 of Austin.

Survivors include daughters, Margaret (Tom) Nelson, Buffalo; Gayle (Don) Mansir, Ft. Worth, Texas; six grandchildren; brother, Donald (Joyce Flaherty) Wedeking, Austin; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brothers, Milford and Walter Wedeking.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., today, Oct. 17, 2002, and Friday for one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Service: 2 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Rev. Randy Petersen officiating.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery with flag presentation by members of VFW Post 1216.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.

Austin Daily Herald, Oct. 17, 2002

©2009 MNGenWeb