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Eleanor Marcella Albrecht
A memorial service for Eleanor Marcella Albrecht Dokken, 85, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Seattle, Wash. She passed away Dec. 7, 2006, in Seattle.
Eleanor Marcella Dokken was born on Jan. 6, 1921, in Canby to Arthur and Magdalene (Solem) Dokken. She helped care for her ailing mother. Dokken taught eight grades in a one room schoolhouse for many years.
She married William Albrecht in June 1949. They moved to Washington where they raised their family.
Albrecht is survived by one sister, Arleen Maas; seven grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends.
Albrecht was preceded in death by her parents,; her husband; three brohters, Winston, Arthur and Clayton.
Marcus Alleckson
Marcus Alleckson, age 78, of Porter passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Sanford Health Canby Hospital.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Porter. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Rev. Ellen Munter will officiate. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Military honors will be provided by Porter American Legion Post 457. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Marcus Peter Alleckson was born just south of Porter on Oct. 8, 1928, to Peter and Marie (Haugen) Alleckson. His older sister, Donna Marie had just died as an infant the year before Marcus was born. This left him to be the oldest of seven brothers and one sister. Like so many, he grew up in the depression years of 1930-40’s. Marcus went to country school in Lincoln County. He worked on the family farm as a young man and in 1951 he joined the US Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division and was a medic with a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) during the Korean War. He also served in Germany. The horrific experiences he encountered as a medic would stay with him all of his life. He was very proud of his service in the Army. When Marcus returned from Korea, he was employed as a heavy equipment operator.
On March 12, 1960, he married Lorraine Rasmussen. The couple had one son, Jack. He continued to work road construction and also bought a farm by Dead Coon Lake not far from Arco.
Marcus was a very kind, smart and hard working man. He liked working on his farm, being in the field and fixing things. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, sports (watching the Twins and Vikings) and visits from family and friends and he will be truly missed by them.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Porter; his son, Jack; four grandchildren, Arica (Eric) Jahn; Danny Alleckson; Becci Alleckson; Steven Alleckson; three brothers, Jim (Velma) Alleckson; Bob (LaVonne) Alleckson; David (Dee) Alleckson; sister Margie (Wally) Pesch; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and an infant sister.
Cecelia Francis Allen
Mass of Christian Burial for Cecelia Francis Allen will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby with Father Tony Hesse celebrating.
Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Canby. Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 7, from 5-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and the Rosary to follow at the Birk Funeral Home in Canby.
Visitation will resume Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church.
She passed away peacefully at Sioux Valley Senior Haven in Canby, on Aug. 4, 2006.
Cecilia Francis (Keimig) Allen was born Nov. 4, 1920, in Creston, Neb., to Adam and Anna (Weiser) Keimig. She received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary’s Country Church in Humphrey, Neb. She was the sixth of eight children. The Keimig family farmed in the surrounding Canby area.
On Feb. 16, 1944, Cecilia married Daniel Warren Allen of Sleepy Eye at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. They farmed in the Canby and Clear Lake, S.D., area. Cecilia helped Dan farm while raising six children. She later worked outside the home at various jobs, including as a cook at St Peter’s Catholic School, Canby. She enjoyed volunteer work at Canby Senior Haven. She was a member of Gate City Senior Citizens, the American Legion Auxiliary in Gary and CCW at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. She loved to visit friends and relatives while traveling in other states. For many years Dan and Ceil ran a peanut vending route, where they met many new people, which they enjoyed very much. She was an avid gardener, loved to sew and quilt, crossword puzzles and all kinds of card games. She and Dan owned a lake cabin north of Alexandria where she spent hours fishing and enjoying summer weekends with her family. Her very favorite activity throughout her life was dancing and she could kick up her heels to a fast polka – right into her 80’s.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Tim Allen of Shakopee and his children Ethan and Emily; Barb and Steve Thovson of Porter, and their children Jeremy, Jason and Jeffrey (wife Jenny, children Ethan and Eli); Michael and Karen Allen of Hendricks, and their children Tina (husband Matt, children Sam and Elizabeth), Jen (husband Alan, and daughter Adia), Dan; Katie (husband Nolan) and David (fiancée Lisa); Stan Allen and life partner, Mario Murga of Walpole, Mass.; Bill and Carol Allen of Marshall, and their children Scott (wife Cheryl, children Hailey, Christopher, Zachery and Claire), Jessica (husband Ryan, children Maisy and Madelyn), and Carl (wife Patty, children Abigail and Nathan); Nick and Diana Allen of Milbank, S.D., and their children Matt and Linsey.
Survivors also include her beloved friend and dancing partner, Lloyd Tesch of Canby, brother Louis (wife Veronica) of Madison, sisters Rose Mason of Gary, SD, Elizabeth Hauger of Ivanhoe, Bernita Weber (husband Joe) of Spanaway, Wash., Loretta Meyen of Gary, sister-in-law Theresa (Margie) Keimig of Canby.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Dan, grandson Russell Allen and granddaughter Jamie Thovson, brothers Joe Keimig and Leonard Keimig; brothers-in-law; Gerald Mason, John Hauger, Marvin Meyen; and sister-in-law Armetha Keimig.
Audrey Marie Ahlschlager
Funeral Services for Audrey Marie Ahlschlager, 77, of Minneota, were held Monday, Sept. 25, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota.
Audrey Marie Ahlschlager was born on June 18, 1929, in Mashall. She was the daughter of Carl and Anna Pearson Christianson. She attended school in Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School in 1947. She worked as a telephone operator in Minneota before her marriage to Christ Leonard Ahlschlager at Hope Lutheran Church on June 17, 1949. After her family had grown, she worked as a restuarant cook and waitress. She died at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center on Sept 22, 2006.
She was very active in Hope Lutheran Church and was an avid flower gardener. She enjoyed reading and liked to sing and play the piano. She was a member of the American Legion Auxillary and was a Gold Star Mother. Her strong faith in God enabled her to be an example to her children and those around her.
She is survived by children, Bruce of Mankato, David (Bai) of Flandreau, S.D., Colette of Minneota, Susan (Darrin) Hatletvedt of Porter and Nona Fay (Greg) Gottskalkson of Canby; 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also by brothers Carl Christianson of Minneota and Robert of St James.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons, Delbert and Alan, two sisters and five brothers.
Orvis Anderson
Orvis F. Anderson, of Montevideo, died on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, at the Chippewa County - Montevideo Hospital at the age of 85.
Memorial services were held Monday, Dec. 18, at Hope Reformed Church in Montevideo with Pastor Mike Altena officiating. Burial was in the Graham United Methodist Cemetery near Rice.
Orvis F. Anderson was born on Nov. 1, 1921, in Centerville, S.D., to Elmer and Agnes (Conrad) Anderson. He grew up in South Dakota and graduated from Irene High School in Irene, S.D., in 1939. On Dec. 2, 1943, he was united in marriage to Gladys Scheel in Rice. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He farmed near Rice and worked at the V.A. Hospital in St. Cloud before receiving a degree from St. Cloud State College. He began teaching school in Canby in 1956, completing his Master’s Degree and continued as a counselor in the Canby schools. In 1966 he moved to Montevideo where he worked as a school counselor until his retirement in 1987.
He was a member of Hope Reformed Church. He had been an active member at several other churches where he had been a Sunday School Teacher, held several church offices and served on a number of boards and committees. He was a life member of the DAV and VFW, a member of the American Legion, was a Cub Scout leader and a member of the Canby and Montevideo Education Associations. He enjoyed fishing, camping and woodworking.
He is survived by wife, Gladys; four children: Darrell (Andy) and his wife Marian of Montevideo; Connie Nuebel and her husband Ron of Northfield; Vern Anderson and his wife Pam of+ Dawson, and Steve Anderson and his wife Robin of West Branch, Iowa; nine grandchildren: Shawn, Eric, Troy and Tonya Nuebel, Angie Schrader, and Matt, Vince, Noah and Naomi Anderson; 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Alice Mae Huston of Sauk Rapids; a sister-in-law, Verda Anderson of Foley; as well as by a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ellsworth Anderson; a sister, Eunice Hartfiel; and two brothers-in-law, Willard Hartfiel and Lyle Huston.
Viola Anderson
Funeral services for Viola Anderson, age 94, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Canby City Cemetery. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Viola Juliet Homme Termunde Anderson passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2007, at Senior Haven-Canby.
Viola Juliet Homme was born on March 1, 1913, to parents Olaf and Minnie Anderson Homme in Alta Vista Township, Lincoln County near Porter. She was baptized in the Porter Lutheran church and confirmed in St. Stephen Church, Canby. Viola graduated from Canby High School in 1931.
On Oct. 22, 1931, she was married to Adolph A. Termunde and farmed with her husband in Fortier Township. For many years Viola was very active as a volunteer in the Bohemian Lodge 107 Z.C.B.J, Canby Hospital, Senior Haven, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Adolph Termunde died in November 1972. Viola sold her farm in 1981 and moved to Canby. Viola married Wilbur “Bud” Anderson Aug. 20, 1981.
Viola is survived by two step-daughters Linda (Michael) Schmidt, Medina, Ohio; Sharon Ueland, Brookings, S.D.; two nephews Bill (Jane) Nemitz, Nisswa; Robert (Christine) Nemitz, Edina; and three nieces Marnie (Munier) Kadrie, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Vivian Oakes, Canby; Darlene Voxland, Plymouth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Minnie; sister, Elvira Termunde; husbands Adolph Termunde and Wilbur Anderson, step-son Wayne Anderson.
Wilfred Antony
Wilfred Antony, age 84, of Canby passed away on Monday, July 30, 2007, at Sanford Health Canby Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, Aug. 3, at 2 p.m. at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo with visitation one hour prior to mass. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 2, at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and rosary to follow. The family will be present from 6 p.m. until the visitation concludes. Father Tony Hesse will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Clark-Hanson VFW Post 117 and St. Leo American Legion Post 524.
Wilfred Mathias Antony was born on April 28, 1923, to Nicholas Antony and Gertrude (Braun) Antony in Wergeland Township. He was baptized, confirmed and received his first holy communion at St. Leo Catholic Church. He attended St. Leo parochial school through the 8th grade. On April 26, 1946, he was drafted into the Army serving in Yokohama, Japan.
On June 1, 1949, Wilfred was united in marriage to Evelyn Van Derostyne at the St. Leo Catholic Church. In 1948, he bought a farm near St. Leo and lived there until they moved to Canby in July 2006. He was a jack-of-all trades.
He was an active member of St. Leo Catholic Church, Catholic Aid Society and Men’s Club. Wilfred’s number one hobby was farming. He also enjoyed hunting, trapping, playing cards, fishing with his children, and family activities.
Wilfred is survived by his wife, Evelyn of Canby; his children, David Antony of Porter; Gerald (Nancy) Antony of Clark, S.D.; Connie (James) Ehmiller of Hopkins; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Matt (Delores) Antony of Canby; sister, Marian Blomme of Marshall; brother, Lawrence (Bernice) Antony of Marshall; sister, Sister Clara Antony of St. Joseph.
He was preceded in death by his two daughters, Judith “Judy” Marie Antony and Karen Freitag and his parents.
Clayton Armitage
Clayton W. Armitage, age 86, of Canby, passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2006, at his home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 18, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Canby. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. Rev. Aaron Alfred of First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby.
Clayton was born May 4, 1920, in Oshkosh Township, the son of Roy and Nellie (Halterman) Armitage and was raised on the family farm. He graduated high school in 1938 in Canby and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was discharged Nov. 15, 1945. He then enlisted in the Army Air Force Reserves where he reached the rank of Base Hqtrs. Sgt. Major.
He is a member of the Gary American Legion. He loved the wild birds and animals and enjoyed hunting and fishing. After his discharge from the service, he took a Retail Training Management Course in 5 and 10 cent retail at F.W. Woolworth in Cleveland, Ohio, and transferred to management of other stores. After five years, he joined the Lindrud 5cent - $1 chain as manager of the Canby and Milbank store for 25 years. Clayton then opened a fabric store and sewing machine center in Milbank until he sold it in 1978, eventually retiring in 1982.
Clayton is survived by one sister, Mildred of California.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; daughter, Cherilyn; two brothers and one sister.
Clayton’s request was that all memorials go to either Sioux Valley Hospice of Canby or donor’s choice.
Paul Bach
Paul Edward Bach, age 72, of Canby, passed away Thursday, Oc. 12, 2006, at Sioux Valley Canby Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, at St. Leo Catholic Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and a Rosary to follow the prayer service.
There will be no visitation at the church before mass on Monday. Burial will be in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery with military honors provided by St. Leo American Legion Post 524.
He was born on the family farm in Omro Township on Oct. 23, 1933, to John and Priscilla (Bukowski) Bach. Paul attended St. Leo Catholic School through the eighth grade, and then attended Clarkfield Public School. He later studied for and received his GED in 1970.
He was a lifetime member of St. Leo Catholic Church, where he was baptized, received his First Communion and was confirmed. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 and was honorably discharged.
Bach married Muriel Schacherer on Nov. 24, 1962 at St. James Church in Dawson. He spent his lifetime farming until he retired in 1998, when he and Muriel moved to Canby, although Paul would continue to be active in farming for the rest of his life.
He served on the Omro Township Board, and was a member and past Commander of the St. Leo American Legion. He was also a member of the St. Leo Men’s Club and the Catholic Order of Foresters. His biggest enjoyments in life were his wife, children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, gardening and helping on the farm. One of his passions was fishing. He enjoyed the camaraderie of fishing and talking with old friends and new, as much as actually catching fish. He was very sociable and made friends wherever he went, and was loved by many.
He is survived by his mother, Priscilla Bach of Minneota; Muriel, his wife of almost 44 years; his children, Darwyn (Lisa) Bach of St. Leo, Dean (Amy Schwartz) Bach of Waconia, Michelle (Greg Black) Bach of Sioux Falls, and Arloa Bach of Minneapolis; his five grandchildren, Patrick, Joseph, Dylan, Isaac, and Natalie; his sisters, MaryAnn Lange of Plymouth, Florence (Gerald) Drietz of Prescott Valley, Ariz., Alice (Gerald) Peterson of Crystal, and Louise (Edward) Bakula of Maple Grove; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, John; his brother, Richard; his brother-in-law, Rueben Lange; and his niece, Susan Drietz.
Bernice Baele
Mass of Christian Burial for Bernice M. Baele, 80,of Minneota, was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota with Rev Father Jeremy Kucera as celebrant.
Visitation was Tuesday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Rehkamp – Horvath Funeral Home in Minneota and continued Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will be at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
Casket Bearers Robert J. Kloos, James Mortland, Joel Rengel, Kipley Anderson, Royce Tuffs and Francis Strum. Honorary Casket Bearers are John Forys, Paul Forys and great-grandchildren Payden, Makonn and Kealey Anderson, Gabriel and Grace Rengel, Brianna Kloos, Riley Tuffs, Abigail and Felicity Mortland, Madison and Jordan Rodriguez and Makayla Olivarez.
Bernice (Forys) Baele was born on Aug. 25, 1926, to Albert and Elizabeth (Gorecki) Forys in Ivanhoe. She was united in marriage to Charles Baele on Nov. 20, 1945. The couple farmed and raised their two daughters near Taunton for 31 years before moving to Minneota. Bernice worked at Schotts Corp. for 25 years. She enjoyed her family, playing cards, watching the Minnesota Twins on TV and being Bingo Queen No. 1. She was very strong in her faith and was an active member of the St. Edward Catholic Parish.
She departed on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Survivors include her daughters Kathleen (Robert) Kloos of Arizona and Darlene Hunt of Sioux Falls, grandchildren Susan (Kipley) Anderson of Shenandoah, Iowa, Robert J. (Sarah) Kloos of Las Vegas, Nev., Pamela (Joel) Rengel of Maple Grove, James (Kelly) Mortland III of Aberdeen, S.D., Jennifer (Royce) Tuffs of Sioux Falls, the above mentioned great-grandchildren, brothers Paul (Elaine) Forys of Buffalo, and John Forys of Long Beach, Calif., sister Grace Kock of Minneota, sister-in-law Lillian Halde of Ivanhoe, niece and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by several family members including her parents, husband, granddaughter, step-brother, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Grace Homme Bailey
Memorial services for Grace Homme Bailey, 83, were held Friday, August 18, 2006 at Abiding Sacior Lutheran HCurch in Lake Forest, California. Bailey passed away on August 13, 2006 at her home in Mission Viejo, California.
Grace Homme was born June 26, 1923, at the farm home in Porter, MN, Lincoln County, to Gunder and Anna Homme. she was baptized and confirmed at Porter Lutheran Church.
She graduated from Canby High School in 1940 and then attended a medical technology school in Minneapolis. She worked for many years in the medical field, including working for Dr. Monson in Canby.
She has lived in California for many years in several locations. In June she made a trip to Alaska. She was a person who believed in enjoying life and was an avid bridge player.
She is survived by her two sons, Michael anthony and Under Homme of Huntington Beach, Calif.; two grandchildren, Michael and Andrea of Arizona; two sisters, anna Belle jenkins of Ionia, Mich. and Helen Clare Zissers of San Francisco, Calif.; and six nieces and nephews.
She was preced in death by her parents and her husband, Dick Bailey.
Darleen Bauer
Darleen Bauer age 83, of Mitchell, died Sunday July 1, 2007, under hospice care in Pipestone. Funeral services Thursday, July 5, at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Artesian, S.D.
Darleen Alvera Bauer was born to Herman and Alma (Heinrich) Schefsky July 28, 1923, at Forestburg, S.D. She attended country school to the fourth grade and graduated from Forestburg High School in 1940. She continued to live at the family farm to help her parents while her brother served in the Military Service. She then attended school at the South Dakota Beauty Academy in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she worked as a beautician. She also worked as a billing clerk at Sioux Road Equipment in Sioux Falls.
On June 25, 1949 she was married to Alfred James Bauer at Sioux Falls, S.D. where they lived until 1954 when they moved to a farm in Beadle County. In 1960 they moved to a farm in Sanborn County. In 1966 they purchased a farm near Forestburg, S.D. where they lived until her husband passed away Aug. 1, 1998. She then moved to Mitchell, S.D. where she resided until her death.
She was a member of the Holy Spirit Church and Altar Society and the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by three daughters, Judy Zoss and friend Bob Hyatt, Canby, Mary Bauer, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Jeralee Moschell and husband, Daniel, Delta Junction, Alaska; nine grandchildren, Karla (Mark) Antony, Marshall, Danette (Dennis) Smit, Edgerton, Clinton (Esther) Zoss, Beresford, S.D., Nathan, Andrew, Nicholas, Ashley, Dustin and Daniel Moschell, Delta Junction, Alaska; eight great grandchildren, Aaron, Sara and Jared Antony, Jordyn, Paetyn and Brenalyn Smit, and Samantha and Aschlie Zoss; a sister, Edna (Victor) Olson, Artesian, S.D., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Orville Schefsky and five sisters, Velma (Arden) Moore, Freda (Mark) Peterson, Amelia (Walter) Jensen, Elsie (James) Sneesby and Pauline (Bernard) Eining, and a brother Edward and a sister Margaret in infancy, a sister-in-law, Irene Schefsky, five brothers-in-law, Arden Moore, Mark Peterson, Walter Jensen, James Sneesby and Bernard Eining.
Donald J. Bekaert
Funeral services for Donald J. Bekaert, age 69, of Gary, S.D., will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 4, at United Methodist Church, Gary. Rev. Samuel Sunandkumar will officiate. Don passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2007. at the Deuel County Memorial Hospital, Clear Lake, S.D.
Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary. Honorary pallbearers will be: Amanda Meyer, Misty Bekaert, Amy Meadors and Lisa Meadors. Active pallbearers will be: Matt Bekaert, Ryan Meadors, Jason Meyer, Rod Meadors, Russ White and Brad Norton.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 3, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. at the Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake and will resume Monday at the church one hour prior to the service.
Donald Julius Bekaert was born on March 30, 1938, in rural Gary to Yules and Hilda (Arp) Bekaert.
Don was united in marriage to Lilly Engeseth on March 8, 1959, in the United Methodist Church of Gary. After their marriage they resided in Gary all of their married life. Don’s careers were many and included being a Standard Oil Bulk agent, carpenter, school custodian and school bus driver. He also worked for Dakota Tube of Watertown, S.D., before retiring. After retirement, he felt he had gotten the job he had always wanted. He worked in his yard and gardens, that was his heaven on earth.
Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, watching Nascar and old westerns. He loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Lilly Bekaert of Gary; one son, Tim and his wife Vicky (Wiese) Bekaert of Watertown, S.D.,; two daughters, Patty and her husband Rod Meadors of Watertown, and Sue and her husband Russ White of Watertown; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Albert Bekaert of Gary and Raymond (Marlene) Bekaert of Clear Lake, S.D,m and three sisters: Clara Brown of Brookings, S.D., Mary (Harvey) Limberg of Clear Lake, and Liz (Pete) Rathert of Nortonsville, Kan.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Yules and Hilda Bekaert, one brother, Leon Bekaert and his grandson, Justin Bekaert.
Martin P. Bednarek
Martin P. Bednarek, age 85, passed away Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Luverne.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton.
Visitation will be one hour prior to mass at the church. Fr. Jeremy Kucera will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby.
Bednarek was born May 16, 1921, the son of John and Pauline (Lizinski) Bednarek. He lived on the family farm for many years and helped his parents with the farming and other chores. After his parents passed away, Martin started to work at the church in Taunton doing janitorial duties. He loved to go fishing and playing cards.
He is survived by his sister, Emily Przybys; two brothers, Roy (Dorothy) Bednarek and John Jr. (Alice) Bednarek; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Catherine Lipinski and ten brothers, Stanley, Walter, Anton, Edward, Joseph, Frank, Martin, Andrew, Aloysuis and Louis.
Alvin H. Benck
Alvin H. Benck, 79, Audubon, formerly of Pelican Rapids, MN died Wednesday, April 25, at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D.
Funeral services were Sunday, April 29, at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, Rev. Wade Dutton, officiating. Interment was in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Ft. Snelling.
Alvin Harold Benck was born April 8, 1928, near Canby, to Arthur and Hilda (Schanning) Benck. He was baptized and confirmed at Zachereus American Lutheran Church near Canby. Alvin attended Canby schools and worked with his father at Benck Implement in Canby. He served with the U. S. Air Force 1951 – 1953 seeing duty in Germany. Following his discharge, he attended diesel mechanic school in Minneapolis and worked as a mechanic in Minneapolis; for St. Paul International Harvester in St. Paul; operated repair shops in Bloomington, Prior Lake, Fergus Falls and Gerhard, prior to owning A & B Transmission in Pelican Rapids. He was united in marriage with Helmi Vinson July 11, 1955 in Canby. She died in 1963. Benck retired in 2005 and moved to rural Audubon in March, 2007.
He was a member of American Legion Post #0017 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 5252 both in Pelican Rapids and the Disabled American Veterans. He shared and gave of himself freely and had accomplished much in his life. Of his accomplishments was the family he claimed as his own sons, Wade, Lanny, and Larry; and daughter, Bonnie. Of his greatest accomplishments and loves of his life were his grandchildren, Billy and Landon.
He is survived by a step-daughter, Elisa Vinson; extended family, Wade and Bonnie Erickson, Lenny Erickson, Lanny Erickson; grandchildren, Billy Kohler-Erickson and Landon Erickson; one sister, Arlys (Roger) Swenson of Dawson; and friend, Bernice Johnson.
In addition to his wife, Helmi, he was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald. The David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family.
Clarence Benck
Clarence Benck, age 80, formerly of Canby, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 on Monday, Jan. 29, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 28 from 5-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Canby Military Squad and the Porter American Legion Post 457.
Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. For online registry and condolences please visit our website: www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Clarence Ivan Gerald Benck was born April 12, 1926, to Martin and Ella (Engel) Benck. He was baptized and confirmed at Zaccheus Lutheran Church. Clarence farmed in Fortier Township all his life. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards. He provided music for wedding dances.
Clarence is survived by one sister Marlys (Lloyd) Westphal of Backus; five nephews; two nieces; several cousins; two Aunts, Amanda Sievert and Hazel (Vernon) Maas both of Canby; an Uncle, Ervin Benck of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Lorraine Benck of Watertown, S.D.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Walter; and nephew, Michael Westphal.
Arlen Benson
Arlen Benson, age 78, of Canby, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at the Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, S.D.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, March 28 from 4-8 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Benton Lutheran Cemetery, Crooks, S.D. For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Arlen Vernell Benson was born March 26, 1930, to Carl and Stella (Holmberg) Benson in Crooks, S.D. He graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons, S.D. From 1952-1953, Arlen served in the United States Marine Corp. He attended South Dakota State University and received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Engineering.
On Nov. 21, 1953, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Ellingson in Moody County, S.D. To this union, five children were born. Arlen worked hard for his family and held various jobs throughout his life; he managed a fertilizer plant, drove bulk truck for Ralph Hentges, was a school bus driver, and he also worked for Gorder farms.
He was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church serving as an usher and deacon for many years. Arlen enjoyed card games, especially pinochle, bowling, embroidery, playing horseshoes, and fishing. Marilyn and Arlen traveled on the tour bus together and really enjoyed that time. Many memories were made while camping with his family at Long Lake and Big Stone Lake. Arlen loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Canby; his five children: Gene (Patricia) Benson of Eagan; Karin (Craig) Rubis of Lakefield; Keith (Jalene) of Volga, S.D.; Gayle (Duane) Erickson of Lino Lakes; and Jon (Rebecca) Benson of Blaine; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene (Duane) Davis of Garretson, S.D., and brother, Lyle Benson of Sioux Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
LeAnn Benson
LeAnn Kay Benson, 48, of Marshall, passed away at her residence on Monday, Nov. 12, 2007. Funeral services were Friday, Nov. 16, at the Country Church in Ruthton. Burial was in the Ruthton City Cemetery.
LeAnn Kay Hibma was born to Dale and Pearl (Scotting) Hibma in the Pipestone County Hospital on April 29, 1959. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Ruthton, and graduated from the Ruthton High School.
LeAnn and Stan Benson were united in marriage on Aug. 7, 1985, at the United Methodist Church in Ruthton. They were blessed with two daughters, Ashly and Amanda. LeAnn worked at Heartland Food for two years, and then was a homemaker and caregiver of her children. LeAnn suffered a stroke in 1992, between the birthdates of her children, which left her permanently disabled. Because of this she was unable to provide the care she loved to give her girls as they were growing up. With much patience and help from Stan, she participated in their care as much as she could. She was always very proud of her children’s accomplishments and they have done much to help her as they have grown to their teenage years.
LeAnn is survived by her husband, Stan of Marshall; two daughters, Ashly and Amanda of Marshall; brother, Jim (Judy) Hibma of Maple Grove; two sisters, Roxie (Steve) Fliss of Canby and Diana (Dan) Hourscht of Evansville, Ind.; mother-in-law, Elvera Benson of Balaton; many in-laws, Steve (Marlene) Benson of Windom, Kathryn Loftus of Balaton, Joe Benson of Redwood Falls, Mike (Julie) Benson of Lakeville, Scott Roger (Shannon) Benson of Tracy, Lisa (Mark) Driessen of Marshall, Paul Benson of St. Cloud; also many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law, Dennis Benson, brother-in-law, Arlo (BZ) Gilfillan, paternal grandparents; and maternal grandfather.
LeAnn’s enjoyments in life before the stroke were craft projects, painting, fabric painting and quilt making. After her stroke she enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing board games with the girls and Stan, and having tea and visiting with Grandma Scotting, who became her second mother. LeAnn loved life, she had a great sense of humor and enjoyed being the life of the party. She loved spending time with her family and teaching young people to ride bike, bake cookies, and play ball. She also loved to get outside and work in her garden.
Lottie Berge
Lottie Berge, age 92, of Canby passed away on Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Madison Lutheran Nursing Home in Madison.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at First Presbyterian Church in Canby with Rev. Aaron Alfred and Rev. Carole Ann Warfield as co-officiants. Visitation will be on Friday, March 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and will resume on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Internment will be in the Canby City Cemetery. For online condolences please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com. Memorials preferred to First Presbyterian Church or American Diabetes Association.
Lottie Harding was born June 4, 1915, in Sumner, Iowa, to Carroll and Anna (Fedeler) Harding. When she was 12 she moved with her family to rural Canby where she attended school in Fortier Township District No. 68. After graduating from the eighth grade, she continued her education in Canby, graduating from Canby High School in 1934 and the Canby Normal Training School in 1935. She took courses and summer school at Mankato and received her Life Teaching Certificate. Certified to teach at the age of 19, Lottie began her teaching career in her home school of District No. 68. Later she taught in other rural schools, including Burr and District No. 48. Her teaching career spanned more than 40 years. After teaching in Yellow Medicine County rural schools, she came into the Canby Public School, where she finished her career teaching the fifth grade. She held a lifetime teaching certificate in Minnesota.
On April 8, 1939, she married Howard Berge in Astoria, S.D., and to this union one daughter was born, Sharron.
She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church for 50 years. She had been a deacon and taught Sunday school. She was also a member of educational organizations, CAREA, MEA, NEA, and the Canby Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and friends.
Lottie is survived by her daughter, Sharron (Arnie) Blumeyer of Charleston, S.C.; two grandchildren, Brad Blumeyer of Raleigh, N.C., Scott Blumeyer of Lake Bluff, Il.; three great-grandchildren Rachel Blumeyer, Kurt and Jack Blumeyer; sister, Marian Meade; two sisters-in-law, Avis Harding; Marcella Berge and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard in 1988; parents; sister, Lucille; and brother, Harold.
Dorothy “Dottie” Birner
Dorothy “Dottie” M. Birner, age 85, of Canby, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 20, at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be Monday from 5 -7:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate.
Burial will be at St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Canby.
Dottie was born August 2, 1920, in Chinook, Mont., the daughter of John and Mary Elizabeth (Burchard) Stensrud. After high school, she worked at the Deluxe Café in Canby while receiving her teacher’s training from the Normal School in Canby. After her training, she taught in a rural school east of Cottonwood for two years. While her husband was in the service, she lived in Richmond, Calif., and worked in the shipyards until Walter was discharged from the military. At the end of the war, they moved to Canby. At one point, she worked at the Red Fox restaurant on the banks of the Missouri River in Washburn, N.D., while her husband did electrical work at the Coal Creek power plant.
She was a member of the sewing club for over 50 years, she crocheted afghans, but she especially enjoyed making doilies for others. She will be remembered for her tremendous love for children. Dottie was a regular volunteer for the American Red Cross Bloodmobile. She was Treasurer for the Canby Depot and was an active participant in the Depot restoration. Dottie and her husband spent several winters in Arizona and enjoyed the times when they would be camping. Dottie was a very active square dancer and belonged to the “Gary 8’s” and the “Jolly Mixers.” Dottie also taught Sunday school for many years, loved to watch Canby High School sports and was an avid Twins and Vikings fan.
Dottie is survived by her husband, Walter of Canby; two sons, Roger of Marshall and Curt of Canby; brother, Cyril (Lois) Stensrud of Thief River Falls; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded by her parents; sister, Ardell VanDamme and brother, Orville Stensrud.
Parnel Newman Bjornson
Funeral services for Parnel Bjornson, 86, of Madison, were held on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006 at Garfield Lutheran Church with Rev. Barbara Stroud-Borth officiating. Concluding services were held at Garfield Lutheran Cemetery.
Parnel Newman Bjornson was born October 29, 1920 in Madison Township to Josephine (Olson) and Edwin ‘Ben’ Bjornson. He was baptized at Hegre Lutheran Church and confirmed at Garfield Lutheran Church. Bjornson graduated from Madison High School in 1940.
He was united in marriage to Mavis Ardolt Cech at St. Steven’s Lutheran Church, Canby. The couple farmed in Garfield Township where he loved to farm and was an accomplished mechanic, fixer and ran his own farm repair shop. He really enjoyed restoring old Ford cars and Allis Chalmers tractors.
He was an active member of Garfield Lutheran Church for 76 years where he held many Council positions; he was spent 22 years on District #106 and the Madison Public school Boards.
Bjornson is survived by his wife, Mavis; one son, Ray of Madison; daughters, Marie Lee-Rude (Bradley) of Granite Falls and Linda (Kenneth) Turnquist of Carver; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother, James (Lois) of Madison; one sister, Mildred Shields of Solomons, Maryland, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant daughters, Brenda and Anne; one infant granddaughter; a daughter-in-law, Susan Bjornson, a son-in-law, Lowell Lee, a brother-in-law, Edward Shields, and a niece, Patricia Bramhall.
Inez B. Bjornstad
Inez Bjornstad, age 93, of Canby, passed away Saturday, June 02, 2007, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home, Canby.
Funeral services will be Thursday, June 07, at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation and prayer service will be at Senior Haven Nursing Home Chapel at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 06. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. The Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Burial will be in the Florida Lutheran Cemetery. Birk Funeral Home of Canby is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
She was born along with her twin sister, Irene, to Ole and Lena (Gilbertson) Bjornstad on June 6, 1913, on the family farm in Freeland Township, Lac Qui Parle County. She was baptized and confirmed at Florida Lutheran Church and attended District 100 School, which was located on land given by Ole Bjornstad. She and Irene went on to attend the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris.
In 1936, the Bjornstad siblings took over operation of the family farm. Inez worked on the farm and also served as caregiver to her family members in need. She also worked for a time at the Madison Lutheran Home. They later moved off the farm into a home in Canby. Inez spent her last years as a resident of Senior Haven.
She was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and active in WELCA at Florida Lutheran and Our Saviour’s. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing sports on the farm and at the Ag school. Later on she enjoyed watching Minnesota Twins baseball games on TV.
Inez is survived by her sisters, Irene Johnson and Helen Bjornstad both of Canby and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; nine brothers; and four sisters.
Hannah Elvira Bloom
Funeral services were held recently for Hannah Elvira Bloom, 86, of Moline, Illinois. Hannah Bloom passed away on January 22, 2008 at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis, Illinois.
Bloom was born March 17, 1921 in Canby to Ernfred and Hulda Lind Bengston. She was baptized and confirmed at Providence Valley Lutheran Church, rural Dawson. Bloom was a 1940 graduate of Canby High School. She was united in marriage to Harold L. Bloom on November 27, 1949.
Bloom was a machinist at the Rock Island Arsenal during WWII and later an assembler for 39 years at Servus Rubber. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. She enjoyed reading and was active in 4-H.
Bloom is survived by her children, Michael Bloom, Moline, Illinois, Anna Benner, Washington; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and one sister, Evelyn Lundgren, of Canby.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one grandchild; two brothers, Ruben and Walter.
Roger Boulton
Roger Boulton, age 64, of Canby, passed away May 31, 2006, at his home after a battle with cancer.
Memorial Mass will be held Friday, June 2, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Canby. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Father Tony Hesse of St. Peter's Catholic Church will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery. Arrangements with Birk Funeral Home, Canby.
Roger Patrick Francis Boulton, a twin son, was born May 10, 1942, in Marshall, to Robert and Helen (Sorensen) Boulton. His parents had to put in electricity before they could bring the twins home from the hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Edward's Catholic Church. He attended schools at St. Edward's and Porter Public Schools. In 1960, Roger graduated from Canby High School. After high school, Roger attended Southwestern Technical College and graduated with a degree in Agribusiness. He then continued on to Southwest State University in Marshall and obtained his B.S. degree in Agribusiness and a minor in Business Administration.
On July 31, 1971, Roger married Roberta Grong at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby. After their marriage, they lived on the farm one mile outside of Porter for 23 years. He was proud to be a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 520 of Porter for 7 years. While in the scouts, he attained the level of Order of The Arrow. He enjoyed all activities related to the boys and even followed their lives.
He was a member of Lincoln County Fair Board, Pork Producers and held the office of president for one year. Roger was also active on the Board of Director of Canby Pheasants Forever, lifetime member of Knights of Columbus, Porter Town & Country Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, playing guitar, bow hunting and playing cards with many of his friends. Roger enjoyed working at Away For The Day Daycare for 3 years. He even loved to show his Purebred livestock at State and County Fairs and also at shows; he enjoyed meeting and making many new friends.
On Nov. 29, 1985, Roger and Roberta were blessed with the birth of their new daughter, Robyn. Roger loved to work with the clients at REM and meeting many people who became his friends.
Roger is survived by his wife, Roberta and daughter, Robyn; mother, Helen Boulton; twin brother, Ronald (Connie); brother, Gerald (Jan) Boulton; sister, Linda (Tom) Andert; brother, Mark (Deb) Boulton; sister, Carol (Bruce) Kack; nephews, Alan Boulton, Christopher (Jenny) Boulton and son, Alexander; Michael Boulton, Joseph Kack; nieces, Amy (Tom) Caruthers, Sara Andert, Jodi (Doug) Loyson and their son, Lane; Laura (Martin) Hennen and children, Zachary and Kate; Amanda Kack, Megan Kack and Katelyn Kack.
He was preceded in death by both of his grandparents; brother, Gene; and father, Robert.
Albertus C. Blumeyer
Albertus C. Blumeyer, 93, of Canby, passed away October 9, 2006, at Sioux Valley Canby Campus-Senior Haven.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 14, at First Presbyterian Church in Canby. Pastor Aaron Alfred and Pastor Keith Kraft (Albertus’s granddaughter’s husband) officiated. Burial was in Marble Lutheran Cemetery.
Blumeyer was born on Sept. 6, 1913, in George, Iowa, the son of Heiko and Ella (Wieman) Blumeyer. He received his education at George Public Schools and graduated from high school in 1932. He was united in marriage to Anna DeZeeuw on Nov. 24, 1937, at Anna’s parents’ farm. They farmed several years in the George, Iowa, area and moved in 1952 to a farm south of Canby.
In 1974, he retired from farming and moved into Canby, where he became very active with the Senior Citizen Program. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, served two terms as an elder and also was a delegate at the National General Assembly in Portland, Oregon in 1967.
He is survived by his wife, Anna of Canby; three sons, Arnold (Sharron) of Charleston, S.C., Douglas (Sandra) of Rocky Point, N.C., and Curtis Blumeyer of Canby; two daughters, Patricia Lindahl and Sandra (Orie) Beucler both of Minnetonka; 18 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; brother, Russell (Lois) Blumeyer of Newton, Iowa, two daughter-in-laws, Kathy Blumeyer of Fargo, N.D., and Nancy Blumeyer of Costa Mesa, Calif.; son-in-law, Lee Buffington of Mitchell, S.D.; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded by his parents; son, Myron Blumeyer; daughter, Darlene Buffington; son, Arlin L. Blumeyer three grandchildren, Douglas Blumeyer Jr., Michele Blumeyer and Stacey Blumeyer; brother, Elra and sister, Hilka Mae Pohlman; daughter-in-law, Sandra Blumeyer.
Arlin Blumeyer
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 1, at Hope Lutheran Church, South Campus, Fargo, N.D., for Arlin Lee Blumeyer, 67, of Fargo, who died Saturday, May 27, 2006, at Innovis Health, Fargo.
Arlin was born June 16, 1938, in George, Iowa, to Albertus and Anna (DeZeeuw) Blumeyer. Arlin lived in Iowa until 1952, then moved to a farm near Canby. He graduated from Canby High School in 1957 and attended Mankato State University. He served in the U.S. Army for three years. He married Kathy Pearson on April 28, 1961, in Canby. He worked in the banking and insurance industry until 1999, retiring from Continental Western Insurance Co.
He is survived by his parents; wife, Kathy; three daughters, Brenda (Jay) Landstrom, Portland, Ore., Joy (Blake) Papke, Bismarck, N.D., and Karla (Jeff) Kearney, Andover; nine grandchildren, Allison and Leah Landstrom, Amanda, Drew and Janessa Papke, Benjamin, Abigail, Anna and Jenevieve Kearney; three brothers, his twin, Arnold (Sharron) Blumeyer, Charleston, S.C., Douglas (Sandra) Blumeyer, Rocky Point, N.C., and Curtis Blumeyer, Canby; two sisters, Patricia Lindahl, Minnetonka, and Sandra (Orie) Beucler, Minnetonka; mother-in-law, Mata Pearson, Fargo; three brothers-in-law, Arlen Pearson, Richard (Ann) Pearson, Arizona and Gary Pearson, New Mexico.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Myron Blumeyer; sister, Darlene Buffington; nieces Stacey and Kathleen Blumeyer; nephew Douglas Blumeyer, Jr.; sister-in-law, Sandra Blumeyer and father-in-law Arnold Pearson.
Hazel E. Borson
Funeral Service for Hazel E. Borson, 93, of Taunton, will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Rehkamp – Horvath Funeral Home in Minneota and one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Interment will follow the service at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Minneota.
Hazel Enga (Esping) Borson was born on June 27, 1914, on the family farm in Burton Township. She attended school in Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School in 1932. On May 4, 1934, she was united in marriage to Albert O. Borson at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. As a bride, she moved into the farm house that Albert’s family built. The couple farmed, raised their family and made their home on this location their whole lives. She was a prankster and enjoyed playing practical jokes on friends and family. She also enjoyed traveling. She accompanied her husband, who was a dealer for Dekalb, on many business trips. She also enjoyed visiting family and attended every wedding, high school or college graduation for her children and grandchildren in Minnesota, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Missouri, Alabama, Norway and Sweden.
She enjoyed bowling and the fellowship with her bowling friends. She was very active at Hope Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a charter member of the Altar Guild. She was also a charter member of the Minneota Iris Society. She was on the Executive Boards of the Eidsvold Township Ladies’ Aid and the Eidsvold Township Get-Together Club.
She died on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota.
She is survived by her daughter Bonnie Borson-Hanson of Minneota, son Robert and his wife Susan Haynes-Borson of Birmingham, Ala., grandchildren Bruce Hanson, Barbara Hanson, Nate Borson, Nick Borson and Eric Hanson, great-grandchildren Aaron Hanson, Amanda Hanson, Ben Borson and Vanessa Hanson, siblings Herman (Reenie) Esping Jr. and Virginia (Elmer) Johnson, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Albert Borson, son-in-law Don Hanson and 10 siblings.
Florence C. Braun
Florence C. Braun, 90 of Marshall, formerly of St. Leo, died Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, in Avera Medical Center in Marshall.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo with burial in the church cemetery.
There will be a C.C.W. Rosary at 4 p.m. Friday Oct. 6, in Holy Redeemer Catholic in Marshall. Visitation will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Holy Redeemer Church with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service followed by a Rosary.
Visitation will continue Saturday one hour prior to services in St. Leo Catholic Church.
Florence C. Braun was born June 23, 1916, in Burton Township, Yellow Medicine County, to John and Magdalen (Baierl) Eischens. She moved with her family to a farm miles east of St. Leo where she grew up and attended country and St. Leo’s Parochial Schools. On June 23, 1936, she was united in marriage to Henry Mathias Braun in St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo. They lived in St. Leo where she worked in the cafeteria at St. Leo’s Parochial School until retiring in 1984. In January of 2000, they moved to the Marshall Square Apartments. Henry died on July 14, 2005, and she continued to live in the Marshall Square Apartments. She was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall and had belonged to the Christian Mothers Society, the C.C.W. and the Quilting Missions. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, playing cards and spending time in her big garden. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She had made quilts for all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her son Larry (Estelle Citrowske) Braun of St. Leo, five daughters; Jeanette (Hank) Westerhaus of Melrose, Evelyn (Dennis) Louwagie of Marshall, Carolyn (Gordon) Boerboom of Marshall, Ruth (Tony) Louwagie of Cottonwood and Florence (Larry) Eischens of Watertown, South Dakota, a son-in-law Blaine Mamer of Minneapolis, 36 grandchildren and 61 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings Genevieve Jelen of Canby, Magdalen Kapolczynsky of Mesa, AZ, Lillian (Sylvester) Sanow of Minneota, Mervin (Velma) Eischens of St. Leo and Sil (Marcella) Eischens of Pipestone and a sister-in-law Leona Eischens of Minneota.
She was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Mary Mamer in 1996, three brothers Joseph, Clarence and Herman Eischens and three sisters Susan Beck, Josephine Troye and Bernice Roles. Blessed be her memory.
Robert Breecher
Robert Earl Breecher, 83, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on July 15, 2006, after a valiant struggle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Vera, his two sons, Bill ( Priscilla) and Sam (Debbie), grandchildren Matt (Jen), Dave, Wes (Lona), Mike,Tony, Kelsey and great-grandchildren. Extended family include Nick, Maddy, Mark and Heather.
Breecher was born on Aug. 27, 1922, in Storm Lake, Iowa. Growing up on a farm, he then went to work for a heating contractor after high school. When WWII broke out, he enlisted in the Navy Seabees, spending over two years in the South Pacific. To his final day, he was exceptionally patriotic and proud of having served his country during the most difficult of times. Until this past summer, he faithfully attended the Last Man Standing reunions in Minnesota. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and VFW.
While stationed at Camp Parks, Calif., he met Vera Costa. They married after the war and lived on a farm in Canby. After their sons were born, the Breecher Family moved to Modesto, Calif., where he managed a plumbing and heating wholesale company. The family moved to Phoenix in 1962 where he went to work for Wright Manufacturing. In 1976, together Bob and Vera began Breecher Sales Inc., a very successful manufacturers’ rep company now shared with their two sons.
Breecher was also a lover of old cars. He had restored a 1932 model B pickup truck and a 1958 Studebaker pickup truck with his sons. He also had a 1930 model A partially done and a 1940 Allis-Chalmers tractor up and running that is still used around the farm in Iowa. In later years he got into golf for exercise and fun. He was a golfer who loved the game and the people who played it. There was even a hole in one on his home course at Alta, Iowa.
Breecher and his wife have maintained the near 100 year-old Breecher Farm in Storm Lake as a working farm, and a big producer for Jolly Time popcorn.
Bob was buried at Storm Lake.
Viola Anna Bruflat
Viola Anna Bruflat passed away at the Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Fulda on March 16, 2007.
Funeral Services will be at Fulda Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 21, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Bob Raedeke officiating. The organist is Mary Jean Buschena with special music by her granddaughter, Patricia Halverson and great-granddaughter, Aligail Joy The pallbearers are her grandchildren, Patricia Halverson, Douglas Halverson, Lori Inkrot, Bryan Weiss, Bradley Weiss, Patrick Schmidt and Matthew Schmidt. Interment at St. Stephens Cemetery.
Visitation was scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, from 4-7 p.m. at the Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda and also one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.
Viola Brufalt was born on Sept. 12, 1916, in Dumont, Iowa, to Fred and Grace Slight Eisentrger. She grew up in Dumont and attended country school. On July 7, 1940, she and Blaine Bruflat were married in Canby. Following their marriage they made their home in Canby. Blaine passed away on Dec. 1, 1965. Viola remained in Canby and worked at the Canby School as a cook. In 1971 she moved to Fairmont and worked at the Fairmont Hospital as a Nurses Aid. She retired in 1982 and moved to Fulda. In June 2004, she became a resident of the Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Fulda. She was a member of the Fulda Presbyterian Church in Fulda. She was active in the Ladies Aid, and on the Sunshine Committee. She received the Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership Award. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Fulda Pink Ladies, RSVP Volunteer and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed crocheting, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include her three daughter and their spouses: Sydney and Earl Halverson of Fulda, Janet and Gary Schmidt of Dunkirk, Md., and Janice and Jim Weiss of Oakhurst, Calif., seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Blaine, two brothers, Clifford Donald and Orville Eisentrager, one sister, Bernice Yackley, and one niece, Sandra Yackley.
Marvin Bruns
Funeral Service for Marvin Bruns, 85, of Minneota, were held Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Interment was at the Wergeland Township Cemetery.
Marvin Henry Bruns was born on Jan. 10, 1922, in Wergeland Township to John and Ernestine (Maurer) Bruns. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Taunton. He graduated from Canby High School in 1940. He farmed with his family and later on his own. On Sept. 8, 1945, he was united in marriage to Florence Smith at the Clarkfield Methodist Church. The couple farmed and raised their family near Porter. He sang in the Canby Men’s Chorus from his high school graduation until the group disbanded in the 1970’s. He was a member of the Wergeland Township Board and the Porter Co-op Oil Boards. In 1984, Marvin and Florence moved into Minneota. The couple was very active and served as custodians at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota for many years. He also served on Church Council, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir and at many weddings and funerals. One of his hobbies was model trains.
After several years of failing health, he died on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at the Avera Marshall Medical Center in Marshall.
He is survived by his son Marcus Bruns of Minneota, daughter Kathryn (LaRon) Budahl of Watertown, S.D., grandson Wayne (Jacia) Bruns of Minneapolis, grandson Aaron (Jodi) Budahl and great-grandson Brody, all of Watertown, S.D., nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother Erwin.
Earl Buysse
Mass of Christian Burial for Earl Buysse, 61, of Minneota will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church. There will be a Parish Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Visitation continues at Rehkamp-Horvath Funeral Home in Minneota on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
Buysse was born on Jan. 3, 1945, to Bernard and Loretta (De Cock) Buysse in Minneota. He attended St. Eloi School in Ghent, and St. Edward School in Minneota. On Feb. 6, 1971, he married Patricia Persons. He farmed near Minneota. In 1997, he and Patricia moved to a home in Minneota, but he continued to farm.
He enjoyed farming and spending time with his family and friends. He loved visiting with people and enjoyed morning coffee with the guys at Dalagers. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He died from leukemia on Monday, Aug. 7, 2006, at his home in Minneota.
Survivors include his wife Patricia of Minneota, daughter Sara (Bryan) Fier and their children Hunter and Reid of Taunton, son Eric (Kristin) and their children Tyler, Jenna, and Emma of Minneota, son Ryan (Angela) and their children Alalisa, Alaire, Adiah, and Audra of Minneota, daughter Kristy (Brandon) Peterson of Minneota, son Rick (Kayla) of Worthing, S.D., mother Loretta of Minneota, sisters Ardyce (Laurence) Louwagie of Cottonwood and Noreen (Terence) Blanchette of Porter, and brother Roy (Ina) of Minneota.
He was preceded in death by his father Bernard.
Doris Irene Capp
Doris I. Johnston Capp, 90, of Alexandria, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, at Knute Nelson Nursing Home in Alexandria.
Doris was born Dec. 21, 1916, to Heiko and Nellie Maud Bruns in Wergland Township, Porter. She was the eldest of four children, with two sisters, Leona and Lorraine and a brother, Glen. Following high school graduation in Canby and a year of teacher training, she taught school in a one-room schoolhouse. Doris moved to Connecticut for a time and worked as a maid.
She loved the exhilarating sights and sounds of the ocean and developed a lifelong love for lighthouses during this time. She married Fred Johnston of Greenwich, Conn. Three children were born to this union; David, Linda and Mary Ann.
Doris and her children moved back to Porter. There she later met and married Fred Capp. They moved to a farm near Chokio. They had five children: Bill, Judy, Fred, Susan, and Richard (who died in infancy). The family moved to a farm near Clear Lake S.D., later moving to a farm near Villard in 1964. Doris worked as a nurse’s aide; then at age 51, she began technical college as the oldest student accepted in the practical nursing program. She was very proud to earn her LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) degree and worked as an LPN and Charge Nurse at Knute Nelson Nursing Home, Bethany Nursing Home and the Glenwood Retirement Home over a 15 year career.
Her husband, Fred, died in 1988 and Doris began the adventure of making a new life for herself. She left the farm and lived in her own apartment in Alexandria, then in Tulsa, Okla., and later with her daughter, Sue Trexler and family in Vermont and then Texas while recuperating from bone breakages, surgeries and then a massive stroke. She came to Knute Nelson Nursing Home in 2002 and remained there until the time of her death.
Doris was always sustained by her faith in God and made the best of many hard circumstances in life with her positive attitude, never-ending curiosity and cheery optimism. She loved her Lord and she loved her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was her goal to keep them connected to God and to each other. She began a venture known as “Grandma’s Newsletter” where she collected family news and then dispensed it, making copies for each family member and mailing them out faithfully. Later she wrote about her idea and the article was published in a national magazine; making her a published author. She was featured in several newspaper articles and television spots in three states, serving as an example of an older person who embraced changes and exhibited a love and zest for life.
Doris was preceded in death by infant son, Richard Lee, her sister Leona, her brother Glen, her parents, and her husband Fred.
She is survived by seven of her children and their spouses; David and Pat Johnston of Canby, Linda and John Richardson of Arlington Texas, Mary Ann and Robert Roe of Brookfield Mo., Bill and Cheryl Capp, Fred Capp and fiancé Alicia Storm, Judy and Randy Kneprath, Susan and Ray Trexler all of Alexandria and 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of her life was held on Sept. 22 at Knute Nelson Memorial Home Chapel with Pastor Peter Reishus officiating. Music was provided by pianist Bonnie Fulghum and vocalists granddaughter Missy and husband Adam Giles and daughter-in-law Cheryl Capp. Inurnment was held at Lake Leven Cemetery near Villard.
Memorials will be used to establish a scholarship to be given to a returning older adult student attending the LPN program at Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria.
Albert Victor Carrette
Mass of Christian Burial for Albert Victor Carrette, 87, of Taunton, was Thursday, Aug. 16, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton.
Interment was at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery in Taunton.
Carrette was born on Nov. 19, 1919, the fourth child of Henri Carrette and Elisa Van Nevel in Hansbeke, Belgium. With the sponsorship of Cyriel and Erma DePestel, he immigrated to the United States in January 1947 and made Taunton his new home. He began farming by renting and later bought the DePestel farmstead in 1962 and remained there until 1985 upon retirement. He loved the land. He loved working the land through farming and gardening. He was a steward of the land and all of God’s creation. He also loved fishing, hunting, planting trees and enjoyed the Belgian games of rolle bolle and the card game of “bien.” He married Rachel Dhaenens of Aalter, Belgium, on Dec, 27, 1948. Seven children were born to that marriage: Larry, Diane, Linda, Laurie, Deb, Mark and Paul.
He was an active member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church serving as trustee, lector, CCD teacher, Holy Name member, and Knights of Columbus member. When he came to America, he only knew the Belgian language; he felt most at home while at church because the service was in Latin just as it was in Belgium.
Among the survivors are his wife of 58 years, Rachel, of Taunton, daughters Diane Tuttle and her husband, James of Portland, Ore.; Linda Sjurseth of Taunton; Laurie Carrette Zook and her husband, Michael of Omaha, Neb.; Deb Goblirsch and her husband, Gary of Apple Valley; and a son Paul Carrette and his wife, Anita of Dell Rapids, S.D.; 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, one brother, Antoine Carrette of Hansbeke, Belgium.
He was preceded in death by infant son Larry, son Mark, one brother and two sisters.
Doris H. Carlson
Funeral services for Doris H. Carlson, 91, who passed away November 15, 2006 in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center were held November 20, 2006 in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lakewood. Interment was in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Doris H. Carlson was born June 9, 1915 in Canby to Martin and Thea Halstenson.
She was a member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran CHurch, Lakewood, the American Scandinavian Society and the Lakewood-Busti Senior Citizens. She loved spending time knitting, baking and doing crafts.
She is survived by a son, David (Christine) Schuver of Elgin, Ill., a daughter, Patricia Johnson of Hatboro, PA; two stepdaughters, Dolores (George) Jackman of Wheatfield, N.Y., Norma (Hal) Waggoner of Victorville, CA; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including Merton Halstenson and Lorraine (George) Kamrath of Canby.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl A. Carlson; a grandson, Steven Johnson; one brother and two sisters.
Eleanor Chlebecek
Eleanor Chlebecek, age 61, of Canby, passed away on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at her daughter’s residence after a long battle with cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, Oct. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Visitation will be on Sunday, Oct. 21, from 4-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and rosary to follow. Visitation will resume at the funeral home Monday morning from 9:30-10:00 a.m. Celebrant of mass will be Father Tony Hesse. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor’s choice.
She was born October 23, 1945, in Sac City, Iowa, the daughter of Merton and Cora (Borecky) McKeen. Eleanor married Jerome Chlebecek on Feb. 27, 1965, in Canby.
Eleanor was a long-time cook at the Midway Café in Canby. In her spare time, she would have coffee time with her friends, go camping with her family, and was a Beanie-Babies collector. Her biggest love was for her grandchildren. She not only enjoyed their time together, but loved to attend any of their extracurricular activities. Her family will remember her for her zest for life, how she worried about herself last, and her very strong work ethic.
Survivors include her husband, Jerome of Canby; daughter, Janel (Doug) Possail of Tyler; son, Joe (Paula) of International Falls; four grandchildren, Justine and Bailey Possail and Blake and Micah Chlebecek; three brothers, Kenny (Betty) McKeen of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Bob (Pat) McKeen of Canby, and Marlyn (Connie) McKeen of Des Moines, Iowa; one sister, Mary (Rex) Birt of Currie.
She is preceded death by her parents; two brothers and one sister.
Jesse Citrowske
Jesse Citrowske, age 15, son of Mike and Brenda Citrowske, of Marshall, passed away as the result of bicycle-auto accident in Marshall on Monday, Aug. 21, 2006.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an 8:30 p.m. prayer service Wednesday at the Hamilton Funeral Home.
Jesse Michael Citrowske was born to Michael and Brenda (Elness) Citrowske on Aug. 1, 1991, in Hopkins. He was baptized at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie and confirmed at St. Stephen Lutheran in Marshall. He was about to entered this school year at Marshall High School as a freshman.
Jesse passed away as the result of a bicycle-auto accident in Marshall on Aug. 21, 2006.
He is survived by his parents, Mike and Brenda of Marshall; a sister, Jayme of Marshall; fraternal grandmother, Joan Citrowske of Canby; maternal grandparents, Ken and Dorothy Elness of Windom; his dog, Trinity; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandpa, Odean Citrowske; and a cousin, Kendra Elness.
Jesse was active in the Marshall Marching Band, jazz band, cross country, track, MAYBA and Tae Kwon Do. His enjoyments in life were spending time with his family, playing his 360 video games with his best friend Zach, hunting, fishing, working on his car and practicing his drums. He will be remembered most for his shy disposition, sweet smle and unconditional love and acceptance of people. He will be missed greatly by everyone that knew him.
Jesse was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church at the time of his death.
David G. Cole
David G. Cole, age 75, of rural Canby, passed away Friday, July 21, 2006 at his home.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and a Masonic service to follow the prayer service. Visitation will resume for one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate.
Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, Gary, SD.
David was born Oct. 10, 1930, in Florida Township, Yellow Medicine County, the son of Glenn and Mayme (Naig) Cole. He attended rural country schools. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1954. He was a life member of Peden-Cole Legion No. 109 and Clark-Hanson VFW Post No. 117. He was also a member of the St. Leo Legion and Military Order of the Cooties. He also was Past Master of Gate City Lodge No. 14 of Gary, Zuhrah Shrine, Canby Shrine Club and Watertown Shrine Club.
David served as clerk of Fortier Township since 1969. He farmed his entire life in Fortier Township and was a rural mail carrier from 1969, until his retirement in 1996.
He is survived by his wife, Lois of Canby; daughter, Susan (Steven) Schanning of Gary; son, John (Shelley) Cole of Renner, S.D.; 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Greta and Laura Schanning, Andrew, Jack and Emma Cole; two sisters, Frances Miller of Gary and Fay (Robert) Moog of Minneapolis.
He was preceded by his parents and one sister, Catherine Halstenson.
Doris V. Cornell
Funeral services for Mrs. Doris V. Cornell, age 83, of Gary, S.D., will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 31, in the First Evangeical Lutheran Church. Rev. Bruce Mueller will officiate. Doris passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, at her daughter’s home in Becker. She was the widow of Mr. Edward Cornell.
Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary. Honorary pallbearer will be Benjamin Kuhns, active military duty. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons: Jeffrey Sillman, Jason Sillman, Jesse Sillman, Joshua Kuhns, Joseph Kuhns and Cody Singsaas. Music will be provided by Janelle Denekamp, organist and Randy and Joyce Meyer, special music.
Visitation will be in the First Evangeical Lutheran Church on Monday, July 31, one hour prior to the service. The Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake, SD is in charge of the arrangements.
Doris was born on May 12, 1923, to Gunder and Agnes (Nystim) Hanson in Perth, N.D. She was part of a large, loving family of 15 children and spent her childhood years in Perth.
On May 3, 1948, she was united in marriage to Edward Cornell in Gary. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed near Gary. They were members of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gary for over 50 years.
Doris had a great love for children. Besides raising her four daughters, she cared for many children from the community, and was always there to care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a very shy person, but those who knew her were blessed by her friendship and the genuine care and concern she had for them. Doris did not go far without her dog by her side, and had a special place in her heart for all animals.
She is lovingly remembered by her four daughters: Pamela Taylor, Durango, Colo., Janet (Terry) Singsaas, Becker, Jacalyn (Ron) Sillman, St. Clair, and Debra (Joe) Erickson, Sioux Falls: 11 grandchildren: Nicole, Stephanie, Jeffrey, Jason, Jesse, Joshua, Benjamin, Joseph, Toby, Cody and Megan; eight great-grandchildren: Emily, Sydney, John, Jaymyson, Dominick, Parker, Caden, and Luke; two sisters: Helen Strebik, Grand Forks, N.D., and Doris’ twin sister, Dorothy Brewer, Fargo, N.D.; one brother, John Hanson, Ranier, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; parents, Gunder and Agnes Hanson; sisters, Ann Engeseth, Ruth Cole, Delores McLaughlin, Barbara May, Harriet Stapleton, Sylvia Hanson and Margaret Kvant; four brothers: William, Hans, Donald, and Louis Hanson.
Myrtle Craigmile
Funeral services for Myrtle Craigmile will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Antelope Hills Christian Church, rural Canby. Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service and will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Canby City Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com. Memorials are preferred to Sanford Canby Hospice.
Myrtle passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, at her home in Canby
Myrtle Irene Craigmile was born on Jan. 11, 1915, in Lac Qui Parle County to parents Lewis and Ruby (West) Burlingame. She lived on the family farm until her marriage to Lawrence Craigmile on June 12, 1937, at Tracy. She was baptized June 16, 1930, and was a lifetime member of the Antelope Hills Church of Christ.
Myrtle worked at Doc’s Cafe, was a cook at Canby Hospital for 18 years, and worked for the Senior Center Meal Site until she retired. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary since 1959.
The piano played a large part of her life. She played for silent movies at age 13, played for church services and gave lessons for many years. She loved to crochet afghans for family members. One of the things she enjoyed most was teaching her grandkids and great-grandkids to play cards with her. Her home was always open for family and friends needing a place to sleep. Her sense of humor and wit will be especially missed.
Myrtle is survived by her four daughters: Patty (John) Henningsgaard of Center City; Bonnie LaBeau of Minnetonka; Judy (Bruce) Dushack of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Betty (Kenny) McKeen of Spirit Lake, Iowa; one son, Ronald (Nancy) Craigmile of Wabasha; 12 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; her parents; and three brothers, Raymond; Harold; and Harley Burlingame.
Edward De Cramer
Mass of Christian Burial for Edward “Ed” Emil De Cramer, 58, of Clarkfield, will be on Monday, Nov. 6, at St. Leo Catholic Church, 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. at Rehkamp – Horvath Funeral Directors in Minneota. Visitation will continue Monday, Nov. 6, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at St. Leo Catholic Cemetery in St. Leo.
Ed died on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006, at the Montevideo Hospital
Edward “Ed” Emil De Cramer was born on Jan. 28, 1948, in Marshall to Emil and Yvonne (Lord) De Cramer. He was baptized, received First Holy Communion, and confirmed at the St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent. He married Gloria Snyder on Aug. 28, 1971, at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo and they had two daughters, Mindy and Kelly. They lived on a hobby farm southwest of Clarkfield since 1975.
Ed graduated from Lynd Public School in 1966 and attended the Canby Technical College for Automotive Technician. He was an aircraft mechanic in the US Air Force from 1969 to 1972. He was employed at AMPI in Dawson for 15 years, carpentry with Geodesic Domes in Plattsburg, N.Y., Rysdahl Construction, Clarkfield, and since 1997 was employed at Prairie Grain, Clarkfield, and Cottonwood Co-Op Agronomy in Cottonwood.
Ed enjoyed his family, hobby farming, carpentry, reading, learning, and fishing.
Ed is survived by his wife, Gloria, and two daughters, Mindy (Brant) Salmon, of Brainerd, and Kelly (Troy) De Cramer of Coon Rapids, two grandchildren, Meka and Tyler, brother Everette (Phyllis) De Cramer and sister Helen Farasyn, all of New Ulm, many family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and half-brothers, Jim and Bernard De Sutter.
David Devorak
David Devorak, age 42, passed away on Aug. 28, 2006.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Sept. 2 at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby at 11 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Gary, S.D.
David John Devorak was born Oct. 29, 1963, in Canby to John and Delores (Toben) Devorak. He graduated from Canby High School in 1982. He attended Waseca College and graduated in 1984. David worked in Ivanhoe and New Ulm before moving to Eden Prairie and had his own business of Devorak & Associates, Inc.
David enjoyed boating, going to Las Vegas, his dog Beau and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his parents of Canby; three sisters – Diane (Eugene) Schulte, Eden Prairie, Bonnie (William) Zink, Brookings, S.D., Mary (Darold) Hunt, Gary; 10 nieces and nephews; 16 great nieces and nephews; and special friend, Bonnie Harstad.
He was preceded in death by two sisters – Patricia and Lynette and a niece Sherry (Hunt) Miller.
Raymond Devorak
Memorial services were held on Wednesday, June 27, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Madison for 91-year-old Raymond Devorak.
Father Jack Nordick and Father James Devorak officiated at this service. Special music was provided by organist Sally Fernholz, and the St. Michael's Choir. Active pall bearers included; Steve Haider, David Baldwin, David Schroeder, and Robert Johnson. Honorary pall bearers were the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Aid Association. Military honors were provided by/ Carlyle Larsen/ playing "Taps" and the Flag Presentation. Concluding services and burial were held at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.
Raymond John Devorak was born on April 4, 1916, in rural Canby to Roman and Stella (Vsetcka) Devorak. He was baptized, received first communion and was confirmed into the Catholic Faith. He attended Maple Row rural school near his parents farm and then furthered his education at West Central School for Agriculture. He entered the United States Navy on Sept. 28, 1936, in Minneapolis, and was Honorably Discharged on Sept. 27, 1940, at San Diego, Calif., as a Machinist Mate 2nd Class. He was united in marriage on Sept. 2, 1943, to Benita Delores Haider at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bird Island, MN. To this union seven children were born. Ray and Benita moved to New Brighton then Canby, back to Bird Island and in 1948 they moved to a farm by Madison. In 1989 they moved into Madison. Devorak made his home at the Madison Lutheran Home in March of 2003.
He died June 18, 2007, at the Madison Lutheran Home.
He enjoyed woodworking, machine work and especially farming. Ray is survived by his children; Father James Devorak of Montevideo, Janet (Mark) Debe of Stillwater, Mary (Robert) Thornquist of Seattle, Wash., Richard (Judy) Devorak of Rochester, Kenneth (Anita) Devorak of Madison, Douglas (Bonnie) Devorak of Shakopee, nine grandchildren, and a sister, Wilma Dovre of Marshall.
He was preceded in death by his parents/ Roman and Stella, wife Benita, daughter Bernadette, and four brothers; Walter, George, Edward and Arthur Devorak.
Diane DeVos
Services for Diane M. DeVos, 52, of Sharpsville, Ind., were Friday, Sept. 21, at Rehkamp–Horvath Funeral Home in Minneota.
Burial was at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
Diane died at 7:05 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis.
Diane M. DeVos was born Oct. 27,1954, in Canby, the daughter of Arnold and Trevis (Anderson) DeVos. She worked as a hostess at Hampton Inn in Kokomo. She graduated from Canby High School in 1972. She was a member of the F.O.P. She enjoyed cooking.
Survivors include her special friend, Mack Davis, Sharpsville; her parents, Arnold and Trevis DeVos, Taunton; two brothers, Randy DeVos and wife Mary, St. Leo, and Roger DeVos and wife Shelly, Canby; four nieces; and three nephews.
Lorraine Dick
Lorraine J. Dick, age 80, died Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, at her home in Brookings, S.D.
Funeral services were Wednesday at Bible Baptist Church in Brookings, with interment at the Canby Cemetery.
Lorraine Joyce (Olson) Dick was born May 18, 1927, at Porter to Benard and Alvina (Groen) Olson. She spent her childhood in Porter, and graduated from Canby High School. She married Merlan Dick on Sept. 22, 1950. They resided in Minneapolis for a time, and in Taunton, running a family business until moving to Brookings in 1972. In Brookings, she worked at Spies Super Value/Economart, the V.F.W., the Town House Restaurant, the Prairie Café, and the Fireside Lounge, until retiring due to health issues in 2003. She enjoyed bowling and playing bridge in her earlier years, and spending time with her granddaughters and new great-granddaughter more recently.
Survivors include a son, Merle Dick, of Brookings; a daughter, Cindy (Jay) Jones of Brookings; three granddaughters: Shannon Jones of Aberdeen, and Kelly and Danielle Jones of Brookings; a great-granddaughter, Addison Grace Schmidt, of Aberdeen; and a sister, Patty (Clifford) Toov of Montevideo.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1998, and a brother, LeRoy Olson.
Laurel Dombeck
Laurel Dombek, age 80, of Ivanhoe, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007, at the Hendricks Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial were Saturday, Feb. 3, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe
Interment was in Lincoln Icelandic Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ivanhoe. Online guest book is available at w.
Laurel was born on May 4, 1926, the daughter of Gudjon August Stone and Johanna Elin Johnson in Canby, Minnesota. She graduated from Canby High School and completed Teacher’s Training at Mankato State College. She taught in rural schools in southwest Minnesota until her marriage to Frank Dombek on June 14, 1948. They raised ten children and farmed in rural Ivanhoe for many years. After retiring from farming, they continued gardening and participated in Farmer’s Markets in the area. Laurel was an active community volunteer, serving as a 4-H leader for 25 years, Cub Scout Den Mother, and Master Gardener. She also volunteered at the Ivanhoe library and elementary school. She was a member of the Fair Board and superintendent of vegetable and fruit exhibits, and was a member of the local Extension Club.
Laurel’s family was very important to her. She enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to cook, bake, and can, and was famous for her jams and jellies at Farmer’s Market. She collected recipes and published her own family recipe book. Laurel enjoyed dancing, quilting, cross-stitch, playing cards and reading. She enjoyed spelling, and won a number of local spelling bees. Laurel passed on her love of learning, reading, cooking, card playing and travel to her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, and remembered as a wonderful and loved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and community member.
Laurel is survived by her husband of 58 years, Frank; brother, Marion Stone of Taunton; nine children, B. Duane (Barbara Warren) of Charleston, WV; Carol (Gary Raffelson) of Montevideo; Darlys (Greg) Tanghe of Marshall; Randy (Gunvar) of Ivanhoe; Lloyd “Al” (Lisa) of Inver Grove Heights; LeAnn Johnikin of Sioux City, IA; Jackie (Dan) Bernaciak of Turlock, CA; Janelle “Jody” (Tim Wagner) of Midland, MI; and Cindy (Paul) Ardison of Merced, CA; twenty grandchildren, David and Julia Dombek, Ryan (Stephanie) Tanghe, Shannon (ByungDuk) Yoo, Tara and Alison Tanghe, Megan (Mark) Scharnberg, Melinda and Haley Dombek, Hannah and Riley Dombek, Shawn and Kyle Wagner, James and Kelsey Johnikin, Brian (Cheyanna) Bernaciak, David and Nicole Bernaciak, and JP and Casey Ardison; five step-grandchildren: Heather (Barry) Hutchinson, Ann (Ed) Smith, Lisa (Nick) Stengle, Carol and Jonathan Kaplan; seven great-grandchildren,: Zachary and McKenna Tanghe, JaeWoo and Joshua Yoo, Sydney and Clayton Bernaciak, and John Lee-Bernaciak; and seven step-great-grandchildren: Cade and Caleb Buysse, Jade Hutchinson, Alexis Bristow, Elina and Alexis Stengle, and Joshua Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Lorna Carole Stone, and one son, Clayton.
Fern Donaldson
Fern Donaldson, age 79, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2007 at her home in Minneapolis.
Funeral services were held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Minneapolis.
Fern L. Donaldson was born June 20, 1927 to Arthur and Lena (Winters) Plageman at Hendricks. She graduated from Canby High School. She was a waitress at the Midway Café in Canby for many years. On April 15, 1955, she married Bernard (Ben) Donaldson in Canby. They lived in Marshall before moving to Minneapolis in the 1960’s. She worked for Goodwill Industries doing jewelry repair even though she was handicapped from rheumatoid arthritis. In 1967, she was voted “Goodwill Worker of the Year” by her coworkers. Her most important job was being a wife and mother.
Fern will be remembered for her quilting and scrap booking talents, making quilts and scrapbooks for family members. She was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, keeping a notebook at each game attended. She liked jigsaw puzzles, card playing and doing crossword puzzles. Most of all she enjoyed time spent with her family. She was a cancer survivor and most recently had been diagnosed with scleroderma which resulted in her death.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Patrick) Trunnell; son, Bradley (Joy) Donaldson; two grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jennifer Trunnell; one great granddaughter, Amanda; two sisters, Myrtle Osmond and Lylis (Roger) Nelson; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters Rose (Mrs. Clarence) Hansen, Lillian (Mrs. Norman) Christie, Violet (Mrs. John) Christie; brothers, Edwin, Alvin, Marvin, Goodwin and two brothers in infancy.
Denis Doom
Mass of Christian Burial for Denis Doom, 70, of West Memphis, Ark. and Minneota, was held Saturday, Dec. 15, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota.
Interment followed the service at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
Denis Maurines Doom was born on May 12, 1937, to Henry and Clare (Cauwels) Doom in Marshall. He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. He attended school at Holy Redeemer School and then the family moved to Canby. On Sept. 18, 1956, Doom was united in marriage to Margaret Lozinski at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton.
He farmed for several years at Canby, Marshall and Minneota before he started hauling farm machinery and dealing tractors in the Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana areas. Denis enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He died on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, in Little Rock, Ark., after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Minneota, daughters Denise and Virgil Buysse of Taunton, Diane and Tom Stoks of Sleepy Eye, Karen Doom of Stillwater, Margaret “Peg” and LuVerne Sik of Elbow Lake, and Jeanne and James Kraus of Porter, 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, twin brother Daniel (Rose) Doom of Canby, brothers George (Suzanne) Doom of Perham, Roger (Ramona) of Apple Valley, Kevin (Julie) of Canby and Joe Doom of Arizona, sisters Carolyn (Ralph) Hieb of Granite Falls, Charlene (Chuck) Streff of Canby, Marcine (Robert) Hemming of Shoreview and Marilynn (Richard) Williams of Brooklyn Park, Aunt Ida Louwagie of Cottonwood, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Clare Doom, one grandson, one nephew, Aunts and Uncles.
Donald Dean Dougherty
Services for Donald Dean Dougherty, 60, were held March 30, 2007 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder CIty, Nev. He passed away on March 18, 2007 at the Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. of heart & lung complications.
Donald Dougherty was born in Canby on November 16, 1946; he moved to California and graduated from from Pioneer High School in Whittier, CA in 1964. He served in the U. S. Army and was a Vietnam War veteran. He lived in Lake Arrowhead and Las Vegas following his military service.
Dougherty is survived by his wife, Darlene, his mother, Myrtle, a son Rodney, brothers, Ronald, Greg, Tim and Mike and one sister, Patty and one granddaughter, Deanna.
Harvey Draeger, Jr.
Funeral services for Harvey Draeger, Jr., 52, were held on July 7, 2006 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford, Wisconsin. Harvey Draeger passed away July 1, 2006 at the Cancer Care Hospital in Seattle, Washington.
Draeger was born on October 10, 1953 to Harvey and Lucille Draeger, Sr..
He is survived by his wife, Kari, of Medford, Wisc.; two daughters, Holly Draeger and Rachel (Jeremy) Johnson both of Medford; his parents of Medford; three brothers, David (Lisa) of Florida, William (Vicki) of Gilman, Wisc., Tom (Kelly) of Rochester; five sisters, Marge Draeger, Gloria (Steve) Lindahl, both of Medford, Wisc., Suzi (Duane) Haugen of Canby, Diane (Boyd) Vircks of Menomonie, Wisc. and Bessie (Dave) Reed of Blanchester, Ohio; one grandson and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Laura, and one brother, Ray.
Kermit Daniel Dybsetter
Funeral services for Kermit (Kim) Dybsetter, 78, of Burnsville were held on April 26, 2006 at the Prince of Peace Church in Burnsville. Interment was at the Fort Snelling Cemetery on April 28, 2006. Mr. Dybsetter passed away on April 22, 2006. in Apple Valley.
Kermit Daniel Dybsetter was born on August 9, 1927 to Daniel and Mable Dybsetter in Canby. Dybsetter attend elementary school in Porter and graduated from Canby High School in 1945. He enlisted in the Army and served in the Aleutian Islands. Following his discharge in 1947 he attended St. Olaf College and 1949 transferred to the University of Minnesota and received his degree in 1952 in Fish and Wildlife Management. In 1952 Dybsetter began work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 1952 Dybsetter was united in marriage to Phyliss Carlson at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Dybsetter worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, serving in Kenmare, Lostwood and Forman, N.D.; Blair, NE.; Missouri Valley, Iowa; and Fort Snelling regional office in Minneapolis, retiring in 1981 at Youth Programs Coordinator of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
Following his retirement he he attended Dunwoody Institute to study electronics. He worked as a DARTS bus driver and repaired televisions. Dybsetter was a charter member of the Sons of Norway lodge in Burnsville.
He is survived by his wife, Phyliss; one daughter, Dianne (Shane) Sands, two sons, Keith (Lori) Dybsetter, Jerry (Carolyn) Dybsetter; five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters; one sister, Louise (Harold) Lofsness, one sister-in-law, Adelia Dybsetter, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, David and Paul.
Linda Dybsetter
Funeral services for, Linda Dybsetter, who passed away on August 21, 2006, at her home in Eagan, after a courageous 2 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer were held Thursday, August 24, 2006 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, in Eagan. Inurnment was at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.