Dorothy Eilers

Dorothy Eilers, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2006, at Sioux Valley Canby Campus Hospital. Funeral services will be Sunday, Aug. 20 at 1:30 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating.

Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Saturday from 6-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will resume Sunday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dorothy Esther Eilers was born July 19, 1912, in Deuel County, S.D., to Berthald and Tillie (Opperman) Bensch. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

On Oct. 26, 1933, she married E.J. “Ace” Eilers in Deuel County. They resided in Deuel County and rural Marietta where they made their livelihood farming. They retired and moved to Canby in 1974.

Dorothy was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening, growing all kinds of flowers, canning, cooking and baking, dancing and fishing.

She is survived by two sons, Larry (Nancy) Eilers of Burnsville, Gene (Kaye) Eilers of Canby, daughter, Connie (Lyndon) Mead of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren, Brent (Nanette) Eilers, Brian Eilers, Steven Eilers, Timothy (Kathy) Eilers, Jared (Barbara) Eilers, Joy (Bob) Witt, Renee (Alan) Luedtke; two step-grandsons, Jeff Grund, Stephen (Kelli) Grund; eight great-grandchildren, Robyn and Zachary Eilers, Joshua and Connor Eilers, Kaylee and Kyle Eilers, Landon Eilers, Alexander Witt; three step-great-grandchildren, Tori, Tessa and Trenton Grund; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two infant sons, one sister and three brothers.

George John Eilers

George John Eilers, 91, of Canby, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2006, at Sioux Valley Senior Haven of Canby.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday one hour prior at the church.  Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Burial will be in Canby City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.birkfuneralhome.com.

George was born June 29, 1915, in Canby, the son of John & Moderina (Siebens) Eilers. He was baptized at Zacchaues Lutheran Church of Canby and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marietta. At a young age, George moved with his family to a farm near Revillo, S.D.

On Sept. 24, 1939, he was united in marriage to Hannah Birkholz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marietta. They made their home near Revillo and operated a country gasoline station and grocery store. In 1945, Arden was born to the couple and in 1946, the new family moved to the Marietta community. They moved to the Canby area from the farm in 1951. The couple’s second child, Arlette, was born in 1953.

George was employed as a mechanic at Independent Oil Co. and later owned and operated his own business, Eilers’ Motor Repair, until his retirement.

He was a member of OSL church where he served as a deacon and usher. In his spare time he enjoyed playing pinochle, playing the guitar, dancing with his wife, fishing, camping, helping people in need and especially spending time with his family and friends.

George is survived by his wife, Hannah of Canby; Arden (Karen) Eilers of Canby; Arlette (Dale) Johnson of Madison;  six grandchildren-Darius (Gail) Eilers and children, Ethan and Wyatt Eilers of Canby; Shawna (Thomas) Wolfe and children, Savannah, Tommi Rae, Logan and Raelea of Mankato; Damin Eilers of Canby; Cary Jon (Jill) Eilers of Detroit Lakes; Joesy (Wendy) Johnson and daughter, Hannah of  Ada, Mich.; Darvin (Jessica) Johnson of Grand Rapids, Mich.; sister, Katherine Lee of Las Vegas.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Darcy George Eilers; his parents; five brothers, Sieben, Richard, John Jr., Esdert and Henry; three sisters, Tena Clapp, Anna Willer, Irene Isom and two siblings in infancy.

Mildred Eischens

Mildred Eischens, of Montevideo, passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at the Chippewa County - Montevideo Hospital at the age of 90.

Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montevideo with Fr. Jim Devorak and Fr. Paul Hadusek officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 - 7 p.m. on Monday evening at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montevideo and with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Anderson Funeral Home of Montevideo is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Gertrude (Abraham) Eischens was born on April 26, 191,7 in Omro Township of Yellow Medicine County, to Leo and Magdaline (Anthony) Abraham. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo and attended school there. On Oct. 19, 1937, she was united in marriage to Norbert Eischens at St. Leo Catholic Church. They lived in St. Leo until moving to Clarkfield in 1942. They moved to Canby in 1951, living there for four years before moving to Appleton in 1955. In 2002 they moved to Montevideo and were currently residing there. She was a long-time member of St. Johns Catholic Church in Appleton where she was a member of the Rosary Society, a Eucharistic Minister and a CCD Teacher. She was currently a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montevideo. She worked at several places including Control Data, Fingerhut and B & H Electronics. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting and especially her family.

She is survived by her husband, Norbert; nine children: Shirley Lesewski of Stanwood, Wash., Pat (and Eldon) Ostby of Montevideo, Donna Sherod of Benson, Connie (and Jerry) Rice of New London, Bob (and Patty) Eischens of Farmington, Mary Eischens of Willmar, Terry (and Pam) Eischens of Montevideo, Brenda (and Alan) Hoffman of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Vicki (and Randy) Zinda of Spicer; 21 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Ralph Abraham of Dawson and Lambert Abraham of St. Leo; five sisters: Anita Kockelman of Dawson, Viola Fox of St. Leo, Lavina Fox of Slayton, Betty Lauck of Folsom, Calif., and Joyce Rueckert of New Ulm; as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Steve Lesewski; a great-grandson, Justin Sherod; three brothers: Arnold, Leroy and Clarence Abraham; and by two sisters: Eleanor Eischens and Bernice Stafford.

Peter Endre

Peter T. Endre, age 87, of Canby, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at Senior Haven Care Center in Canby, MN. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby.

Peter was born September 25, 1918 in St. Leo, MN, the son of Frank & Barbara (Miller) Endre.

He is survived by his wife, Violet of Canby; daughter, Marjorie (Rick) Thomas of McHenry, IL; son, Daniel Endre of Paradise, CA; daughter, Barbara (Dan) Seilhemier of Kingston, IL; 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, David Endre (2001).

There will be no services held. Memorials may be sent to the funeral home or any online condolences may be sent to www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Thorval Thomas Engesser

Mass of Christian Burial for Thorval “Rocky” T. Engesser, age 72, of Gary, S.D., was Wednesday, May 14, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake, S.D.  Father Brian Simon and Thorval’s cousin, Fr. John Pearson co-celebrated. 

Engesser died peacefully with his wife by his side on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Burial with military honors presented by Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 of Gary was in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary.  Honorary pallbearers were Darold and Mary Hunt, Jack and Esther McLaughlin, John Jensen, Bob Nelson and Pat Ellison, Jack Hentges, John and Delores Devorak, Rob Deslauriers, Erick Koeppen, Lee Nelson, Ordean and Ruth Nelson, Don and Nora Grabow, Frank Sander and Jim Eng; Former Co-workers at McLaughlin and Schultz and the Gary Fire Department.  Active pallbearers were Darwyn Engesser, Jeff Engesser, Darren Engesser, Harold Meyen, Scott Radicia and Al McLaughlin.  Music was provided by Clarice Uckert, organist, St. Mary’s Choir and Bruce Melby, soloist.

Thorval Thomas Engesser was born June 17, 1935, the son of Thomas and Olive (Olson) Engesser on the family farm near Balaton.  He was raised in the Balaton area and attended school in Russell.  Following his education, he worked for farmers in the area, including the Don Walden family.  In 1950, he helped the Walden family move to Gary, where he continued working for the Walden family.  He then began working for Jack W. Hentges and on Jan. 7, 1958, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served until his honorable discharge on Jan. 6, 1964. He returned to Gary where he again worked for Jack Hentges as well as drove truck for Don Walden, Frank Sander and Herman Madsen. 

On Feb. 13, 1965, he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Tongen in Tracy.  The couple lived north of Gary until moving into Gary where Engesser began driving truck for Conrad Peterson.  He started working for Mclaughlin and Schultz where he worked over 31 years. He was injured and was paralyzed on May 15, 1996.  He remained at home until January of 2007 when he entered the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary.  He was also a member of the Clark Hanson VFW in Canby and the Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 in Gary. He served as Fire Chief in Gary and was on city council.  He was a leader in the community and a true friend to many.  He enjoyed helping others, woodworking, gardening, nature and fixing anything that needed to be fixed.

He is survived by his wife Carol; five children:  Darwyn (Jacky) Engesser, ArLoa (Harold) Meyen, Jeff (Jodie) Engesser, all of Gary, Roxy (Scott) Radicia, Omaha, Neb., and Naomi (Al) McLaughlin, Tea, S.D.; 11 grandchildren:  Bobbi Jo Benz, Paige Kloos, Dustin Meyen, Alicia Meyen, Darren Engesser, Jake, Brooke, and Ben Radicia, Gretchen, John and Sam McLaughlin; one great-grandchild, Levi Moeller; three sisters:  Pat DeVos, Marshall, Jenice (Gordy) Molitor, Alexandria, and Jaqueline (Bill) Marguardt, Mesa, Ariz.; three sisters-in-law, Lavina Engesser, Omaha, Carol Engesser, Springfield, and Evelyn Engesser, Richmond, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Thomas Jeffrey Engesser; parents; four brothers:  Rodney, Mike, Franklin and Merlyn Engesser and two sisters:  Audrey DeVos and Mary Dierckx.

Arlene Erp

Arlene Erp, age 82, of Canby, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 2 from 4-8 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be in the Bohemian Cemetery, Hansonville Township, Lincoln County. Casketbearers will be Patrick Bednarek, Jason Erp, Matt Bauman, Jeb Malone, Kevin Bednarek and Toby Valdez.

Birk Funeral Home of Canby is in charge of the arrangements. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com. Memorials are preferred to the Bohemian Cemetery Association.

Arlene Vivian Cora Schwartz was born March 25, 1925, to Charles and Cora (Dushack) Schwartz in Hansonville Township, Lincoln County. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison. She attended country school until the eighth Grade.

On Nov. 18, 1947, she married William Erp, Jr. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison. To this union, seven children were born. Along with raising her children, she supplied rural homes with soft and hard water.

She was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, VFW Auxiliary Member of Canby, Peden-Cole Post 109 Auxiliary Member of Gary, SD, ZCBJ Bohemian Lodge, and Eagles Auxiliary of Marshall. She enjoyed playing cards, visiting with grandchildren and great grandchildren and was a great fan of old time music and Charlie Pride. More past times for Arlene included dancing, bird watching, taking drives to look for deer, playing Bingo, and sitting on the porch visiting friends and neighbors.

Arlene is survived by her children, Michael (Cheryl) Erp of Canby; Mary Adler of Canby; Nancy (John) Malone of Currie; Kathy (Doug) Madsen of Taunton; Lori Bednarek of Canby; Bonnie Bauman of Pine River; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Gladys Johnson of Ortonville and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; parents, Charles and Cora Schwartz; daughter, LeAnn Bednarek; grandchild, Travis Erp; and great-grandchild, Paeden Jelen.

Helga Evjen

Helga Evjen, age 88, of Canby, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008 at the Sanford Canby Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Porter. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior at the church on Tuesday. The Reverend Ellen Munter will officiate. Burial will be in Wergeland Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Mount Carmel Ministries, PO Box 579, Alexandria, MN 56308 or donor’s choice.

She was born on Dec. 25, 1919, in Cumberland, Wis., the daughter of Anton and Amanda (Johnson) Carlson. She graduated from Cumberland High School and received her teaching degree from Barron County Normal in Rice Lake, Wis. She taught school in Clear Lake, Wis., Poulsbo, Wash., and many Wisconsin country schools. She married Palmer Evjen on June 30, 1951, in Cumberland, Wis. After their marriage, they moved to the Porter area, which is where they farmed. The couple raised their family on the farm in Wergeland Township. Following their retirement from farming, they moved to a house in Canby.

Her hobbies were gardening and being a farmwife. She liked to handwork, going south to Arizona for the winter, and volunteering where ever she was needed. Spending time with her family meant everything to her.

Survivors include her son, Paul (Lori) Evjen of Jamestown, N.D.; eight grandchildren; many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; two sisters, Ellie Nordby of Barron, Wis., and Linnea Moberg of Coon Rapids.

She was preceded by her parents; twin brother, Harry; sisters, Ruth Tengbom and Evelyn Carlson; son, Donald Evjen and an infant son.

Darlene Fairchild

Darlene Fairchild, age 62, of Canby, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Canby.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10, at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Interment will be in the Swedish Mission Covenant Cemetery, rural Astoria, S.D. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

She passed away at her daughter’s home in Canby following a courageous battle with cancer.

Darlene Donna Fairchild was born on Aug. 9, 1945, in Deuel County, S.D., with her identical twin sister, Marlene, to the late Stella (Denny) and Wilford Ronne. She attended Astoria school until the eighth grade at which time she was injured in a car accident that killed her parents. She then went to live with her older sister, Lorraine.

On Feb. 10, 1963, she was united in marriage to Henry Fairchild at the Swedish Church, rural Astoria.

She was a homemaker and loved babysitting her grandchildren. She and her twin sister spent countless hours “people watching” either on Canby’s Main Street or the area Wal-Marts. Her twin sister and she also enjoyed frequent visits to Watertown to spend the weekend at her sister’s where the three of them would make memories at the Casino and Bingo Halls.

She is survived by her husband, Henry of nearly 45 years; four sons, Dennis (Lori) Fairchild; Ronald (Suzanne) Fairchild; Bradley (Karen) Fairchild; Jerome (special friend, Pam) Fairchild; and two daughters, Janet (special friend, Jacob) Fairchild; Jullie (special friend, Jerry) Fairchild, all of the Canby area. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and five siblings, Ray (Vivian) Ronne of Guymon, Okla.; Lyle (special friend, Char) Ronne of Bruce, S.D.; Mildred (Everett) Nevins of Clear Lake, S.D.; Lorraine Benck of Watertown, S.D.; and Marlene (Dan) Lacek of Canby.

She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Mariah; one brother, Wally; one daughter-in-law, Amy; her parents and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Eleanor Fairchild

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 1, at Faith Lutheran Church of Madison, for Eleanor Fairchild. Rev. Kirk Meseck officiated at this service.

Special music was provided by organist Linda Anderson and soloist Bruce Melby. Casket bearers included; Mike Liurine, Kevin Fairchild, Kent Fairchild, Brandon Fairchild, Jason Fairchild and Robert James. Concluding services were held at the Canby City Cemetery.

Eleanor Rose Braucher was born on July 21, 1917, in Canby to parents Frank and Telka (Carlson) Braucher. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian Faith. Eleanor attended country school near her parents home. She was united in marriage on Feb. 22, 1939, to Horace Fairchild at Florida Lutheran Church of rural Canby. To this union two children were born. After marriage the family lived and farmed eight miles north of Canby before moving seven miles south of Marietta were they lived for 30 years. They sold the farm and moved to Madison in 1974. She worked at the North 40 Cafe and helped at the meal site in City Hall for many years.

Death came to Eleanor, April 27, 2007, at the Madison Lutheran Home.

She enjoyed baking, quilting, doing crafts and fixing ladies hair. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving with the Ladies Aid, Birthday Club and Bible Study.

She is survived by her children; Clyde and wife Connie Fairchild of Marietta, and Wanda and husband Jerry James of New Caney, Texas, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, two sisters; Mildred Koch and Dorothy Koenig both of Canby, and a brother, Lloyd Braucher also of Canby.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Telka Braucher, husband Horace Fairchild and a sister Evelyn Kraft.

Pauline A. Fierstine

Funeral services for Pauline A. Fierstine of Wabasso, formerly of Ortonville, were held Thursday, April 3, at First English Lutheran Church, Ortonville. Pastor Marlene Elmstrom officiated.

Burial was at Mound Cemetery, Ortonville.

Pauline Augusta Gritmacker, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Ollien) Gritmacker, was born Oct. 1, 1922, in Freeland Township, Lac qui Parle County.  She grew up and attended school in the area and after school, she stayed and helped out on the family farm.  During WWII, she worked for the Rockford Bolt Company, in Rockford, Il.  On July 21, 1945, she was united in marriage to Donald E. Fierstine, at the Zaccheus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canby by Reverend William Mohr.  

Pauline and Donald resided in Canby until 1950, when they moved to the Ortonville area where they lived and raised their family.  After Donald died on Oct. 3, 1978, Pauline continued to reside in Ortonville, until moving to Wabasso in 2003, where she lived at the Golden Living Center until the time of her death.

She enjoyed baking, embroidery and doing volunteer work for Northridge Residence and for First English Lutheran Church.  She was a long-time active member of the First English Lutheran Church, and she was an Ortonville VFW Auxiliary member.

She is survived by her son Jim and Shari Fierstine of Wood Lake; one brother, Harold and Violet Gritmacker of Madison; five grandchildren, Douglas Wiley of St. Paul, and Dayna Wiley of Marshall, Misty and Wayne Haak of Wood Lake, Jeff and Jackie Peterson of Coon Rapids, Melissa and Jeremy Brandsted of Sacred Heart; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Dorothy Wiley; sister, Katherine Dudden and brother, Arnold Gritmacker.

Emil Flieder

Emil Flieder, age 101, formerly of Lake Crystal and Canby, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at the Pathstone Living in Mankato.

Funeral services were Saturday, March 29, at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with Rev. Aaron Alfred officiating. Burial was in the Canby City Cemetery.

Flieder was born on Feb. 5, 1907, to George Sr. and Fannie (Monroe) Flieder at Silver Lake, the fifth of six children.

The family soon moved to rural Foley where they were engaged in farming. Flieder graduated from Foley High School in 1924 where he gave the commencement address entitled "A Typical American.”

After working for several years in the family general store in Ronneby, he and brother Bill moved to Canby at the onset of the Great Depression to operate the Broadway Theatre (in the location of the current True Value Hardware). Later, the brothers were involved in the construction of the Canby Theatre which opened in 1939. Over the next 41 years Flieder constructed several homes and managed various properties in Canby, in addition to working as the theatre projectionist. During this time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and inventing. He holds five U.S. Patents.

He married Hazel Reber of Canby on Sept. 22, 1940. Together they raised three children: Alvin, Gene, and Shirley. The family enjoyed picniking, lakeside outings in northern Minnesota and travel to visit relatives in Washington and Michigan.

In 1943, he entered the US Navy and served overseas duty with the Navy Seabees in the Philippines during the final months of WWII. The Seabees (construction batallion) have a motto: "The difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer." He was proud to be honorably discharged in 1945 at the rank of electrician's mate third class.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel; three children: Alvin “Al” Flieder of Marion, Iowa; Gene Flieder of Minneapolis; and Shirley Anderson of Lake Crystal and three grandchildren: Alyssa Anderson of St Paul; Austin and Amy Flieder of Marion, Iowa.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, brothers William and George, Jr and sisters Emily, Mary and Elma.

Marcelline R. Follmer

Marcelline R. Follmer, 75, of Oakdale, formerly of Porter, passed away on March 19, 2007. The funeral was held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on March 22, 2007. Interment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Frank; children, Phillip A. (Dawn), Marcene Illg and Kenneth; one sister, Lois (Les) Kraft. Five grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey & Alfred Christensen.

Avis Kathleen Frazeur

Memorial services for Avis Kathleen Frazeur, 65, who passed away on Aug. 13, 2007, at her home in Omaha, Neb., were held on Tuesday, Aug. 21, at Griswold United Methodist Church, Rev. Leila Blackburn officiated. Cremation has taken place.

She was born to Philip A. and Darlyne (Smith) Frazeur on April 19, 1942, in Atlantic, Iowa.

Throughout her youth she was active in 4-H.She graduated from Canby High School in 1960 and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, S. D. for two years. After working briefly at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, she took a position with the Douglas County Department of Social Services where she was employed until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her father, Philip.

She is survived by her mother, Darlyne of Griswold; one sister, Sarah Frazeuer Schimpf and her sons, Christian and Jonah of Omaha; one brother, Al (Betty) Frazeur of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two nieces, Evelyne Frazeur of Shenandoah, Iowa. and Alice (Duane) Hostler and their son Nicholas of Grand Island, Neb.; one aunt, Gladys (Marion) Hartness of Canby; and one uncle Paul (Emlyn) Frazeur of Canby.

Dean Russell Frazeur, Sr.

Graveside services for Dean Russell Fraazeur, Sr. , 81, of Midlothian, VA., were held on October 2, 2006 at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, VA. Mr. Frazeur passed away on September 29, 2006.

Frazeur was the son of Phillip A. and Alice Grammich Frazeur.

Frazeur is survived by his wife, Ellen Berndt Frazeur; one daughter, Mary Ellen Frazeur of East Haven, Conn. and one son, the Reverend Dr. Dean R. (Susan) Frazeur, Jr. of Manakin-Sabot, VA; and one granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Bruce Albert Frazeur.

Eldoris C.A. Frazeur

Eldoris C.A. Frazeur was born on March 26, 1917, in Canby. She was the daughter of the late William and Ella (Johnson) Pries. She attended Canby High School and after graduation decided to become a teacher. She received a certificate to teach from St. Cloud, Minnesota and taught in country schools for several years, in and around Canby.

She passed away Dec. 23, 2007 in Tacoma, Wash.

Eldoris and John S. Frazeur were married on Nov. 25, 1948, and she decided to retire from teaching shortly after and became a full time housewife. She and John lived on a farm for a short time near Canby, until John returned to active duty in the Air Force. They were stationed at several Air Force bases over the next 20 plus years and enjoyed the military life together. When John retired from the Air Force, they decided to settle down in Tacoma, Wash.

Eldoris loved to do crossword puzzles and to bake; she had a very large cookbook collection and spent many hours looking over recipes. The church was a big part of her life and she sang in the choir for many years.

Eldoris and John loved their home in Tacoma, and many hours were spent watching the activity in Commencement Bay, as their house overlooked the bay. The last four years of her life she was a resident at the Weatherly Inn in Tacoma. She was very much loved by the staff and was happy to the end.

Eldoris was preceded in death by her husband Col. John S. Frazeur and a stillborn son, Samuel. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Wallace and Warren Pries. Her survivors include son Wendell H. (Rebecca) Frazeur of Little Rock, Ark.; daughter Marilyn J. Holmquist of Port Orange, Fla.; grandchildren Douglas, Thomas and James Hyde of Delaware and Shannon and Shaun Frazeur of Little Rock, Arkansas; five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; niece Jan MacConnell; grand nephew Stewart of Bellingham, Wash.

Burial took take place at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent.

Harlan Gerber

Harlan Gerber, age 49, of Porter, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Full Gospel Assembly in Canby with Pastor LeRoy Hopper officiating. Visitation will be from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, at Birk Funeral Home in Canby. Interment will be in the Augusta Cemetery, Marietta. For online condolences please visit www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Harlan Dean Gerber was born May 17, 1958, in Canby, the son of Edward and Annabelle (Finney) Gerber. He was baptized at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby and confirmed in Augusta Lutheran Church in Marietta. He was raised on a farm southwest of Marietta and graduated from Appleton High School in 1977. He worked at the Eastside Machine Shop in Madison for many years, along with various other jobs. He was currently working at Casey’s General Store in Canby.

He was a member of Full Gospel Assembly. He enjoyed working on his pickups and tractors, visiting with family and friends, going to auctions, fishing and watching parades, but most of all Harlan loved spending time with his Uncle Leonard.

Harlan will be deeply missed by his five siblings: Lin (John) Roeder of Ortonville, Leroy Gerber of Canby, Sandi (Norman) Raap of Roslyn, S.D., Doug (Julie) Gerber of Marietta, Cheryl Peterson of Eden Prairie; seven nieces and nephews: Jodi (Dave) Talley of Sioux Falls, SD, Scott Roeder of Champlin, Jeremy (Sheri) Raap of Watertown, S.D., Nicole (Jeremy) Skoglund of Huron, S.D., Kyle Gerber of Huron, S.D., Mindy Gerber of Marietta, Nick Peterson of Eden Prairie; aunt, Hazel Lokken of Canby; and numerous relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Shirley.

Colleen Gillund

Mass of Christian Burial for Colleen Mae Gillund, 50, of Minneota, will be at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Rehkamp-Horvath Funeral Home in Minneota and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.

Colleen Mae (Van Watermeulen) Gillund was born on Feb. 25, 1957, in Marshall to Ronald and Phyllis (Pohlen) Van Watermeulen. As a child, she moved with her family to East Moline, Ill., where she graduated from United Township High School. On Sept. 3, 1977, she was united in marriage to Tom Gillund at St. Edward Catholic Church. The couple lived in Tyler, Texas, for a short time before returning to Minneota where they raised their family.

She worked for the Marshall Independent, Schotts and most recently the Minneota Manor. She was very proud of her red Monte Carlo and kept it in pristine condition. She also liked watching birds on the feeders when she enjoyed her morning coffee. She enjoyed picnics in the T & C Park following ATV trail rides with her husband and friends. She followed her sons in all of their sports and activities with much pride in her heart. She was a loyal, true friend to all that were lucky enough to have shared her life.

She died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007.

She is survived by her husband, Tom, of Minneota, children Travis of Burnsville, Cody (Vicki) of Minneota and Wade of Minneota, grandchildren Hunter, Reese and Peyton, father Ron Van Watermeulen of Canby; siblings, Gary (Sue) Van Watermeulen of Taunton, Ron (Sue) Van Watermeulen of Silvis, Ill., Collette (Kenny) Dywer of Colona, Ill., Karen (Wesley) Brand of Jacksonville, N.C., nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother and grandparents.

Lauren Gjovig

Lauren Elder Gjovig, age 95, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Interment will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Gardens Cemetery in Canby.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Memorials are preferred to Our Saviour’s Lutheran General Fund.

Lauren Elder Gjovig was born Sept. 4, 1912, in Canby, to Martin and Mary (Quenroe). He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He attended Canby Public School and furthered his education at the University of Minnesota. He was a member of the Pershing Rifle Fraternity. He was employed by the firm of Johnson & Johnson in Chicago, Il.

In July 1942, he entered the United States Army. He studied radio electronics in Chicago and New York then was sent to Hawaii in 1943, where he married Dorothy Creed in May 1945. Following their marriage, the couple moved back to Chicago and then later to New York where Lauren was employed at the St. Regis Paper Company for 27 years. In 1979, they moved back to Canby.

He was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, serving as a trustee and deacon. He was very involved in the community serving as a scout leader, Quarter master of VFW, helper at Bingo, President of Senior Citizens, and the treasurer of Sons of Norway. He enjoyed golf, gardening, helping others, and visiting and driving for the senior citizens.

Lauren is survived by his son, Howard Gjovig of Paynesville; sister, Blanche Hoseck of Canby; Irene Javorka of South Holland, Il., many nieces and nephews and his close friend and companion, Elsie Bergerson.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Meredith Joan Gjovig

Meredith Joan Gjovig passed away peacefully April 11, 2007 at her home in Everett Wash. She was under the care of Hospice, and many family members were with her.

Gjovig was born Aug. 13, 1931, in Canby to Esther Gjovig and Herman Gjovig, who for many years managed Canby Farmers Grain. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and attended Canby schools, graduating in 1949. She was homecoming queen for the Canby Lancers Football festivities her senior year, joining several cousins who had served in that role.

In the early 1950s, after a year at Gustavus Adolphus College, she went to the Pacific Northwest to visit an Uncle’s family; she ended up staying the rest of her life. She began to raise a family in the Mt. Vernon and Burlington area in the 1950s and 1960s; the family moved to Everett in 1973, and joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. After having worked in retail the previous 10 years to help support the family, that move allowed her to go back to school to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.

After graduation, she was employed as a Registered Nurse at the Special Offender’s Center in Monroe, retiring in 1996.

She met Frank Loso in 1986 through New Beginnings, and they were married in 1987. They enjoyed many car trips to the Midwest, and to Oregon; they attended plays; and in 1996 he coaxed her to the summit of Mt. Pilchuck. Family was very importan and she was able to play an exceptional role in the life of her granddaughter Katie. She and Frank provided countless hours of daycare, and also shared many school activities, softball games and vacations.

Over the past 34 years, she has been an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and she expressed her faith passionately. She was a member of Leah Circle and of the Church Care Team. She was also a member of the Attic Fanatics Antique club, and an inveterate garage sale goer. These activities provided her with many special friendships. Her vacations invariably centered around family; she loved to visit children and her many cousins in Montana, Arizona, and Minnesota. She was especially happy to travel to her namesake village of Gjovik, Norway, with Frank and her brother Al in 2004, a trip postponed several years as she fought her first bought with cancer.

In addition to Frank, she is survived by three children, Greg Parker and wife Paula, of Olympia,Wash.; Kirsten Rasmussen and husband Dan, of Everett, Wash., and Paul Parker and wife Michele Breault of Kirksville Mo.; a brother Allan Gjovig and wife Carol of Sunsites, Ariz.; four step children, several grandchildren and step grandchildren, a niece and a nephew, and many wonderful cousins, including Marilyn Hanson of Canby and Iona Mae Berger of Brookings, S.D.

Francis Gorecki

Frances Gorecki, age 94, of Hendricks, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendrick.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, March 31, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe.

Burial was in St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery in Wilno.

She was born Feb. 15, 1913, the daughter of John and Julia (Kopitski) Jerzak of the family farm near Ivanhoe. She attended rural country school. As a child, they moved to Minneapolis for two years before moving back to the farm near Ivanhoe. She was united in marriage to Stanley Gorecki Sr. on July 6, 1931, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed near Hendricks where they lived for 60 years. On Sept. 1, 2005, they both entered the Hendricks Nursing Home.

She was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Her pastimes are gardening, cooking, sewing, playing cards and dancing. She dedicated her life to her family and her home.

Survivors are her husband, Stanley Gorecki, Sr. of Hendricks; three children, Stanley Jr. (Marie) of Hendricks, JoAnn (Martin) Virshek of Golden Valley and Jean (George) Bukovich of Fridley; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one brother, Vernon Jerzak of Brookings, S.D., and one sister, Shirley Holden of Burnsville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Ronald; five grandchildren; two brothers, Clarence and Robert Jerzak.

Stanley Gorecki Sr.

Funeral services for Stanley Gorecki, Sr., age 96, of Hendricks, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ivanhoe.

Father Andy Michels will be Celebrant of Mass. Interment will be in the St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery, Wilno. Visitation will be from 5–7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, at Birk Funeral Home in Ivanhoe with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and will resume Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. To share a personal remembrance of Stanley online, please see: www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Stanley Gorecki, Sr., a lifelong resident of the Hendricks area, passed away on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, at the Hendricks Community Nursing Home.

He was born Sept. 9, 1911, in Lincoln County, the son of John and Caroline (Sovell) Gorecki. On July 6, 1931, Stanley was united in marriage to Frances Jerzak at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. Throughout the years, they farmed and raised livestock. They loved dancing together, and rarely missed attending dances. In July of 2006, Stanley and Frances celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, where they shared a special dance.

Stanley was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe. He always enjoyed playing cards, being out in the country, and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor, and always managed to have a joke to tell. Stanley also liked trapping, and in his early years, was an avid horse racer.

He is survived by his children: Stanley (Marie) Gorecki, Jr., of Hendricks, JoAnn (Martin) Virshek of Golden Valley, and Jean (George) Bukovich of Fridley; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Lorraine Melgren of Richfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife: Frances in 2007; son: Ronald; and five grandchildren.

Frank W. Goslar

Frank W. Goslar, 91, of Luverne, formerly of Porter, passed away Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, at Sioux Valley Luverne Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Porter. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday one hour prior to the service. Pastor Ellen Munter will officiate. Burial will be in Wergeland Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Porter American Legion Post 457 and Canby Military Honor Squad. Online condolences can be sent at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Frank was the son of William and Laura (Sternke) Goslar. Laura died when Frank was born and William died when Frank was five years old. His grandparents, Bertha and Hiram Goslar raised Frank.

Frank attended schools in Park Rapids and rural Porter. He married Ardis Thompson on Sept. 19, 1942, in Elizabethtown, Ky. Frank served in the United States Army in World War II. After Frank returned from the war, he and Ardis had six children and lived in Porter.

Frank made his career in carpentry and worked 30 years for the Porter Lumber Company until it closed. Frank worked in various jobs before retiring in 1978. Frank also spent many years being the part-time Policeman for Porter and was active in the Porter Fire Department and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Frank always enjoyed working with wood and made special “wooden” gifts for his grandchildren when he was able to. Frank loved cutting wood; and taking care of his garden and yard. Playing cards was also a very enjoyable way to spend time with his friends. Frank was proud of his license plate collection and his gun collection.

Frank spent the last few years of his life residing at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota.

Frank is survived by his former wife, Ardis; and their five children: LaNetta (Virgil) VanDale; Lareth (Magdalena) Goslar; Rhonda (Thomas) Bates; Zelda Goslar; and Laureen (Glenn) Hinders. He had 14 grandchildren: Kevin (Jeanne) and Mark VanDale; Berenice (Miguel) Venegas and Sean Goslar; Michael (Katherine), Leanne, and Matthew Bates; and Stacey (Vicki), Laura, O’Dell (Betty), Gordon, Russell, and Lauretta (Nick) Bebo. He had nine great grandchildren: Miki and Teri Jo VanDale; Emiliano and Santiago Venegas; Kimberly and Danny Hinders; Ty, Loren and Breanna Hinders.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, William in 1919; his mother, Laura in 1914; his grandfather, Hiram Goslar in 1928 and his grandmother, Bertha in 1940; nine aunts and uncles he was raised with; his son, Rydell in 1978; and his grandson, Gregory VanDale in 1985.

Elizabeth Graner

Elisabeth “Lisa” Graner, age 85, of Canby, passed away Dec. 24, 2006, at Sioux Valley Senior Haven in Canby. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, Dec. 28, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Father Tony Hesse was the Celebrant. Burial was in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

Elisabeth Emma Frieda (Koske) Graner was born June 10, 1921, in Breslau, East Germany, the daughter of Joseph and Frieda Koske. Growing up, she attended Catholic school and Business College and worked as a secretary. In Nov. 1940, she married Walter Haemel. 

In 1943, Graner and her daughter, Monica, were evacuated to the country for safety due to the war. Later, they were transferred to Luedenscheid, Westfalia in West Germany, where she had her second daughter, Christa. There she married Georg Graner in June 1948. In 1953, Georg, Lisa, Monica, Christa, a mother-in-law and two sister-in-laws, Gertrud and Anna Graner, immigrated to America and joined Alfred Graner and his family in Canby. Not knowing any English, her first job was working at the Tower Motel. She worked in the St. Peter’s School Cafeteria from 1958-1965. Her next job, from 1965-1986 was as a nurse assistant at the Canby Nursing Home. 

After retirement, she decided to work in home health care for several years. She enjoyed playing the piano, music, entertaining, visiting and traveling. Her greatest joy was being with her family here and with those in Germany. 

She is survived by her brother, Hans and Toni (Edel) Koske and three nieces; two daughters, Monica (Bob) Grengs and Christa Wilson; two grandsons, Scott (Kelle) Grengs and Brian (Tiffany) Grengs; three great grandchildren, Brett, Jessica and Heather. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant brother and a sister, Gretel.

Alice Grengs

Alice V. Grengs, age 95, of Rochester, formerly of Canby, passed away June 22, 2006, at the Bethaney Samaritan Nursing Home in Rochester.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 10:30 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Visitation will be one hour prior to mass at the church. The Reverend Tony Hesse will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby.

Alice was born March 5, 1911, to Charley and Rose Kapinos on the farm in the Canby area. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Leo Catholic Church. She was united in marriage to Frank Grengs Jr. on Feb. 12, 1934. They started to farm north of Porter for one year and then moved to Oshkosh Township, where she lived on the farm until her husband’s death in 1986.

She was a member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby, the Canby Senior Citizens, Homemaker’s Club and Birthday Club. She loved the outdoors, flowers, gardening, baking, canning, reading and playing the organ.

She is survived by two daughters, Anita (Richard) Mitlyng of Rochester and Carol (Dennis) Alberts of South St. Paul; son-in-law, Jack Borgen of Milwaukee, Wis.; five grandsons, Rick (Donna) Mitlyng, Randy Mitlyng, Pete (Kelli) Borgen, Chuck Borgen, Justin (Jaanika) Alberts; two great grandchildren, Stephanie and Alex Borgen.

She was preceded by her parents, husband, two daughters-Bonnie Borgen and Vicky Grengs, brother-Bennie Kapinos and a sister-Irene Griffin.

Virgil Grengs

Virgil Grengs, age 74, of St. Leo, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Dec. 22, at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo. Father Tony Hesse was the celebrant of Mass.

Burial was in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery.

Virgil Mathias Grengs was born July 31, 1933, in Sisseton, S.D., to Mathias, Sr. and Catherine (Braun) Grengs. He served in the Army from 1953-1955.

He was always tinkering with John Deere tractors and was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed motorcycling on his trike and hanging out with friends at coffee.

Virgil is survived by his sons, Mike (Jodi) Grengs of St. Leo; Jeff (Sherri) Grengs, Canby; Tom (Donna) Grengs of St. Leo; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sue (Lyle) Gustafson; Fritzi (Chip) Cieplechowicz; and brother, Matt (Lona) Grengs.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gerry; parents; two brothers, Jim and Donald; sister, Dorothy Weber; and step-mother, Lu.

Norma Elene Grotewald

Norma Elene (Landstrom) Grotewald passed away on Jan. 30, 2008, suddenly and unexpectedly, at the age of 82. 

She was preceded in deayh by her husband Marion "Slim" and her father and mother Ole and Inga Landstrom. 

She is survived by her daughters, Diane, Cheryl (David) and Janet (Robert) and her son Mark (Elizabeth), her sisters Evie Hamlin and Dorothy Mikkelson (Herb) and also by her sisters-in-law Helen Woelber and Marge Nelson and brother-in-law Marvin (Joann). She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and her 33 great grandchildren.

Margaret Gubrud

Margaret Gubrud died on Friday afternoon, Sept. 28, 2007, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes at the age of 75.

Margaret H. Klefsaas was born Jan. 24, 1932, at Madison, the daughter of Henry and Bertha (Utne) Klefsaas. She was baptized and confirmed at Borgund Lutheran Church and grew up in rural Madison. She graduated from Madison High School in 1950. She was united in marriage with Wendell Gubrud on Oct. 11, 1953, at Borgund Lutheran Church. After Wendell spent some time in the Army, they moved to Dawson in 1957. She was a teller at Minnwest Bank for over 25 years and retired in 1994. They have spent the last 25 summers at Toad Lake.

She was active at Grace Lutheran Church where she was the organist and a Sunday school teacher. She was a member of the Sons of Norway, played accordion at the nursing home, active in Girl Scouts, a hospice volunteer, and always volunteering within the community.

She enjoyed music, gardening, knitting, and sewing. She studied Norwegian heritage and was interested in learning new things.

She is survived by her husband, Wendell; children: Paul (Denise) Gubrud of Pelican Rapids, Pam (Mike) Pease of Ham Lake, and Patti (Mike) Geyen of Waconia; four grandchildren: Emily and Laura Geyen, Jeffery Boese, Joshua (Chris) Boese, two great-grandchildren: Hannah and Haleigh Boese; other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service was Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson with Pastor Kendall Stelter officiating. Burial was in Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Dawson.

Richard Guza

Richard “Rick” Guza, age 46, of Marshall, passed away Nov. 30, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 pm at Birk Funeral Home in Ivanhoe and will resume on Monday one hour prior at the church. 

Father Andy Michels will be the Celebrant. 

Burial will be in St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery.  Online condolences to www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Rick was born on Jan. 4, 1960, in Canby, the son of William and Helen (Frank) Guza. As a child, he grew up in the area, but spent most of his time in Minneota. For the past 10 plus years, he has lived at the Developmental Services home in Marshall.  Rick will be remembered for his very happy and free spirit. He loved to ride his bicycle, go bowling, eating out with staff members, eating pizza and drinking as much Mountain Dew as possible.  Rick enjoyed spending time with his family, especially during the family dinners and events.

Rick is survived by three sisters, Joann (Bob) Curtiss of Litchfield, Mary (Curt) Petersen and Rose Guza, both of Redwood Falls; two brothers, Jim (Dorene) Guza of Litchfield and Donald Guza of Dassel; 12 nieces and nephews and all of the staff at Developmental Services of Marshall.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Florence Esther Haas

Funeral services for Florence Haas, 79, Marietta, were held July 3, 2006 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Marietta. Florence Haas died June 30, 2006 at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson. Rev. Brad Larson officiated and special music was provided by Dorothy Sander and Jan Olson. Honorary casket bearers were Marlys Streich and Harold Sillman, Jr. Active casket bearers were Morgan Haas, Brandon Haas, Steven Haas, Wayne Koopman, Jason Koppman, Adam Haas, Robert Haas, Andrew Haas and Joshua Haas. Interment was at the Augusta Cemetery, rural Marietta.

Florence Esther Dudden was born, April 6, 1927 to Tim and Lula (Laabs) Dudden in Freeland Township, Lac qui Parle County.

She attended school at Lac qui Parle School District #100 and District #66 where she graduated in 1948. Following her graduation from the West Central School of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, Morris, in 1946, she worked as a nurses aide at the Madison Hospital until her marriage.

Dudden was united in marriage to Laverne August Haas on November 27, 1949 at Garfield Lutheran Church, rural Madison. the couple lived and farmed on Haas’ home place their entire married life.

Haas enjoyed working with flowers, gardening, sewing, mending, reading housekeeping and gardening magazines, raising poultry , her cats and watching the birds.

She taught Sunday School and was active in 4-H, she was a leader and helped for many years with the county fairs.

Haas is survived by her husband; children, Douglas (Sharron) Haas, Madison, Dean (Edith) Haas, Hortonville, WI, Sonja (Gerry) Thune, Sacred Heart, Sylvia (Mike) Evenson, Minnetonka, Mary (Larry) Bachman, Clear Lake, S.D., Loran (Patti) Hass, Canby, Lyle (Kathy) Haas, Clear Lake, S. D. and Eldon Haas of Marietta; 16 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; a foster sister, Marlys (Sillman) Streich and foster brother, Harold Sillman, Jr., Gary, S.D.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Doris (Dudden) Walker.

Duane W. Hacker

Duane W. Hacker, age 53, of rural Canby, passed away on Oct. 7, 2006, at the Sioux Valley Canby Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday one hour prior at the church. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby.

Hacker was born on Oct. 7, 1953, in Canby, the son of Lloyd and Laura (Hundt) Hacker. He graduated from Canby High School in 1971, and was active in wrestling, football, 4-H and FFA. He married Sandy Mueller on Dec. 22, 1984, in Canby.

His favorite pastimes were shooting trap, hunting, fishing and working on cars with his son. He was a member of the Zaccheus/Our Saviour’s Lutheran congregation all of his life. At one time, he belonged to the bowling league, Canby Jaycees, and once played softball for the Burr Bombers. His favorite thing to do was to farm, especially planting and combining, but most of all, spending time with his wife, children and granddaughter was most important to him.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy and son, Thane, both of Canby; daughter, Michelle Meyen and Billy Rose and their daughter, Grace of Plattsmouth, Neb.; two brothers, David (Elan) and Loren (Karen) both of Canby; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents.

Howard H. Hacker

Howard H. Hacker, age 84, of Canby, passed away on Oct. 18, 2006, at Sioux Valley-Canby Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home and will continue at the church one hour prior to the service. Rev. Barry Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in Canby City Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Canby Military Honor Squad.

Hacker was born Nov. 6, 1921, in Florida Township, the son of Herman and Lena (Schanning) Hacker. He served in the U. S. Army in the European Theatre from 1942 – 1945. On Feb. 23, 1944, he married Evelyn Nelson at the First English Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in the Freeland Township for many years and moved to Canby in 1974. He was very active in his community and church. At one point, he held the position of Yellow Medicine County Commissioner. Being active in church was very important to him. He was involved in various roles at the church, such as: trustee, deacon and usher.

During his spare time, he would play cards, (especially pinochle), walking and putting together puzzles. Spending time with his family was important. Playing with his nieces and nephews would give great joy to him when ever they were around.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Neva Hacker of Canby; many nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents; wife, Evelyn; five brothers and and sister.

Ruth Hacker

Ruth Viola Hacker, age 92, of Canby, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007, at Sanford Health Senior Haven Nursing Home of Canby.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. There will be no visitation the night before. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church or St. Stephen's Cemetery Fund. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Ruth was born on May 16, 1914, the daughter of Enock and Anna (Nyquist) Swenson in Bowbells, N.D. As a child, she earned her education in country school in Montana. She was married to Kenneth Hacker. As a couple, they worked on the farm raising crops and livestock-mostly Angus beef cattle. Ruth was very much at home on the farm, she enjoyed having many farm animals, especially her cats. For many years, she was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church and eventually joined Our Saviour's. She was active and volunteered often with church activities. In her spare time, she loved to sew and do embroidery work, raise flowers and her rock garden and she read her Bible as often as she could.

Survivors include her daughter, Mavis (Jack) Cole of Mexico; son, Morris (Cheryl) Koch of Minnetonka; three grandchildren, Shereen (Mike) Mencke and daughter, Jessica of Chicago, Ill.; Angela (Darrin) Stuhr and children, Noah and Avery of Eden Prairie; Justin (Lori) Koch and son, Carson of Victoria; two sisters, Mildred Holmlund of Canby and Margaret Racette of Marshall; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents; husband in 1983; two brothers, Walter and Milton; sister, Gloria Propatti.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca “Becky” Hall, age 23, of Marshall, passed away as the result of an automobile accident near Clear Lake, S.D., on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Marshall.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m at the Hamilton Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning. Burial will take place at the Canby City Cemetery.

Hall was born Oct. 26, 1983, in Canby to Ralph and Millie (Iffert) Hall. She was baptized in December of 1983 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. She then attended and was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Marshall. She was a member of the Minnesota National Guard for the past six years and was also a member of Buffalo Ridge ABATE.

While at Marshall High School, she was active in the dive team, color guard with marching band, and cheerleading. She graduated from Marshall High School in 2002. She was employed by Minnesota Northwest Pipe Fittings in Marshall for over a year before enrolling at Minnesota West technical College - Canby Campus in the Dental Assistant program. She was currently employed at Parrot Bay Bar and Grill in Canby.

Hall loved her yellow Escape, shopping with “the mom card”, and riding her motorcycle. She was looking forward to participating in Toys ForTots bike run. She made friends easily and loved socializing with everyone.

She is survived by parents, Ralph and Millie Hall of Marshall; brother, Benjamin of Marshall; special friend, Mike Simon of Marshall; paternal grandparents, John, Sr. and Mary Ann Hall of Clear Lake, S.D.,; aunts and uncles, Doug and Nikki Keffeler and family of Watertown, S.D., Bill and Julie Moe and family of Clear Lake, John, Jr. and Jan Hall and family of Clear Lake, and Roger and Lorie Springer and family of Bradley, S.D.; and godmother, Brenda Toben of Clear Lake.

She is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Cecil and Bernice Iffert; aunt, Linda (Hall) Keffeler; and special great-uncle Harry Toben.

Helen Hamann

Helen Doris (Nilsson) Hamann, age 91, of Pine City passed away on Friday, April 25, 2008 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Helen was born Nov. 23, 1916, in Gary, S.D., to parents Otto and Mary Agnes Nilsson.  Helen graduated from Gary High School and attended college in Wessington Springs, S.D., where she obtained her teaching credentials.  She taught in and around the Gary area in county schools for eight years.  She was united in marriage to Marvin P. Hamann on June 16, 1942 in St. Paul.

She resided in the Gary area until 1972 when she and her husband Marvin moved to the Pine County area.  Helen continued to work as a substitute teacher in Pine City for several years.

Helen was an avid gardener and homemaker and spent many years as a 4-H leader in Lac Qui Parle County.  She was also always very active in church activities.  She will be deeply missed.

Helen is survived by husband of 66 years, Marvin of Pine City, daughters: Carol (Michael) Freund of Atlanta, Ga.; Ruth (Glenn) Weakly of Ramsey; and Catherine Hamann of Suprize, Ariz.  Sons:  Marv (Patricia) Hamann of Pueblo, Colo., Ken (Naomi) Hamann of Pine City, 12 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, sisters: Bernice Dervie of St. Paul, and Cecelia Hetznecker of Scandia, N.M., brothers: Norbert Nilsson of Sandstone and Arthur Nilsson of St. Paul; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Mary (Bergeron) Nilsson, two sisters Annabelle Scrivener and Frances Meng and two brothers Lawrence and James Nilsson.

A funeral service was held on Monday, April 28, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Pine City with Deacon Gene Biever presiding.

Mathilda Hanson

Mathilda “Tillie” Hanson, age 97, of Canby passed away on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Interment will be in the Canby City Cemetery. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Mathilda Lydia Williamina Carolina Ochsendorf was born Nov. 18, 1910, in Oshkosh Township, Yellow Medicine County, to Herman and Amelia (Jants) Ochsendorf. She was baptized in the Nicolai Lutheran Church in Canby on Dec. 18, 1910. Tillie attended District 41 in rural Canby until the 8th Grade. While she was at home, she milked cows, picked corn by hand, did field work, and helped her father with her sister’s.

On March 8, 1939, she married her fiancé of nine years, Erland Hanson at her parent’s home in rural Canby. To this union, three children were born. In the late 1950’s, she began working as a caregiver at the Madison Lutheran Home and later at the Canby Hospital as a Nurses Aide. For many years, she housed teachers and Vo-tech students which developed into longtime friendships. Her home was always open to anyone for a cup of coffee.

Tillie was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church after the closing of the Florida Lutheran Church, where she was a member for numerous years. She enjoyed making Lefsa and donuts for family. Her hobbies were crocheting, quilting, cards, puzzles and bingo.

Tillie is lovingly remembered by her three children, Wanda (Adrian) Hemish of Canby and their children: Gregg Hemish, Wendy (Bill) Krause and Jeff (Sara) Hemish; Lorraine (John) Hoffman of Bloomington and their two sons: Judd and Justin Hoffman; and Myron “Mike” (Karen) Hanson of Willmar and their children: Wade (Tabby) Hanson, Lisa (Doug) Toivonen, Jill (Lyle) Hovland and Nate (Kandi) Hanson and 20 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by five siblings, Elsie Hansen; Burnetta (Arvin) Hendrickson; Erlin (Angie) Ochsendorf; Emily Hansen; Herman (Mavis) Ochsendorf; sisters-in-law, Donna Ochsendorf; Eunice Hegg; Martha Hanson; Ollie Hanson and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Erland in 1973; grandson, Jason Hemish; parents; four sisters, Augusta, Clara, Luella and Lorraine; and three brothers, Walter, Alvin, and LeRoy.

Renetta Hansen

Renetta Wilhelmina Marie Hundt was born May 13, 1923, to Herman and Edith (Stelter) Hundt in Canby. She attended rural school and then graduated from Canby High School in 1941. She attended Minneapolis Business College and worked as a secretary in Minneapolis and Marshall.

On June 1, 1947, she was united in marriage to Loyd M. Hansen of rural Canby. They lived in Canby until 1959 when they moved to their home near Alexandria. During the 1960’s she worked as a secretary at Knute Nelson home and was a member of their auxiliary.

From her youth, church activities were an important part of her life. She enjoyed choir, Luther League, Ladies Aid and circle. She especially enjoyed singing with her sister, Laura.

Hers children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of her life. She always had time to bake up some goodies, play a game, or work on some project with them.

She enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles and a good game of Scrabble.

In her later years she kept active with her homemakers group, enjoyed the friendship of those in the exercise group at First Lutheran Church and the camaraderie of her Sunday coffee group.

She died on May 10, 2007.

She is survived by three children, Gloria and husband, Robert Given, of Anoka, Alan and wife, Cathy Hansen, of Alexandria, and Marilyn and husband, Daniel Chan, of Lowry; seven grandchildren, Randy and wife, Nicole Hansen, Chris and husband, J.W. Striefel, Jeremy Hansen; Laura Given and husband, Davin Hensrud, Sara Given, Stacy Chan and Matthew Chan; and four great grandchildren, Tyler and Ainsley Hansen, Radley Hensrud Given and Wyatt Striefel.

She was preceded in death by her husband Loyd, parents, brother, Ervin Hundt sister, Laura Hacker, and infant brother, John Hundt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 16, at the First Lutheran Church with Rev. John Peshek officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.

Esther Harms

Esther Ethel Harms, age 88, of Canby, passed away Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006, at Sioux Valley Canby Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Canby.

Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home with the prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior at the church. Rev. Aaron Alfred will officiate. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery.

Online condolences can be sent at www.birkfuneralhome.com. Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church or Canby City Cemetery Fund.

She was born Feb. 26, 1918, in White, S.D., the daughter of Henry and Bertha (Tjaden) Schutjer. She attended school through the ninth grade in White. In 1933 her family moved to a farm near Gary, S.D. She attended Canby High School and graduated in 1936.

Following her graduation she moved to Watertown, S.D., and took nurse’s training at Luther Hospital. Because of ill-health, she was unable to complete her training and returned to the home of her parents west of Canby.

On Sept. 3, 1939, she married Wesley Harms. They operated a farm north of Canby in Freeland Township for 14 years. In 1955, they moved to Minneapolis where she enrolled in a medical secretarial course at the Minnesota School of Business. Following her graduation she took a Minnesota Civil Service Exam. For the next 15 years she was employed in three State Departments-Public Health, Natural Resources and the Minnesota Community College System.

In 1971, because of her husband’s health problems, they moved back to the Canby area and resided on their farm in Hammer Township until his death in 1984. The following year she moved into Canby. Most recently, Esther was a resident of Sunset Assisted Living in Canby since October 2003.

She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Canby and Shiloh-Bethany Presbyterian Church while residing in Minneapolis. In both churches, she taught Sunday School and was ordained as a Deacon and served as an Elder in the Canby church. Esther was an active member in the Presbyterian Women’s Association and a volunteer at Senior Haven. Since 1971, she was a member of the Hammer Busy Bees.

Esther loved to be around people, but the most important part of her life was her Christian faith and her church.

She is survived by 19 nieces and nephews and her dear friend, Emily Larson.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband; parents; eight brothers and three sisters.

Robert Hanson

Robert “Bob” Hanson, age 77, passed away on Friday, April 6, 2007, at Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Funeral services for Bob will be on Wednesday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Dawson Covenant Church in rural, Dawson. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Pastor Darin Towle will officiate. Burial will be in the Dawson Covenant Church Cemetery in rural, Dawson. You may visit our online registry/guestbook at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Robert (Bob) Wendell Hanson was born Dec. 23, 1929, to Ernest and Selma (Kleven) Hanson in Pope County. The family moved to Canby, where he attended district 38 grade school. He graduated from Canby High School and attended Pasadena Nazarene College in California.

On Aug. 1, 1954, he married Janis Larson at the St. Cloud Covenant Church. They farmed in Hammer Township where he was in dairying for over 40 years. He held offices and was active in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Each day before leaving the house for those early morning dairy duties, he spent time in prayer and reading God’s word. He wore out Bibles. His priorities were his faith in God through Jesus Christ, his family, farming, fishing and singing.

Bob is remembered for providing music for weddings and funerals in every church in the community. Singing was part of his life at home too, as the family gathered around the piano. A special challenge in 1974 was singing the bass solos in Handel’s “Messiah”.

He was a member of Dawson Covenant Church, held offices on the church board, taught Sunday school and was a youth group counselor for many years. He’d hurry to get chores done to play at Canby’s adult volleyball, to practice in Canby’s Men’s Glee Club and the church choir, which Janis directed. He was a regular contributor to the Red Cross blood bank before his Parkinson’s condition. He and his wife were volunteers with Hospice for several years. He resided at Senior Haven Nursing Home since November 2001.

Bob is survived by his wife Janis, his daughter, Wendy (Jim) Bain of North St. Paul; his sons, Timothy Hanson of Minneapolis; Mark (Lenora) Hanson of Littleton, Colo.; daughter, Merrilee (Erik) Anderson of Cottonwood; seven grandchildren, Benjamin and Karah Bain; Bethany and Jordon Hanson; Kayla, Lee and Matthew Anderson; three sisters, Evelyn (Clarence) Gillespie of Twain Harte, Calif.; Judith (Jerry) Manker of Keizer, Ore.; Beverly Passons of Littleton, Colo.; and two sisters-in-law, Doreen Anderson of Bloomington; and Marilyn (Bill) Forslund of Moline, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant granddaughter, Rebecca Ruth Anderson; sister-in-law, Shirley Wicklund and two brothers-in-law Arlie Wicklund and Raymond Anderson.

Daniel Robert Haugen

Daniel Robert Haugen, age 32, of Marshall, passed away at his residence in Marshall on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Funeral services were Monday, May 12, 2008 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Canby. Burial was in St. Stephens Lutheran Cemetery in Canby.

Daniel Robert Haugen was born to Robert L and Lucinda (Petersen) Haugen on May 31, 1975 in Marshall. He was baptized at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Island Lake Township and graduated from the Cottonwood High School.

On Sept. 7, 1996, Daniel was united in marriage to Nicole Vandeviere. They lived in Cottonwood where he was employed as a truck driver.

He is survived by his two sons, Colton and Dakota Haugen of Hanley Falls; father, Robert (Becky) Haugen of Cottonwood; Mother, Lucinda Burton of Tennessee; half-sister Crystal and half-brother James both of Tennessee; grandparents, Mae Guza of Russell; Mary Ann Petersen of Montevideo; and Herbert and Dorothy Thompson of Canby; also many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kaile Haugen.

Daniel was a former member of the Cottonwood Fire Department and his enjoyments included hunting, fishing, four wheeling, dirt biking and snowmobiling. The love of his life was doing things with his sons.

Lorraine Ellison Haugen

Lorraine Ellison Haugen, age 68, of Roswell, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at Abernathy Arts Center in Atlanta at 2 p.m.

Lorraine was born in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, in 1939, to Grace and Olaf Ellison. She was the sister of Gordon Ellison, resident of Canby.

She attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan, having relocated to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1964. From 1964-73 she and husband Donald Haugen operated a group home for the Washtenaw County Juvenile Court system housing and caring for over 200 delinquent girls over the nine year period. The couple also owned and operated Haugen Pet Products in Ann Arbor with their primary product being the Kitti Potti, the first enclosed litter pan for cats. Lorraine served as vice president of the company. She also served hundreds of happy eaters as a renowned hostess and cook for multiple parties and events attended by the literati of the University of Michigan.

In 1981, after selling the company and relocating to Roswell, she found a passion for the arts. She began working for Abernathy Arts Center in 1985 where she remained Arts Program Manager until the time of her death. She is perhaps best known for her remarkable gallery opening events, shepherding the project to build the addition to the facility and aiding in the education of thousands of students from child to adult over her tenure.

She is survived by son Donald II of Kalamazoo, Mich. Anastasia of Decatur, Ga., and Erin Bransford of Atlanta, Ga.

Elizabeth Hauger

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hauger, age 89, of Ivanhoe passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Divine Providence Nursing Home in Ivanhoe.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary, S.D. Visitation will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 2 with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Gary, SD. Arrangements provided by Birk Funeral Home of Canby.

For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bertha (Keimig) Hauger was born February 15, 1919 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 fifth of eight children.

On June 30, 1942, Lizzy married John Paul Hauger of Gary at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. They bought the Hauger family farm and together with two of John’s brother’s, Philip and William, established the Hauger Brother’s Farm. Lizzy raised a family of five and worked along side the Hauger Brother’s her entire married life.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary, St. Peter’s Altar Society, and taught CCD for many years. She was involved in the Gary Gate City Senior Citizens and American Legion Auxiliary in Gary.

Lizzy loved to bake and cook and was always the first to make sure no one went away hungry. She also loved to garden, grow flowers, sew, cross stitch, cross word puzzles, and play cards. Her greatest joy was music and dancing. Lizzy could always be seen tapping her fingers or feet to the beat of the music.

Lizzy is survived by her five children and 11 grandchildren: Russell Hauger of Canby, and his children: Kim (Tim) Huber; Kora (David) Denekamp and Kris (Shannon) Hauger; Wayne Hauger (special friend, Cookie Buchert) of Russell, MN and his children Brian (Robin) Hauger and Jena Bremer; Eileen (Brad) Brooks of Minneapolis, and son, Richard Warwick; Dennis “Tom” (Julie) Hauger of Watertown, S.D., and their children Chad (Jill) Hauger, Jodi (Lee) Borns and Amy (Nick) Waite; and Rita (Brian) Fleahman of Ivanhoe, and their children Brandon and Corey; 15 great-grandchildren: Dustin, Cody, and Bobbi Huber; Abby and Autumn Denekamp; Logan Henderson; Lindsay and Tanner Hauger; Natasha Bremer; Hailey, Megan, and Eve Hauger; D’Angelo Borns; and Isabel and Roslyn Hauger; one brother, Louis Keimig; two sisters, Loretta Meyen and Bernita (Joe) Weber and one sister-in-law, Margie Keimig.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; grandson, Derek; daughters-in-law, Sandy and Eva; son-in-law, Gayle; brothers-in-law, William and Philip; parents, Adam and Anna (Weiser) Keimig and two brothers, Joseph and Leonard Keimig and two sisters, Rosie Mason and Cecelia Allen.

Gladys Hasner

Gladys M. Hasner age 76 of Minneota, formerly of Granite Falls passed away Monday morning, Jan. 28, 2008, at the Minneota Manor Health Care Center.

Funeral Services were Thursday at Granite Falls Lutheran Church in Granite Falls. Burial was at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Gladys Martha Hasner was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Canby, Minnesota the daughter of Grover C. and Bertha (Jesme) Ouverson.

Gladys grew up in the Canby area and graduated from Canby High school. On Sept. 13, 1952, Gladys was united in marriage to Clayton R. Hanser in Canby. To this union six children were born.

Gladys owned and operated restaurants with her husband Clayton in Minneota and Glenwood. She later worked as a Dietitian for 20 years at Project Turnabout in Granite Falls.

Gladys was a very active person who enjoyed bowling and playing cards, and continued to work at the Granite Falls Senior Center and Granite Ridges.

Gladys is survived by her children, Daughters: Linda (Anthony) Omann of St. Stephen, Judy (James) Lanners of Minneota, Sandra (James) Verschelde of Minneota; Sons: David (Karen) Hasner of Ogilvie, Todd Hasner of Marshall, Keith (Michelle) Hasner of Lakeville; 13 grand children, and eight great-grand children; Brother: James (Claire) Ouverson of Canby.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clayton in 1986, and six sisters: Esther Fredricks, Iona Dowell, Norma Ewing, Ardis Johnson, Alice Tesch, and a sibling in infancy.

Elmer Adam Heiserman

Funeral services for Mr. Elmer Heiserman, age 93, of Gary, SD will be 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, at the United Methodist Church in Gary, S.D. Rev. Samuel Sunandkumar will officiate.  Elmer passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006, at the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake, S.D.

Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Gary.  Honorary pallbearers will be Pete Hults, Oscar Bailey and Frans Vanderdoes.  Active pallbearers will be:  Bruce Stangeland, Wendell Asmussen, Curt Hoseck, Eddie Ratajczak, Cory Asmussen and Barry Vlasman.  Music will be provided by Dorothy Sander, organist and Bruce Melby, soloist.  Military honors will be presented by Peden-Cole American Legion Post #109 of Gary, SD.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 13, 2006 at the Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake, SD from 3-5 p.m. and will resume Monday one hour prior to the service at the church.  The family is requested to meet at the church Monday at 1:30 p.m. to attend the services.

Elmer was born on April 4, 1913, on a farm north of Gary to Lewis and Sophia (Reimuth) Heiserman.  He was raised on a farm in Lac Qui Parle County in Manfred Township northeast of Gary.  Elmer attended the District 67 country school.  In April 1942, he entered the army serving until March 7, 1946.  Elmer was stationed on the Island of Saipan with the 20th Air Force 73 Bomb wing, with a B-29.  After his discharge, he returned to farming in Manfred Township and drove truck part time.

Elmer was united in marriage to Ruby Webber in Elizabeth City, N.C., in May 1972.  They resided in Gary until her death.  Elmer was united in marriage to Elsie (Cafousek) Fitzpatrick on June 17, 1987.  He entered the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake on June 23, 2003.

Elmer was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Gary.  He was a longtime member of the Gary American Legion and the V.F.W. of Canby.  Elmer loved the simple things in life: a beautiful sunrise and sunset, working in his garden, playing with his cat, Frosty and being with his family.  He liked attending auction sales and did some auctioneering.  He liked playing and calling Bingo and attending community functions.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his family: Sharon (Edward) Ratajczak of Ivanhoe, Mary (Bruce) Stangeland of Bushnell, S.D., Patricia (Curtis) Hoseck of Canby, and Margaret (Wendell) Asmussen of Gary; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wives, Ruby and Elsie, parents, brothers and sisters.

Eleanor Marie Helmberger

Funeral services for Eleanor Marie Helmberger, were held September 11, 2006 at the United Methodist Church in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Helmberger passed away September 8, 2006 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Interment was at the Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche, S.D.

Eleanor Marie Helmberger was born June 15, 1924 in Canby to Elsie (Carlson) and John Martin Thompson. On December 2, 1941 she was united in marriage to Darold Robert Helmberger.

She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, arts and crafts, was a skilled seamtress, did embroidery work, quilting and puzzles.

She is survived by one son, Robert (Ruby) Hemlberger of Belle Fourche, SD; daughters, Barbara (Gary) Kopacek of Minneapolis, Donna fossen of Belle Fourche, S.D., Nancy (Larry) Hanson of Sturgis, S.D.; sons0in-law Bruce Jordahl of Austin, TX and Steve Kasparek of St. Louis, MO; 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; one sister, Jean Paul of Marshall, one brother, Leroy Thompson of Canby.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; siblings, Margie Sillman, Elroy Tompson, and Deloris Thompson; children, Darlene Jordahl, Linda Kasparek, Kathrine Moe and Mary Ann and James Allen who died in infancy, and one son-in-law, Marlen Moe.

George Lloyd Hellvig Sr.

George Lloyd Hellvig Sr., 69, of Ivanhoe, formerly of Arco, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, at the Divine Providence Health Center in Ivanhoe.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Arco. Pastor Gary Veit offiated. Burial will be in the Arco Cemetery.

Hellvig was born on May 28, 1937, in Island Lake Township, the son of Henry and Vida (Holmes) Hellvig. He grew up in Island Lake Township and went to District 45 School. In 1960, he married Joyce Dandurand in Brookings, S.D. George worked various jobs such as: carpenter, construction, truck driver, auto salvage and some mechanical work. His hobbies were fishing, hunting and racing. In 1986, George lived in Tennessee and eventually returned to home in 2000.

He is survived by his two sons, Hugo Hellvig and George Hellvig Jr., both of Marshall; two grandchildren, Zachary Cole and Kelsie Regina; two sisters, Helen Crane of Ivanhoe and JoAnn (Robert) Gould of Marshall; brother, John Hellvig of Hartford, S.D.

He was preceded by his parents and other aunts and uncles.

Arthur Hitt

Arthur “Butch” E. Hitt Sr., age 74, of Canby, formerly of Toronto, S.D., and Sioux City, Iowa, passed away Jan. 26, 2007, at Senior Haven in Canby. 

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 1:30 pm at the Senior Haven Nursing Home Chapel in Canby.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Jeff Cooper of First Baptist Church will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date in Sioux City.  Birk Funeral Home of Canby is in charge of the arrangements. For online registry and condolences please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Hitt was born April 21, 1932, in Sioux City, the son of Lester Sr. and Birdie (Brewer) Hitt. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and enlisted in the Reserves after active duty and was discharged in 1961 from the Reserves. He worked at All Power Manufacturing in Sioux City for many years as a machinist. When his children were young, he would take them camping and fishing in Minnesota and Oregon. In his spare time, he enjoyed puzzle books, watching TV and playing cards. 

He is survived by two daughters, Kathy Hitt of Toronto, and Connie Hitt of Missouri; one son, Arthur Hitt Jr. of Toronto; eight grandchildren; three brothers, Lester Hitt Jr. and Kenny Hitt both of Sioux City, Larry Hitt of Denver, Colo. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dean and Harry Hitt; first wife, Donna (Daniels) Roost and his secondwife, Rosa.

Memorials for Arthur can be sent to:  PO Box 321, Toronto, 57268.

Frances Hoffman

Frances Hoffman, 87, of Canby, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006, at the Sioux Valley Canby Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby with Father Tony Hesse officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby; rosary will be at 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Canby. Online condolences may be sent at our website www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Frances Delores Ouverson Hoffman was born Nov. 2, 1919, in Fortier Township, Yellow Medicine County to Ernest and Anna Marie (Jesme) Ouverson. She attended grade school in District 55 in Fortier Township and graduated from Canby High School and the Canby Teachers Training Department.  She taught in rural schools before her marriage and later did sub-teaching. 

On April 24, 1946, she and Cletus Hoffman were married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. To this union six children were born. They lived for 32 years on their farm near St. Leo.  In 1978, they retired and moved into Canby. 

She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, St. Peter’s CCW; St. Leo Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary in Canby and Hospital Auxiliary.
Frances is survived by her six children, Robert (Kathy) Hoffman of Porter, Dennis Hoffman of Porter, Curtis (Lisa) Hoffman of Canby, Jeanette (Monte) Ness of Eden Prairie, Marilyn Chaplin of Canby, Cheryl (Glen) Kack of Canby; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Elden Ouverson of Pine City; and five sisters, Margaret Molnau of Red Wing, Bernice (Richard) Swedzinski of Champlin; Lorraine VanKeulen of New Ulm; Mavis (Tom) Garrett of Little Canada; Nina (Kenneth) Benz of Canby.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Lee, Raymond, Howard, and Clarence; three sisters, Mildred Johnson, Corrine Charles, and Margery VanDeVeire.

Orris E. Hexem

Funeral services for Orris E. Hexem, age 83, of Hendricks, were Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks. Rev. G. Duane Baun will officiated. Mr. Hexem passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at the United Retirement Center in Brookings, S.D.

Pallbearers were his eight grandchildren: Renee (Kjelden) Kleber, Kyle Kjelden, Michael Kjelden, Joni Kjelden, Jeremy Hexem, Jessica (Hexem) Johnson, Aaron Mattheis and Adam Mattheis; and also Michael Kleber and Ryan Johnson.

Music was provided by Julie Hogie, organist and Duane Hogie, soloist. Interment was in the East Hendricks (Calvary) Cemetery.

Orris Elroy Hexem was born on March 29, 1924, in rural Hendricks, Brookings County, S.D., to Jens and Marie (Lovre) Hexem, in the farmhouse where his grandson, Jeremy Hexem and family now reside. He was raised on the Hexem centennial farm in the valley at the South Dakota end of Lake Hendricks, and often spoke of farming the lake bottom in the 1930’s when the lake went dry and having to sell off most of their livestock because of the lack of feed during the depression years. His memory of past events was excellent and he often spoke fondly and showed pictures of the family’s work and riding horses.

On Oct. 6, 1945, he was united in marriage to Vivian Budahl, and together they raised five children; Richard, David, Marlene, Marilyn, and Diane. Because of his wife’s love for foster children, he willingly accepted the role of foster dad to 21 children that came to live in their home after his own children were grown.

Orris will always be remembered as a gentle and hard working man. He farmed and raised cattle and sheep on the farm southwest of Hendricks. After a tornado devastated their farm, he went to work for South Dakota State University for 29 years, while continuing to farm. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and then Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks He enjoyed listening to polka.

Orris was blessed with eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many friends. Even though a stroke in 2004 altered his body and prevented him from living independently, his mind remained sharp and accurate. He kept up with the news of what his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were doing and talked often about his friends and events in Hendricks.

He is survived by his five children: Richard (Christal) Hexem of Black Hawk, S.D.; David (Mary) Hexem of Hendricks; Marlene (Ron) Kjelden of Hendricks; Marilyn (Wade) Mattheis of Omaha, Neb.; and Diane Hexem of Brookings, S.D.; eight grandchildren, Renee (Mike) Kleker of Chaska; Kyle (Natalie Johnson) Kjelden of Hendricks; Mike (Jodi) Kjelden of Astoria; Joni Kjelden of Hendricks; Jeremy (Jody) Hexem of Hendricks; Jessica (Ryan) Johnson of Hendricks; Aaron Mattheis of Fort Collins, Colo., and 2nd Lt Adam Mattheis of Pensacola, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren, Ryan and Adam Kleber; Cody and Joshua Kjelden; Hanna Kjelden; Landen Johnson and Rachel Hexem; two brothers-in-law, Elton Claussen of Minneapolis; and Norman (Elva) Budahl of Sioux Falls; one niece; four nephews; several cousins; and his special friends from the United Retirement Center.

Orris was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian in 2001; his parents; his sister, Merle Claussen; an infant brother, Ronald; and infant great-grandchildren, Grace Kjelden and Luke Hexem.

Arnold “Butch”. Hofland Jr.

Funeral services for Mr. Arnold E. Hofland Jr., 60, of Clear Lake, S.D., were held Monday, Nov. 20, in the Houseman-Eng Funeral Home, Clear Lake.  Rev. Herb Wounded Head III officiated. 

Hofland passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006, at his residence in Clear Lake.

Burial will be at a later date.

Hofland was born on July 18, 1946, to Arnold and Gladys (Falken) Hofland Sr., in Hendricks. As a child, the family moved to a farm near Canby, where he attended high school.  He entered the United States Navy and served for four years.  Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Watertown, S,D. He was united in marriage to Marleen Mclaughlin in Clear Lake. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Watertown, where he attended Vo-Tech and received his aviation training.  They then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where he worked as an aviation technician. In 1978, they moved to Saudi Arabia where he worked for the Mobil Company for a couple of years. They then moved to Minneapolis, where he continued working as an aviation technician. In 1993, Arnold moved to Clear Lake, where he worked building steel structures and grain bins. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006, Arnold passed away suddenly at his home in Clear Lake.

Hofland enjoyed reading books, fishing, pheasant hunting, gardening and watching National Geographic shows. He had a great passion for aviation. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his three children: Heather Hofland, Zephyrhills, Fla., Seth (Holly) Hofland, Somerset, Wis., and Donna Hofland, Somerset, Wis.; four grandchildren: Couger, Maisey, Camille and Marcella Hofland; his mother, Gladys Hofland, Clear Lake; four sisters: Marjorie Victor, Canby, Janice (Ron) Wilson, Hot Springs, S.D., Alice (Bill) Vaughn, Eveleth, and Lorraine (Ben) Heideman, Piedmont, S.D.; one brother, Don (Carol) Hofland, Altamont, S.D. and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Hofland Sr., one sister, Joyce Quijano and an infant brother, Don Hofland.

Gladys K. Hofland

Funeral services for Mrs. Gladys K. Hofland, age 91, of Clear Lake, S.D., were Tuesday, June 19, at the Leganger Lutheran Church, Toronto, S.D.  Rev. Herb Wounded Head III officiated.  She passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center, Clear Lake.

Burial was in the Mikkelson Cemetery, rural Toronto. 

Gladys K. Hofland was born on Jan. 10, 1916, to Knute and Gena (Bren) Falken at the family home in Deuel County.  She was raised in Deuel County where she attended country school. 

On April 16, 1936, she was united in marriage to Arnold Hofland. Following their marriage, they lived in Toronto and later moved to an acreage near Toronto.  In 1953, they moved to Arnold’s parents’ farm near Canby, where they farmed and raised their family. During this time, she worked as a nurse’s assistant at Jenkins in Watertown, S.D., and later at the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake. In 1975, they moved to Alaska where she continued working as a nurse’s assistant in Fairbanks. Following their retirement in 1987, they returned to an acreage south of Clear Lake. On Jan. 3, 2003, Gladys entered the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake.

She was a member of the Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto where she was also a member of the WELCA. She was also a member of the Toronto American Legion Auxiliary.  Gladys enjoyed flowers, traveling, reading, and jigsaw puzzles.  She also enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren.

She is survived by her five children:  Marjorie Victor, Canby, Janice (Ron) Wilson, Hot Springs, S.D., Alice (Bill) Vaughn, Eveleth, Lorraine (Ben) Heideman, Piedmont, S.D., and Don (Carol) Hofland, Altamont, S.D.; 24 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; one brother, Clifford (Alice) Falken, Toronto; two sisters:  Mavis (Robert) Quail, Toronto, and Esther (Harlin) Thompson, Brandt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her two sons Donald Hofland and Arnold Hofland, Jr., daughter, Joyce Quijano; and infant daughter; one great grandchild; parents and four brothers.

Merton Holmlund

Merton Holmlund of Davenport, Iowa, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Holmlund was born May 25, 1919, in Hendricks to Martin and Clara (Sjonsby) Holmlund.

On Oct. 27, 1945, he was married to Betty Sweesy.

Holmlund was a crane operator at the Rock Island Arsenal retiring in 1976. He loved playing the accordion, guitar and keyboard. He was a World War II Army Veteran, serving for four years in France and Belgium.

Holmlund is survived by his wife, Betty; two daughters, Becky (Blaine) Kirby and Tammy (Tom) Shadrick; three sons, Greg (Jackie), Reed and Scott (Bonnie); 17 grandchildrn and 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ardis Heskett and Irene Madsen; and sister-in-law, Virginia Holmlund.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cleone Larsen; son, Kent; grand-daughter, Ashley McCandless; brothers, Clifford and Robert; sister-in-law, Mabel Holmlund; brothers-in-law, “Sandy” Heskett and Bernard Madsen.

Verna Hoseck

Verna Hoseck, age 86, of Minneota, passed away on Aug. 29, 2006, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 2, at 1:30 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Burial will be in the Bohemian Cemetery.

Verna Belle Hoseck was born on July 25, 1920, to Orley and Louise (Leppke) Nevins. She attended rural schools in Fortier Township.
On Nov. 20, 1945, she married Bert M. Hoseck in Canby. They farmed in Fortier Township until 1957 and then moved to Minneota. To this union five children were born.

She enjoyed baking cookies, spending time with family and babysitting neighborhood kids.

She is survived by four daughters, Donna (Phillip) Nuy, Sharon (Doug) Van Overbeke, Sandy (Ed) DeVlaeminck, Jenny (Dave) Storlien; a son, Allan Hoseck; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a brother, Everett (Mildred) Nevins; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert and parents, Orley and Louise Nevins.

Luella Eunice Hovitek

Funeral services for Mrs. Eunice Hovitek, age 92, of Gary, SD were held Monday, June 12, 2006 in the Gary United Methodist Church, Gary. 

Rev. Samuel Sunandkumar officiated. Mrs. Hovitek passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2006, in the Hendricks Nursing Home, Hendricks.

Burial was in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary. Pallbearers were  Matthew Hovitek, Aaron Hovitek, Daniel Sorby, Jim Resmen, Harlin Thompson and John Jensen. Music was provided by Dorothy Sander, organist.

Luella Eunice Olson was born Jan. 28, 1914. in Hendricks, to Louie and Ingaborg (Mary) Olson. Her family homesteaded near Bowman, N.D., and she grew up and attended country school there. She came back to the area where she married Frank Hovitek, Jr., in September of 1935. They moved to a farm south of Lake Cochrane in 1937 where they raised two sons and farmed for 40 years. They moved to a house in Gary, in 1977. After Frank passed away in 1981, Eunice moved into an apartment in Gary where she resided until 2004, when she entered the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks.

She is survived by a son, Milan Hovitek, Brandt, S.D.; four grandchildren, Jeanne Ahlers, Leonard, N.D.; Amanda Steele, Lennox, S.D.; Matthew Hovitek, Clear Lake, S.D.; Aaron Hovitek, Watertown, S.D.; and by five great-grandchildren, Mica and Malachi Ahlers, and John, Jonas, and James Steele; one sister, Myrtle Peterson, Miles City, Mont.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Jr, a son, Ronald and his wife Cindy, and two brothers, Martin and Selvin.

Margaret Dushack Hudson

Margaret Dushack Hudson, 93, San Mateo, California, passed away on Oct. 25, 2007 at the Brookside Nursing Home. Private entombment was at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California.

Margaret Dushack was born in Marble Township on July 30, 1914, to John and Martha Dushack.

Dushack moved to Redwood City, California in 1952 where she worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Menlo Park and Palo Alto for 17 years. She resigned in 1968 to join her husband Thomas Hudson in his trucking business from which they retired in 1980.

Hudson was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Redwood, California, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 544, AARP 746, the ZCBJ Lodge 107 and the York Rite Bodies Auxiliary.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas P. Hudson; her parents; one sister, Doris Anderson of Tacoma, Wash. and one brother, Harold Dushack of Hendricks.