Emil Jerzak

Emil Jerzak, age 81, of Porter, passed away on Oct. 18, 2006, at the Sioux Valley Canby Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno with Father Andy Michels officiating. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Birk Funeral Home in Ivanhoe with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. with a rosary to follow. Visitation will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in the Wergeland Cemetery, rural Porter.

Emil George Jerzak was born April 27, 1925, to Frank and Mary (Chopski) Jerzak in Limestone Township, Lincoln County. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school. Emil was in the Army and served in the Philippines and Japan from 1944-1947. He came home and farmed with his brothers.

On Jan. 6, 1962, he and Frances Rasmussen were united in marriage. To this union, three sons were born. They continued to farm near Porter until his retirement in 2000. He entered Senior Haven Nursing Home on Dec. 28, 2005.

He loved everything about farming. He enjoyed playing cards, time with family and friends, watching westerns and the news.

Emil is survived by his wife, Frances Jerzak of Porter; three sons, Eliot Jerzak, Dennis Jerzak, Jason Jerzak all of Porter; sister, Adeline Brown of Ivanhoe; two brothers, Henry (Arlene) Jerzak of Porter, Norbert Jerzak of Taunton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Irene Winter; infant sister, Alice; five brothers, Victor, Rich, Gene, Cyriel, and Andrew “Shorty” Jerzak.

Catherine “Kate” Jelen

Catherine Jelen, age 97, Canby, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007 at the Sanford Hospital in Canby.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3 at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and rosary to follow. Visitation will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Father Tony Hesse will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, St. Leo. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Catherine “Kate” Mary Schmitt was born on March 27, 1910, to Michael and Elizabeth (Lanners) Schmitt in Omro Township.

On Feb. 18, 1941, Catherine was united in marriage to Edmund Jelen in the St. Leo Catholic Church. They moved to a farm two miles west of St. Leo, where they lived until December of 1974, when they moved into a home they built in St. Leo.

Kate enjoyed crocheting, baking, gardening, playing cards and bingo.

She was a lifetime member of St. Leo Catholic Church, CCW and was a 77 year member of Catholic Aid Association. Faith and family meant the world to her. She was a very kind and unselfish person and she will be deeply missed by all.

Kate is survived by her three children, Ralph (Paulette) Jelen of St. Leo; Virgil Jelen of St. Leo; and Eunice (Mike) Full of Lakeville; six grandchildren, Kristinia (Tony) Bowar of Burnsville; Brandon Full of Minneapolis; Chris (Shawna) Jelen of Grygla; Craig Jelen of Billings, Mont.; Amy Jelen of Winooski, Vt.; Sara Jelen of Burlington, Vt.; three step-grandchildren, Scott (Connie) Thompson of Willmar; Julie (Pat) Ford of Sioux Falls; and Matt (Angela) Thompson of Richmond; four great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; brother, Ted (Gabe) Schmitt of Dawson; sister, Sister Laura Schmitt of Mankato; brother, John (Mary) Schmitt of St. Leo; and brother, Wilfred (Gerry) Schmitt of Dawson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund (2001); sister, Cecelia; sister, Susan Kockelman; brother, Arnold Schmitt; and parents, Michael and Elizabeth.

Francis N. Jelen

Francis “Frank” N. Jelen, 90, of Center City, died March 30, 2008.

Jelen was born in St. Leo, son of Vincent and Mary.

He is survived by his wife, Berniece, children, Suzanne (Mike), Julie (Gary), Bruce (Diane), Carol (Tim), Larry (Darla), Byron (Nona), Jeff, Lisa (Tom); grandchildren, Max, Fran, Matt, Shawn, Andrea, Alex, Nick, Joseph, Rose, Petrea, Charlie, and Jacob; great-grandgrandchildren, baby Maxwell Jr., brother of Lucille, Lillian, and Rita.

He was preceeded in death by brothers Edmund, Joseph, Albert, Alois, Mathias, Leo, Clem and sister Cecilia.

Jelen served in WWII earning the Purple Heart award. He raised his family within the St. Bernard’s Catholic community and worked for Amoco Chemical of St. Paul before retiring to the Chisago Lakes Area. He was a loving and gentle man and was loved by all. He enjoyed his hobbies of fishing, camping and square dancing with his family and relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial was Friday April 4, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Lindstrom.

Interment was in Franconia Cemetery.

Terry Jennen

Funeral Service for Terry Jennen, 54, of Minneota, will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota.

Visitation was scheduled for Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. at Rehkamp – Horvath Funeral Home in Minneota and Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Minneota.

Terry Lee Jennen was born on Nov. 1, 1953, in Marshall, to Joseph and Janice (Anderson) Jennen. He grew up in rural Ghent and graduated from Minneota High School in 1971 where he was active in music, sports and 4-H including the 4-H judging team. In 1976, he graduated from Southwest State University in Marshall. He continued to farm in rural Ghent until 1988 when he moved to a farm north of Minneota. After college, he began working as an accountant for Gold and Carlson in Marshall. He later worked for Hoffman and Brobst for a time before beginning his own accounting service. On Aug. 31, 2002, he was united in marriage to Jane Regnier. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially raising Dominik. He was very passionate about the sport of auto racing.

Jennen died unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 09, 2007, at the Sioux Valley Canby Campus in Canby after a short illness.

He is survived by his family, Jane and Dominik of Minneota, step-daughters Jessica Regnier, Nicole Bresson, Stephanie Regnier, sister Darlene and her husband Rodney Rye of Porter, nieces Wendy Rye and her husband Bryce Kosmalski, Pam and her husband Lyle Trautman and their families and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Selmer Odell Jeremiason

Selmer (Sam) Jeremiason, age 93, originally from Porter, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, at the Minneota Manor Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Porter. Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 21 from 5-8pm at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Ellen Munter will officiate. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

He was born on Oct. 3, 1913, to Jeremias and Olena (Skaar) Jeremiason on their farm in rural Minneota. Sam was baptized and confirmed at Hemnes Lutheran Church in rural Minneota. He attended rural school and graduated from Minneota High School in 1932. After graduation he farmed with his family.

On June 8, 1938, Selmer was united in marriage to Leona Mae Pridal. For a short time they farmed on his Grandmother Skaar’s farm. In 1942, they purchased a farm southeast of Porter, where they farmed crops, cattle and hogs.

In 1976, he and Leona retired and moved to Bentonville, Ark. In his retirement, Sam took up woodcraft, making mostly oak children’s toys, furniture and household items. They sold their woodcraft at craft fairs and town squares in Missouri and Arkansas. Children, grand and great grandchildren continue to have decorated homes with many of his crafts.

In 1990, Sam and Leona returned to their roots in Minnesota settling in Willmar where he continued to do woodcraft. In 2000, they moved to Madison Avenue Apartments in Minneota. In 2005, he moved to the Minneota Manor Health Care Center.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Leona; children, Marilene Buerke of New Prague, Jerry (Jan) of Canby, Rene (Rollie) Krueger of Waite Park, Ken (Carol) of Porter, Marc of Tempe, Ariz., Lynn (Cordy) of Willmar, Gail Maus of Corcoran; 15 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and one brother, Clifford (Edith) of Minneota.

He was preceded in death by son Roger, grandson Duane, great granddaughter, Samantha, brother Arthur, and sisters Iva and Eunice.

Louise Jesme

Funeral services for Louise Jesme, age 89, of Canby, formerly of Gary, S.D., will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 2, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Rev. Katherine Rood and Rev. Samuel Sunandkumar will officiate. Mrs. Jesme passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2007, at Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Private family burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Gary. Pallbearers will be: Jim Christofersen, Chad Gilbertson, Kelly Gilbertson, Neil Gilbertson, Emily Gilbertson and Jenna Christofersen. Music will be provided by Jan Olsen, soloist and Karen Olsen, organist.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. The Birk Funeral Home in Canby is in charge of the arrangements.

Louise Pearl Parsons was born Dec. 20, 1917, in Traverse, to Archie Theron and Theresa Louise (Wiese) Parsons. She married Elroy Gilbertson on Feb. 7, 1938, in St. Peter. Louise and Roy had four children: Karen, Mike, Merlin and Keith. Louise and Roy moved to Gary in 1946, where Roy was the depot agent with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Roy Gilbertson passed away on Nov. 5, 1955. She worked as a bank teller in Gary from 1956-1972.

The boys have many loving memories of Jesme being their “biggest fan” at their sporting events in Gary. She even took over taking the boys fishing and hunting after Roy passed away. She would often help clean their game and then cook it for the family.

She married Robert Jesme on Dec. 5, 1959, in Gary. Robert and Louise lived in Gary until they moved to the Jesme family farm in 1973. Jesme loved sitting in her kitchen watching the farm animals, deer, birds, wild turkeys and the many activities of the farm. The farm was truly a “gathering place” many weekends for the family, especially in the fall when the sons and grandchildren went hunting. Robert faithfully showed his love for Louise every day, whether on the farm together or living on different floors at Senior Haven.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Gary. She was a 50 year member of the Eastern Star and a 45 year member of the Peden-Cole American Legion Auxiliary. Her many hobbies included: reading, crocheting, crafts, crossword puzzles, bird watching from her kitchen window, playing Scrabble with her friends Pansy and Agnes, card games with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and watching or listening to the Twins games! While at Senior Haven, she took part in the daily exercise classes, bingo games and she took up crocheting again, making “prayer shawls.”

Louise is survived by her husband, Robert Jesme of Canby; three sons, Mike (Lynette) Gilbertson of Big Stone Lake, S.D.; Merlin (Linda) Gilbertson of Bloomington; Keith (Becky) Gilbertson of Alexandria; five grandchildren, Jim (Gaye) Christofersen of Blaine; Chad (Shannon) Gilbertson of Nashotah, Wis.; Kelly Gilbertson of Minneapolis; Neil Gilbertson of Alexandria; Emily Gilbertson of Moorhead; three great-grandchildren, Jenna Christofersen; Reece and Kelcey Gilbertson and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy Gilbertson; daughter, Karen Christofersen/Carlson; parents; and five siblings, Gladys, Loretta, Lyle, Virgil, and Mahlon (Mutt).

Roselyn Jesme

Roselyn Jesme, age 74, of Canby, passed away Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 at the Sanford – Canby Medical Center.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby.  Father Tony Hesse will celebrate.

Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Canby.  Visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 4 – 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service with Rosary to follow in the Birk Funeral Home, Canby.  Visitation will resume Wednesday from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home.  Online registry at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Roselyn was born on Aug. 30, 1932, to Peter and Esther (Streff) Antony on the family farm near St. Leo.  She was raised there and attended St. Leo Parochial School through the eighth grade.  Roselyn then attended and graduated from Canby High School.

She was united in marriage to Norval Jesme on April 20, 1954 in St. Leo.  Following their marriage, they lived and farmed in Florida Township near Canby and raised their family.  She received her nurse’s aid training in Canby and worked for the Canby Hospital for 20 years.  After Norval passed away on Jan. 16, 1997,  Roselyn moved into their home in Canby.

Roselyn was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby and was active in  CCW,  a Eucharistic minister and volunteered at St. Peter’s School.  She also belonged to Peden-Cole American Legion Auxiliary in Gary, S.D., Burr Ladies Club and MCCL.  Roselyn enjoyed golfing, bowling, walking, biking, traveling, being in numerous card clubs and playing scrabble.  Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

She is lovingly remembered by her five children:  Paulette (James) Wiesen, Hendricks, Joyce Jacobson, Rochester, Ron (Robin) Jesme, Plymouth, Rita (Dan) Torborg, White Bear Lake, MN and Carol (John) Haukebo, Detroit Lakes; 12 grandchildren; four sisters:  Margaret Schmahl, Madison Lake, Sister Eunice Antony of OSB, Collegeville, Agnes (Jim) Miller, Rowland Heights, Calif., and Florence (Dave) Wieneke, Brooklyn Park; one brother Francis (Marie) Antony, St. Leo; many nieces and nephews and three Godchildren:  Lois Barbknecht, Lisa Thomas and Denise Cyprien.

Roselyn was preceded in death by her husband, Norval and her parents.

Earl E. Johnson

Funeral services for Earl E. Johnson, age 78, of Hendricks, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Singsaas Lutheran Church in rural Hendricks. Pastor Duane Baun will officiate.

Johnson died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at the Hendricks Hospital.

Burial with military honors presented by the Ruben Hansen American Legion Post 195 of Hendricks will be in the Marble Lutheran Cemetery, rural Canby. Active pallbearers will be Clayton Ross, Daniel Christianson, David Olson, Omey Olson, Larry Grussing and Richard Olsen. Honorary pallbearers will be the Marble Lutheran Church Members. Music will be provided by Julie Hogie, organist and Duane Hogie, soloist.

Visitation was scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Birk Funeral Home Chapel in Hendricks.Visitation will resume Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Online registry at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Earl Eugene Johnson was born Aug. 21, 1929, in Hendricks, the son of Miner and Clara (Ramlo) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Free Church. He graduated from Hendricks High School. Following his education, Earl proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He served 15 of those months as a TSgt in counter radar in Korea.

On March 15, 1954, he was united in marriage to Helen Wigen. They have farmed and lived near Hendricks since that time.

He was a past member of the Marble Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council. He enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors, watching ball games on T.V., and took an extreme interest in researching histories of families, early immigrants, and cemeteries of the area. He was a kind and loving husband and father who was always willing to help his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Helen; son, Darrel (Donna Dolan) of Hendricks; daughter, Shirley of Marshall; brother, Carold (Norma) of Hendricks; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Elden William Johnson

Elden William Johnson, age 84, of St. Paul, passed away Friday, April 25 in McAllen, Texas after being hospitalized six weeks to recover from pneumonia.

He was born April 17, 1924, to William and Elvera (Vanstrom) Johnson at home in Swede Prairie Township near Clarkfield.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he farmed for many years in the Clarkfield and Ivanhoe areas. He owned Johnson RV Refrigeration Repair business and enjoyed spending his winters in San Juan, Texas. He loved to tell stories about his life and ventures. He liked to make rings, shirts, frogs and other items from dollar bills to give to others. He also loved being around children and they loved him in return.

He is survived by his daughter Bonnie Johnson and three grandchildren: Angela Johnson, Aaron and Ashley Johnson and two sisters: Deloris Johnson of St. Paul and Helen Skaar, Minneota, special friend Val Nelson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, William (Billy), and one sister, Vernetta Krengel.

Memorial service is 10 a.m., May 19 at O’Halloran and Murphy, 575 South Snelling Avenue, St. Paul. Internment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday, May 18, 4-7 p.m.

Everett Johnson

Everett Johnson, age 83, of Canby, passed away on Nov. 2, 2006, at Sioux Valley Canby Campus, Senior Haven Home in Canby. Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will continue one hour prior to the visitation at the church on Monday. Burial will be in the Wergeland Cemetery. You may send online condolences at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Everett Leeland Johnson was born on Aug. 11, 1923, to Elmer and Ada (Scheer) Johnson on the farm outside of Porter. He attended country schools and then graduated from Canby High School.

On Feb. 22, 1952, he married Eleanor Rhode. To this union six children were born. They raised their family on the farm where Everett was born.

Everett was a big sports fan he watched all kinds of sports, but especially enjoyed the Minnesota Twins. He liked to play cards and enjoyed a variety of card games. He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for nearly 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Canby, his children, Steve Johnson of Ottertail; Scott (Lorie) Johnson of New Hope; Bonnie (Calvin) Johnson-Schaan of Clear Lake, S.D.; Kevin (Kris) Johnson of New Hope; David (Stacy) Johnson of Canby; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Fern Knisley of Belgrade.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Johnson; son, Michael Johnson; and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Sumerfelt.

Irene Johnson

Irene P. Johnson, 80, passed away at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 18, at 11 am at Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5-8 pm at Christ Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday one hour prior to the service. Rev. Duane Baun will officiate. Burial will be in East Hendricks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lincoln Elementary School Math Program, 200 E. Lincoln St., Hendricks, MN 56136. Online registry at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Irene Priscilla Johnson was born Nov. 1, 1927, in Hendricks to Paul P. and Inga A. (Moe) Johnson. She lived her entire life in Hendricks, a town she loved dearly and bragged about often. Irene received her education in the Hendricks Public Schools.

After her father died, in 1947, she took over as the Matriarch of her family. She purchased a restaurant in order to support her family, which included five siblings still in school. She continued to operate Irene’s Cafe for 49 years. While in the cafe, Irene’s many customers began to bring her plates from all over the world. Her collection grew to over 400 plates all proudly displayed on the cafe walls.

After retiring in the mid 1990’s, Irene began a hobby called Hardanger, a skillful craft she continued until her recent hospitalization. In recent years, she began to sell her plate collection with all proceeds to the Lincoln HI Elementary School for the purchase of books.

Irene was a very giving person and although she had no children of her own, she dearly loved her many nieces and nephews as if they were her own children.

She is survived by four brothers, Milton (Betty) Johnson; Glen (Ruth) Johnson; Kenneth “Cotton” (Lois) Johnson all of Hendricks and Paul (Winnie) Johnson of Brookings, S.D., and a sister, Ruth (David) Grengs of Farmington.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Parnell and Donald and sister Bernice Mathison.

Lucille M. Johnson

Funeral services for Lucille M. Johnson, 93, were Tuesday, March 25 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Burial was in the St. Stephen’s Lutheran Cemetery, Canby.

She passed away on March 19, 2008, at the Minneota Manor Nursing Home.

Lena Marjory Lucille Ditz was born Nov. 2, 1914, in the city of Rock Falls, Ill., to Peter and Anna (Dietz) Ditz. She was baptized in the First Lutheran Church in Rock Falls and confirmed in the Zaccheus Lutheran Church in Canby. She attended Porter school and rural school, District 34 in Wergeland Township.

On Jan. 31, 1941, she and Archie Johnson were married in a private ceremony by Pastor M.O. Kraabel in St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Canby. They began married life farming Amelia Bergs farm west of Porter. After seven years, they settled on a farm north of Porter owned by Archie’s parents. Archie passed away July 7, 1974, but Lucille remained on the farm until Oct. 31, 2002 when she moved into Canby’s Leben Raum Apartments.

She was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school for years, District Chairman and Co-Chairman, served on the altar committee, and was a member of WELCA. She also was a member of Sons of Norway, Silver and Gold, and Christian Women’s Club. She enjoyed traveling with Southwest Tours. She also enjoyed arts and crafts, especially ceramics, needlepoint, cross word puzzles, books of fiction & magazines.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Dorein) Johnson of Clearwater; grandson, Travis (Jennifer) Johnson of Elk River; two great-grandchildren Ella and Adam Johnson; and many cousins in Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie; her parents; sister, Antoinette Ufkin Nelson; brothers, Leonard, Clarence and Russell Dietz.

Gloria Juenke

Gloria J. Juenke, age 82, of Hendricks, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008, at the Hendricks Hospital. She was born Oct. 7, 1925, on a farm near Brandt, S.D., the daughter of Joe and Emma (Schnarr) Milton. She was raised on the family farm, and was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Brandt. Gloria attended rural school near Brandt, and following high school, went on to work various jobs. On May 17, 1950, Gloria was united in marriage to Eldro Juenke. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Hendricks, and the Helping Hand Club. Gloria enjoyed flower gardening, and always made sure there were beautiful flowers for church on Sunday. She loved to dance and play cards, and enjoyed the company of close friends and family. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years: Eldro; sons: Doyle (Linda) Juenke of Champlin, and LoWayne Juenke of Oak Lake, S.D.,; grandchildren: Chad (Michelle) Juenke, and Nicole, Kristen, and Kelsey Juenke; great-grandchildren: Alec and Kelan Juenke; sisters: LaVera Reihe of Clear Lake, S.D., and Fae (Erwin) Baer of Canby; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Joyce Milton, Fern Svboda, and Elaine Milton; and brothers: Leeferd, Clarence, Harold, and William Milton.

A visitation for Gloria will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3, at Birk Funeral Home in Hendricks. Prayer Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, Feb. 4, from 12:30 p.m. until the 1:30 p.m. with the funeral service at Grace United Methodist Church in Hendricks. Reverend Darrell Boe will officiate at the service. Interment will follow in   the Hendricks City Cemetery.

Family services provided by Birk Funeral Home in Hendricks. To share a personal remembrance of Gloria online, please see: www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Doris Elnora Kahn

Doris Elnora Kahn, age 87, of Canby passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2007, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery.

For online registry and condolences please visit our website: www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Doris Elnora Kahn was born on June 5, 1919, in Freeland Township of Lac Qui Parle County to William and Minnie (Wolff) Richter. She was raised in Canby, was baptized and confirmed at Zacchaeus Lutheran Church of Canby. She graduated from high school in 1937 and after graduation she worked in Marshall, and later worked as a cook at the Canby Hospital. On Feb. 4, 1945, she and John Kahn were married at Zacchaeus Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in Manfred Township for over 40 years. Doris was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. She and her sister-in-law, Mildred Beutler, enjoyed many years of playing Bingo together. She also enjoyed spending time with her twin sister, Dorothy, cooking for farm hands, baking, crossword puzzle books, watching television, visiting and reminiscing, and most of all, being with her family and friends.

Doris is survived by two daughters, Marla (Perry) Groenhoff of Canby and Sheryl (Drew) Simonton of Waubay, S.D.; four grandchildren, Heather and Jeremy Groenhoff and Jaime and Jason Simonton; three great grandchildren, Samantha, TyLee, and Jaxon; one brother, Charles Richter of Canby; and one sister-in-law, Mildred Beutler of Canby. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her twin sister, Dorothy; one sister-in-law; two brothers-in-law; one nephew; and one great-niece.

Alfred Kallhoff

Alfred Lyle Kallhoff, age 81, of Canby, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007, at the Sanford Canby Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Father Tony Hesse will be the celebrant of Mass.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Birk Funeral Home in Canby. A prayr services will be held at 7 p.m. with a Rosary to follow. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Burial will be in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Madison. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Alfred Lyle Kallhoff was born on Dec. 6, 1925, to Paul and Katherine (Ventiecher) Kallhoff in Clearwater, Neb. He was baptized at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Clearwater. As a young man, he moved with his parents and family to the Marietta area.

On Oct. 1, 1947, he married Rosella Vonderharr at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Madison. To this union eight children were born (five girls and three boys). They farmed in the Madison area for five years, until they bought their farm in rural Canby, where they resided for the next 25 years. In 1977, the couple moved to Rosella’s parent’s farm by Madison. Alfred’s occupation was farming and trucking. In 1996, he retired and they moved back to Canby on May 15, 1999.

He was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Madison where he was an usher, lector, and communion distributor. He was also an active member of 4-H. Alfred enjoyed bowling with the Knights of Columbus team in Madison, playing cards, and family gatherings. His love was driving his semi and was a strong advocate for farmers.

Alfred is survived by his wife, Rosella of Canby; his children, Paulette (Dale) Grube of Marietta; Cathy Berghorst (fiance, Fred Zoss) of Dawson; Steven (Diane) Kallhoff of Windsor, Colo.; Mark (Julie) Kallhoff of Canby; Mary Beth (Loring) Struck of Canby; Bryan (Laurie) Kallhoff of Canby; Kaye (Randy) Johnson of Hutchinson; six brothers, Robert, Leander, Dick, Dean, David, Michael; four sisters, Genevieve Adelman; Sister Kate; Wilma Schreck; Dorothy Adelman; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces; nephews; relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn Louise; son-in-law, Charles Beninga; his parents, Paul and Katherine; brother, Maurice; and infant twin brother and sister.

Marvin Kellen

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at St. Michael's Catholic Church of Madison, for Marvin Kellen, age 75. Father Jack Nordick officiated at this service. Special music was provided by organist Sally Fernholz and members of St. Michael's Choir. Honorary casket bearers were; St. Michael's Cemetery Board, Knights of Columbus, Western Prairie Farm Collectors and the Dream Team. Active casket bearers included; Steve Helgemo, Clair Monson, Tom Ely, Brent Kellen, Rick Weber, Butch Weber, Stan Johnson and DeWayne Kellen. Concluding services were held at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Marvin Albert Kellen was born on July 27, 1932, in Madison, to parents Alexander and Mathilda (Kirchberg) Kellen. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Marvin attended rural school in Hamlin Township, then furthered his education at Morris Agricultural School. Marv began farming with his father and also worked as a mechanic at Overby Implement.

He was united in marriage to Betty Swenson on Sept. 14, 1963, also at St. Michael's Catholic Church. To this union five children were born. After marriage Marv, besides farming had a few different businesses, namely, Kellen farm Supply, Pioneer Seed and a fabrication business on the farm.

Marvin passed away April 25, 2008 at his farm home, south of Madison.

Marv enjoyed tractors, puzzles, his grandchildren, playing cards, coffee with friends, traveling and knitting.

Marv is survived by his wife Betty of Madison, four children; Barbara Kellen of Willmar, Thomas (Lisa) Kellen of Cherokee, Iowa, Debra (Michael) Johnson of Elk River, and Daniel (Heidi) Kellen of Madison, eight grandchildren and a brother, Robert [Arvella] Kellen of Dawson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Anna Marie Kellen and a brother Charles Kellen.

Esther Kindelberger

Esther Kindelberger, age 78, of Hendricks, passed away Friday, June 15, 2007 at the Hendricks Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 19, at Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks. Rev. Duane Baun officiated.  Burial was in Hendricks City Cemetery.  Honorary Casketbearers were her grandchildren, Betsy, LaRea, Neal, Brent, Angela and her great grandchildren, Leah, Lily, Grant, Thea, Evan, Mason, Chloe and Carson.  Casketbearers are James Benson, Everett Benson, Larry Benson, Keith Benson, Ray Benson and Jim Fredricks. 

Esther Florence Kindelberger was born March 27, 1929, at her grandmother's home in Yellow Medicine County north of Burr. She was the daughter of Everett and Leona (Meyer) Benson.  She met and married Verle Kindelberger on Oct. 19, 1947, at St. John's Church in Aurora, Ill. The couple made their home in Aurora and had three children.  For 25 years, she worked at Mercy Center as a secretary for the psychology department.  While she was working she achieved her GED and went to the school of cosmetology in Oswego, Ill., at the age of 50.  She did hair in her home for 10 years.  They retired to Hendricks in 1991.  They were members of Christ Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Bible Study and she enjoyed volunteering for many church functions.  Esther volunteered at the Senior Dining and the hospital.  She worked at the Hendricks Public Library.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and had many friends in Hendricks, too numerous to mention.  One of her last wishes was to have her two pets, Juniper and Ajax buried with her.

Survivors are her three children, Alan (Vicky) Kindelberger, Kathy (Dennis) DeVos, Roger (Vicki) Kindelberger; five grandchildren, Betsy (Tom) Schmitt, LaRea Pesavent, Neal (Karen) DeVos, Brent Kindelberger, Angela Kindelberger; eight great-grandchildren, Leah, Lily, Grant, Thea, Evan, Mason, Chloe and Carson; siblings, James (Jean) Benson, Raymond (Pauline) Benson, Everett (Tami) Benson, Larry (Eydie) Benson, Keith (Dena) Benson, Marlys (Dick) Edwards, Carol Benson, Mary (Jerry) Hein, Marlene (Marv) Fredricks, Edie (Paul) Kreisel; sister-in-laws, Ruby Fetzer, Wilma (Russ) Miller; brother-in-law, Dale (Pat) Kindelberger; godchildren, Cheryl Lynn (Benson) Beebe, Jim Fredricks, Sharon Beverly and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents, Everett and Leona; husband, Verle in 2000; sister, Ramona; brother-in-law, Dean; niece, Denise Benson; nephew, Dennis Foss; mother and father-in-law, Anna and Bill Kindelberger and goddaughter, Betsy Marie Edwards.

Richard Francis Koerlin

Memorial Services for Richard “Dick” Koerlin, age 79, of Gary, S.D., will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 15, in the United Methodist Church, Gary.  Rev. Samuel Sunandkumar will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 at the Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake, S.D., and will resume Friday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Koerlin passed away on Friday, June 8, 2007, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.  Burial with military honors presented by Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 of Gary will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary. Honorary pallbearers will be:  Aldon Almos, Darold Hunt, Jack Hentges, Frans Vanderdoes, Frank Sander and Clyde Helmbolt.

Dick Koerlin was born Oct. 3, 1927, to Francis and Florence (Limberg) Koerlin in Madison. He was raised in the Antelope Valley area where he attended country school. His family then moved to Brookings, S.D., where he graduated from high school. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1946. He spent time in the South Pacific on the Atoma Bomb Test in the Marshall Islands. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1949.

On Sept. 24, 1950, Koerlin was united in marriage to Darlene Forby at the Baptist church in Brookings. They farmed near Bruce, S.D., for one year, then moved to Gary, where they dairy farmed until 1992. While farming, he also sold Pioneer seed corn for 26 years, operated a roller skating business in partnership with Jack Hentges for many years in Gary and Madison and also did small residential electrical work. 

He was a member of the Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 of Gary for years serving as treasurer and Post Commander;  the Gary Masonic Lodge and served as past master, and belonged to the Clear Lake Lodge as an inactive member.  He served on the rural school board for eight years and served on the Gary School Board for six years, serving as president for two years. He was also on the township boards serving as chairman and treasurer. He enjoyed reading, especially western novels by Louis La More. He collected toy tractors and enjoyed fishing and square dancing. His last couple years were kept active by restoring a 1951 Chevrolet and a 1937 W.C. Allis Chalmers that his dad had owned. He was forced to go on many vacations by his wife.

He is survived by his wife Darlene Koerlin, Gary; sons:  Larry Koerlin, Euclid, Ohio, Ken (Pat) Koerlin, Rapid City, S.D., and their sons: Chad and Scott, Keith (Deb) Koerlin, Granite Falls, Bob (Sheila) Koerlin, Rapid City, and their daughters:  Kayla, Marissa and Kelsy, and one daughter, Karen (Nathan) Oellien, Canby; and their children: Christopher, Logan and Kaitlyn; nephew, Rodney (Patty) Meadors, Watertown, S.D.; and their children: Ryan (Amy) and Lisa; one brother, Don (Lou) Koerlin, Brookings; two sisters: Marion Bailey, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Betty (Gene) Liebentritt, Crawford, Neb., and many other nieces and nephews.

Paul Kubiszewski

Paul P. Kubiszewski, age 83, of Porter, passed away Monday, June 5, 2006 at the Minneota Manor Health Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 10, at 2 p.m., at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Canby. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Father Andy Michels will be the Celebrant. Military honors will be provided by the Porter American Legion Post 457 and Canby Military Honor Squad.

Paul was born June 29, 1922, in rural Ivanhoe, the son of Joseph and Teckla Kubiszewski. Paul served in the U. S. Army from 1944-46, spending most of that time in Europe and was the recipient of three battle stars. On May 21, 1946, he married Elizabeth Hauser at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Ulm. Paul farmed his whole life in Marble Township. He was a member of the Porter American Legion Post 457, Porter Town & Country and St. Peter's Catholic Church. His hobbies were collecting toy John Deere tractors, listening to polka and old-time music, playing bingo with Elizabeth, loved to participate in area parades with the American Legion squad, attending tractor pulls, spending time with his dog, Mitzy, but most of all, spending time with his entire family.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of Porter; daughter, Mary Ann (Tom) Minges of Farmington; son, Paul Jr. of Brandon, S.D.; son, Ronald (Colleen) of Prior Lake; daughter, Rose Ann (Arty) Tovar of Coon Rapids; daughter, Bonnie (Tom) Longtin of Canby; son, Rick (special friend, Marti) of Sioux Falls, S.D.,; son, Jerry (special friend, Kathryn) of Tea, S.D.; daughter, Brenda Patterson of Sioux Falls; daughter, Susan Anderson of Ham Lake; daughter, Lori (Mark) Harsch of Eau Claire, Wis.; daughter, Chari (Mark) Wells of Billings, MT; daughter, Judy Deuschle of Sioux Falls; 27 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; two brothers, Albin (Pat) of Belle Plaine and Walter (Jane) of Shoreview; two sisters, Ciel Skorczewski of Shakopee and Margaret (Donald) Lacek of Faribault.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Patrick; brother, Leonard.

Ardis Knutson

Ardis Knutson was born July 3, 1939 in Holland to Elmer and Alvina (Weinkauf) Thomas. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in Holland.

Memorial service will be held at Birk Funeral Home in Canby at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Bruce Mueller will officiate. Inurnment will be at Grandview Cemetery in Gary. You may send online condolences at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

On June 11, 1959, Ardis was united in marriage to Norman Knutson at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland. They lived and worked in Sioux Falls, in 1960 where their son, Samuel was born. Then for a time they lived in Marshall, where their daughter, Mary was born in 1961, before moving to Minneapolis. She kept very busy taking care of her family and having several jobs. In the early 1970’s, she started working as a machine operator at the Powell Candy Company. In the fall of 1993, due to health reasons, she was forced to retire from her job of twenty years. In February of 1994, she relocated to Rapid City, S.D.

Ardis lived in an apartment for a few years until her failing health prompted her to move into Beverly Health Care Center. While there she kept busy helping out in the laundry department, playing bingo, going on gambling trips to Deadwood with her friends, and serving as president of the Resident Council. She resided there until she passed away on Oct. 31, 2006.

Although being plagued with several health issues, caused by diabetes, Ardis never gave up her love of life and being with people. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was very proud of her grandchildren and loved to share their recent photos and stories with her friends.

Survivors include her children, Sam and wife Madaline; Mary Corneliuson and husband, Troy. Her grandchildren, Dusty and wife, Amanda; Maeghan and Samantha Knutson; Cameron and Kyle Corneliuson; brothers, Edwin Thomas and wife, Lois; Frank Thomas and wife, Phyllis; David Thomas; Alvin Thomas and wife, Ellen; sisters, Ellen Fett; Elener Mueller; Faye Dehler; Evelyn Schmidt; Carol Courtney and husband, Ralph; sister-in-law, Carol Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; her parents; brothers, James; Kenneth; and Richard Thomas; and an infant brother; sisters, Mille Thomas; and Sharla Thomas.

Karen Koll

Karen Koll, 50, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Oct. 9, 2006, as the result of an automobile pedestrian accident in Indianapolis, Ind.

She was born in Canby and graduated from Canby High School. She also graduated from Moorhead State in Moorhead with a degree in criminal justice and Southeast Tech with a degree in surgical technology. She married Mark Koll on August 9, 1980, in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

A loving wife and mother who loved her children and daughter-in-law and was proud of their accomplishments. She was a prayer warrior who loved her Lord and was an active member at Linwood Wesleyan Church. She was an avid walker, liked to make jewelry and was a loan processor at Sioux Empire Credit Union.

Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Mark Koll, of Sioux Falls; Children, Micah (Mary) Koll, of Indianapolis, Ind., Andrew Koll, of Sioux Falls, and Rebekah Koll, of Sioux Falls; her parents, Gordon and Jane Ellison; her siblings, Mark (Rhonda) Ellison, Kris Skarset, and Michael (Regina) Ellison; her mother-in-law, Lorayne Koll; her brothers-in-law, Gene (Nancy) Koll, Kurtis (Sallie) Koll, Randy (Kandi) Koll and Scott (Linda) Koll; sister-in-law, Kristi (Jon) Fuerstenberg; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to Linwood Wesleyan Church.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m., Thursday at Linwood Wesleyan Church, with the Koll family present from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday at the church, with interment at 1:45 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Earl Kompelien

Earl Kompelien, age 97, of Canby, passed away Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 at Sanford Canby Medical Center.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, at Birk Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Canby. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Kompelien was born May 28, 1910, in Porter, the son of Christian and Ingre (Myhre) Kompelien. He graduated from Minneota High School. Earl served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army in March 25, 1941. Most of his time was spent in the South Pacific theatre, serving as a platoon leader for mine sweepers. He achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant before his honorable discharge on Aug. 4, 1945. Earl returned home and married Gladys Gjovig at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Canby on October 3, 1945. The couple lived in the area of Garvin, MN for many years. He was a volunteer fireman in Garvin, volunteer driver for Western Community Action for 25 years, and received the Lyon County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award in 1982. He is a Past Commander of the American Legion of Garvin, VFW and DAV of Marshall. Earl and his wife owned and operated the Garvin Corner Store for several years. He actively served in the Lake Sarah Lutheran Church in many capacities. Before retiring in 1978, he was a rural mail carrier in Garvin. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, photography, playing UNO, horses, fishing, and being a responsible environmentalist.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys of Canby; son, Orlin (Ann) Kompelien of Papillion, Neb.; daughter, Marqueta (Steven) Hainje of Maple Grove; four grandchildren, Teri (Mike) Feit of Lincoln, Neb., David (Carrie) Kompelien of West Des Moines, Iowa, Thomas Hainje of Maple Grove, and Warrant Officer Daniel Hainje of Panama City, Fla.; four great grandchildren, Mikara, Caden and Aria Feit and Colin Kompelien; sister, June Schwartz of Canby; sisters-in-law, Blanche Hoseck and Irene (Marty) Javorka; brother-in-law, Lauren Gjovig; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Nels, Knute, and Garfield; two sisters, Selma Slapinski and Cora Hess.

Loren Herbert Krause

Funeral Services for Loren H. Krause, age 69, of Goodwin, S.D., will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodwin.  Reverend William Allwardt and Reverend Delbert Begalka will co-officiate at the service.  Loren passed away on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake.

Burial will be in the Goodwin Cemetery.  Honorary pallbearers will be Loren’s cousins. Active pallbearers will be Gary Krause, Tim Begalka, Danny Krause, Russell Hamann, Bill Dummann, and Jason Bartel.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at the Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake. Prayer Services will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Loren was born on Oct. 16, 1938, the son of Herbert and Marie (Begalka) Krause, in Dell Rapids, S.D.  His family moved to Estelline, and later settled on a farm near Bemis in the 1950s. In June of 1974, Loren was united in marriage to Karol Gasper. He moved into Bemis in 1993 and worked at EMPI in Clear Lake until his retirement in 2003. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodwin for many years. Throughout his life, Loren had a passion for farming, which was shown through his love for tractor shows. He enjoyed yard work, and was a collector, mostly of shot glasses and tractors. Loren’s greatest joy in life was visiting with his family and friends, as he truly valued his strong friendships and relationships, especially with his two granddaughters, Lydia and Isabel. In July of this year, Loren moved into the Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake.

Loren is survived by his three children: Bill Krause of Clear Lake, Sandy (Cory) Thompson of Canby, and Dennis Krause of Clear Lake; his granddaughters: Lydia and Isabel Thompson; numerous cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Myra Kruschke

Myra Kruschke, 94, of Orchard Hills, New Ulm, formerly of Canby), died on Dec. 23, 2006, at the New Ulm Medical Center. 

Services were held at Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC, in Benson and  burial was at the Riverside City Cemetery in Breckenridge.

She is survived by her daughters, Ellen-Jane Kruschke-Olson, New Ulm, and Marjorie Severson, Bottineau, N.D.; son, Eugene Kruschke, Pharump, Nev.; seven grandchildren, Daniel Olson, Sleepy Eye, Mike and Leta Severson, Seattle, Wash., Randy and Cindy Severson, Rochester, Lee and Elma Severson, Bottineau, N.D., Terry and Michele Kruschke, San Jose, Calif., Karen and Pat Holt, Acampo, Calif., Diane and Dan Gilbert, Clovis, Calif., Steven and Linda Kruschke, Pleasanton, Calif.; 15 great grandchildren; two brothers and five sisters and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1984, her parents, sons-in-law, James Severson and Arthur Olson; and daughter-in-law, Ginny Kruschke; 3 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; 3 sisters; 2 brothers and 15 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Myra Norena, nee Firle, Kruschke was born on July 16, 1912, near Courtland in Nicollet County to Meta, nee Lieder, and William Firle, the first of eight siblings. She was baptized at the Methodist Episcopal Church in New Ulm. When she was two years old, the family moved to a farm six miles north of Fairfax, where she grew to adulthood.  She attended a little country school and graduated from the eight grade. The family attended the Methodist Church in Fairfax where she was confirmed and where she met Armie Kruschke. Myra and Armie were married on Jan. 7, 1930, in Olivia. The country was in the depths of the depression. Work was nearly impossible to find so Myra and Armie lived with the Kruschke family on a farm south of Fairfax. In 1932, that whole family moved to Breckenridge, where they purchased a farm in the Red River Valley.  For several years, they helped Armie's parents, but eventually moved to a farm of their own in 1934.  They farmed in Wilkin County of the Red River Valley until 1951. At that time, they moved to Canby, and were employed at the Farmer's Union.  She quickly learned managerial skills as she was hired to be the manager of the Farmer's Union Grocery Store. In 1954, Armie was transferred to the Farmer's Union in Ortonville, where Myra exhibited her love of flowers by creating arrangements for the Ortonville Green House. When Montgomery Ward decided to open a catalog store in Ortonville, she was immediately hired to manage that store and she became the first female store manager for that company in 1955.

In 1958, the Kruschkes moved to Benson and Myra transferred her managership to the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in Benson. She remained in that position for 13 years until she retired. During her years as store manager, she was honored many times for excellence in sales and for other achievements.

She moved to Orchard Hills Catered Living in New Ulm in May of 2006. 

Regina M. Lanners

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Regina M. Lanners, age 96, of Clear Lake, S.D., will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake.  Father Brian Simon and Msgr. John Richter will celebrate.  Mrs. Lanners passed away on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, in the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake.

Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Clear Lake.  Pallbearers will be Gregory Lanners, Douglas Lanners, Mark Lanners, Eric Lanners, Brian Lanners and Michael Lanners.  Music will be provided by Clarice Uckert, organist and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 5-7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake with a prayer service at 7 p.m. with Rosary to follow.

Regina Marie Lanners was born on May 25, 1911, to Mathias and Sophia (Kockelman) Tholkes in St. Leo.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Leo Catholic Church. She received her education at the St. Leo Catholic School.

She was united in marriage to Alex Lanners on Nov. 24, 1931, at the St. Leo Catholic Church.  They farmed near St. Leo until 1968 when they built a home in Clear Lake. After Alex’s death in 1984, Regina lived in her home until entering the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake on Oct. 7, 1999, at the age of 88.
She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and of the Catholic Aid Association. The great loves in her life were her husband, her children and farm life She was noted as a great cook and baker and a meticulous housekeeper. She was a woman of hospitality and service.

For periods of time she baked at a local café, cooked in the kitchen of Deuel County Memorial Hospital and did housekeeping for the priests at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Rectory. She loved making and giving away baked goods, doing fancy work, entertaining her family and friends, playing cards and bingo. Sheespecially liked to be with her family and spoil her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She loved music and dancing.

She is survived by her children:  Edwin (Joan) Lanners of Clear Lake, Sister Mary Edwin SSND of Clear Lake, Ralph (Christine) Lanners of Altoona, Wis., and Dennis (Lynda) Lanners of Clear Lake; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; three step grandchildren; three sisters:  Rose Ann Weiskircher of Spencer, Iowa, Sister Anne Marie SSND of Mankato, and Delphine (Benny) McMahon of St. Louis Park; two brothers, Matthew (Joan) Tholkes of Buffalo and James (Carol) Tholkes of Estherville, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Alex Lanners; granddaughter Carol Lanners; parents; one sister; four brothers and two infant brothers.

Alvin John Larson

Funeral Services are Wednesday, Aug. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Madison for Alvin Larson.

Father Jack Nordick will officiate at this service. Special music is provided Sr. Vicki Larson. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Alvin's Grandchildren and Greatgrandchildren. Active pallbearers are Alvin's grandchildren: Jolene Landmark, Susan Lindgren, Kevin Larson, Brent Larson, Mark Swenson,William Durham, and Sr. Vicky Larson

Alvin John Larson was born on Sept. 23, 1912, on his family farm in Providence Township to parents John and Julia (Fassbender) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. MicahaePs Catholic Church in Madison. He attended country school in Providence and furthered his education at the Morris Agriculture School in Morris. He farmed with his father until 1937 when he married Leona Bornhorst on June 22, 1937. To this union 10 children were born. Alvin and Leona continued to farm. He was a good mechanic and he loved to do trucking. He started his own trucking business and it continues to operate today and is known as Larson Trucking of Canby which is now operated by his son, Ronald. He enjoyed flying his plane and driving his Harley Davidson Motorcycle.

He especially enjoyed being with his children, grandchildren and other members of his family. He had great joy in restoring old tractors with his sons and grandson. Smoking his pipe and his cup of coffee were also very pleasurable to him.

Alvin is survived by his 10 children: David (Barbara) Larson of Canby; Roger (Rise) Larson of Madison; Arthur (Vivian) Larson of Canby: Marian Durham of Brainerd; Ronald (Mary) Larson of Canby; Dianne (Ron) Sikkila of Iron; Avis (David) Swenson oi Montevideo; Lois (Grant) Lueders of Hastings; Maureen (Mike) Bonck of Tacoma, Wash.; and Gary (Ingrid) Larson of Canby; 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Veroa Dye of Independence, Mo., Irene Yohe of Smithville, Mo.; brother-in-law Walter (Fran) Bornhorst of Madison; sister-in-law Bathildis Schlosser oi Madison; sister-in-law Sylvia (Everett) Skjei of Pipestone.

Larson was proceeded in death of his parents, wife Leona; brother, Sylvester Larson; sisters, Inez Bornhorst, Alice Vonderharr; Josenhine Ruether. Cecelia Ruether.

Dale Larsen

Dale Larsen, age 65, of Canby, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 18 from 3-6 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in the St. Stephen’s Lutheran Cemetery.

For online registry and condolences please visit our website: www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Dale Edward Larsen was born Sept. 14, 1941, to Harold and Lillian (Hegg) Larsen. He attended school at Canby and graduated from Canby High School in 1961. He worked for Anderson Construction of Marshall, Dawson Mills in Dawson and Deuitz & Crow dragline in Canby.

He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. He drove stock cars and loved to race and later was entertained by watching the NASCAR races on TV. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and playing cards.

Dale is survived by his mother, Lillian; two daughters, Kristina (Tom) Miller; Melissa (Dwight) Merry; five grandchildren, Mark, Joshua, and Curtis Gould; Brock and Jonathon Merry; four step-grandchildren, Cassandra, Justin, Anthony and Corey Miller; two brothers, Arden (Sheila) Larsen and Gordon (Kay) Larsen; seven nephews; one niece; and special friend, Marcus Fleahman.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Larsen; maternal and paternal grandparents.

Jane M. Larsen

Jane M. Larsen age 51 of Goodhue died on Saturday evening, Sept. 1, 2007, at the Charter House Hospice in Rochester after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Goodhue with Reverend Mike Gustafson officiating.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the church and on Thursday one hour prior to the service.

Jane Marie Kraft was born on June 9, 1956, in Canby to Leslie “Bud” and Lois (Christensen) Kraft. She grew up in rural Canby and graduated from Canby High School in 1974. Jane attended the Rochester Community College and graduated in 1976 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. On March 3, 1979, she married Larry L. Larsen in Marshall. They made their home in Goodhue and Jane worked as a nurse at St. Marys Hospital until 1983. From 1983 to 1985 she worked for Larsen Industries in Goodhue. Jane returned to her nursing career at St. Marys and retired in 2006 due to failing health. Jane was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church where she served on the church council and the Goodhue Lioness Club. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, cooking, collecting angels, crafts, garage sales, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jane is survived by her husband, Larry, her parents, Bud and Lois Kraft of Zumbrota, three sisters, Sandy (Brian) Cooper of Rochester, Betty (Allen) Hanenberger of Dodge Center and Susan (John) Alley of Canby, her mother-in-law, Arlene Larsen of Byron, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Jane was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Lucille Kraft and Alfred and Audrey Christensen and father-in-law, Lawrence Larsen. Casketbearers are Jaycee Nilson, Karolin Lex, Beverly Paul, Joyce McCormick, Kathy Dahl and Pat Otte. Honorary bearers are her nieces and nephews.

Jeanne E. LaTourrette

Jeanne LaTourrette, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Funeral services will be 10 Tuesday, March 27, at First Presbyterian Church in Canby with Rev. Aaron Alfred officiating. Visitation will be Monday, March 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery in Fergus Falls. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Jeanne was born on Aug. 16, 1920, in Shell Lake, Wis., Burnett County to Douglass E. and Lillian (Riggin) Misfeldt. She attended school in Fergus Falls, graduating in 1938, she then attended Miss Woods Kindergarten Teachers School of Minneapolis, graduating in 1940 and later went to school at SSU of Marshall graduating in 1971. Her 35 years of teaching were in Mooreton, N.D., Kensington, Ruthton, and Canby. Jeanne married Peter N. LaTourrette on Oct. 10, 1945, in Minneapolis. The couple lived in Fergus Falls; Harvey, N.D.; Milbank, S.D.; Morris, and then they moved to Canby in 1952. Peter passed away on July 4, 1986.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and involved in the choir, circle, and U.P.W. She belonged to Canby Area Retired Educators Association, Canby Federated Women’s Club, Eastern Star, and American Legion Auxiliary of Fergus Falls. Jeanne enjoyed flower gardening, watching birds and needlepoint.

Jeanne is survived by two nephews, Martin (Joyce) Villeneuve of Colorado Springs, Colo., and family and Peter Villeneuve of Okla.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; her parents; her sister, Maxine; and nephew, Steve Villeneuve.

Lyle E. Lindberg

Lyle E. Lindberg, 77, of Foley, formerly of Canby, passed away on Jan. 11, 2007. Burial was at the Canby Cemetery.

Lindberg was born May 10, 1929, to Frank and Agusta (Friedricks) Lindberg.

Lindberg was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He graduated from Canby High School in 1947, He moved with his family to Long Prairie.

Lindberg served in the Army, serving in Germany during WWII. After returning home he and his family moved to Clearwater, where he began farming with his brother Lowell. Following the death of his brother, Lindberg moved to Foley here he resided these last years.

Lindberg was an avid fisherman and enjoyed playing cards.

He is survived by one sister, Marjorie R. (Lindberg) West of Coon Rapids; three cousins and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one niece and two nephews.

Henry “Hank” Lokken

Funeral services for Hank Lokken will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Henry “Hank” Lokken was born July 3, 1914, the fourth of seven children, to Peter and Sina (Dahl) Lokken in Lincoln County. He was baptized, confirmed and received his first communion in the First English Church of Canby.

Lokken attended District 81 School as a youngster and later received his diploma from the Canby High School. He elected to serve a period of time in the Civilian Conservation Corp where he returned to his farm roots in Marble Township. On April 8, 1944, he married Emma Margaret (Ullmann). They anticipated the blessing of children however after several years of waiting, they chose their baby boy, Garry and waited two more years for their baby girl, LuJane.

They retired from active farming in 1979 and moved into Canby. In January of 2005, Emma passed away after 60 plus years of marriage. Lokken was a great story teller and some of his other enjoyments included playing his guitar, coming out to the farm, eating food from the grill, watching the birds, indulging in the season of football, reading his Louis LaMoure books, listening to his Bose radio and with the highest priority in his life, to spend time with his family.

He is survived by his son Garry (Julie) Lokken of Balaton and their children, Moriah and Aaron; daughter LuJane (Larry) Yackley of Canby and their children, James Yackley (girlfriend, Anna Belle) of Balaton, Susan (John) Lujan of Casper, Wyo., Sheryl (Mike) Gunzenhauser of Winnegago, Larry (Lori) Yackley of Winnebago, Tammy (Rick) Lane of Sauk Rapids, Kipp (Karen) Yackley of Pine River, Todd (Penny) Yackley of Moorhead, 15 Great-grandchildren and seven Great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Albert of Benson, his sister, Mavis Pederson of Burnsville, his three sisters-in-law; Hazel Lokken, Rita Ullmann, and Helen Ullmann, his many nieces and nephews and by his other family and friends.

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

John E. Lundberg

John E. Lundberg died Oct. 6, 2006, in Mesa, Ari., after a long illness.

His wife, Mabel “Mabe” Marian Syltie Lundberg (daughter of Clarice and Knute Syltie, Porter), preceded him in death.

He is survived by his second wife, Mary Lundberg (Huron, S.D.); a special friend, Dorothy Jantz (Casa Grande, Ariz.); two daughters, Kay Levine (Crockett, Calif.) and Jane Lundberg (Mesa, Ariz.); four granddaughters, Ruth Levine (Seattle, Wash.), Kara Coddington (San Diego, Calif.), Jessica Boers (Minneapolis), Lindsey Boers (Mesa, Ariz.); and one great granddaughter, Zora Levine-Sowinska (Seattle, Wash.).

A celebration of his life was held on Oct. 15, at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, 400 South Power Road, Mesa 85206. Please send remembrances to the above address, in care of Jane Lundberg.

Upon his marriage to Mabe, Lundberg was informally adopted into the Syltie clan, and enjoyed lifelong relationships with all of Mabe’s brothers and sisters, their spouses, and their children.

Together with Lee and Olaf Syltie, Norma and John Syltie, Ellen and Joe Traen, Martha and Ben Larson, Lucille and Robert Syltie, and Lillian Belden, Mabe and he enjoyed many summer visits to Northern Minnesota lake cabins, family celebrations of Independence Day and Christmas in Canby and Porter, autumn pheasant hunting, and thousands of games of bridge. Being a part of the extended Syltie family greatly enhanced his life.

Lois Jane (Holmlund) Luri

Funeral services for Lois Jane (Holmlund) Luri, 83, were held on January 5, 2008 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Luri passed away December 29, 2007 in Brecksville, Ohio while visiting her son.

Lois Jane Luri nee Holmlund born in Canby, April 10, 1924 to Peter and Ella (nee Skjonsby) Holmlund.

Luri is the wife of the late Ernest, retired CFD; mother of Alan (Annelle), Susan (Leonard) Filewicz, Ronald (Theresa), Ernest D. (Rita), Nancy (Roger) Kramer; the sister of Ruth (late Ray) Johnson, Phyllis (late Richard) Olsen, William (Darolene) Holmlund, Paul (Shirley) Holmlund, the late Bernice (late Lloyd) Moravetz, Lucille (late Walter) Hoseck, Ellsworth (Mildred) Holmlund. She was the grandmother of 13 and the great-grandmother of 6.

Stanton J. Lyslo

A memorial service for former Canby resident Stanton J. Lyslo, 69, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Congregational Church in Barrington, R.I.

Lyslo died of cancer Dec. 5, 2007, at South County Hospital in Wakefield, R.I., surrounded by his loving family.
Following a private family service on Dec. 11, 2007, Lyslo was interred at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.

He was born June 28, 1938, in Hutchinson. His first home was in Brownton. In 1941, the family moved to Canby to establish and operate the Lyslo Food Market. He graduated from Canby High School in 1956 and from Concordia College, Moorhead, in 1963. He was a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Flag Marine Detachment aboard the cruiser USS Helena (CA-75).

Lyslo was the Human Resource Director for the Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions, Inc., retiring in 2005. He enjoyed photography and being in the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldemar B. and Stella (Jacobson) Lyslo.

He is survived by his wife Maureen A. (Maddock) Lyslo of 105 S. Brook Farm Road, South Kingstown, RI, 02879; daughters Stephanie (Pierre) Germain and Kathryn M. Lyslo of Somerville, Maine; and brother Waldemar M. Lyslo of Burnsville.

Vernon Mack

Vernon Mack, age 91, a former long time resident of Ivanhoe passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, at Knute Nelson Nursing Home in Alexandria with his entire family by his side.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe. Father Andy Michaels will be the celebrant.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8:00 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Ivanhoe. The prayer service will be at 7 p.m. with rosary to follow. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Interment will be at the Wilno cemetery.

He was born on June 2, 1915, to Joseph and Agnes (Starzyk) Mack of rural Lincoln County. He grew up on the family farm and attended District 77 country school.

Mack married Angeline Drietz of Wilno on Aug. 18, 1936, and they had six children. They farmed for over 40 years on a farm seven miles Southwest of Taunton and attended Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton. He also raised cattle and worked off the farm as a truck driver, hauling cattle, water, grain, feed, gravel and hot mix for road construction. Vernon and Angeline retired from farming in 1980 and built a home near Ivanhoe, where they lived until late 2004. They were members of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe. They moved into an apartment at Divine Providence Health Care Center in Ivanhoe for two years, before moving to Alexandria last summer.

Mack enjoyed going south with his wife in their motor home for 14 winters to Arizona, Florida, Texas, and California. Over the years his hobbies included traveling, square dancing, boating, water skiing, fishing, playing cards, reading and camping with his family. Vernon liked to reminisce about his early years, sharing many adventures. He was a fun loving man who enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and his grandchildren. His wit and sense of humor was enjoyed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Angeline of 70 years; his three daughters, Diane Runkle and her husband David of New Hope; Karen Janssen and her husband David of Fort Collins, Colo.; Joanne Curry and her husband Don of Big Cabin, Okla.; and two sons, Dennis Mack and his wife Virginia of Alexandria, and Gary Mack of Shakopee; and seven grandchildren, Scott Janssen and his wife Jen; Lisa (Janssen) Alderson and her husband David; Ryan Mack; Delsha Runkle; Justin Mack and his wife Kelly; Emily Mack and Christopher Curry; and three great grandchildren, Teagan and Lindsey Janssen and Owen Alderson.

He is also survived by his brother Robert Mack, Sr. of Ivanhoe; and sisters, Florence Pemer of Marshall; Evelyn O’Mara of Clarkston, Mich.; Romelle Sterzinger of Ivanhoe; Bernice May of Minneapolis; and Donna Shaffer and her husband Glen of West Milton, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Mary, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Cleo Maier

Funeral Services for Cleo “Debbie” Clarissa Maier, 70, of Canby, are at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 1, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at the church. Burial will be held in the Canby City Cemetery at a later date.

Debbie was born on March 7, 1938, in Richwood, W.V., to Richard and Evelyn (Gainer) Hill. She was baptized at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Debbie grew up in West Virginia and Illinois. She attended Sacred Heart Richwood Grade School, Central Moundsville, W.V., Junior High, and Amunsen High School in Chicago. On Nov. 4, 1967, she married Virgil John Maier in Chicago. They resided in Chicago where Debbie worked in the clerical department for an electronic company named Ametek. Upon retirement they moved to the Canby area and purchased property in Burr. Virgil and Debbie enjoyed taking trips. They traveled to China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, England, Africa, and other locations. Debbie loved homeless animals, especially cats, and her dog “Teddi”. She was a master gardener, working with fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Debbie shared her wit and generosity with the Burr Community and received their love and friendship in return.

ebbie died on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at the Sanford Health Canby Campus.

Debbie is survived by her brother George (Jo Ann) Hill of Palantine, Il., one nephew and three nieces, six grand nephews and four grand nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Matthew Joseph Maertens

Matthew Joseph Maertens 27, of New London, died on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at his residence in Dilworth. 

Funeral services were Monday at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Canby. Interment was at St. Stephens Cemetery. 

Matthew Joseph Maertens was born on Dec. 16, 1979, in Willmar, the son of Joseph and Kathleen (Moravetz) Maertens.  He attended grade school in New London – Spicer and graduated from McNeil High School in Round Rock, Texas, in 1998. He continued his education at Austin Community College.

On Aug. 19, 2000, he was united in marriage to Jennifer Wilkins. He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer. Matthew enjoyed fishing, bowling, reading and computers. 

Surviving is his wife, Jennifer Maertens of Texas; mother, Kathleen Maertens of New London; sisters and brother, Amy (and Jeff) Kyle of Taylor, Texas, Mark ( and Cecilia) Maertens of Cosmos, Andrea Maertens of Willmar.  Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Mercy, Alyssa, Jordan and Ethan all of Taylor, Texas, and Jacob, Olivia Maertens of Cosmos; and numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives. 
He was preceded in death by is father and grandparents.

Bernard Madsen

Bernard Madsen, age 86, of Canby passed away on March 7, 2007, at Sanford Health Canby Hospital. Funeral services will be at 1:30 on Sunday, March 11, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby.

Visitation will be Saturday from 2-5 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.

Rev. Barry Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Canby.

Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Bernard Rudolph Madsen was born on April 2, 1920, in Lyon County to Rudolph and Margaret (Reber) Madsen. He was baptized in the German Lutheran Church in Taunton and confirmed in the St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Canby. He grew up on farms near Taunton, Porter, and south of Canby where he was very active in 4-H. He also participated in corn husking contests. He attended country school in district’s #81 and #47. On Sept. 20, 1944, he was untied in marriage to Irene Holmlund. The couple farmed near Gary, S.D., and then south of Canby along highway 75.
He served on the Canby School Board for 20 years and on the Marble Township Board for 21 years. He also served on the board at the Farmer’s Coop Elevator. He enjoyed being a member of a bowling team, a card club, and participated in the Community Chest Drive.

Bernard loved spending time with family and friends fishing, playing cards, going to basketball games, playing softball, going to Twins baseball games, and traveling around the United States and to Asia. He and Irene also enjoyed spending weekends at their cabin on Lake Stalker.

He is survived by his wife, Irene of Canby; daughter, Janet (Evan) Peterson of Marshall; two sons, Bruce (Sharon) Madsen of Canby; Douglas (Kathy) Madsen of Taunton; brother, Harold Madsen of Canby; eight grandchildren, Lenice (Mike) Asa of St Cloud; Deloris (Frank) Davis of Worthington; Rick (Rosemary) Peterson of Minneota; Jerry Peterson of Porter; Cory Madsen of Sioux Falls; Ryan Madsen of Sioux Falls; Daniel (Kelly) Madsen of Woodbury; Ginger (Jamie) of Albertville; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and pet dog, Brandy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Benjamin.

Joseph E. Maertens

Joseph E. Maertens, 62 of New London, died on Friday, May 18, 2007 in Heron Lake. 

Funeral service were on Tuesday, May 22, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Burial was at 3:30 p.m. at St. Steven’s Lutheran Cemetery in Canby.

Joseph Edward Maertens was born on July 17, 1944, in Marshall, the son of Hero E. Jr. and Marie (Savoie) Maertens.  He grew up in the Marshall area on a farm near Lake Marshall.  Joseph attended parochial school at Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Marshall.  He graduated from Canby High School in 1962. Maertens entered the United States Navy where he served his country for four years. He received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Minneota. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Moravetz on June 14, 1969, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Canby. 

He received electrician training and later became a master electrician.   He worked for Don Welling in Fulda, and for Willmar Electric for 17 years. He began working for Fagen Engineering in Granite Falls in 1993.  He was currently project manager on numerous ethanol plants though out the midwest.   

He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall.  He was currently a member of the Church of Christ. He was baptized on September 25, 1998, at Elkhorn Lake. 

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, landscaping, bowling, and reading. He was very hardworking and generous to his family, and loved spending time with them. 

Joe is survived by his with Kathleen Maertens of New London; children: Amy (and Jeff) Kyle of Taylor, Texas, Mark (and Cecilia) Maertens of Cosmos, Andrea Maertens of Willmar, and Matthew Maertens of New London; six grandchildren: Mercy, Alyssa, Jordan and Ethan Kyle of Taylor, Texas, and Jacob and Olivia Maertens of Cosmos.  He is also survived by his sisters and brothers: Julie (and Myron “Bud”) Kack of Minneota, Michael (and Carolyn) Maertens of General Shield, Mary (and Norman) Johnson of Minneota, Susan (Ronald) Wischer of Minneota and Steven (and Monica) Maertens of Garland, Texas.  He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Charles Maier

Charles Maier, age 76, of St. Paul, formerly of Canby, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

A gathering of family and friends for graveside services will be Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Canby City Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby.

Charles Malecek

Charles Malecek was born on July 16, 1918, in Lake Lillian Township, rural Blomkest, to Frank and Milada (Matejka) Malecek. He grew up on the family farm near Olivia where he attended country school. He was a member of the National Guard and in February of 1941, began active duty with the 1333 Army Air Force BU, serving overseas during WWII, as a radio operator. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in December of 1945. On Nov. 28, 1950, he married Selma Thurston at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Olivia. To this union a daughter and five sons were born. They farmed by Sacred Heart and in 1954, moved to Gary, S.D., where they continued farming. They moved to the Canby and Madison area and after farming, he went to work for Plews in Granite Falls for a short while, and then Hoganson Construction until his retirement. In 2003, they moved to Riverside Apartments in Dawson. He was a life-member of the Strand Saboe VFW Post 5247 of Dawson, American Legion Post 158 of Madison, and the Forty & Eight. He was a handyman and enjoyed making and fixing things. He also enjoyed the outdoors, including bird watching, yard work, and in earlier years hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.

He died suddenly on Sunday evening, May 21, 2006, at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson.

He is survived by his wife, Selma; six children: Cheryl (Norman) Mortenson of Canby, Jerome (Lisa) Malecek of Dawson, Richard (Sue) Malecek of Elk River, Loren (Vicki) Malecek of Montevideo, Ronald (Colleen) Malecek of Rogers, and Merle Malecek of Dawson; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Cecelia Kabriel of Marysville, KS, Josephine Vinar of Olivia, and Lucy Herman of Pocahontas, IA; one brother, Edward (Louise) Malecek of Delano; numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers: Frank Jr. and James Malecek.

Funeral service was held Wednesday, May 24, at the First Presbyterian Church in Dawson with Pastor Herb Rotunda officiating.

Adella Malkow

Adella “Della” Malkow, age 95, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006, at Sioux Valley Canby Hospital in Canby.

Funeral services are at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Nicolai Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will resume one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Nicolai Lutheran Cemetery.

Adella “Della” Esther Malkow was born April 30, 1911, in Oshkosh Township, the daughter of Edwin and Bertha (Busse) Lueders. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She lived in Oshkosh Township and went to school at District 36.

On April 18, 1937, she married Herman Malkow. They farmed until 1969 when they moved to Canby. Adella cleaned at the Canby Library for over 30 years. She also was a member of the Nicolai LWML.

Della’s hobbies were doing all kinds of crafts, including knitting, also caring for her rabbits, birds, and flowers. She dearly loved taking care of all the young family members.

She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Dahl and many nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman in 1972, her parents, Edwin and Bertha Lueders, and two brothers, Lloyd and Grant Lueders.

Allan Mamer

Allan Lee “Elmer” Mamer, age 50, St. Leo, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, of natural causes on the way home from a visit with friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 10, at St. Leo Catholic Church. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m., followed by a rosary. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Father Tony Hesse will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in the St. Leo Cemetery. Online registry at www.birkfuneralhome.com

He was born March 27, 1957, in Canby, the son of Donald and Joan (Kockelman) Mamer. After attending school in Canby, Elmer went on to attain a certificate in welding from the Canby Technical Institute. He worked for General Dryer for a while, and later spent many years building grain elevators for Conger Construction. Most recently, Elmer was employed at the St. Leo Municipal Liquor Store.

Elmer enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting pheasants and deer. He also loved to barbecue, and spent much of his free time on his computer, where he talked to friends from around the country.

He will be deeply missed by his mother, Joan of St. Leo; brother, David of St. Leo; aunts and uncles, Roman (Lillian) Mamer of Canby, Gil (Mary) Mamer of Owatonna, John Mamer of DeSmet, Marge Drown of Taunton, Carol (LeRoy) Eischens of St. Leo, and Gene (Sherry) Kockelman of Clarkfield; numerous cousins; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; paternal and maternal grandparents; uncle, Bob Drown; and cousin, William Drown.

Thomas Marcella

Thomas Marcella, 78 of Canby, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 17, 2006, at his daughter’s home in Vesta.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Thomas Marcella was born on Sept. 28, 1927, to Thomas and Dorothy (Pollock) Marcella in New Castle, Pa. He was united in marriage to Josephine Rubino on May 13, 1947, in New Castle, Pa. Thomas served in the US Marines and the U.S. Navy during WWII. He moved to Canby in 1992 after his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion in Gary, SD and Canby. Thomas enjoyed working on his hobby farm and model trains.

He is survived by his children: Kathy (Don) Ghost of Victorville, Calif., Dorothy (Dale) Bowers of Matwata, Thomasina (Bill) Hout of Vesta, Paula Marcella of Springfield, Mo., Thomas Marcella III of Mont Clair, Calif., Bob Francis of Marshall and Ben Francis; 16 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

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

Rose Mason

Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Rose Mason, age 94, of Gary, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Gary.  Father Brian Simon will celebrate.  Mrs. Mason passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006, in the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center, Clear Lake, S.D. She was the widow of Mr. Garold Mason.

Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary. Honorary pallbearers will be:  Deone Ottum, Darla Clausen, all her great-grandchildren and the Gate City Senior Citizens. Active pallbearers will be:  Daryl Mason, Darin Mason, Scott Barck, Steven Barck, Gene Clausen and Kent Ottum. Music will be provided by Dorothy Sander, organist and Bruce Melby, song leader.

Visitation will be from 6-7:30 p.m. with a scripture service and Rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Gary. The visitation will resume Friday one hour prior to the service at the church. The Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Rose Cecilia Mason was born on April 12, 1912, to Adam and Anna (Wieser) Keimig in Creston, Neb., where she was raised and received her schooling. Following her education, she moved with her family to a farm near Gary. In the 1930’s, Rose worked at various jobs including housekeeping and later, at the Nelson’s Bakery.

On Nov. 30, 1940, Rose was united in marriage to Garold Mason in the St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Following their marriage, they lived on a farm south of Gary where Rose worked in the laundry department at the State School for the Blind.  Later they moved into Gary and in 1955 they bought the (Mason’s) State Line Station where Rose worked until retiring in 1990. She was affectionately known as the “Ice Cream Lady”: by everyone. Garold passed away on Nov. 10, 1996.  Rose continued to live in Gary until August of 2006 when she entered the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center, Clear Lake.

Rose was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary was she was an active member of the Altar Society. She was also a member of the TNT card club and the Gate City Senior Citizens. She enjoyed working with plastic canvases, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, shopping, doing puzzles, walking and reading.

She is survived by her son, Bernard (Margie) Mason of Watertown, S.D.; daughter, Lois (Jerry) Barck of Clear Lake, S.D., six grandchildren, Deone (Kent) Ottum; Daryl (Mary) Mason, Darla (Gene) Clausen, Darin Mason, Scott (Jodi) Barck and Steven (Marie) Barck; 11 great-grandchildren: Courtney Mason, Tanner Clausen, Gage Clausen, Kailee Clausen, Ashlyn Clausen, Zachary Mason, Gwendolyn Barck, Dustin Barck, Joseph Barck, Derek Mason and Brianna Ottum; one brother, Louis Keimig, three sisters:  Elizabeth Hauger, Loretta Meyen and Bernita (Joe) Weber and one sister-in-law, Margie Keimeg.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Garold Mason; parents Adam and Anna (Wieser) Keimig and two brothers, Joseph and Leonard Keimig.

Bernice Mathison

Bernice Mathisonpassed away on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at the Hendricks Nursing Home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bernice Mathison of Canby will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be from 4 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10 at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. and will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Canby.

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

Bernice Elizabeth Mathison was born on Feb. 19, 1913, to Julius and Elizabeth (Strindlund) Saeger in Minneapolis. She was baptized at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

After leaving Minneapolis, her childhood was spent in Iowa, and several locations in South Dakota. Her family eventually settled around Toronto, S.D., where she was confirmed at Leganger Lutheran Church and graduated from Toronto High School. After attending Augustana College in Sioux Falls she embarked on a long school-teaching career. She taught for many years in various parts of South Dakota, the majority of them being in various one-room schoolhouses throughout Deuel County, SD.

In 1951 she married Harold Mathison. They lived on a farm in the southwestern most corner of Yellow Medicine County, a location resulting in ties to several surrounding communities (Canby, Hendricks, Astoria, Toronto, Brandt, and Gary). While there they were members of Wood Lake Lutheran Church (Fish Lake community of Astoria, S.D.,) where she was active both as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and member of the Lutheran women’s groups.

In addition to her son George, another addition to the family came later when Bernice became the guardian to her late sister’s son, Mike Severson (of Toronto, S.D.). Both George and Mike attended Canby public schools.
When Harold retired from farming in 1973 they moved to Canby, at which time they joined Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. In her retirement years, Bernice continued to be involved in church, reading, writing, travel, and being an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins.

Bernice is survived by her son George (Brooklyn, NY) as well as her nephew and former ward Mike Severson and his family (wife Sharon, and children Hayley and Logan) of Coon Rapids, MN and sister-in-law Elizabeth Saeger of Hendricks.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Lawrence Saeger, and a sister Maxine Severson.

Joy McCoy

Joy McCoy, age 79, of Rockford, passed away on Jan. 28, 2008.

She is the mother of Glenn Parrish of Canby. She enjoyed her family, grandchildren, camping and traveling.

She was preceded in death by grandchildren, Matthew, Tyler and Jayson.

She is survived by husband of 53 years, Robert; children, Linda (Danny) Dahl, Butch (Chris) Parrish, Brent (Alicia) Parrish, Jay (Steph) McCoy, Brenda (Rollo) Swenson and Royce McCoy; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., with visitation at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Avenue S., Minneapolis.

Zita McLain

Zita McLain, age 83, of Gary, S.D., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, at Sioux Valley Canby Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Father Tony Hesse will be the celebrant of Mass.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and a rosary to follow. Visitation will continue Saturday from 9:30 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Gary.

For online registry and condolences please visit the website: www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Zita Mary McLain was born Oct. 10, 1923, to James and Madeline (VanDorpe) DeRider in Minneota. After high school, she went to work in the ammunition plant which put her into the nationally known group called “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. On June 12, 1947, she married Joseph McLain at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Minneota. They farmed south of Canby for two years, and in 1949 they moved into Canby where they owned and operated a livestock hauling business. In 1953, Joe and Zita sold their trucking operation and began farming north of Canby. Ten years later in 1963, they moved to Florida Township where they purchased their first farm. In 1975, the couple purchased a farm on the east edge of Gary, where they owned and operated McLain Farms. Zita has had an active role in the McLain Partnership, since her husband’s death in 1993.

Her pastimes included listening to talk radio, current events and politics. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, with whist being her game of choice, and a profound love for dogs. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was very important to her. Zita will be remembered for her devotion to the Catholic Church and the importance of teaching the Catholic faith to her children.

She is survived by five sons, Patrick (JoAnn); Thomas (Rita); James (Barbara); and Michael (Brenda) all of Canby; and Richard (Patricia) of Kasota; a daughter, Mary Jo (Edward) Phillips of Parkers Prairie; 23 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Gordon Tholen and Justin McLain; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret (Roy) Moore and Rosemary Amberg.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; grandson, Alan McLain; parents; and one sister, Cecilia Tholen.

Harold Meisner

Harold Meisner, 86, of Montevideo, died on Monday, June 26, 2006, at the Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Rev. David Baumgarn officiating.

Interment will be in the Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens.

Harold Fredrick Wilhelm Meisner was born on March 23, 1920, in Wykoff, to William and Minnie (Gehrking) Meisner. He was baptized on April 5, 1920, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff and confirmed at St. Paul Evengelical Lutheran Church in Bangor, Wis. He attended parochial school in Bangor, Wis. As a young man, he spent his summers doing farm work in the Canby area. On Oct. 21, 1942, he was united in marriage to Ruth Wilking at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo. They spent their entire married life together in Montevideo where they were members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He worked for Mork Electrical Construction and an electrical contractor in the Dakotas before starting with R.E.C. He worked for R.E.C. for 32 1/2 years before retiring in 1983. Harold enjoyed lawn mowing, snow removal and helping out his neighbors.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; two children: James Meisner and his wife Donna of Montevideo and Terry Bents and her husband Kenneth of Clara City; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two step-brothers: Edwin and Emil Niedfeldt of Bangor; a sister-in-law, Hulda Meisner of Stewartville, as well as by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-father, Henry Niedfeldt; three brothers: George, and Ewald Meisner and Walter in infancy; three sisters: Alvina Schmidt, Pauline Schumacher and Ella Niemeyer; a step-brother and four step-sisters.

Marjorie Monita Merritt

Funeral Services for Marjorie Merritt, 85, of Minneota, were Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, at Hope Lutheran Church.
Interment was on Saturday at Hope Lutheran Cemetery.

Marjorie Monita Merritt was born Oct. 14, 1922, in Canby to Arthur and Edna Yackley. She spent her younger years in the Canby area. She met William “Doc” Merritt roller skating in Canby. They were united in marriage Jan. 10, 1943. She assisted in the veterinarian business and practice. They were blessed with five children. Her family always came first in everything she did. She enjoyed gardening and fishing and was an avid reader. She loved crossword puzzles, which made good use of her spelling and word skills. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church where all five children were confirmed. In later years, she enjoyed her winters with Doc in Arizona. She discovered her talent for painting water colors of the mountains they so loved.

She passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2008 with her daughter Mona at her side.

She is survived by her children Rick (Martha) of Eolia, MO, Cheri (Waid) Reynolds of St. George, Utah, Bill (Carol) of Mankato, Mona (Mike) Schmidt of Excelsior. She is also survived by six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, sisters Margaret Yackley of Elk River and Edna Telford of Appleton.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter Cynthia Marie Merritt, one sister, three brothers and her parents.

Dr. William Merritt

Funeral Service for Dr. William W. "Doc" Merritt, 88, of Minneota will be 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota.

Visitation will be Sunday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service Monday at church. Arrangements by Rehkamp & Horvath Funeral Directors of Minneota.

William Woodrow Merritt was born on Sept. 2, 1918, in New Hampton, Iowa, to William and Clara (Stolfus) Merritt. As a child, William moved with his family to Porter. He attended school and graduated from Canby High School. He attended Mankato State Teachers College for one year, and then transferred to Texas A & M. where he was an alumni gymnast, and graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1942. "Doc," as everyone became to know him, began his practice as a vet in Minneota in August of 1942. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Monita Yackley in 1943. He was very civic minded, and active in his community.

In Minneota, he was instrumental in establishing the Golden Gloves Boxing team, Rotary Club, basketball/tennis court, golf course, swimming pool, Silver Spur Saddle Club, Round Up Office, and Southwest Sportsman’s Club. Doc was a Rotarian since 1954, and had 17 years of perfect attendance of which he was extremely proud. Doc was very active in local and State DFL political activities, including his favorite Jefferson-Jackson Day picnic with Hubert and Muriel Humphrey, and running for a Minnesota State Representative seat in 1970. He served as an officer with the Lyon County NFO, Lyon County DFL, was a Lyon County Commissioner for several terms, and a member of the Lyon County Park Board of which Garvin Park was one of his favorite projects.

Doc was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman with his sons and was very supportive of his daughter’s involvement with horses. He was a charter member of several conservation groups including Southwest Sportsman’s Club, Lyon County Pheasants Forever, and Lyon County Ducks Unlimited.

Merritt died on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, at the Minneota Manor Healthcare Center in Minneota. He is survived by his wife Marjorie of Minneota, children Rick (Martha) of Eolia, Mo., Cheri (Waid) Reynolds of St. George, Utah, Bill (Carol) of Mankato. Mona (Mike) Schmidt of St. Bouafacious, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, brother Bob Merritt of Porter.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Clara, two brothers, Glen and Eldo, and two sisters, Blanche & Madonna, and one daughter Cynthia Marie Merritt.

Calvin Albin Mickelson

Calvin Mickelson, 82, of Hendricks, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2006, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar after a brief bout with cancer.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks with Rev. Duane Baun officiating.

Burial will be in the Hansonville Cemetery, rural Hendricks. Visitation will be Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Hendricks and will continue Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Calvin Albin Joyal Mickelson was born on July 24, 1924, in Hansonville Township, Lincoln County, to Christian and Louisa (Olson) Mickelson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Hansonville Lutheran Church. He attended country school in Hansonville’s District 36 and graduated from Hendricks High School in 1942.

On Sept. 25, 1948, Calvin was united in marriage to Gwendolyn M. Biery in Canby. To this union five children were born: Sandra, Jerome, James, Charles, and Bernita.

Calvin farmed the family homestead in Hansonville Township until his retirement in 1997 at which time he and Gwen moved into Hendricks.

Calvin loved his chosen profession of farming. He also enjoyed gardening and growing beautiful flowers, as well as feeding the song birds in his backyard. His family remembers him as a kind, gentle and mild mannered man who was a well-known and talented baseball player in his younger years. He was an avid Minnesota Twins fan who enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sports events, concerts, etc. He was well-read and interested in news, current events and politics. His family was his number one priority. He enjoyed visiting his children and was always by his wife’s side. He had an artistic appreciation for beautiful things and for music. He especially enjoyed helping Gwen bake and decorate for the holidays. He was an active church member, serving on the Christ Lutheran Church Council for a number of years and on the Hansonville Cemetery Board until the time of his death.

Calvin is survived by his wife, Gwen, of Hendricks; daughters, Sandra (David) Trooien of Willmar, and Bernita Mickelson of Marshall; sons: Jerry (Vicki) Mickelson of Rosemount, and Chuck (Wanda) of Pipestone; eight grandchildren: Liberty Mickelson of Apple Valley, Aanya Mickelson of Minnetonka, Tim Trooien of Willmar, Jeff (Sarah) Trooien of Kandiyohi, Brad (Heather) Mickelson of Brookings, S.D., Mark Mickelson of Sioux Falls, S.D. Dan Mickelson of Pipestone, and Scott Mickelson of Marshall; three great-grandchildren: Trinity Trooien of Kandiyohi, Calvin Trooien of Kandiyohi, and Jocelyn Peters of Brookings; and one sister, Lucille (Robert) Syltie of Canby.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Tharrel Mickelson and young son, James Mickelson, who died of cancer at the age of three.

Virgil “John” Maier

Virgil John Maier, 82, of Canby died on March 28, 2007, at the Sanford Health Center in Canby where he was a patient.

Services will be held on Tuesday April 24, 2007 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Reverend Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at church. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery.

Virgil Maier was born in Canby on Sept. 13, 1924, to Henry and Nellie (Plageman) Maier. He was baptized and confirmed at the Zacchaeus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canby. He graduated in 1942 from the Canby High School. He served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the USS Tekelma, a rescue boat in the Pacific near the Philippines. While at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago he played trumpet in the Great Lakes Naval Band and played taps in the evening. He married Cleo Clarissa Hill on November 4, 1967, in Chicago. They resided in Chicago for over 40 years where Virgil worked as a Maintenance Superintendent. Upon retirement they moved to the Canby area and purchased property in Burr. Virgil and Debbie enjoyed taking trips. They traveled to China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, England, Africa and other locations. They attended many naval and class reunions. Virgil was a great dancer. He enjoyed photography, auctions, gardening and his dog, Teddi.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Debbie of Canby, twos sisters; Marilyn (Richard) Kontz of Alexandria and Barbara (Dale) Haack of St. Peter, eight nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gladys Caroline Miller

Gladys Caroline Miller, 95, of Iron Mountain and a resident of Victorian Pines, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain  from complications of a heart attack.

Mrs. Miller was born July 1, 1912, in Porter, Yellow Medicine County, the daughter of Gustav and Caroline (Berg) Miller.  She graduated as class valedictorian from Canby High School.

She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield. When the Depression came, she left college and began teaching at rural schools in Minnesota. They were Taunton, and Burr. Following this she was hired in a government job in St. Paul, where she met her husband, Mulford.

Gladys and Mulford Miller were married on May 2, 1942. During World War II she worked for the Treasury Department in Washington D.C. while he was serving in the U.S. Army overseas in the European Theater.  After the war, he was employed with the Veteran’s Administration in Fort Snelling, Wadsworth, Kan., and Miles City, Mont. They came to the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Iron Mountain in 1965.

She returned to college while in Kansa City and completed her bachelor’s degree at Northern Michigan University. She became a certified social worker.  She was hired by the Dickinson County Department of Social Services as a Protective Services Worker and held this job until her retirement in 1977.

She enjoyed social activities, bridge, fashion, cooking, tea, baking, reading, walking, traveling, and their cottage at Spread Eagle, Wisconsin.  Having her children and grandchildren come visit was the best time of all.

She was an active and faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Tuesday Study Club was one of her favorite groups and just three weeks ago she gave a program on Andrew Carnegie. She loved PEO, Chapter EN

Among her other memberships were GFWC-Iron Mountain-Kingsford, American Association of University Women (Past President), Pine Grove Country Club, and the Chippewa Club.  She was a former member of Business and Professional Women, the Big Brother-Big Sister Board, Pinecrest Board of Directors, the Department of Social Services Board, the Upper Peninsula Writers Club, Friends of the Library, Reading Buddies and The Order of Eastern Star.  She was named Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women in 1982

She was preceded in death by her husband Mulford on March 4, 2004; one brother, Leon Miller and four sisters Laura Miller, Effie Petas, Mildred Kiley, and Myrtle Kvanbeck.

Surviving her are two sons Stephen (Dianne) of Madison, N.J., and Timothy of Milwaukee, Wis.; four granddaughters Elizabeth, Sarah, and Caroline Miller of Madison, N.J., and Jennifer Miller of Boulder, Color., and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home.  The PEO Service will be at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Rev. Debbie Thomas will officiate.

A graveside service will be on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 at 3 p.m. at the Canby City Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Bay Cliff  Health Camp, PO Box 310 Big Bay, Michigan 49808.

Condolences to the family of Gladys Miller can be expressed on line at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com or www.birkfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain and Birk Funeral Home of Canby with arrangements.

Connie Minsass

Connie Minsass, age 72, of Granite Falls and formerly of the Marshall area, died Tuesday at her residence. Memorial services were Friday at the Wing-Bain Funeral Home Chapel in Granite Falls.

Constance L. Minsaas was born on Sept. 21, 1935, in Graceville, the daughter of Leslie Earl and Violet Marie (Carey) Eckert. She was a Christian and attended elementary school in Westbrook and finished high school in Granite Falls.

She was united in marriage to Gene Meade on June 11, 1955, and on Sept. 5, 1987, she married Dwain Minsaas. She was employed as a restaurant manager and owner, working at the Champlin Café and Tri-County Café in Granite Falls and at the café in Hazel Run.

She enjoyed camping and was an avid Vikings football fan. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and being with her grandchildren. She died peacefully on Tuesday May 13, 2008 at her residence in Henry Hill Apartments in Granite Falls.

She is survived by her daughters, Jill Eilers of Brandt, S.D., Judi Lundquist of Chisholm, and Jacky (Ed) Aslesen of Montevideo; two brothers- Jim Eckert of Fridley, and Jack (Jean) Eckert of Maple Grove; two sisters- Sharon (John) Roemer of Maple Grove, and Dorothy (Don) Fugate of Linden, Mich.; special friend Kaye Christianson of Hazel Run;  her dear friend, Gene Meade of Canby; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by three step-children, Ava Minsaas, Arvin Minsaas and Mike Minsaas; 12 step grandchildren and 14 great step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her second husband; one son-in-law, Timothy Eilers and a step daughter, Valerie Zampa.

Shaun Mock

Shaun T. Mock, age 35, of Wabasha, died Thursday, March 22, 2007, while at work in Lake City.

He was born Oct. 6, 1971 in Wabasha, the son of Dean and Anita (Martinson) Mock. Anita grew up in Canby.

Mock grew up on the family farm near Urne, Wis. He enjoyed his time in Cub Scouts when he was young. He was baptized at Faith Lutheran Church in Durand and confirmed at Lyster Lutheran Church, rural Nelson, Wis. He graduated from Durand High School in 1990. He then attended the two-year auto body program at Chippewa Valley Technical College.

He worked a short while doing auto body repair and then worked for two years at Heat N Glow in Lake City. For the past 12 years Mock worked at Federal Mogul in Lake City working on the furnace deck.

Mock married Pamela Klein Aug. 21, 1993, at Lyster Lutheran Church. He enjoyed camping with his family and flying model helicopters. He had a deep love for his family, friends and co-workers and was always willing to share his time and talents with anyone who would ask for his help. His sense of humor and his outgoing personality was also a big part of who he was.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Mock and their children, son, Damian Mock and daughters, Cayla and Cassie Mock, Wabasha; parents, Dean and Anita Mock, Urne, Wis.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Curtiss and Kathy Mock, Galesville, Wis., Brendan and Shauna Mock, Urne, Wis.; parents-in-law, Dick and Vicky Klein, Wabasha; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

His paternal and maternal grandparents and one aunt preceded him in death.

A funeral service was held Monday, March 26, at 11:00am at Lyster Lutheran Church in rural Nelson with the Reverend Michael Vetsch officiating. Interment was in North Branch Cemetery, near Urne.

Lloyd Moravetz

Funeral services for Lloyd Moravetz, age 91, of Canby, will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Lloyd died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.

Burial will be in the St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Canby. Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters: Jeanine Hoff, Laura Moravetz, Amy Kyle, Andrea Maertens, Vanessa Ruether, Sarah Taylor and Rachel Moravetz. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons: Kevin, Moravetz, Allen Moravetz, David Moravetz, Aaron, Moravetz, Doug Moravetz, Mark Maertens, Matthew Maertens, Daniel Moravetz, and Brian Moravetz.

Music will be provided by Karen Olsen, organist and DeLon Clarksean, soloist.

Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 22, from 5 – 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. in the Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will resume Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. For online registry and condolences please visit our website: www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Lloyd Archie Moravetz was born on April 9, 1915, in Hansonville Township, to Louis and Eva (Olsen) Moravetz. He was baptized on Sept. 4, 1928, and confirmed on Nov. 23, 1930. Lloyd attended rural school in Hansonville Township.
On Aug. 31, 1940, he was united in marriage to Bernice Katherine Holmlund at Bernice’s home in Canby. The couple lived and farmed in Fortier Township and moved to Canby in 1982.

Lloyd was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Some of his enjoyments in life included spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lloyd loved the game of baseball and was a catcher for many years for the Hansonville Baseball Team. Lloyd enjoyed the days of baseball and dances at the Bohemian Hall. He also took great pleasure in his farming and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Lloyd is survived by his children: James (Crystal) Moravetz, Hendricks, Paul (Carolyn) Moravetz, Anoka, Kathleen (Joseph) Maertens, New London, and Lyndon (Laura) Moravetz, Canby; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five brothers: Ervin (Rose) Moravetz, Clearwater, Fla., Vernon Moravetz, Ivanhoe, Ernest (Gladys) Moravetz, Tucson, Ariz., Lester (Margorie) Moravetz, Minnetonka, and Myron Moravetz, Minneapolis; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; parents, Louis and Eva Moravetz; one brother, Arnold Moravetz and one sister-in-law, Elaine Moravetz.

Douglas Mork

Douglas Alan Mork, 58 of Baltic died, Saturday, July 1, 2006, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 6, at Baltic Lutheran Church, Baltic, South Dakota.

He was born Sept. 24, 1947, at Canby, to Robert and Ruth (Fairchild) Mork. He grew up on a farm near Canby and graduated from Canby High School. He entered the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam Era Conflict. After his service he attended Dakota State College in Madison.

He married Beverly Schriever May 26, 1972 in Sioux Falls. They moved to Baltic in 1974. Doug has worked for Rude Transportation, Sioux Falls, in the office for the past 13 years. He was a member of Baltic Lutheran Church. Doug truly enjoyed biking and walking with his dog, Chip.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Bev, Baltic; two sons, Corey Mork and his wife, Amber, Worthing; Shawn Mork, Baltic; a daughter, Erika Mork, Baltic; four grandchildren; Skylar, Robbie, Monica, and Shyla; a brother, John Mork and his wife Sharon, Brandon; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grandpa Gould and a brother Bruce.