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Frances Johanna Ratajczak
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno at 1 p.m. for Frances Ratajczak of Ivanhoe with Father Andy Michels officiating.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno with a Rosary Prayer Service to follow. Visitation will resume at 12 p.m. before Mass on Saturday, Jan. 13.
Interment will be at the St. John Cantius Church Cemetery near Wilno. Birk Funeral Home of Ivanhoe is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences and guest book may be viewed at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
She passed away in the presence of her family on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007, at the Divine Providence Healthcare Center in Ivanhoe from complications of pneumonia at the age of 92.
Frances (Francie) was born in Marble Township, Lincoln County Minnesota on April 13, 1914, to Frank and Aniela (Dankowski) Citterman. She was Baptized, received First Communion, and Confirmation at St. John’s Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. She also attended the Wilno Catholic School. Francie attended Country School District #48 a half mile from her home, graduating from the 8th grade on August 9, 1929. Since she was a small child, she worked in the fields along side her father using work horses, and she helped with the other farm chores. She learned how to play the banjo and accompanied her fiddle playing father at dances in the area. When she was 18, she left home to live with Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dankowski, her uncle and aunt in St. Paul; and while there, she worked at a pottery factory where she handpainted designs. She also worked as a maid in one of the mansions in St. Paul At age 19, she came home to become the bride of Walter Ratajczak, and they were married on Nov. 20, 1933. To this union six children were born, Edward, Henry, Marian, Marcellus, Clara, and Ervin. The family farmed at several different locations in Lincoln County before settling on the Bernard Dankowski farm one mile north of Ivanhoe. This farm had been owned by Francie’s grandfather, Bernard Dankowski. She worked along side Walter in the fields and barns and even had her own John Deere tractor that she drove. Walter and Francie formed an orchestra early in their marriage and played old time dance music within the Ivanhoe area for over 40 years, being primarily known as “Walter’s Gang.” She self-taught herself to play the accordion and accompanied Walter’s fiddle for many area couple’s wedding dances.
After Walter’s death in 1975, she joined a group called The Country Classic’s and continued with her musical career. In addition to the dance band, she also belonged to the Wilno Church Choir for which Francie received The Bishop’s Medal of Service in 1997 for over 60 years of service. She then was a cook at the Country Corner Café in Ivanhoe for several years before retiring. She moved off the farm to her home in Ivanhoe in 1991, and then to the Divine Providence Nursing Home in 2004. She had a green thumb and grew a large garden, with a special love for flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter; one sister, Ladislaia Popowski; and three brothers, Anzelm, Thaddious, and Stanley Citterman. Also preceding her were two grandchildren, James Ratajczak and Tammy Jo Ratajczak; two great grandchildren, Wesley Sik, Jr., and Travis McMahon.
Surviving her are her children, Edward (Sharon) Ratajczak, Ivanhoe; Henry (Agnes) Ratajczak, Lake Park; Marian (Stuart) Irwin, Omak, Wash.; Marcellus (Sharon) Ratajczak, Sabin; Clara (Marcellus) Sik, Ivanhoe, and Ervin (Sue) Ratajczak of Fargo, N.D. Her sisters, Hedwig Ratajczak, Ivanhoe; Phyllis (Floyd) Marczak. Ivanhoe; brothers, Norbert (Hedwig) Citterman, Ivanhoe; and Chester (Delores) Citterman, Mundelein, Ill. Sister-in-laws, Florene Citterman of Baltimore, Md.; and Betty Citterman, Wisconsin. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 19 step-grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
Joyce Rein
Joyce Rein, age 69, of Canby, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 28 with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home and will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Joyce Elaine Rein was born May 18, 1938, in Canby to Carl and Florence (Swenson) Rein. She graduated from Canby High School in 1956. She was employed at Senior Haven for 36 years until her retirement in 2002.
She was a very loving and compassionate person. Her memory was an asset everyone depended on with Trivia being her specialty. She loved watching TV especially news and game shows. The love of her life was her dogs. She looked forward to her summer vacations with her favorite being Duluth.
Joyce is survived by one sister, Marie (Gene) Ferguson of Greenville, Wis.; nieces, Cindy (Mark) Lambert of West St. Paul; Dawn (John) Recine of Los Angeles, Calif., and nephews, Steven Ufkin of Ft. Meyers, Fla.; Jeff Ufkin of Coon Rapids, and Timothy (Stacie) Ferguson of Hortonville, Wis., along with many caring friends and neighbors in Canby.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Florence and sisters, Carol Ufkin and baby, Marilyn.
Burna Olive Rhea
Burna Olive Rhea, 80 of Canby, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Canby.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at Nicolai Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Scott Muehlberg officiating. Visitation will be Friday, June 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be at the rural Marble Cemetery in Canby.
Burna was born Oct. 14, 1925, in rural Deuel County, S.D., the daughter of Lloyd and Ida (Hofland) Johnson. She was confirmed and baptized in the Lutheran faith. She attended country school and graduated from high school at Brandt, S.D., after her education she was employed at the creamery in Brandt, Bank of Hendricks and the Hendricks Hospital.
She married Norwood Hoseck, to which five sons were born. Norwood passed away in August of 1962. Burna held various jobs until she married Gerald Rhea on Aug. 17, 1975. She was a lifetime member of the Marble Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening, working with her flowers and especially visiting with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Gerald of Canby; three sons and their wives, Donald (Chris) of Moundsview; David (Ann) of Madison; and Bradley (Maxine) of Buffalo; and one sister, Leona (James) Rhea of Canby/Nisswa; plus many nieces and nephews.
She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren: Tim and Amy Hoseck; Carrie Hoseck; Sarah, Steven, and Laura Hoseck; Hope and Wayne Hoseck; Douglas and Lisa Sherf; Sheila Stinson and her great-grandchildren: Adeline and Lilah Hoseck; Jaden Perkins and Avery Sherf.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers and two sons, Gene and Wayne.
Leonard Richards
Funeral Service for Leonard Richards, 89, of Minneota, were Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneota.
Leonard was born on Nov. 14, 1917, in rural Minneota to JoE and Lillie (Herborg) Richard. He grew up and attended rural school near Minneota. On July 20, 1945, Leonard married Dorys Gislason at Elbow Lake. Leonard worked hard at a variety of jobs. He drove livestock trucks, shelled corn, farmed for Vic and Elvira Josephson, owned the grocery store in Taunton, worked for McLaughlin and Schultz, farmed for 20 years for Don Gorecki, and drove school bus. Leonard was known for wearing his cowboy hats, in fact the girls he drove on the school bus would pat his cowboy hat for good luck. He and his family kept the Mustang for SMSU in addition to other horses. Leonard was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and he mowed the St. Paul Cemetery. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Zuhrah Temple, Canby Area Shrine Club and Silver Spur Saddle Club. He also enjoyed entertaining friends, bowling, golfing, reading, playing cards and pool at the Roundup Club, but what he enjoyed most was being Santa Claus at Christmas time for over 30 years.
Leonard died on Saturday, January 27, 2007, at the Hendricks Community Hospital.
He is survived by his wife Dorys, children Yvonne (Bob) Sussner, Kathy (Robert) Gorecki, Gary Richards and Cyndy (Tom) Benedict, grandchildren Sean, Jason and Ryan Sussner, Heather (Dalathean) LeGrand and Rustin Gorecki, Eric and Dan Uschold, Great-grandchildren Elexsis, Dalathean Jr., and Jayda LeGrand, Lemmona and Akasha Gorecki and Ivy Uschold and three sisters, Carol (Bus) Burniece of Minneapolis, Christine Severtson of Seattle, WA and Martha (Chuck) Sovie of Torrance, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Virgil and Elmo.
Bernard Ries
Bernard “Barney” Ries, age 80, of Canby, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, at Sanford Health Canby Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10:30 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Visitation will be Friday from 4-8 pm at Birk Funeral Home with prayer service at 7 p.m. and a rosary to follow. Visitation will resume on Saturday at the funeral home from 9:30-10 a.m. Father Tony Hesse will be the Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Canby.
Military rites will be provided by St. Leo American Legion Post 524 and the Canby Military Honor Squad. Memorials are preferred to St. Peter’s Catholic School. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Barney was born Sept. 6, 1926, in Kranzburg, S.D., the son of Joseph and Edna (Engwell) Ries. He was a graduate of Clear Lake High School in 1944. In 1946, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. He was discharged in 1948 and a few years later, he married Barbara Walter in Clear Lake, S.D., on Aug. 20, 1951. At one point, he was owner of the Red Owl in Gary, S.D., from 1962-67. That same year, the couple moved to Canby, which is where they have resided since then. In 1972, Barney started with Jim’s Super Valu. Barney was the produce manager at Jim’s Super Valu in Canby for 25+ years and worked semi-retired at the market for the next five years.
Barney was a member of both the Canby VFW and St. Leo American Legion. He became a lifetime member of the Canby VFW. He will be remembered for his love for music. Barney played drums and sang for many dance bands in this area. In his spare time he would be: listening to Twins play, square-dancing, attending pot-luck parties, watching westerns and listening to country music. He will be remembered for his strong devotion and faith in the Lord.
He is survived by his wife, Barb of Canby; son, Tom (Michelle) of Marshall; daughter, Mary (Steve) Milligan of Bloomington, Ill.; son, Robert (Jen) of Worthington; five grandchildren; brother, Clay of New Mexico and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his daughter, Sue; parents; and one brother.
Arnold Rogne
Arnold Rogne, age 86, of Canby, passed away Monday, Oct. 29, 2007, at Sanford Canby Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Birk Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. The Reverend Katherine Rood will officiate. Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, rural Canby. Online registry is at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Arnold was born Nov. 11, 1920, in rural Canby, the son of Theadwell and Gunda (Orvold) Rogne. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. As a boy, he attended the District 81 country school in Hammer Township. Arnold was married to Frances Kulla in Wilno. For a brief time, the couple farmed near Canby. In the early 1950’s, the couple bought a farm near Gary, S.D., and lived there for 50 years. Besides farming the land, Arnold raised Brown Swiss dairy cows. In 2000, Arnold and his wife moved into Canby.
In his spare time, he enjoyed listening to old-time music. Arnold was blessed with his ability to play the guitar and accordion. For many years, he and his friend, Harold Madsen would play at community or church events, at nursing homes or any place were people were gathered. Over the years they played for many people and became very well-known in the area. He also liked to read about the history of the early pioneers and Indians, visiting with friends, woodworking, going for drives in the country and was active in the Canby Depot restoration.
Survivors include his wife, Frances of Canby; two children, Doris Olson of Canby and Sharon Ekern of Elbow Lake; three grandchildren, Terry Olson of Canby, Michael Ekern of St. Joseph, and Sharlotte (Ray) Alu of Porter; four great grandchildren, Tara Olson, Cassy Raaum, Tom and Sean Alu; sister, Norma Heise of Madison; two brother-in-laws, Paul Kulla of Wilno and Lavern Sontag of Ivanhoe.
He was preceded by his parents; two brothers, Alvin and Elmer; four sisters, Clarice Oellien, Ethyl Forland, Agnes Sontag, and Josie Bradesen.
Bernice T. Roles
Mass of christian burial was held for Bernice T. (Eischens) Roles, 81, on Friday, July 7, 2006 at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall. Father Jerry Meidl officiated, organist was Dana Funk. Honorary casket bearers were Patrick, Mark and Chad Roles; Mary Jo Helland; David, Francis and Brian Bekaert; Michael Van Overbeke; Kim Schumacher; Val Schreiber; Tristan and Victor Peterson. Casket bearers were Anne Van Overbeke; Sarah, Kristen and Scott Roles; Steve and Christ Schreiber; Rickey and Craig Peterson. Interment was at St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, St. Leo; Father Tony Hess officiated. Roles passed away July 3, 22006 at Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, S. D.
Bernice T. Eischens was born October 23, 1924 at St. Leo to John and Magdalene (Baierl) Eischens. She was baptized in St. Leo in 1924.
Eischens was united in marriage to Eugene Roles on October 26, 1949 at St. Leo. The couple farmed until they moved to Marshall in 1995. Roles was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church and Women’s Society, Catholic Aid and a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Marshall. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, spending time with all her family.
She is survived by her children, Lawrence (Rita) Roles, Dodge Center, Marilyn (Dennis) Rasche, Blue Earth, Alice (Tom) Van Overbeke, North Ridgeville, Ohio, Lambert Roles, Marshall, Donna (Terry) Schreiber, Taunton, John Roles, Cottonwood, Annette roles, Marshall and Rosemary (Rick) Peterson, Minneota; 20 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; sisters, Genevieve Jelen, Florence Braun, Magdalene Kapolczinski, and Lillian (Sylvester) Sanow, brothers Mervin (Velma) Eischens and Silverius (Marcella) Eischens.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.
Rosella C. Rybinbski
Rosella C. Rybinski, age 65, longtime resident of Ivanhoe, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Hendricks Hospital.
A visitation for Rosella will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. Prayer services with rosary to follow will be held at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church. Visitation will resume Saturday one hour prior to mass. Father Andy Michels will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow at St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery in Wilno.
Casketbearers will be Nick Citterman, Tony Citterman, Kurt Oellien, Nathan Oellien, Andy Schmitt, and Austin Dritz.
Family services provided by Birk Funeral Home in Ivanhoe. To share an online remembrance of Rosella, please see: www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Rosella Catherine was born Sept. 30, 1942, in Swede Prairie Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Nicholas and Susan (Schmitt) Kockelman. She attended Catholic School in St. Leo, and went on to graduate from Canby High School.
On Aug. 29, 1961, Rosella was united in marriage to Joseph Rybinski at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno.
She was an active member of St. John Cantius Catholic Church, was President of the Altar Rosary Society, and a member of the Hospital Auxiliary in Ivanhoe. She was extremely organized and liked things to be clean and neat. She enjoyed helping others and dedicated much of her life to her family; she especially loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Rosella will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her loving husband, Joe; children, Michael Rybinski (Laurie) of Ivanhoe; Patricia (Bill) LeBrun of Reading; Ronald (Judy) Rybinski of Hendricks; and Joseph, Jr. (Shelly) Rybinski of Ivanhoe; grandchildren, Lauren, Miranda, and Morgan LeBrun; Megan and Ryan Rybinski; and Emily, Joseph, Anthony, and Lucas Rybinski; siblings, Pauline (Marion) Oellien of Canby; Audrey (Emil) Citterman of Ivanhoe; Silve (Karen) Kockelman of Watertown, SD; and Elaine (Lee) Dritz of Porter; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Leroy Saltee
Funeral services for World War II Veteran Leroy Saltee, age 87, of Gary, S.D., will be Friday Sept. 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Canby. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Leroy passed away on Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at the VA Hospital, Sioux Falls, after battling lung cancer.
Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary. Pallbearers will be his nephews. Music will be provided by Karen Olson, organist and LeeAnn Honken, soloist.
Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at the Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake, S.D., and will resume Friday at the church one hour prior to the service at the church.
Leroy was born Nov. 3, 1919, and grew up in Burr. His parents Hulda and Lars Saltee operated the Burr Store. At the age of 16 he started hauling grain with his dad.
Dec. 27, 1941, Leroy was united in marriage to Margaret Hinsdale. On April 28, 1942, Leroy was called to serve his country in the Army during WWII. He served in the Aleutian Island, France, Germany, and Austria. September 1946 Leroy was discharged and returned home to his wife and first daughter Joyce. Later they had two more daughters Pat and Peggy.
Leroy drove truck for Swift & Company in Montevideo, for 33 years. He managed a liquid propane business in Montevideo before retiring.
During retirement he drove school bus and had a small engine and appliance repair business in his garage. For the past 25 years Leroy and Margaret wintered in San Benito, Texas, and spent the rest of the year at Lake Cochrane, where they had remodeled the old Lake Cochrane Resort.
He was a member of the East Highland Lutheran Church, rural Brandt, S.D. He was also a member of the Peden-Cole American Legion Post #109 in Gary. His commitment to his family and his country are the hallmarks of his 87 years.
Leroy is lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret (Hinsvark); three daughters Joyce (Bill) Ramige of Glencoe; Pat (Don) Brown of Tucson, Ariz.; Peggy (Kenny) Honken of Waterville; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; four sisters and a cousin who was raised as a brother: Jean (Bud) Hansen of Canby, Marylin (Don) Baerenwald of Montevideo; Arlene Noeman of Montevideo, Mavis Leese of Canby; Bob (Jan) Tesch of Omaha, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews.
Leroy is preceded in death by his parents Hulda and Lars Saltee, and a sister Mildred Nomeland.
David Schubert
David Joseph Schubert, 60, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2007, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames after a courageous three year battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, March 29, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with Father Ivan Nienhaus presiding.
Schubert was born on April 22, 1946, in Jackson to Aloysius and Margaret Schubert. He grew up with six brothers and sisters on a farm between Canby and Madison. He graduated from Madison High School where he excelled in gymnastics.
He was a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran and served his country honorably from 1964 to 1968. He was stationed aboard the USS Constellation and the USS Coral Sea.
He completed an associate degree in Fire Science from San Diego Community College in California and served briefly on the National City Fire Dept (in California). He retired from the Ames Fire Department in 2004 after 20 years of committed service. He also enjoyed employment with Conley Trucking.
He married Roberta Pistulka on Feb. 18, 1978, and celebrated 29 years of marriage with her in 2007. He loved the ocean, playing tennis and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. His passion was riding his motorcycle in the Run for the Wall. He enjoyed coaching his daughter in sports and was also her greatest fan.
Schubert is survived by his wife, Robbie Schubert of Ames; son, Michael (Ann) Kernodle and grandchildren David, Mari, Jake and Gabriel, all of Graham, North Carolina; daughter, Stephanie Schubert of Ames; mother, Margaret “Peg” Schubert of Canby; sisters, Judy (Lew) Shaver and Mary (Jim) Harkins, all of Canby; brothers, Mark (Bernie) Schubert of Canby and Daniel (Anna) Schubert of Marshall; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Maxine Pistulka of Redwood Falls; and many other loving family members including nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, Al; brothers, Michael and Patrick; and his dog, Cujo.
Andrew Schuelke
Funeral services for Andrew Schuelke, 55, were held on July 5, 2006 at the United Church of Christ in Marietta. Andrew John Schuelke died on June 30, 2006. Rev. Brad Larson and Rev. Cynthia Huse officiated at the service with special music provided by Shelly Schafer and Dennis Hoyles. Military honors were provided by the American Legion, Meyer-Thompson Post 536. Casket bearers were Dean Wildung, Kevin Wildung, Brad Wittenebel, Alan Roggenbuck, Allen Longhenry and Curtis Longhenry. Interment was at Augusta Cemetery, rural Marietta.
Andrew John Schuelke was born August 24, 1950 in Milbank, S. D. to robert and Marita (Spors) Schuelke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Catholic Church of Nassau.
Schuelke attended grade school in Nassau and graduated from Marietta High School in 1969. Following graduation he joined the United States Army National Guard and served until his honorable discharge.
Schuelke was united in marriage to Patricia Farmer at the United Church of Christ in Marietta on April 8, 1972.
He enjoyed farming and raising cattle; horses, watching and judging rodeo’s, camping, and woodcrafting. He was active in the United Church of Christ, where he served as Chairman for several years.
Schuelke is survived by his mother; his wife; one daughter, Dee Dee (Duane) Behnke, of Canby; four grandchildren; 2 sisters, Cathy (James) Clark, of Marietta, Martha (Michael) Fluegel of Morris; three brothers, Mark (Diane) Schuelke, of Madison, Tom (Cindy) Schuelke of Nassau, and roger (Trish) Schuelke of Marietta.
He was preceded in death by his father, and one nephew.
Harry E. Schulte
Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Harry E. Schulte, 87, of Gary, will be on Friday, Oct. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Gary.
Father Brian Simon will celebrate.
Schulte passed away at the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center in Clear Lake, S.D., on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, after a long illness with cancer.
Burial, with military honors presented by the Peden-Cole American Legion Post #109 of Gary, will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Flicek, Donald Bekaert, Bob Keimig, Jerry Keimig, Elmer Fritz, Gene Schulte, Darwin Stoltenburg and Jim Schulte.
A prayer services will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, in St. Peter’s Catholic, Gary. Music will be provided by Dorothy Sander, organist and Jan Olsen, song leader.
Schulte was born on July 9, 1919, to Josephine (Schuler) and Harry G. Schulte in Yellow Medicine County. After graduating from Gary High School, Gary, he farmed with his father for several years. In 1941, heentered the Army with the 164th Infantry and served in World Was II for four years, four months and four days in the South Pacific. Heearned several medals and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Schulte and the love of his life, Iona Miller, were married on Feb. 28, 1949. They farmed near Gary for several years and had three children: Barbara, Susan and Jim. They then moved to Bradenton, Fla., where they lived for 10 years and where Harry worked as a carpenter building custom homes. They then lived in Wabasso for two years before returning to Gary in 1962. There Harry and Iona ran the hardware store. Harry later joined H-D Electrical Cooperative in Clear Lake, working there as an electrician until he retired.
Schulte is perhaps best known for his many skills, including carpentry, electrician work, mechanical ability, general trouble-shooting and repairing skills. He is also known for his sense of humor. n fact, one of his doctors described him as “a jolly fellow”. Harry and Iona are long-time members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary. Hevolunteered his time making repairs and maintaining the building as well as being responsible for locking and unlocking the church for Mass and other church activities. He was on the church board for several years. He also served on the NTC Board of Directors during his retirement and volunteered at Gary Historical Society functions. He was a past member of the Gary Fire Department, the American Legion and the Gary School Board. He especially loved to travel.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Iona (Miller) Schulte; two daughters, Barbara Thurman, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Susan Schulte, Eden Prairie; one son, Jim Schulte, Spearfish, S.D.; three grandchildren: Gabrielle (Chris) Seeley, Genevieve (Joshua) Summers and Eve Schulte; one great-grandchild, Samuel Seeley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry G. and Josephine (Schuler) Schulte, one brother, Bernard Schulte and one sister, Mary Anderson.
Teresa Schulte
Teresa Schulte, age 25, of Gary, S.D., passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at the Flandreau Medical Center in Flandreau, S.D.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 30, at 1 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Gary. Birk Funeral Home of Canby is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
Teresa Annette Wiederich was born Jan. 16, 1982, to Terry and Susan (Broten) Wiederich in Marshall. She graduated from Marshall High School in 2000. In August of 2000, Teresa was united in marriage to Benjamin Schulte. To this union three children were born. They made their home in Gary, where Teresa stayed home with their children.
Her enjoyments in life were spending time with her kids and family, riding horse, hanging out with friends and watching TV.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Ben and her three children, Chad, Katlyn and Sierra of Gary; her parents, Terry (Sue) Wiedrich of Gary; sister, Tami Wepsala; paternal grandparents, Gordy (Dolly) Belkie of Clearwater; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bucky (Rose) Schulte of Amiret; brother-in-law, Jeremy (Carrie) Schulte and children Jayden and Shayla of Wabasso; and a sister-in-law, Michelle (Nick) Roberts and children, Kylie and Treyton of Amiret.
She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Doug Schulte.
Lorraine Balm Schuttler
Lorraine Balm Schuttler, 92, died on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at the Hubbard Hill Estates, Elkhart, Indiana.
Lorraine Schuttler was born July 9, 1914 in Canby to William R. and Arilda (Lynn) Schuttler.
She was a junior high school teacher for 40 years, teaching English and drama. She started teaching in 1937 in a one-room school in Brandt, SD. She most recently had taught in Fergus Falls,. She moved to Elkhart, Indiana. in 2001.
She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls,a nd attended Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren in Elkhart.
Schuttler is survived by one sister, Virginia (Dwight) Roush of Elkhart.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Carl, Ernest and Francis Schuttler.
Blanche Schwartz
Blanche D. Schwartz, 95, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of the Canby area, passed away on Friday, Dec. 1, 2006, at the St. Francis Nursing Home in Memphis. She will be interred with six other family members at the ZCBJ (Bohemian) Cemetery in Hansonville Township, rural Canby.
She was born July 11, 1911, in Norman Township of Yellow Medicine County to Joseph L. and Mary (Kapinos) Schwartz. She graduated from Canby High School where she also received her teacher training.
She continued her education by receiving three college degrees: a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moorhead State University, Moorhead; a Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.; and an EdD degree from the University of Indiana at Bloomington, Ind. She also completed graduate work at the Duluth branch of the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Washington as well as the Duluth Art Institute and the John Herron Art School in Indianapolis.
Her teaching experience included the teaching of young people from kindergarten through the college level. As a professor of art at Memphis State University in Memphis she set up a special arts program in weaving as well as becoming director of graduate studies and research.
As an arts and crafts designer, she exhibited work in design, pottery and ceramics, art crafts and weaving as well as water color and oil paintings.
She published a special book “Expressing Myself in the Visual Arts” which included photos of her original works as well as written critiques of each piece by her sister,
Two special awards she received were “Teacher of the Year, 1970-1971” from Memphis State University and “Distinguished Alumni Award, 1981” from Moorhead State University.
Her art work has been donated to Christian Brothers University, Memphis, who first exhibited her work in February 2001.
She is survived by two sisters: Martha Dee Guthrie of Dallas, Texas, and Edna S. Cross of Miami, Fla.; a brother, Glenn W. Schwartz of Roseville; one niece and five nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joe, Jr. and Frank J. Schwartz; sisters: Barbara Schwartz, Mary Bresson, Dr. Julia Schwartz,
Anna L. Scwartz, and Libbie Cornell.
Michael Lloyd Schwartz
Micheal Lloyd Schwartz, age 56, of Dawson, passed away Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at his home.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, March 5, at 10:30 am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Inurnment will be in Canby City Cemetery. Online registry is at www.birkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home in Canby.
Mike was born on Jan. 26, 1952, the son of Lloyd and Myrtle (Johnson) Schwartz in Canby. He was baptized and confirmed at East Highland Lutheran Church. He attended country school and Canby High School. Mike was married to Cherry Milton and to this union three sons were born-Marcus, Philip and Steven. In 1985, he met Joyce Lindquist and they have been close companions ever since.
Mike has driven truck all of his life for other companies as an owner/operator. His pastimes were fishing, camping, hunting, watching old westerns, and his dog, Missy.
He is survived by three sons, Marcus (Crystal) of Clarkfield and their son, Spencer, Philip of Clarkfield, and Steven (fiancée, Heather Groenhoff) of Dawson, one brother, Lonny of Madison, and his close friend and companion, Joyce Lindquist.
Preceding him in death were his parents: three brothers, Harvey, Terry and Doug.
Greta Shawstad
Greta Ruth Shawstad, 63 Moorhead, passed away on February 18, 2007 at her home. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Fargo, N. D. Interment was at the Hawley Cemetery, Hawley.
Greta Ruth Magnuson was born on January 31, 1944 to Gustave and Renora (Mostrom) Magnuson in Hendricks,. She grew up and received her education in Canby, where she graduated from high school in 1962. She attended Moorhead State University where she received her degree in elementary education in 1965. After college she became an elementary teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Fargo, N. D. She taught her whole career in Fargo and was currently a second grade teacher at Lewis and Clark Elementary School.
On July 27, 1968, she was united in marriage to Jerome Shawstad in Canby. Following their marriage they made their home in Moorhead.
Shawstad is survived her husband, Jerome; two sons, David of Detroit Lakes and Michael of Moorhead; one brother, Grant (Paulette) Magnuson of Fargo and two grandchildren.
Vernon Edward Shepherd
Vernon Edward Shepherd, age 89, of Canby, passed away Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. at Gary United Methodist Church in Gary, S.D. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby. Visitation will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Katherine Rood will officiate. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Gary. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Vernon was born July 1, 1918, in Herrick Township, Deuel County, S.D., the son of Edward and Angeline (Franz) Shepherd. As a boy, he attended Hauger School which is a few miles east of Gary. He was baptized and attended Gary United Methodist Church. Vernon farmed all of his life with his brother, Leroy. His biggest enjoyment was children and especially enjoyed the times when his nephews & niece would visit the farm. In his spare time, Vernon enjoyed dances, playing cards, listening to polka music, gardening and fishing.
Survivors include his brother, Leroy Shepherd of Canby; nephews, David (Elaine) Sandquist, Steven (Barb) Sandquist, both of Marshall and Ronald Sandquist of Minot, N.D.; niece, Karen (Todd) Miller of Marshall; great nephews and nieces, Robert Sandquist of Marshall, Melissa Sandquist of Winona, Cassie, Carrie, Caitland and Cristopher Miller all of Marshall; sister-in-law, Doris Shepherd of Marietta.
He was preceded by parents; brother, Harold; sister, Ilene Sandquist; brother-in-law, Maurice Sandquist.
Ward Shepherd
Ward Shepherd, age 81, of Marietta, passed away Monday, Aug. 20, 2007, at the Hendricks Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Gary United Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Sam Sunandkumar will officiate. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. Online registry at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
He was born on Feb. 15, 1926, the son of Verni and Hilda (Thompson) Shepherd. After attending Gary Public School, he finished his education at McKinley Public School in Washington D.C. While in school he delivered telegrams on his bicycle in Washington D.C. and also delivered newspapers at the same time for both the Washington Post and the Herald Times. During WW II, he helped build Liberty ships in California and then joined the Merchant Marines and sailed on the “Marore” (Steamship) for most of 1947.
In 1948, he married Mary Anne Thomas of Gary, S.D., and began farming on the south end of Lake Cochrane. There they began their family and in 1958 they moved to Silver Spring, Md., where they had two more children. They bought a farm in 1968 in Manfred Township and started dairy and stock cow farming once again and continued until they retired in 1984. They enjoyed time at their lake cabin in Northern Minnesota and traveling together.
His hobbies included motorcycle riding, reading, hiking in the woods. He was a member of Gary United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Mary Anne of Marietta; children, Ole (Gail) of St. James, Wesley (Joyce) of Marietta, Anna (Dan) of Marshall, Kent of Marshall, and Tina (Lane) of Renner, S.D.; 18 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one sister, Shirley (Jule) of Middleberg, Va.. Also three sister-in-laws, Jean Hinsvark of Gary, Violet Thomas of Clear Lake, S.D., and Lucille Thomas of Gardner, Mont., and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded by his parents and an infant daughter.
Irwin Sik
Mass of Christian Burial for Irwin Sik will be on Friday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 14 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 and rosary to follow. Visitation will continue at the funeral home at 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Father Tony Hesse will be the celebrant of Mass. Interment will be in the St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery in Wilno. For online condolences please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Irwin Sik was born on April 26, 1934, in Hendricks Township, Lincoln County, Minnesota to Roman and Anna (Summervold) Sik. Irwin was baptized, received his First Holy Communion, and was confirmed at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno.
He lived all his life farming with his dad and brother, Jerry, and also was a farm hand for his neighbors. Irwin and his brother Jerry moved to Canby in July of 2004.
Irwin passed away on Feb. 7, 200,8 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Irwin is survived by his siblings: Gerald Sik of Canby; Dolores (Eddie) VanDerostyne of Canby; Phyllis (Ray) Popowski of Ivanhoe; Gene Sik of Astoria, S.D.; Diane (Gary) Prescott of Redwood Falls; Duane Sik of Marshall and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Alvin, Stanley and an infant brother; and one sister, Alice.
Charles Edward Simonson and Marcella Jean Simonson
Funeral services for Charles Simonson, 75, and Marcella Simonson, 71, were held on Friday, October 6, 2006, at the Dawson Covenant Church in rural Dawson with Pastor Darin Towle officiating. The Simonson’s passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2006 as the result of a car accident.
Charles Edward Simonson was born on March 19, 1931, to Edward C. and Charlotte (Johnson) Simonson on the family farm in Omro Township. He lived with his parents and one sister on the family farm throughout his childhood. He attended the Mission Covenant Church and was confirmed on June 23, 1046. He attended Dawson school through 8th grade and completed his GED while serving in the armed forces. He joined the Army National Guard in 1950 and was called to active duty in 1951 and was honorably discharged on November 25, 1952.
Marcella Jean Cleath was born on September 20, 1935, to Walter and Irene (Lange) Cleath in Minneapolis She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis. After graduation she worked at Harold’s (a women’s clothing store) as an assistant buyer. She was baptized at the Mission Covenant Church on February 22, 1970, the day she joined the church.
Marcella Cleath and Charles Simonson were married on August 3, 1956 in Minneapolis. For a short time they lived in Minneapolis and then moved to the Simonson family farm where they farmed until 1993 when they retired.
Mr. Simonson was active in the community as well as a Yellow Medicine County Commissioner for eight years, a member of the St. Leo American Legion, a member of the Lincoln/Lyon Pipestone Rural Water Project, a driver for Yellow Medicine County and the VA and a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading socializing and the occasional good debate on any topic.
Mrs. Simonson was an active member of the Dawson Covenant Church as a choir member, Sunday school teacher, Covenant Women, youth group counselor, she was on the church board and was a deacon. She was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party and was active in the local caucuses. She enjoyed flower gardening, baking, making Barbie clothes, singing and spending time with family and friends.
The couple is survived by their four children, Donna (George) Willette of DeGraff Scott Simonson and Karen Nielsen of Beresford, S. D., Pam (Frank) Youell of Prophetstown, IL, and Allen (Stephanie) Simonson of rural Canby; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his sister Shirley (Ralph) Girdner of Afton, W. V.; her sister and brothers, Violet (Joe) Falter of Umpga, OR, Luke (Betty) Cleath of Marcell, Walter (Helen) Cleath of Coon Rapids, and James (Sharon) Cleath of Cross Lake; her sister-in-law, Brenda Cleath of Pittsburgh, PA; and many nieces and nephews.
They were preceded in death by their parents and an infant son, Steven; Wally Elverud, Dorrance (Betty) Elverud, Luis (Patsy) Elverud, Eugene Cleath, Kate (Eric) Holin, and Michael Willette.
Sophie Skorczewski
Sophie Skorczewski, Ivanhoe, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2008, at Divine Providence Nursing Home in Ivanhoe.
She was born July 5, 1917, in Royal Township, the daughter of Leo and Mary Biranowski. She received all sacraments at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. On May 23, 1944, Sophie was united in marriage to Jack Skorczewski. The couple lived on a farm in Marble Township for 32 years. They later moved to Ivanhoe, where they have resided since 1976. Sophie was a member of the Rosary Society, Divine Providence Auxiliary, Marble Marvels Extension Club, and the Ivanhoe Senior Citizen’s. She enjoyed baking, gardening, playing Bingo, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years: Jack; children: Ron (Dorothy) Skorczewski of Canby and Patty (Chuck) DeVos of Marshall; son-in-law: Roger Kulla of Marshall; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers: John (Clara) Biranowski of Ivanhoe and Emil Biranowski of Klamath Falls, Ore.; sisters: Irene Fleahman of Ivanhoe, Stella Jerzak of Ivanhoe, and Emily (John) Ranisate of Cameron, Wis.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter: Jane Kulla; brothers: Frank and Walter; and sister: Helen.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, March 11, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. Father Andy Michels was the celebrant. Interment was at St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery in Wilno.
Active Casketbearers were Cory Skorczewski, Wes Skorczewski, Chad Kulla, Justin Kulla, Chris DeVos, and Doug DeVos.
Denis Norbert Snyder
Mass of Christian burial for Denis Norbert Snyder, 68, of Clarkfield was held on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the St. Leo Catholic Church, St. Leo, with burial at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Canby. Mr. Snyder passed away on November 4, 2007 at the Granite Falls Hospital.
Denis Norbert Snyder was born June 3, 1939 near Minneota to Leonard and Mayme (Kloos) Snyder. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Leo Catholic Church, St. Leo and attended school in St. Leo and Canby.
Snyder was united in marriage to Alice Fae Hanson on December 30, 1961 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Canby.
Snyder was a boiler engineer at AMPI of Dawson for 45 years. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Montevideo.
Snyder enjoyed country music, watching the Minnesota Twins and football, and spending time and playing cards with his family and friends. Snyder and his wife enjoyed traveling and spent the last several years at their resort home in Pahrump, Nevada.
Snyder is survived by his wife, Alice; two sons, Brad of Marshall and Kevin (Vicki) of Coon Rapids,; one grandson, William; two brothers, Marvin (Char) of Pahrump, NV and Ronald of St. Leo; one sister, Gloria DeCramer of Granite Falls; and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; triple siblings, Lucille, Leonard and Louise; and one brother Donald.
Mary Anne Vance Snyder
Former Canby resident Mary Anne Vance was born in Minneapolis on Feb. 18, 1930, to Erma Veronica Hermish (youngest daughter of Czech immigrant-farmers in Canby) and Howard Cline Vance. Her father’s family came from Greenville, Ohio. Her mom, Erma Hemish Vance was very musical (played piano in a dance band before WWII) and worked as a bookkeeper and dental assistant for Dr. James in Canby.
She graduated from high school in Canby and loved music and dancing. Her love of animals started at home with her mom and sister Ruth, with the family dog Poochie. They had a lively household in Canby — a maternal grandmother and a couple of uncles were usually living with Erma and the girls.
After high school she headed for “The Cities”. She met and married Dale Snyder. Their son, John Vance Snyder was born on Aug. 4, 1959. Dale took John fishing and fostered John’s interest in the out-of-doors and Mary influenced everything from John’s curly hair to his love of crosswords, music, cats and causes.
Snyder worked for many years at Ogden Foods in downtown Minneapolis. Her proximity to downtown also meant that when the country cousins, sister, niece or friends visited, she always knew where the bargains were at Donaldson’s, Power’s (her favorite for years) or Dayton’s. A great day shopping meant Chinese food at the Nankin Restaurant downtown, great chocolate pie at “The Brothers” or maybe Carmel Corn at the shop near “The Brothers”.
She loved to come back to visit Canby. She attended every possible class reunion and enjoyed a fierce game of scrabble with cousin Erma Ochocki. Last year she taught her only grandnephew, Adam Carlson, how to play whist. She thought it was hilarious that he would only play “high” for the first six months since he hadn’t figured out “low”
Snyder always knew where to find a great restaurant and some great music. Her interest in music led her to become a jazz aficionado. The LaCrosse Jazz Festivals, the Thanksgiving weekend jazz events in Rhinelander, WI and her columns in “Downbeat” Magazine with information on Minneapolis jazz events were just a few of her favorite things to do. One entire hallway in her home was full of photos of jazz greats and the talented musicians she had met and photographed over the years. Her “jazzy” friends in later years helped her get to some events and she always had a blast. Speaking of blast, if you ever rode with her, jazz was always blasting away on the car stereo, and there was nothing wrong with her hearing!!
Mary Snyder had a big heart-her son and family, friends, environmental causes (Feline Rescue, Endangered Species Rescue, Save the Sea Otters), and a string of adopted street cats all benefited from it.
Her final illness and excellent care at Methodist Hospital ended on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007. Although her spirit was released, her memory will live in all of us who knew her and loved her. She said she wanted all of us to celebrate and not make her death a sad occasion!
She is survived by her son John Snyder, Minneapolis, sister Ruth Qualley, Phoenix, Ariz., nephew Phil Qualley, Neenah, Wis., niece Kay Qualley, Oshkosh, Wis., and grand-nephew Adam Carlson, Oshkosh, Wis., along with first cousin Erma Ochocki (Canby), first and second cousins, Canby and Minneapolis, and her many friends.
Ralph Soblom
Ralph Soblom was born on Feb. 10, 1927, in Providence Township, rural Dawson , the son of Frank and Laura (Carlson) Soblom. He was baptized and confirmed at the Dawson Covenant Church in rural Dawson and attended country school at District 38 through the eighth grade. He lived on the family farm where he farmed his entire life. Soblom was also employed at the Canby Sales Barn for 30 years, under three different owners.
He was a faithful member of the Providence Valley Lutheran Church, where he served on the church board and various committees, and sang in the choir for 60 years.
Soblom died early Friday morning, Jan. 18, 2008, at the Johnson Memorial Home in Dawson.
He is survived by his brother-in-law, Donald Anderson of rural Dawson; one niece, Kathie (Kirby) Sundt, and their sons, Zachary and Chayse of Brownsville, TX; cousins and many friends.
Preceding hin in death were his parents and sister, Margaret Anderson.
Funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Providence Valley Lutheran Church in rural Dawson with Pastor Gary Gabel officiating; scripture lessons were Psalm 90 and Luke 10:17-20. The music included: Providence Choir singing 'On A Cross'; soloist, Dean Pearson accompanied on the piano by, Joyce Pearson, singing 'Children of the Heavenly Father' and 'The King Is Coming' and organist, Arlys Swenson accompanying the singing of 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Wonderful Grace of Jesus.' Interment was in the church cemetery with Charles Pearson, Dean Pearson, Jon Lund, Bob Pehrson, Jim Pehrson and Roger Swenson serving as casketbearers.
Lavern Sontag
Lavern M. Sontag, age 94, of Ivanhoe, formerly a long time resident of Marshall, passed away on March 10, 2008, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby with Rev. Tony Hesse as celebrant. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 8 p.m. with rosary to follow. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be in the St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Canby. Military honors will be provided by Minneota American Legion Post 199. For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor’s choice.
Lavern M. Sontag was born on Nov. 24, 1913, to John and Johanna (Engel) Sonntag of Panama, Iowa. He attended parochial school until eighth grade. His mother died in 1920, he and his siblings then lived with relatives on their working farm. At the age of 13, he survived spinal meningitis. As a young adult, he moved to Canby, closer to friends, the Waltz’s. Lavern served as a PFC in the Army during WW II, seeing action in Siapan and the Philippine Islands.
In 1945, Lavern married Agnes E. Rogne in St. Peter’s Catholic Church sanctuary in Canby. To this union nine children were born. The couple made their homes in Canby, Gary, S.D., Ghent, a long time residence in Marshall, also Minneota, and Ivanhoe. He worked a variety of jobs: custodian, farming, owned and operated a restaurant, Marshall Produce, Swifts, Schwans.
He taught his children how to work hard by working together both in their youth and as adults. He was always willing to help with a construction project. It was a sight to see him walking around the block or to the park as a train of grandchildren riding Hotwheels, bicycles, and tots riding in a wagon grandpa was pulling and accompanying along his children. His other pleasure was growing and tending a large garden. Above all he socialized with everyone he met along his journey.
His mental health deteriorated notably after the death of his wife, Agnes in 1999. He was admitted to the Divine Providence Health Care Center in Ivanhoe in November of 2000. Due to the deteriorating health conditions, he was transferred to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, on Feb. 28, 2008.
Lavern is survived by his nine children, John (Bonnie) Sontag; Michael (Yvonne) Sontag; Mary (David) Hillman; Elizabeth (John) Prunty; Rita (Jerome) Bottelberghe; JoAnn (Steve) Rykhus; David (special friend, Nancy) Sontag; Thomas (Cindy) Sontag; Eric (Pamela) Sontag; twenty-eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Frances Rogne; brother-in-law, Lefty Loehr; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Agnes; and seven siblings, John Jr. Eupheisine, Leo, Laura, Eleanor, Marie, and Rosalie.
Robert “Bob” Speight
Robert “Bob” Speight, age 70, of Porter, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2008 at the Sanford Canby Medical Center.
Memorial Mass was Wednesday, March 19, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby with Father Tony Hesse as celebrant. Military Honors were provided by Porter American Legion Post 457 and Canby Military Honor Guard. Inurnment will be in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Canby at a later date.
Robert Charles Speight was born on July 11, 1937, the son of Arthur and Martha (Zinda) Speight. He attended Porter school and Canby High School. He was in the Army from 1956 to 1960 and served in the Korean War.
On June 8, 1963, he married Velda Henney in LaCrosse, Kan., and to this union two daughters were born, Pam and Tonya.
He worked for Stake construction for many years and also the telephone company in Canby and Farmington for 29 years. He started his own business of tree moving, tree stumping, chipped stumps and laid sod and he also owned the filling station in Porter. Bob collected old Buick cars and Ford tractors and antique horse drawn equipment. He was involved in the Doodlebug Club.
Bob is survived by his wife, Velda of Porter; his two children and their families, Pam (Lyndon) VanDeVeire of Canby and their three children: Melisa (Jason) Lick and their two children, Nathan and Jayden; Jamey VanDeVeire and his daughter, Ashlynn; and Kari VanDeVeire; Tonya (Brandt) Wynalda of Chartsworth, Calif., and their daughter, Grace, and they also have another child due in April. He is also survived by four siblings: Rosemary (Silas) Olson; Jerry (Neva) Speight; Katherine (Robert) Hoffman; and Jeannie (Roger) Bresser; many nieces, nephews and close friends in the Porter and Canby area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Arthur; and an infant brother.
Ruth Victoria Spittle
Ruth Victoria Spittle, age 84, of Hendricks, passed away on Saturday, May 26, 2007, at the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 31, at 10:30 am at Nicolai Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church. Rev. Scott Muehlberg will officiate. Burial will be in Nicolai Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
She was born Dec. 16, 1922, in Canby, the daughter of Edmund and Martha (Dahnke) Lueders. She was baptized and confirmed at Nicolai Lutheran Church. She attended District 41-Meadow Brooke School in Hammer Township, where she graduated from the 8th grade. She completed her education at West Central School of Agriculture in Morris in 1942.
On May 8, 1945, she married Kenneth Spittle in Canby, MN at Nicolai Lutheran Church. They made their home on a farm near Chokio, until they moved to Canby on Jan. 25, 1947, and continued farming in the area until 1969. Moved to rural Hendricks November 1969 and eventually moved into Hendricks Sept. 1996.
She was a lifelong member of Nicolai Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School for many years and was a member of LWML (Lutheran Women Missionary League). At one time, she worked in the Hendricks School Kitchen and Library. For several years, she also did babysitting for area families. She loved to give back to her community and she did so by volunteering at Hendricks Nursing Home by clearing tables at noon and giving ice water to the residents. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth of Hendricks; son, Voris (Sandie) of Brewster; daughter-in-law, Colleen Spittle of Elbow Lake; daughter, Peggy (Dennis) Schooler of Edmond, Okla.; son, Wallace (Elizabeth) of Mendota Heights; son, Wendell (Jeannie) of Northfield; daughter, Brenda (Al) Spittle of Minneapolis; daughter, Bonnie (Greg) Heintzeman of Marshall; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Mae Ohland of Gibbon and Alice Uphus of Glendora, Calif.; brother, David (Arlene) Lueders of Canby; sister-in-law, Alda Lueders of Canby.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Sidney and two brothers, Delbert and Paul.
Bernice Stamp
Bernice E. Stamp, 69, of Toronto and formerly Astoria, passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
She was born Jan. 14, 1939, in Lincoln County. Bernice graduated from Canby High School. On July 20, 1957, Bernice was united in marriage to Rodney Stamp at Marble Lutheran Church near Canby. The couple first lived in Astoria, and later moved to rural Astoria where they farmed for many years. Bernice was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Astoria, and was an avid fundraiser for Thrivent. She volunteered her time at the Toronto School, and was a member of the Toronto Coffee Club, Senior Citizen’s group, and the 60s+ meals. She found joy in feeding the birds and birdwatching, and truly loved tending to her garden.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years: Rodney; children: Sheila (Allen) Stroschein of Watertown, S.D., and Greg (Candace) Stamp of rural Astoria; grandchildren: Laura (Matt) Johnson, Lindsay (Ryan Krause) Stroschein, Shelby Stroschein, Morgan Stamp, Lynn (Michelle) Stroschein, and Jill (Barry) Correll; great-grandchildren: Madison Johnson, and Luke and Katelyn Stroschein; siblings: Delores, Marvin, Durvin (LaVonne), David (Susie), Audrey, Lorraine, and Sylvia (Chuck); numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation for Bernice will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Astoria. Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. funeral service on Monday, Jan. 28, at Bethel Lutheran Church. Rev. Carlene Rhody will officiate at the service. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in White, S.D.
Active Casketbearers will be Glen Hanna, Gordon Anderson, David Potts, Royal Klemm, Carol Budahl, and Wayne Knutson. Honorary Casketbearers will be Andy and Billie Andersen, Omey and Margaret Olson, Duane and Charlene Wallert, Delaine Nelson, The Coffee Club, and Senior Citizen’s Lunch Group.
Family services provided by Birk Funeral Home. To share a personal remembrance of Bernice online, please see: www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Clara Stanley
Funeral services for Clara Stanley, 78, of Madison were held on Tuesday, June 20 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Madison. Father Robert P. Goblirsch and Sister Vivian Peterson officiated at the service. Music was provided by family members. Pallbearers were Clara’s grandchildren, honorary casketbearers were the Christian Mother’s and the American Legion Auxiliary. Concluding services were held at St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery.
Clara Mary Mihm was born on September 30, 1927, in Ivanhoe, to Andrew and Mary (Ochocki) Mihm. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter & Paul’s Catholic Church. She attended country school at District 20 until 8th grade and then went on to graduate from Ivanhoe in 1945.
She was united in marriage to Robert Gale Stanley at St. Peter’s & Paul’s Catholic Church on June 25, 1946.
She raised her family until 1977 when she became a dispatcher for the Lac qui Parle County sheriff’s Department, working there until her retirement in 1992. She enjoyed quilting, reading, crossword puzzles, playing bingo, gardening, being a member of the Legion Auxiliary, cooking, bible study, going on trips and riding her bike around picking up cans.
Stanley is survived by her children, Mary Roche of Burnsville, Jan (Susan) Stanley of south Haven, Pat Stanley & friend Diana Fliss of Canby, Barb(Duaine) Goodno of North Potomac, MD, Mike (Candy) Stanley of Broomfield, CO, Kevin Stanley of Carmichael, CA, Karen (Larry) Parker of Tracy, Julie (Mark) Goff of Motley, Dan Stanley of St. Paul, and Peg (Margaret) Wentz of Rochester; 28 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; seven brothers and sister, Mathilda Phillips of Canby, Phillip (PEte) Mihm of St. Peter, Martha Carr of New Prague, Zita Marczak of Apple Valley, Kathleen Schisler of St. Louis, MO, John Mihm of Lamberton and Beverly Peterson of Arco.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; son-in-law Thomas Roche, a brother George and a sister Mary.
Lorraine Swenson
Lorraine M. Swenson, 98, of Canby, died Saturday Nov. 18, 2006, at the Sioux Valley Canby Campus Nursing Home.
Born May 4, 1908, to Tvert and Cora Nelson in Canby. She graduated from Canby High School and from the Mankato State Teachers College. She taught at various schools in southwestern Minnesota.
She married E. Elmo Swenson on June 27, 1936. She was a long time member of Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Arden Nelson of Camus, Wash., and her husband Elmo in 1975.
She is survived by her sons; Jim (LaDonna) of Duluth, and David (Donna) of Galveston, Texas. Brother, Truman (Vi) Nelson of Canby; three grandchildren Scott (Chaya) Swenson of Hopkins, Jana Swenson of Jackson, Ohio, and Tim Swenson of Texas. Eight great grandchildren and very special nieces and nephews of the Nelson family.
There will be a memorial service Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 1:30 p.m., at the Morris Nilsen Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave. S., Richfield. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.
Ramona Syltie
Funeral services for Ramona Syltie, age 77, of Porter, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Bethel Lutheran Church, Porter. Rev. Ellen Munter will officiate. Ramona passed away Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at the Sanford Canby Medical Center in Canby.
Inurnment will be in the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, Porter.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and will resume Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Ramona Ann (Fier) Syltie was born Sept. 8, 1930, in Alta Vista Township, Lincoln County. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith. She attended various country schools in Lincoln and Lyon Counties, High Schools in Ivanhoe, Minneota, and Canby, Minnesota. After graduating from Canby High School in May of 1947, she received her teacher’s training and started teaching country school at the age of 17. She received her teaching certificate from Mankato State Teachers College while teaching in Taunton, Porter, and several Rural Minnesota schools near these communities.
Ramona married Walter Syltie on June 18, 1956, and they moved to their farm in Alta Vista Township where she lived the rest of her life. During her life, Ramona was very active at Bethel Lutheran Church.
She loved little children and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. She was also active in BCLW, Circle, and served on several church committees. During her time on the farm, she was a 4-H Leader and was involved in Extension Club.
At the time of her death, Ramona was Alta Vista Township Treasurer and the Porter Legion Auxiliary Treasurer.
Ramona loved reading, playing cards, listening to old time music, and she was very proud of her orange cats. She really enjoyed spending time with her family. The annual family reunions were very important to her. She also spent countless hours participating in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.
Ramona is survived by her husband, Walter Syltie of Porter; her children, Chris Syltie of Marshall; Becky (Richard) Clayton of New London, and Walter (Jane) Syltie II of Brookings, S.D.; three grandchildren: Kelly Jo Syltie, John Syltie, and William Clayton; brothers and sisters: Rose Marie Hoffman, Harold (Nancy) Fier, Jim (Patricia) Fier, Adrienne (Eldon) Ouverson, Karen (Roger) Moody, Dennis (Martha) Fier, and Barbara Fier; sisters and brothers-in-law: Elvina Syltie, Agnes Johnson, Ella Blomberg, Cora Oehmcke, Laura Misner, James (Dora) Syltie, Jane (LaVerne) Dehlin, Peggy McLellon and many nieces and nephews.
Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, John and Celia Fier; and her sister, Doris Matthews.
Lena M. Syltie
Funeral services for Lena M. Syltie, of Mobile, AL were held on Saturday, August 19, 2006 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with interment at the Pine Crest Cemetery. Syltie passed away on August 15, 2006 at her home.
Mrs. Syltie was a native of Camden, Alabama and a long time resident of Mobile, Alabama.
She was a teacher at Westlawn School, Assistant Principal at Scarborough School, Principal at Maryvale School and Personnel Director for Barton Academy of the Mobile County Public Schools. Syltie was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served in the Navy during WWII. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma.
She is survived by two children Ann (Chip) Pierce of Mountain Brook, AL, David (Rev. Alice) Syltie of Huntsville, AL; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Olaf A. Syltie; one son, Dwayne E. Syltie and one grandson, Nicholas Franklin Pierce.
Steven Taylor
Steven D. Taylor, age 67, Waite Park, died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007, at his home after a battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Benson Funeral Home Chapel, St. Cloud. Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Burial with Military Honors will be Thursday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. in Gary Cemetery, Gary, S.D. A time of fellowship will follow burial.
Steven D. Taylor was born Feb. 7, 1940, in Hendricks, to John “Ray” and Velma (Lamm) Taylor. He married Glenda Ekern on March 9, 1962, in Brandt, S.D. Steven served in the US Marine Corps. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls, S.D., Eden Prairie, and Shakopee before moving to the St. Cloud area in 1974. Steven worked as a Lineman for NSP for 32 years retiring in 1997. Steven liked to fish and garden taking special pride in his Tomatoes. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at the lake cabin on Big Stone Lake.
Survivors include his wife, Glenda of Waite Park; daughter and sons,Natalie (Robert) Rein of St. Augusta,John (Angela) Taylor of SaukRapids, and Dan (Lynn Fenske) Taylor also of Sauk Rapids; brotherand sister, Wallace (Alice) Lureen of Shakopee, and Patricia (Roger) Bednar of East Gull Lake, and five grandchildren, Chelsea, Derek, Paige, Carlie, and Brianna. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Hank Bach of Bloomington, James (Maxine) Ekern of Sanford, Fla., and Curtis Ekern of Big Stone City, S.D., sisters-in-law, LaVonne (Duane) Rhyne of Clear Lake, S.D., Marlys (Stanley) Lenning of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Gloria (LeRoy “Buck”) Dessler of Gary.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth Bach, father and mother-in-law Oscar and Gladys Ekern, and two brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.
Raymond Telford
Raymond Telford was born Sept. 2, 1920 in Slayton, the son of Albert and Fannie (Chapman) Telford.
He died Friday morning, Dec. 1, 2006, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
Telford grew up in the Canby area and attended Maple Row, a country school in District 39. For several years following school, he helped his parents in the family farming business, enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and worked on farms in the Red River Valley. In 1941, he struck out for California and worked as a machinist in Inglewood.
He was drafted into the United States Army in January 1943 and served in the African-European Theaters. He attained the rank of Corporal, was awarded the Purple Heart, and was honorably discharged in October 1945.
On Jan. 1, 1946, He was united in marriage to Edna McKenzie Yackley at Zachaeus Lutheran Church in Canby. They shared 60 years of marriage.
Raymond and Edna moved to Appleton in 1947 where he co-owned and operated the J. I. Case dealership, Telford Implement, for 40 years. The last 20 years he ran Telford Shop.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, served as a school board member for 9 years, was a volunteer fireman for 23 years, and was a member of the Disabled American Vets, the American Legion, and the VFW. He was one of the original founders of Southern Minnesota Sugar Cooperative in 1975. In 2003 he and Edna were Grand Marshals of Applefest. Some of his enjoyments in life included golf, hunting, morning coffee, solving puzzles and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Edna of Appleton; his children Jacquelyne “Jackie” (Tom) Brooks of Carlsbad, Calif., Katheryne “Kitty” (Ron) Krogsrud of Appleton, and David (Bea) Telford of Appleton; five grandchildren, Michael Sletten of Davisville, Mo., Greg Krogsrud of Appleton, Johanna Krogsrud of Eden Prairie, Marcus Krogsrud of Appleton, and Melissa Telford of St. Peter; a brother, Charles Telford of Appleton; his sisters Hazel Reneau of Fresno, Calif., and Pat (Andrew) Weber of Springfield, Ore.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Elvira Termunde
Elvira Iona Termunde, age 91, of Canby, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007 at Sanford Health Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 4, at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Rev. Barry Anderson will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home of Canby.
She was born Oct. 13, 1915, in Alta Vista Township, the daughter of Olaf and Minnie (Anderson)Homme and grew up in the Canby area her whole life. Elvira attended country school in Fortier Township, Yellow Medicine County. On March 22, 1972, she married Herman Termunde. In 1977, they retired and moved to Canby. She loved to cook, knit, make afghans. Elvira and Herman would go to polka dances and they would follow the “Larry Olsen Band” around the area.
Survivors include her sister, Viola Anderson of Canby and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded by her parents and husband.
Harold Tesch
Harold Tesch, age 85, of Canby passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, at First Presbyterian Church in Canby with Rev. Aaron Alfred officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, July 27 at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and will resume on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors provided by Clark-Hanson VFW Post 117 of Canby. Burial will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Online registry is available at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Harold Carl Tesch was born Feb. 15, 1922, in Lac Qui Parle County to Herman and Ethel (Denker) Tesch. He worked on several farms until he joined the Navy in 1942. He served on several Navy ships. He was in World War II, the Korean War and some of the Vietnam War. He was aboard the Kenneth Whiting ship at Bkinjatoll. He retired March 22, 1962 from the US Navy. He was an FRA (Fleet Reserve Association) member. He received the World War II dedication medal.
On Dec. 20, 1946, he married Norma Anderson in Santa Rosa, Calif. He was a police officer in Canby and Marshall. He then became a driver’s license examiner, dealer inspector, retiring on Feb. 16, 1984.
He was a lifetime member of Clark-Hanson VFW Post 117 of Canby and Legion Post 0199 of Minneota. He enjoyed playing cards and lots of fishing.
Harold is survived by his wife, Norma after 60 plus years of marriage; brother, Lloyd Tesch and his wife LaFoy; Uncle Norton and Aunt Irene Denker of La Mesa, Ariz.; Aunt Fern Denker and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Norman.
LeRoy V. Tesch
Funeral services for Mr. LeRoy Tesch, age 74, of Clear Lake, S.D., will be on Wednesday, July 19, at 2 p.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.
Rev. Greg Myrmoe will officiate. LeRoy passed away Monday, July 17, 2006, at the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center, Clear Lake.
Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 18, from 5-8 p.m. at the Houseman-Eng Funeral Home in Clear Lake and will resume Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service. The family is requested to meet at the church Wednesday at 1:30 to attend the services.
LeRoy was born near Canby on Aug. 17, 1931, to Carl and Anna (Flohr) Tesch on their farm. He was raised on the farm and attended country school near Canby. Following his education, he helped on the family farm.
On Nov. 21, 1954, LeRoy was united in marriage to Darlene Hansen at the Zacchaeus Lutheran Church parsonage. Following their marriage they lived in Burr for six years and then moved to Canby, where LeRoy worked as a mechanic at various businesses for a number of years. In 1967, they moved to Clear Lake, where he worked for Otter Tail Power Co. and remained with them for 33 years. LeRoy entered the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center on May 31, 2006.
LeRoy was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. He enjoyed mechanical work, racing and animals.
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Darlene; three children: DeWayne (Leona) Tesch of Clear Lake, Tammy (Eric) Quail of Brandt, S.D., and Kevin (Melody) Tesch of Clear Lake; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Vernon (Veloris) Tesch of Madison; one sister, Lucille Anderson of Toronto, S.D.,; one sister-in-law, Myrna Tesch of Canby and many nieces and nephews.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; one son, LeRoy Tesch, Jr. and one brother, Marvin Tesch.
Norma Tesch
Norma Tesch, age 84, of Canby passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at the Sanford Canby Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, at First Presbyterian Church in Canby. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Casketbearers will be Steve Veverka, Lanny Veverka, Larry Anderson, Mark Victor, Bruce Larson, and James Tesch. Music will be provided by Norma DeWit.
An inurnment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. For online registry, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.
Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church or donor’s choice.
Norma Lucile Tesch was born Sept. 19, 1923, to Joel and Tillie (Olson) Anderson in Canby. She was baptized and confirmed in the First English Lutheran Church, Canby. She attended school in Canby and was a waitress until 1946, when she moved to San Diego, Calif.
On Dec. 20, 1946, Norma was united in marriage to Harold Tesch in San Diego. During their early years of marriage, they lived on numerous naval bases in the states and over seas. After Harold’s retirement from the Navy, they moved back to Minnesota. Norma worked as a waitress in Marshall and at Schott’s Corporation in Minneota.
In Norma’s retirement years, she enjoyed fishing trips, card playing, wintering in the South and being near her friends and family.
Norma is survived by many nieces and nephews, a sister-in-law, Leona Anderson of Canby; and a brother-in-law, Lloyd Tesch of Watertown, S.D..
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold on July 25, 2007; her parents; brother, Lloyd Anderson; and sister, Mildred Veverka.
Duane Thomas
Duane “Dewey” Thomas, 63, of Canby, passed away on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in the St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Canby. Military Honors will be provided by Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 of Gary, S.D., and the Canby Military Honor Squad. Memorials are preferred to Sioux Valley Canby Hospice.
Duane was born Oct. 7, 1943, the son of Wallace “Buck” & Elsie (Nelson) Thomas in Canby. He attended grade school in Gary and graduated from Canby High School in 1961. He served his country in the United States Air Force. He joined in 1961 and was stationed at Guam Air Station during the Vietnam Era. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 4, 1964. He married Karen K. Bruns of Slayton on June 20, 1964 in Canby. They were blessed with four children and many grandchildren.
Duane worked as a carpenter, drove cross country semi for many years, and then became employed with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks as park maintenance, up until the time of his death. He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, life member of the American Legion Post 109 of Gary and a member of the Canby VFW Post 117.
He loved his crossword puzzles, fishing, woodworking and ‘tinkering’ in his shop. Gardening was important to him. Because of his modest personality, he didn’t let too many know about his potential “award-winning” tomatoes. Duane was a “Jack-of-all-Trades” when it came to his projects or anyone else’s project for that matter. He will be deeply missed by his entire family and his beloved cat, Jackson.
Duane is survived by his wife, Karen of Canby; three sons, Bruce (Chastity) Thomas of Kingman, Ariz., Brian (Kristie) Thomas of Gary, S.D., and Brad Thomas and special friend, Becky Hansen of Canby; one daughter, Brenda (Dan) Menk of Kingman, Ariz.; 17 grandchildren, Joshua, Ashley, Tanisha, Taneka and Dominic Thomas; Ryan and Rachael Thomas; Stephanie, Blaine, Blake, Brady, Brody and Lora Thomas; Chantel, Logan, Allison and Jennifer Menk; one brother, Dick (Marilyn) Thomas of Seaside, Calif.; one sister, Cheryl (Larry) Giese of Canby; mother-in-law, Gertie Bruns of Slayton; brother-in-laws, Leroy (Lois) Bruns of Lake Crystal; Jerry (Gloria) Bruns of Pipestone; Allen (Margaret) Bruns of Park Rapids; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Arvid Lee Thomsen
Funeral services for Arvid Lee Thomsen, 68, Omaha, NE, were held recently at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE with burial at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Gretna, NE. Mr. thomsen passed away December 10, 2007 in Omaha, NE.
Arvid Lee Thomsen was born April 4, 1939 in Canby to Arnold and Ione (Esping) Thomsen,was baptized and confirmed in the Porter Lutheran church, attended rural school in district #36, Oshkosh Township, 1957 graduate of Canby High school - participated in choir, band, FFA, class plays; attended SDSU at Brookings, SD and graduated from the University of MN with a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering. Played trumpet in the U of MN marching band which went to to the Rose Bowl in 1960. Fraternity president. Member of the MN National Guard in 1963. Thomsen was hired by the U. S. Corps of Engineers in 1965 as a hydraulic engineer and also worked in research. Received a fellowship and earned his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University, Ithica, N. Y. in 1971. In 1989, Thomsen was promoted to Chief of Planning for the Missouri River Division of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers with responsibility for comprehensive water resource development and conservation for the 10-state Missouri River Basin. His staff guided and reviewed the work of the Omaha & Kansas City districts. Thomsen retired from the Corps in 1994 after holding posts of hydraulic engineer, project manager, chief of economics, chief of special studies, chief of planning and director of civil works. Soon after retiring from the Corps he was awarded the highest honor and his photograph is permanently displayed in the Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees. He was registered in the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Society of Military Engineers and the Profession al Engineers of Nebraska. He authored several publications on land and water management which can be found on the internet. Thomsen led a team of U. S. Army engineers in 1979 to Swaziland, Africa to aid that government in planning a water resource plan.
After 29 years with the Corps, Thomsen joined HDR Engineering, Inc. as national Director of Planning & Environmental Services in the private sector. He was responsible for client services such as environmental assessments, environmental impact statements and multiple purpose planning. At the time of his retirement in June 2007 he was Sr. Vice President of HDR, Inc., an international engineering consulting firm with 1800 employees in 44 offices in the U. S. and more than a dozen in foreign countries. The corporate headquarters are in Omaha, NE but Thomsen traveled extensively providing solutions to transportation, water supply, sewage, solid waste, hazardous waste, flooding, drainage, energy and other infrastructure and environmental problems of cities, states and federal and foreign governments.
Thomsen loved to golf, fish, hunt, ski, go boating, work in his yard, make furniture & other things in his workshop. He enjoyed cooking, music, traveling and socializing with his family and many friends.
While on his research projects in Washington, D. C., he met Ann Caspar in the office.
He was united in marriage on October 1, 1966 to Ann Caspar in Maryland.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Kirstie(Stephen) Ciesielski, Judith (Scott) Thomas, Sharon (Stephen) Kruszka and Douglas (Shawna) Thomsen, all of Omaha, NE.; 11 grandchildren; sisters, Ilene Jacobson, Canby, Louaine (Curtis) Knutson, Porter, Beverly (Charles) Wolff, Sioux City, IA, Jeanette (Roger) Dunnette, Roseville; mother-in-law, Mary Caspar, sister-in-laws, Eleanor, Pat & Cathy and brother-in-law George; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Leroy Thurmer
Leroy Oscar Thurmer was born on Sept. 10, 1929, to August and Anna (Libra) Thurmer on the family farm in Des Moines Township, Jackson County, where he lived until his passing. He passed away at Lakes Regional Health Care Center, Spirit Lake, Iowa, on Sunday Sept. 9, 2007.
Thurmer started farming full-time, his sophomore year in high school, graduating from Jackson High School in 1948, and continuing his career farming immediately after graduation. He farmed his whole life, except for the two years when he was drafted into the Army at the end of the Korean War. Along with farming, he also enjoyed antique tractor restoration and attending local tractor shows, as well as repairing and modifying machinery on the farm. His family often joked that Leroy was born 50 years too early, because he would have made an excellent engineer.
He is survived by two sisters; Leola Ruth of Canby, Mary Ann Peterson of Owatonna, and one brother; Bob (Ruby) Thurmer of Jackson. Leroy is also survived by his two Sisters-in-Law; Mary Alice Thurmer of Jackson, LaVonne Thurmer of Fairmont, and by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Elmer, Ted, and Harry Thurmer; and by two sisters, Verna Sanders, and Mabel Leighty.
Reynold “Ray” M. Theisen
Ray M. Theisen, 82, of Canby, died Friday, June 16, 2006, at Clear Lake Hospital, Clear Lake, S.D.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary with Rev. Brian Simon officiating.
Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Canby. Visitation will be from 4-7:30 p.m. with vigil prayer service at 7:30 and rosary to follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Birk Funeral Home, Canby.
Ray was born on Oct. 26, 1923, in rural Farley, Iowa, the son of Jack and Anna (Ruden) Theisen.
He was raised in Remsen, Iowa, and farmed near Remsen. Ray married Rita A. Ahlers on Jan. 22, 1945, in Granville, Iowa. They moved from Iowa to Minnesota and bought a farm in 1957. To this union 13 children were born. He farmed until 1981 and semi retired. Illness caused him to go into Deuel County Good Samaritan Home in November of 2004
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Farmers Union and The Cattleman’s Association. In his spare time he enjoyed dancing, playing cards, traveling-especially the trips to Iowa, visiting with friends and neighbors, but most of all spending time with his family.
Ray is survived by his wife, Rita; seven sons, Ken (Darlene) Theisen of Clear Lake; Gary (Paula) Theisen of Canby; Jim (Joan) Theisen of Canby; Don (Karen) Theisen of Renville; Steve (Mary) Theisen of Dell Rapids, S.D.; John Theisen of Sioux Falls; Paul (Diana) Theisen of Canby; five daughters, Mary Ann (Marlin) Hartig of York, Neb.; Carol (Lyle) Norton of Watertown, S.D.; Joyce (Steve) McCormick of Gary; Sharon (Jerome) Kaiser of White, S.D.; Rosemary (Monte) Winrow of Gary; 39 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph; two grandsons; his parents; and one brother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials for masses are preferred.
Edwin Robert Thomas
Edwin Thomas, age 79, died Friday, March 14, 2008 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Thomas was born to Elmer and Alvina (Weinkauf) Thomas and was raised on a farm near Holland. In 1947, he graduated from high school at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. He served in the Army while stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the Korean War. After the war, he met the love of his life, Lois (Otten), and they were married Nov. 22, 1957, in Lennox, S.D. They spent 50 glorious years together raising three children, and given the privilege to spoil two grandchildren. For a career, Thomas returned to his agricultural roots; beginning his career as a farm implement mechanic, and then moving to his true calling, that of teaching farm mechanics at Canby Vocational School in Canby.
He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and enjoyed his time with the Tuesday Men’s Breakfast Bible Study and the Friday Morning Bible Study Group.
He was a quiet man, serving the Lord behind the scenes. His nurturing, teaching style lead to his service on the Board of Green Lake Lutheran Bible Camp, Spicer, and as an ambassador for the camp at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Canby. After retiring to Sioux Falls, he enjoyed volunteering for Lutherans Outdoors of South Dakota.
He loved the outdoors and specially fishing and camping. He was active with the Boy Scout Troop in Canby during the years his sons were earning their Eagle Awards. In his retirement years, he spent many hours in his woodworking shop.
He is survived by his wife Lois, children, Brenda, Sioux Falls, Erwin (Tina), Atlanta, Ga., Byron (Janet), Shakopee, grandsons Matthew Thomas, CLB-22 USMC, Camp LeJeune, N.C., Ean Thomas, Tifton, Ga,, brothers Frank (Phyllis), David, Alvin (Ellen), sisters Ellen Fett, Elener Mueller, Faye Dehler, Evelyn Schmidt, and Carol (Ralph) Courtney, sister-in-laws Carol (Chuck Jensen) Thomas and Delores Otten; brother-in-law, Walt Otten; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James and Richard, and sisters Mildred, Ardis Knutson, and Sharla.
Funeral services were Wednesday, March 19, at Peace Lutheran Church with burial to follow at the Lennox Cemetery.
Marie Thorpe
Marie Thorpe, age 100, of Canby, passed away Dec. 8, 2007, at the Sanford Canby Medical Center.
Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 6 p.m., with a memorial service at 5 p.m., at Birk Funeral Home of Canby.
Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Jacqueline Crandall, Michael Henderson, Korry Thorpe, Kyle Thorpe, Krin Thorpe, Shane Brodersen, Bart Brodersen, and Monique Brodersen.
Marie Carton was born on Dec. 10, 1906, the daughter of John and Maud (Troupe) Carton on the family farm in Norden Township near Gary, S.D. She was raised there and attended country school. She graduated from Gary High School in Gary and continued her education in Watertown, S.D., where she attended nursing training and received her nursing certificate. On March 8, 1932, she was united in marriage to Arnold Thorpe in the house where Marie was raised. They farmed on this same farm until they retired from farming and moved to Chillicothy, Mo., where they owned and ran a laundry. Later they moved to Minneapolis, where Marie was head nurse at a nursing home until her retirement. They resided in the Minneapolis area until the passing of Arnold on Feb. 1, 1989. Marie moved to Canby and was a resident of the Canby nursing home until the time of her passing away. she enjoyed nursing, sewing, fancy work, gardening, and visiting with friends.
She is survived by her three children: Arlene (Robert) Wandersee of Canby, Dale (Kathy) Thorpe of Harrisburg, S.D., and Marian (David) Brodersen of Sherburne; three step grandchildren, Stacy Benecasa, David (Sue) Wandersee, and Lynn (Dennis) Guptil; nine grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; five step great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, two step great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; parents; infant brother and two sisters, Ethel Swenson and Viola Thorpe.
Viola C. Thorpe
Funeral services for Mrs. Viola C. Thorpe, age 96, of Canby, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Full Gospel Assembly Church in Canby. Rev. LeRoy Hopper will officiate. She passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, at the Sanford Hospital, Canby, MN.
Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery, Canby. Active casketbearers will be her grandsons: Wesley Wuerch, David Wuerch, Todd Kannegieter, Jason Kannegieter, Galen Rasmussen, Troy Rasmussen, Brent Rasmussen, Nathan Thorpe, Brian Thorpe and Justin Steele. Honorary casketbearers will be her granddaughters: Linda Eigsti, Judy Kitchen, Nancy Johnson, Sheryl Bittner, Janell Holden, Lori Jelen, Brenda Mamer, Karen Ludewig, Robin Nuese, Rhonda Neubert, Lisa Rasmussen and Stephanie Reynolds. Music will be provided by Sheryl Bittner, pianist and Don Van Klompenburg, soloist.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Birk Funeral Home in Canby and will resume Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Viola Carton was born on Jan. 13, 1911, to John and Maud (Troupe) Carton on the family farm in Norden Township near Gary, S.D. She was raised there and attended country school. She graduated from Gary High School in Gary and continued her education in Wessington Springs where she received her teaching degree. She then taught in several schools in South Dakota.
On April 25, 1934, she was united in marriage to Clifford Thorpe in Canby. Following their marriage, they farmed near Canby. On Aug. 14, 1960, Clifford passed away. Viola continued living on the farm until later moving into Canby. She entered the Senior Haven Nursing Home in 2006.
She was a member of the Full Gospel Assembly Church in Canby. She was a devoted member and her church was her life. She enjoyed piecing quilts for missionaries, babies and her family. Viola also enjoyed writing poems and stories.
She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Phyllis (Raymond) Wuerch, Puyallup, Wash., Mavis (Lawrence) Kannegieter, Gillette, Wyo., Wanda (Robert) Eilers, Canby, Lois (Neil) Rasmussen, Estelline, S.D., and James (Esther) Thorpe, Gary, S.D.; 21 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; six great great-grandchildren; one sister Marie Thorpe, Canby, and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford; two grandsons: Timothy Eilers and Terry Thorpe; great-granddaughter Brittany Jelen; parents; an infant brother and a sister Ethel Swenson.
Jeremy J. Thovson
Funeral services for Jeremy J. Thovson, 32, of Tracy, were held on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy. Thovson passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at the Prairie View Health Care Center, Tracy. Interment will be in the Tracy City Cemetery.
Jeremy Jacob Thovson was born September 15, 1974 to Dale Thovson and Julie (Newton) Roby in Clear Lake, S. D. He baptized in the Lutheran faith and lived for a short time in Gary, S.D. As a young boy, he moved with his mother to Tracy, MN where he attended Tracy Public Schools; he graduated from Tracy High School in 1994.
He grew up loving the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling and dirt bike riding. Listening to music was also a big part of his life.
Thovson is survived by his mother, Julie Roby of Marshall, his father, Dale Thovson of Canby; step-father Jesse Roby of Tracy; two brothers, Leroy thompson of Minneapolis and Darren (Amy Hengel) Thovson of St. Cloud; grandparents Jacob & Joyce Newton of Russell; step grandparents Donald & Julie Roby of Garvin.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Matthew Roby; grandparents, W. Edward and Agnes Thovson, and one cousin, Eric Roby.
Gerald Thune
Gerald Gayland Emil Thune, age 90, of Sacred Heart, died Saturday, March 22, 2008, at his home south of Sacred Heart. Funeral services were Thursday, March 27, 2008, at Opdal Lutheran Church south of Sacred Heart. The Rev. Dale Svendsen officiated.
Gerald Gayland Emil Thune was born on Aug. 7, 1917, in Granite Falls to George John and Emma Marie (Johnson) Thune. He served his country in the United States Navy. He worked as a Ground Safety Officer for the United States Air Force Base in Minneapolis-St. Paul, retiring in 1970. He was united in marriage to Sonja Haas Sterzinger on Dec. 5, 1981, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart.
He was a member of Opdal Lutheran Church, the American Legion, V.F.W., 40 + 8, DAV, Sons of Norway, Sacred Heart Area Historical Society, Numedalslagen Lag, Corn Growers Association, Farmers Union, Soybean Growers Association, and the American Federation of Government Employees. He enjoyed attending auctions, reading, golfing, bowling, politics, woodworking, and sharing stories of his experiences.
Emily Ufkin
Funeral Service for Emily Ufkin, 18, of Minneota, will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 23, at the Minneota High School.
Visitation will be Sunday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Interment will follow the service at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Minneota.
Emily Barbara Ufkin was born on May 12, 1989, in Marshall to William and Alison (Yorde) Ufkin. She was Baptized and Confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Emily was the Salutatorian for the Minneota Class of 2007. She was very active in school and participated in Speech, Musicals, Band, Mock Trial, Student Council and the National Honor Society. Emily also worked as a lifeguard and enjoyed helping the girls on the swim team. She was very health conscious and enjoyed physical fitness and a healthy diet. Emily will be remembered for the positive impact she made on all who knew her. She was a very kind and caring person.
Emily died on Thursday, July 19, 2007, near Minneota as the result of an automobile accident.
She is survived by her parents, Bill and Alison Ufkin, brother Tony Ufkin, grandparents Virgil and Mary Ufkin, all of Minneota, Aunt Jean Ufkin of Minneapolis, Uncles Steve (Adele) Yorde of Marshfield, Wis., Jeff Yorde of Marshall, Aunt Robin Yorde and Bob Leineweber of Wilsonville, Ore., Uncle Jonathan (Sharon) Yorde of Plymouth, cousins, relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Leo and Barbara Yorde and Ruth Ufkin.
Myrtle Irene Vanderplaats
Funeral services were held on Friday Jan. 19, at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, LaPalma Calif., for Myrtle Irene (Millis-Nothem) Vanderplaats.
She had been a resident for the past 14 years of the Rivera Nursing and Convalescent Home in Pico Rivera, Calif.. She died of natural causes at the age of 95 on Jan. 14, 2007.
Myrtle Irene (Millis-Nothem) Vanderplaats was born May 24, 1911, to parents Daniel and Clara (Kingsbury) Millis in Belle Fourche, S.D. She was the third child in a family of six. She grew up in the Edgerton area. She met and married Frank Bernard Nothem in Minnesota in 1929. To this union were born two children, Donald Ramon and Barbara Claire. She met and married Louis (Martin) Vanderplaats in Reno, Nev., on July 9th, 1946. Myrtle and Louis moved to Bellflower, Calif., in 1952.
She loved her life and especially enjoyed time with family and friends. She was a great storyteller, poet, seamstress, gardener and cook. Her faith was very important to her as was her church. She liked to be the "leader", she was a volunteer to many and enjoyed taking on additional responsibilities and many projects.
She is survived by her daughter Barbara Loos, Anaheim, Calif., daughter-in-law Edna Nothem, Canby, brother Vernon (Beatrice) Millis, Ark., nine grandchildren; Donald (Teresa) Nothem, Deborah (Doug) Full, Brenda (Gary) Denelsbeck, Steven (Kelli) Nothem, Robert Nothem, Jeffery (Nikki) Nothem, Michael R Hefner, Darla (Robert) Wegener and Karen Goldsholl. Twenty three great grandchildren and nine Great Great Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Louis, her son Donald, siblings Mabel Griffith, Ruby Griffith, Orson Millis and Floyd Millis.
Margery VanDeVeire
Margery VanDeVeire, age 82, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby with Father Jeremy Kucera officiating.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and rosary to follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby and will resume one hour prior to the service on Thursday.
Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
Margery Marie VanDeVeire was born April 7, 1924, in Canby to Ernest and Anna Marie (Jesme) Ouverson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
On June 6, 1949, she married Leon (Bud) VanDeVeire at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. They lived in the rural area of Canby, where they still reside.
She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Margery enjoyed cooking, housecleaning, visiting with friends and family, and also having families come home for special occasions.
She is survived by her husband, Leon “Bud”; four sons, Phillip (Connie), Lynn (Pam), Rodney (Vi), and Brad all of Canby; daughter Yvonne Victor and Thomas Victor of Fairfax; twelve grandchildren, Brandon (Heidi) VanDeVeire, Brian (Jolene) VanDeVeire, Jessica (Chris) Hansen, Melisa (Jason Lick) VanDeVeire, Jamey VanDeVeire, Kari VanDeVeire, Ross (Valerie Budahl) VanDeVeire, Sara VanDeVeire, Shawna (Mike) Kiecker, Kimberly, Jennifer and Kelsey Victor; four great-grandchildren, Mikayla VanDeVeire, MacKenzie & Kaden Hansen, AshLynn VanDeVeire, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and two sisters.