Elaine Clare Ratcliff
   Memorial services for Elaine Clare Ratcliff, 83, of Canby, Ore., were held on March 30, 2005 at Zoar Lutheran Church in Canby, Ore. Interment was the the Zion Memorial Cemetery, Canby, Ore. Ratcliff passed away n March 23, 2005 at her home.
   Elaine Clare Ratcliff was born on August 11, 1921 to George & Flora Grenier in Canby, MN. She lived in Canby, MN through out her childhood until her family moved to the Chicago area just prior to World War II.
   Ratcliff was united in marriage to Lawrence Larson on September 8, 1940. Following the war and Larson's discharge from the service they lived in the Dawson, MN area for 12 years. In 1960 they moved to Canby, Ore. where the couple owned their own business.    Larson died in 1966; in 1967 Elaine married Robert Ratcliff who passed away in 1976.
   Ratcliff was a member of Zoar Lutheran Church, Canby, Ore. and a member of the Canby American Legion Auxiliary.
   She is survived by her children, Peggy Payne of Canby, Ore., Larry Larson of Sandy, Ore., Rochelle Kishpaugh of Colton, Ore., Lori Kishpaugh of Estacada, Ore., Kim Madden of Barlow, Ore., and Kelly Martin of St. Helens, Ore; her sister, Shirley Knowles of Santa Ana, CA; 23 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
   She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, one son, Steven Larson, four sisters and one brother.

Reinhold Rehn

   Reinhold Waldamer Rehn, 89, of Canby passed away Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at Sioux Valley Canby Campus Hospital in Canby.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating.
   Visitation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby.
Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
   Burial will be at St. Stephen's Lutheran Cemetery in Canby. Birk Funeral Home in Canby is in charge of arrangements.
Reinhold Rehn was born on June 21, 1916 in Oshkosh Township to Louis Victor and Anna (Lind) Rehn. He was baptized at Providence Valley and was confirmed at St. Stephens. He served in the Civil Conservation Corps in the 1930's, stationed at Ely and Caldonia.
   On March 18, 1949 he married Agnes Knutson at St. Stephens Parsonage in rural Canby. To this union four children were born. He spent his entire life in the Canby area where he was a farmer until he retired in 1991.
   He enjoyed working on the farm and working with his horses. He also enjoyed being with his family and friends.
   He is survived by his wife, Agnes of Canby; his children, Kathy (Randy) Westphal of Canby, Keith (Betty) Rehn of Canby, Lois (Curt) Olson of St. James, and Glenda (Rick) Olsen of Canby; grandchildren, Heather Sperl, Ryan Westphal, Cerrisa John, Nathanael Rehn, Brent and Jessica Jeppesen, Heather Hartle, Cody and Brittany Olson, Amanda Black, and Taylor and Keith Olsen; great grandchildren, Anton Black, Matthew Hartle, Madison Hartle, Landon Olson, and Justin, Jessica, Caleb and Danelle Sperl; one brother, Clarence (Lorraine) Rehn; and one sister, Doris Winter.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mildred, two brothers-in-law, nieces, and one grandson.

Estella Elizabeth Reiners

   Estella Elizabeth Reiners, 102, of Canby, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, in the Sioux Valley Canby Campus Nursing Home.    A memorial service will be Tuesday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Providence Valley Lutheran church, rural Dawson. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
   Estella Elizabeth Reiners was born on Sept. 6, 1903, in Idaho to Henry and Elizabeth (Kripps) Haack.
On Jan. 17, 1928, she was united in marriage to Fred Reiners. They were blessed with two sons, Richard of Lakeville and Gary of Cambridge.
   Estella taught school for many years in rural Canby. She was active in many organizations, Lac Qui Parle County Board, Eastern Star, Providence Ladies Aid and many others. She loved people and playing bridge.
   Estella is survived by her sons, Richard (and wife Doris) of Lakeville and Gary (and wife Kitty) of Cambridge; six grandchildren, Craig (and wife Mary), Dean, Carla (and husband Scott) Passon, Jeff (and wife Denise), Mitchell (and wife Jean), Katherine (and husband Reid) Wilmert; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Nelson of Camas, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents; one sister, Eva Reynolds; and her brother, George.

Emmett Elmer Rhode

   Emmett Elmer Rhode, 79, of Canby passed away Thursday, November 24, 2005 at Sioux Valley Canby Campus Hospital in Canby.
   Funeral Services will be held Monday, Nov. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Canby with Karen Houtman officiating.
   Visitation will be Sunday, November 27 from 4-8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
   Burial will be at Canby City Cemetery.
   Emmett was born in Taunton, to Henry and Viola (Lindsay) Rhode. He graduated from Canby High School in 1945. He was in the army from June 1945 until Nov. 1946. Emmett married Lucy Orren on Oct. 24, 1947 at the First Presbyterian Church in Canby. He was station manager for 10 years at Farmer's Coop. He also farmed and worked at different places before buying out the Mobil Plant and managing it for 10 years.
   He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 61 years. He served as a deacon and Elder for many years. He was a life time member of the VFW in Canby. Emmett's hobbies were building and flying model airplanes, and being a member of the Marshall Flying Club. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and children.
   Emmett is survived by his wife, Lucy of Canby; three children: Marvin and wife, Sandy, Rhode of Wentworth, S.D.; Lois Rhode of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Barbara Green of Sioux Falls, S.D.; five grandchildren: Michael and wife, Nikki, Rhode and their children, Austin and Cameron, of Canton, S.D.; Timothy and wife, Jennifer, Rhode of Madison, S.D.; Joseph Rhode and fiancée, Jenifer Kearin, and daughter, Abigail Rhode, of Madison, S.D.; Martin Green Jr. and his children, Austin and Olivia, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and DeAnna and husband, Todd, Penning and children, Jocelyn and Kaleb, of Dell Rapids, S.D.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Warren, and son-in-law, Martin Green.

Robert Bernard Schomacker
   Funeral services for Robert Bernard Schomacker, 85, of Luverne, were held on Friday, October 21, 2005 at the Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne. Interment was at the Kenneth Lutheran Cemetery. Rev. Maurice E. Hagen officiated. Schomacker passed away at the Luverne Community Hospital on Monday, October 17, 2005.
   Robert Bernard Schomacker was born September 21, 1920 in Vilas, S.D. to Henry and Hattie (Ladwig) Schomacker.
   Schomacker served in the United States Army during WWII driving truck in the Philippines. He married Christina Keizer on April 15, 1959 in Kenneth. Following their marriage they moved to the family farm west of Magnolia where Schomacker farmed and operated his own trucking corn shelling business. He also worked for the Magnolia Elevator. In 1987 the couple retired and moved to Luverne.
Schomacker is a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne; and the Luverne American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, hunting & trading cars.
    Schomacker is survived by his wife; daughter Margaret Ann (Doug) Frazeur; four grandchildren, Reed (Danielle) Frazeur, Brooklyn Park, Greta Frazeur, Madrid, Spain and Lisa & Karen Frazeur, Morris and one sister, Helen Schuette, Remsen, Iowa.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Roy & Donald Schomacker.

Douglas Eugene Schwartz

   Douglas Eugene Schwartz, 57, of Canby, formerly of California, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 at his niece's home in Benson.
   Funeral Services will be held Friday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating.
   Burial will be at the Canby City Cemetery.
   Douglas Eugene Schwartz was born Feb. 11, 1948, in Canby to Lloyd and Myrtle (Johnson) Schwartz. He was baptized and confirmed at East Highland Lutheran Church. Douglas graduated from Canby Public School.
   Schwartz served in the National Guard for six years. He worked at a winery and was employed by Golden State Bintners in Fresno, Calif., before retiring in 2003. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and he had a love for nature and trees. He enjoyed rebuilding cars, raising his cattle in the mountains and spending time with family and friends.
   He is survived by his son, Corey Skorczewski, his grandchildren McKinsey and Kylie, and his two brothers, Lonny Schwartz of Canby and Mike Schwartz of Dawson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Harvey and Terry.

Vaughn Raymond Shoemaker
   Funeral services for Vaughn Raymond Shoemaker were held recently in Hemet, California. Shoemaker passed away on September 19, 2005.
   Vaughn Raymond Shoemaker was born on January 18, 1918 to Earl and Alice (Quenroe) Shoemaker in Duluth. He attended school in Canby and graduated from Canby High School in 1936.
   Shoemaker served as a Naval Reserve officer in Honolulu, Hawaii and was honorably discharged on September 27, 1945. He then served in the 37th Battalion of the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1947.
   Shoemaker graduated from the University of California with a mater's degree in engineering and then worked as an engineer in southern California.
   Upon is retirement he moved to Hemet, California where he resided until his death.
   Shoemaker had a love for education and nature, he could often be found exploring and hiking around Canby as a youth.
   He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Carroll.

Judith Sik

   Judith (Rodningen) Sik, 56, of Canby, passed away Dec. 16, 2005 at her home.
   Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Canby with Father Tony Hesse officiating.
   Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20 with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
   Burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Canby. Birk Funeral Home in Canby is in charge of the arrangements.
Judith (Rodningen) Sik was born on Jan. 17, 1949, in Grand Forks, N.D., to Herman O. and Frances M. (Harmon) Rodningen. She was baptized in Petersburg, N.D., and confirmed in Ivanhoe. On July 1, 1967, she married David Martin Sik at St. John Cantius in Wilno. To this union two children were born.
   She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren, doing crafts and going to auctions and looking for antiques for her shop. She recently enjoyed scrapbooking.
   She is survived by her husband, David Sik of Canby; her children, Michael (Kim) Sik of Canby, and Krista (Ryan) O'Riley of Clear Lake, S.D.; three grandchildren, Michaela Dawn, Amanda Marie and Christian Daniel Sik all of Canby; two brothers, Earling "Rod" Rodningen of Oakes, N.D., and Roy Rodningen of Bellevue, Neb.; and one sister, Lana DePestel of Canby.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; sister, LuAnn; brother-in-law, Dennis; and nephew, Patrick.

Viola Skifte

   Funeral services for Viola E. Skifte, 99, of Canby, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 7, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby, with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating.  Burial will be in St. Stephen's Lutheran Cemetery.
   Karen Olsen will be the organist, with the congregation singing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", "Softly And Tenderly", and "Children Of The Heavenly Father".  The casketbearers will be Robert Briggs, Greg West, Darrin West, Dale Anhalt, Galen Hegg, and Harvey Knutson.
   Visitation will begin one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.
   Mrs. Skifte died on Thursday, March 3, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.  The Birk Funeral Home in Canby is in charge of the arrangements.
   Viola E. Skifte was born on May 6, 1905 in Fortier Township, rural Canby, Minnesota, to Oscar and Jennie (Pederson) Anderson.  She was a 1925 graduate of Canby High School.  On September 10, 1927 she married James O. Hegg in Waukegan, Illinois.  They lived in Canby above the hardware store, then moved to the Hegg farm in 1929 and began farming.  James died on August 18, 1953, and a year later Viola moved into Canby.
   On January 28, 1961 Viola was married to Oscar Skifte at Our Saviour?s Lutheran Church, and they resided in Canby.  Viola was an active member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and the Ladies? Aid.  She was an excellent seamstress, and her hobbies included quilting, refinishing antique furniture, and collecting antique dishes.  In addition, she volunteered many hours at the MECCA museum, and also served on its Board of Directors.  Viola attended Canby?s 125th celebration, and at the All-School Reunion received an award for being the oldest living Canby graduate.  She had been a resident of Sylvan Place and Senior Haven Nursing Home prior to her death.
   Viola is survived by her two children:  Janice (and husband Robert) Jump of Pattonsburg, Missouri,  and Marian (and husband Walter) Skyberg of Stillwater, Minnesota;  six grandchildren:  Kris Skyberg, Karena Skyberg, Greg West, Darrin West, Linnea Chesmer, and Jennifer Blair; eight great-grandchildren;  and her brother, Thomas Anderson of Agoura Hills, California.
   She was preceded in death by her parents;  her husband, James;  husband, Oscar;  five brothers:  Clarence, Gordon, Helmer, Rudolph, and Harlan;  and two sisters:  Linnea and Nina.

Mayme Snyder

   Mayme Snyder, 92, of Canby, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at Sioux Valley Canby Campus Hospital.
   Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo with Father Tony Hesse officiating.
   Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby.
   Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery in St. Leo.
   Mayme Margaret Kloos was born on September 2, 1913 in Boyd, MN to John and Bertha (Marquardt) Kloos. She was baptized, received First Holy Communion, and confirmed at St. Leo Catholic Church.
   On Sept. 5, 1933, she married Leonard Snyder. To this union, eight children were born. They lived on the farm near St. Leo until 1972, when they moved into St. Leo. Mayme was a homemaker and also worked at Swifts in Marshall for 11 years.
   Mayme was a member of the St. Leo CCW. She enjoyed her family, playing cards, cooking, baking, needle work, entertaining company, and playing bingo.
   Mayme is survived by her three sons, Denis (Alice) Snyder of Clarkfield, Marvin (Char) Snyder of Pahrump, Nev., Ronald Snyder of St. Leo; a daughter, Gloria (Ed) DeCramer of rural Clarkfield; 12 grandchildren, Brad, Kevin, Chad, Craig, Ryan, Roxanne, Rhonda, Ron Jr., Tammy, Julie, Mindy, Kelly; 28 great-grandchildren; a sister, Kathy Kronabetter of Clarkfield; a brother Henry Kloos of Anoka; and two sisters-in-law, Delores Snyder of Carroll, IA, Bernice Kloos of St. Paul;.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant triplets, Leonard, Louise, & Lucille; son, Donald (twin of Ronald); and two brothers John and Jake.

Erchal Springer

   Erchal Springer Sr., 88, of Madison, formerly of Canby passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at the Madison Hospital.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church in Canby with Father Tony Hesse officiating.
   Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at Canby City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Madison Lutheran Home.
   Erchal Springer Sr. Erchal was born on May 22, 1917, in Judith Gap, Mont. As a child, he moved to Porter and graduated from Canby High School. He married Eldora Stringer on Jan. 29, 1941. Erchal and Eldora owned a dairy farm near Porter, for 35 years. He served as the Lincoln County Commissioner for four years and Chairman of the Local March of Dimes for many years. He retired from farming in 1975 and worked at Runnings Farm Store in Canby for three years. Erchal and Eldora spent several years traveling to McAllen, Texas, for the winter. One of their favorite pastimes was dancing.
   He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary Springer.
   He is survived by his wife Eldora and four children JoAnn Loch (Dave) of Lakeshore, Sharon DePestel (Dick) of Lewiston, MaryLou Haun (Jim) of Seminole, Fla., Erchal Jr (Debra) of Marine on the Saint Croix. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brad Loch, Bruce Loch, Jon Loch, Dean DePestel, Randy DePestel, Travis DePestel, Dawn Hawke, Shane Skorczewski, Mitchell Springer and Jessica Springer and 11 great grandchildren.

Benedict Sussner

   Benedict Sussner, 92, of Canby, passed away Nov. 30, 2005 at Senior Haven in Canby.
   Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo Catholic Church with Father Tony Hesse officiating.
   Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. with the Rosary to follow.
   Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at St. Leo Catholic Cemetery in St. Leo.
Benedict Sussner was born to George and Clara (Schroedl) Sussner on Sept. 17, 1913, at Fairfax. His family moved to the Flom and Waubun area until he was twelve years old when they moved to St. Leo. He attended St. Leo Parochial School.
   On Jan. 25, 1938, he was married to Lydia Hoffman at St. Leo.They farmed near St. Leo until retiring in 1988. They moved to Canby in 1994.On Dec. 9, 2001 Lydia passed away. He continued to live in his home until September of 2005 when he entered the Senior Haven. Benedict passed away there on Nov. 30, 2005 at the age of 92 years, 2 months and 13 days.
   Benedict was a member of the St. Leo Catholic Church and the St. Leo Men's Club. He enjoyed playing cards.
He is survived by two grandsons, Darin Sussner of Willmar, and Dion Sussner of Litchfield; daughter-in-law, Carol Sussner of Litchfield; brother, Francis (Delores) Sussner of Minneota; sister-in-law, Barbara Sussner of St. Paul and many nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lydia; one son, Leo; an infant son and infant daughter; three brothers, George, Joe and John Sussner; and two sisters, Mary Sussner and Ann Sturm.

Bernice Swennes

   Bernice "Bea" Marlene Swennes, age 72, of Willmar formerly of Montevideo and Canby, died Friday afternoon, Feb. 18, 2005, at her home following an extended illness. 
   Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar with Rev. Barbara Johnson officiating.  Interment will be at Sunset Cemetery in Montevideo.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25 at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
   Bea was born on May 3, 1932, in Montevideo, the daughter of Fred and Fannie (Vanderhoof) Kurtzbein.  She grew up in Montevideo, was baptized at the Sparta Baptist Church and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1950.  On June 10, 1950, she was married to Robert "Bob" Swennes and they made their home in the Montevideo community.  In 1963, they moved to Canby and in 1989, moved to Willmar.  She owned and operated Busy B's Crafts.  Bea enjoyed crafts, sewing, gardening and golfing in her younger years.
   She is survived by three daughters, Cathy (and Mark) Pregler of Lake Lillian, Cindy (and Glen) Stein of New London and Cheri (and Mike) Buzzeo of Willmar; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  Also surviving are three sisters-in-law, Jeanette Kurtzbein of Montevideo, Delores Larson of Milan and Bernice Hoff of Starbuck, besides other relatives and friends.  
   She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob in 2003; one brother, Bernie Kurtzbein; one sister, Betty in infancy; one sister-in-law, Lillian Kopitzke and three brothers-in-law, Bud Kopitzke, Harvey Hoff and Juleen Larson.

Leo Thielges

   Mass of Christian Burial for Leo Thielges, 89, of Minneota, formerly of St. Leo, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo.
   Visitation will be from 4 p.m. ­ 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Rehkamp-Horvath Funeral Home in Minneota and will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Monday.
   Interment will follow the service at St. Leo Catholic Cemetery in St. Leo.
   Leo John Thielges was born on Jan. 21, 1916, in St. Leo, to John and Lena (Betzen) Thielges. He grew up in the St. Leo area. On Sept. 26, 1944, he was united in marriage to Marcella (Sally) Ruhr in Estelline, S.D. The couple raised their family in St. Leo. Leo farmed with his father in his early years. After he moved to St. Leo, he worked in a variety of jobs including road construction for D.C. Kompelien and Minnesota Valley, for the Deutz and Crow Ready Mix Company in Canby and later for the Fertilizer Plant in St. Leo. Leo enjoyed pheasant hunting, watching sports on TV and going on Sunday drives. He was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church and a past member of the St. Leo Fire Department.
   He died on Friday, Dec. 16, 2005, at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall.
   Leo is survived by his son Roland (Pat) Thielges of Minneota, granddaughter Pam (Kevin) Kopitski and great-grandchildren Matthew, Kaitlyn and Hannah Kopitski, all of Minneota.
   He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marcella in 2004 and his grandson Brian Thielges in January of 2005.

Harry H. Toben

   Funeral services for Harry H. Toben, 89, of Canby, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Canby, with Pastor Don Davis officiating.  Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery, with military honors by the Clark-Hanson V.F.W. Post #117 of Canby.
   Norma DeWit will be the organist, with the congregation singing "In The Garden", "The Old Rugged Cross", and "On Eagles' Wings".  The pallbearers will be Ted Deutz, Orrin Cole, Duane Monke, Gerry Paulsen, Glenn Parrish, and Larry Duis.
   Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Birk Funeral Home in Canby, and will continue at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to services.
   Mr. Toben died on Monday, Jan. 10, at the Senior Haven Nursing Home in Canby.
   Harry Toben was born on September 4, 1915 in Canby, Minnesota, to parents Henry and Ella (Roll) Toben.  He grew up on the family farm, and attended Meadow Brook School No. 41 in Hammer Township.
   In June of 1942 Harry entered the U.S. Army, and served as a tank driver during World War II while stationed in France, Holland, and Belgium.  He was honorably discharged from the service in November of 1945, and returned to his home area.
   Harry spent his life farming on the family farm until his retirement in the early 1980?s.  After retiring he spent his time taking care of the farm place, mowing with one of his many John Deere mowers.  He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Canby, and the Clark-Hanson V.F.W. Post #117.  One of his enjoyments in life was visiting with friends over coffee at Bud?s Rec, Larry's Drug, and later at the Midway Cafe.  Harry was a well-known and respected member of the Canby community, and will be missed.
   He is survived by his sister, Bernice Iffert of Canby;  his nieces and nephews:  Delores (and John) Devorak of Canby,  LuRetta (and James) Huber of Canby,  Douglas (and Vivian) Toben of Clear Lake, SD,  and Mildred (and Ralph) Hall of Marshall;  and by many grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews.
   He was preceded in death by his parents;  three brothers;  and one sister.

Raymond Traen

  Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond "Ray" Traen will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, at Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton.
   Visitation will be from 4 p.m. ­ 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the church and will continue from 10 a.m. ­ 11 a.m. Friday at the church.
   Honor Guard by Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Bishop Grace Assembly 534. Interment will follow the service at Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery in Taunton. Arrangements by Rehkamp and Horvath Funeral Directors of Minneota.
   Raymond Joseph Traen was born on April 1, 1928, in Eidsvold Township to Louis and Ann (Hennen) Traen. He attended schools in Taunton and Minneota. Ray farmed his whole life at the family dairy and grain farm in Eidsvold Township. On June 18, 1960, he was united in marriage to Norma Dardis at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie. Ray was very active at Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton. He served as trustee, on the cemetery board and as cemetery sexton, as usher, Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council, Holy Name Society and Diocesan and Regional Pastoral Council. He was also involved with the Soil and Water Conservation Board in Lyon County, the RCRCA and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree. Ray volunteered with many efforts including Meals on Wheels. Ray enjoyed woodworking, gardening, travel, attending Senior College and spending time with friends and family.
   After a short illness, he died on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.
   Ray is survived by his wife Norma of Taunton, children Sharon Traen of Maplewood, Betty (Tom) Swords of St. Paul, Carol (Greg) Kimlinger of White Bear Lake, Ken Traen of St. Paul and Michelle Traen of St. Paul, grandchildren Patrick, Daniel and Lauren Swords of St. Paul and Michael Kimlinger of White Bear Lake, one sister Marian Verhelst of Canby, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
   He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Leonard.

Hazel Ardis Trulock

   Hazel Ardis Trulock, 95, of Hendrick passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005 at the Hendricks Hospital.
   Funeral Services will be Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks with Pastor Duane Baun officiating.
   Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. at the Hendricks Hospital Chapel. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
   Burial will be at the Hendricks City Cemetery.
   Hazel Ardis Hoseck was born on Sept. 2, 1910, in rural Yellow Medicine County to Tom and Nettie (Ronne) Hoseck. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She attended country school at District 68 in Yellow Medicine County and grew up in the Canby area. Hazel did housework, and also worked in café's and bakeries in Hendricks and Astoria and Clear Lake, S.D. Hazel also worked at Larson's store in Hendricks for 25 years.
   On June 28, 1934 Hazel married Virgil Trulock. Following their marriage they moved to a farm south of Lake Hendricks. Hazel and Virgil were blessed with two children, Dale and Carolyn. The farmers in the area became a close knit group through the school and South Lake Mission Society. In 1949 because of Virgil's health they moved into Hendricks. Virgil preceded Hazel in death in February of 1972.
   Hazel was a member of First Lutheran and Christ Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school for 18 years, was a faithful member and officer in ALCW and WELCA as well as being involved in many other activities at her church. She was an active and volunteering member of her community with involvement in the Legion Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary, and helped organize the senior dining center. She was chosen Lincoln County Senior Citizen of the year in 1987 and was also a Lena candidate for the Syttende Mai Festival. Some of her favorite hobbies were quilting, crocheting, gardening, flowers and board games. Her first love was being with family and spending time with her three grandsons. She also enjoyed the special times she had with her friends.
   She is survived by her son, Dale (Sharon) Trulock of Milroy ; daughter, Carolyn (Keith) Wahlstrom of Bloomington ; three grandsons, Daniel (Amy) of Farmington , Darren of Minneapolis, and Alan of St. Louis Park. She is also survived by three sisters, Gladyce Froiland of Hendricks, Florence Reinertson of Edina, and Pearl Dorn of Hendricks and one brother, Douglas (Ruth) of Hector, and several nieces and nephews.
   She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Virgil, her brother Loyel and a sister, Mayme.

Benjamin James Thovson

   Benjamin James Thovson, 26, of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Canby, died Nov. 11, 2005, in a work accident near Chandler.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating.
   Visitation will be Monday, Nov. 14, from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby.
   Visitation will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
   Burial will be at the St. Stephens Lutheran Cemetery in Canby. Birk Funeral Home in Canby is in charge of the arrangements.
Benjamin James Thovson was born June 9, 1979, to Jim and Lori Thovson in Canby. He graduated from Canby High School in 1998 and attended college in Brookings, S.D., Rochester, and Worthington.
   Ben was a dedicated employee to various employers after finishing school and spent time working in Minnesota, Missouri, and South Dakota.
   Ben married Chrystelle Coan on Nov. 5, 2004, in Sioux Falls, SD at Christ the King Catholic Church.
   Ben was an avid outdoorsman; he loved to hunt, fish and work in the pits during stock car racing activities. He was a skilled athlete; lettering in basketball in college and mastering skateboarding, golf, trick bicycle riding, softball, and many water sports during an annual, one-week family vacation near Alexandria among many other activities.
   Survivors include his spouse, Chrystelle Thovson, Sioux Falls, parents, Jim and Linda Thovson, Slayton, and Lori and Tim Hayden, Canby, mother and father-in-law, Roger and Beverly Coan, Watertown, S.D., a brother, Jacob Thovson and his spouse Danelle, Marshall, four sisters, Amylyn and Nicole Thovson, Slayton, and Holly and Lauren Hayden, Canby, grandparents, two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Leonard Van Hyfte

   Mass of Christian Burial for Leonard J. Van Hyfte, 79, of Porter, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Minneota, with Father Andy Michels as Celebrant and Father Tony Hesse as Con-Celebrant.  Burial will be in St. Edward's Catholic Cemetery.
   Jessica Callens will be the organist, and the lector will be Jim Braun.  The giftbearers will be LeRoy and Audrey Kack.  Honorary casketbearers will be all of Leonard's good friends, and the active casketbearers will be nephews:  Richard Van Hyfte, Ron Van Hyfte, Randy Van Hyfte, Robert Gorecki, Jim Pesch, and Robert Verschelde.
   He died on Friday, Dec. 24, at Sioux Valley Canby Campus.
   Leonard was born on April 27,1925 to Renil and Elizabeth (Demuth) Van Hyfte on a farm in Lincoln County, Minnesota.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Minneota, where he remained a life long member.  He attended country school in District #77.
   On September 6, 1948 he was married to Ruth Pesch of Minneota at St. Edward's Church.  They made their home on a farm near Porter, where they farmed and raised three children:  Barb, Vonnie, and Gary.  In 1976 Leonard and Ruth moved to Porter and continued to farm with their son, Gary, who now resides on the home place.  
   Leonard truly enjoyed every aspect of his life. He loved time with his family and he thoroughly enjoyed farming and especially loved to run the combine in the fall.  He also enjoyed visiting and playing cards with all of his good friends, going for coffee, and taking drives through the country.
   Leonard is survived by his wife, Ruth;  daughters:  Barb (and Colin) Gisslen of Brookyn Park, MN,  and Vonnie (and Larry) Nilges of Marshall, MN;  son, Gary (and Julie) Van Hyfte of Porter, MN;  six grandchildren:  Jennifer Gisslen Lee and Gina Gisslen of Minneapolis, MN,  John and Kelly Nilges of Marshall, MN,  and Cody and Rondine Van Hyfte of Porter, MN;  and by one brother, Francis (and Coletta) Van Hyfte of Maple Grove, MN.
   He was preceded in death by his parents;  one brother, Henry Van Hyfte;  and one grandson, Davin Gisslen.

Lorraine Mae Veverka

   Lorraine Mae Veverka, 83, of Canby passed away Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, at the Sioux Valley Canby Campus Hospital in Canby.
   Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Canby with Rev. Katherine Rood officiating.
   Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 31 from 3-6 p.m. at the Birk Funeral Home in Canby. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at the Canby City Cemetery in Canby.
   Lorraine Mae (Anderson) Veverka was born on Dec. 4, 1921, in Yellow Medicine County, Hammer Township, to Mike and Gunda (Nygaard) Anderson.She graduated from Canby High School 65 years ago and was a lifelong resident of Canby.
   On April 20, 1950 Lorraine married Frank Veverka. He passed away in 1975. They never had any children, but lots and lots of nieces and nephews. Through the years she had a variety of jobs which included working at Valet Cleaners, Randy's Supper Club, Prairie Five and Deluxe Café. As a farmer's wife, she helped on the farm too.
   Lorraine was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 57 years, where she was a Deacon. She was active in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary holding many chair including president, secretary, and chaplain. She was a 60 year member of the Bohemian Lodge 107, and held the office of secretary.
   Lorraine loved to bowl and was on a league for many years. She raised a lot of ducks, geese and chickens and liked to garden. Her favorite song was "I Wanna Go Home."
   Lorraine is survived by three sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
   She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and all of her brothers and sisters.

Warner E. Volk

   Warner E. Volk, 78, of Gary, passed away March 4, 2006 in Canby.
   Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gary. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:30-7 p.m. at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m.
   Visitation will resume at the church one hour prior to the service. Rev. Bruce Mueller of First Evangelical Lutheran will be officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Gary.
   Warner Volk was born on March 24, 1927, the son of Fred and Hannah (Walden) Volk of Tyler. His family lived in the Slayton and Garvin area until 1941. They purchased and moved to a farm north of Gary in Deuel County. Warner graduated from the Marietta High School in 1946 and attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis for welding. Warner married Verna Peterson on Aug. 15, 1948, in Gary. They took over the family farming operation near Gary until 1976, when they moved into Gary, where Warner established a welding and repair business. He operated this business until his health forced him to quit in November of 2005.
   Warner served on the board for County School District No. 57 for many years. He was also on the Gary City Council, and in the last few years at an attendant for the Gary City Recycling Center, which he enjoyed. Warner was an active member of the First Evangelical Lutheran in Gary, serving in various capacities. His hobbies included fishing, taking day trips to area parks, site-seeing as well as woodworking. He will be fondly remembered for his dedicated assistance to area residents and their families in keeping their farming equipment and vehicles in running order.
   He is survived by his children, Rose (Dick) Anderson of Taunton; Romelle (Gene) Bekaert of Canby; grandchildren, Gregory McLain of Forest Lake; Pam McLain (Randy Miller) of Osceola, Wis.; John McClain of Taunton; Jodi (John) McLain Richards of Grantsburg, Wis.; Jessica McLain of Minneapolis; Patty (Shayne) Scheler of Canby; Jennifer (Jim) Gregoire of Lake Benton; Lisa, Shawn and Stephanie Bekaert all of Canby; step-grandchildren, Rick (Denise) Anderson of Taunton; Nancy (Mark) Syltie of Porter; Shelly (Brian) Ailts of Gillette, Wyo.; Randy (Brenda) Anderson of Sioux Falls, S.D.; great grandchildren, Krystyna, Brandyn and Cheyenne Scheler; Tanner, MaKayla, Brandon Gregoire and Sawyer McLain Miller; step great-grandchildren, Justin, Jerry, Jon & Caitlyn Anderson; Tom, Rich (Krystin) Syltie, Martin, Ben, Lana Syltie; Ashlin and Kaeli Anderson; step great-great grandson, Aldon Syltie.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Pengra; and a son, Ronald.