AUSTIN, MINN. -- Etta V. Goodew, 86, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, and formerly of Austin, died Sunday afternoon at the home of her daughter in St. Ansgar.

Born Etta V. Eckert on Feb. 22, 1906, in the Windom, Minn., area., she married Edward Goodew on Aug. 3, 1926, in Northwood, Iowa. They made their home in Austin until moving to St. Ansgar after her husband's retirement from Geo. A. Hormel & Co. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Carroll of Raleigh, N.C., and Ray of Austin; two daughters, Evelyn (Mrs. Edgar) Fox Jr. of St. Ansgar and Valyda (Mrs. Ron) Shada of Walker, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Willis Eckert of Florida and Jason Eckert of Austin; and two sisters, Stella Wambeam of Austin and Lillian Johnson of St. Ansgar. Three children, several grandchildren, a sister and two brothers preceded her in death.

The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Baptist Church in Austin, with the Revs. Jack Dowden and Gary Gonnerman co-officiating. Burial will be in Woodbury Cemetery in Lyle. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home in Austin and an hour before the service at the church.

 

Evelyn I. Fox, age 78, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, Iowa, on Nov. 16, 2006.

Evelyn Goodew was born on March 4, 1928, in Austin, Minnesota, to Edward and Etta (Eckert) Goodew. As a teenager she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Evelyn married Edgar Fox on May 15, 1948, in Austin, Minn. She worked at Hormel and later at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar when it first opened. She worked as a nurses aid, charge nurse and activity director.

After retiring, she went back to the Good Samaritan as a feeder until her health would not let her continue. She enjoyed flowers, birds, coin collecting and collecting post cards. Her heart was so loving that she opened her home over the years to care for people with health difficulties.

Evelyn will be remembered as a loving person.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Edgar, Sr., of St. Ansgar, Iowa; one son, Edgar, Jr. (Dixie), of St. Ansgar, Iowa; two daughters: Sue (Nick) Streit, of St. Ansgar, Iowa; and Jo Fox, of St. Ansgar, Iowa; five grandchildren; one honorary grandchild; four great-grandchildren; two brothers: Ray (Billie) Goodew, of Austin, Minn.; and Carroll (Audrey) Goodew, of North Carolina; one sister, Val (Ron) Shada, of Walker, Iowa; and special friend, Jo Nash, of Carpenter, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two children: Robert and Mary; and one brother in infancy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, 2006, at the St. Ansgar Baptist Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with Rev. Gary Gonnerman officiating. Burial will be at the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. today at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

 

Eldora Ilean Bertilson, age 83, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Eldora Ilean Goodwin was born on February 16, 1924, in Austin, to Knute and Emma (Lerum) Goodwin. She grew up on a farm near Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Soon after her schooling Eldora moved to Austin and worked at the George A. Hormel Company for a short time before getting married to Donald "Stubby" Bertilson, and raising her family.

Eldora was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed walking (she never learned to drive), and country/western music. She lived in her home until 2005 when she moved to the nursing home.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Don Bertilson, Austin; a son, Robert (Darla) Bertilson, Austin; two daughters, Cheryl (Jeb) Blais, Austin, and Karen Sneed, Wayzata, Minnesota; seven grandchildren: Jeb, Jennifer, Jackie and Jesse Blais, Brittany and Jamie Bertilson, and Sara Sneed; a twin sister, Glendora Arens (Chuck) Huston, Austin; a brother, Everett (Silvia) Goodwin, Austin.

Eldora was preceded in death by her parents, Knute and Emma Goodwin; by a sister, Edna Jarvis; by a brother, Kenneth Goodwin; and by a grandson, Joey Blais.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, with Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Austin.

The Mayer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Marquitta Goodew, age 2, of Austin, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at the Austin Medical Center due to complications of RSV.

Marquitta Dannell Goodew was born on December 30, 2004 in Austin, to Grace Goodew. Marquitta loved open spaces. She loved to run and play. She loved the outdoors and always wanted to be outside. Marquitta was a wild child who touched the hearts of many people. She will be truly and sadly missed.

Survivors include her mother, Grace Goodew and special friend David Lopez, of Austin; a brother, David Lopez Jr. also of Austin; her grandparents, Doug and Lynne Andersen, of Hollandale, Minnesota, and George and Anna Goodew, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; her uncles, Richard Goodew, of Blooming Prairie, and Robert Goodew, of Austin; an aunt, Amanda Nicholson, of Blooming Prairie.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 15, 2007, at Mayer Funeral Home, with the Rev. Glen Stevens officiating.

The honorary casket bearers will be David Lopez, Richard Goodew and Robert Goodew.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Janiene Goslee, 54, of Rochester, Minnesota, and formerly of London, Minnesota, died on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Janiene Evelyn Goslee was born February 13, 1953 in Austin, Minnesota, to John and Evelyn (Magee) Goslee. Janiene graduated from Lyle High School in 1971. After high school she attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth and graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting. Janiene started and ran JES Accounting for over 20 years, while raising her two sons.

She was preceded in death by her father, John, and by her brother, Keith.

Janiene is survived by her two sons, Mikael Sauer, of Burnsville, Minnesota, and Lucas Sauer, of Houston, Texas; by her mother, Evelyn Goslee, of Austin; by her brothers and sisters-in-law: Dwight and Linda Goslee, of Marco Island, Florida; Larry and Paula Goslee, of Austin; Randy Goslee, of Lake Isabella, California; Marilyn Goslee, of Geneva, Minnesota; by her sister and brother-in-law, Meridee and Dwight Denisen, of Rochester; and by aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at 1:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, Rev. Dennis R. Tamke officiating. Burial was in the London Cemetery in London.

The Clasen-Jordan Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Argene Paul Grafe, 81, of West Salem, Wis., formerly of Grand Meadow, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, at the Lakeview Health Care Center, West Salem.

He was born May 15, 1922, in Ayshire, Iowa, to Paul and Rose (Johnson) Grafe.

He served in the Pacific Theatre in World War II.

In 1948, he married Jennie Smith in Iowa. They later divorced.

Argene lived and farmed in Iowa until 1960, when he moved to the Grand Meadow area to continue farming. In the early 1970s, he owned and operated Gene's Hideaway, a tavern in Dexter.

Survivors include children, Kathy (Dennis) Peck, Plymouth; Thomas (Cindy) Grafe, Rochester; Paula Marquart, Woodruff, Wis.; Pauline (Ted) Hovda, Racine; eight grandchildren; brother, Gary (Barb) Grafe, Grand Meadow.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003, at the funeral home and Monday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m. Monday at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church, Grand Meadow, with the Rev. Bernard Daiker officiating.

Interment: With military rites at Dexter Cemetery. Funeral Home: Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home, Grand Meadow.

 

FREMONT, NEBRASKA -- Darlene Smith, of Fremont, Nebraska, died in her home on Monday, April 30, 2007, at the age 74.

Darlene was born to Richard and Violet (Sistek) Graff, on August 14, 1932 in Austin, Minnesota, where she grew up and graduated from high school.

On February 4, 1951, Darlene was married in Austin to Charly Smith, and they made their home in Austin until 1961; they then moved to Fremont, where Charly went to work for Hormel.

Darlene was a homemaker, spending time with her children and later her grandchildren. She did a lot of baking, and was a gardener. She was also a member of VFW Post 854 Auxiliary.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Charly; by two daughters, Kim (Tip) Emmons of Fremont, Nebraska, and Karen (Rich) Rockford also of Fremont; by two sons, Kevin (Leslie) Smith of Fremont, and Keith (Sheri) Smith of Fremont; by 11 grandchildren: Dayme (Brian) Moeller, Kourtney and Tyler Emmons, Blake and Grant Smith, Nathan (Erin) Smith, Megan and Allie Rockford, Kyle, Zach, and Samantha Smith; by one sister, Joyce (Edward) Smith of Austin; and by one nephew, Rick Smith of Stewartville, Minnesota.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Violet Graff; and by a nephew, Larry Smith.

The funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2007, at First Lutheran Church, 3200 E. Military, with Rev. Charlie Axness and Rev. Anjanette Rist co-officiating. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery.

The Ludvigsen Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Maxine Elizabeth (Graff) Bednar, age 79, died Monday, March 5, 2007, at the Austin Medical Center, Austin, Minnesota.

Maxine was born March 15, 1927, in Austin, to Jerome and Anna (Rieken) Graff.

On Jan. 24, 1948, she was united in marriage to Robert Earl Bednar, Sr. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1981.

Survivors include her son, Robert Jr. (Sharon) Bednar, Austin, Minnesota; her three grandchildren: Thomas (Mia) Bednar, Tricia (Thomas) Worden and Anthony (Tina) Bednar; five great-grandchildren: Madalyn and Alexandra Worden, Henry and Owen Bednar, Averi Anna Bednar; two of her brothers: Myron (Lois) Graff and Elton Graff; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Bednar Sr.; her parents, Jerome and Anna Graff; one sister; and three brothers.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 8, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with Rev. Daniel Provost officiating. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota.

Casket bearers wwere: Thomas and Mia Bednar, Tricia and Thomas Worden, Anthony and Tina Bednar.

Arrangements were by Mayer Funeral Home.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Barbara J. Boysen, age 55, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Monday evening, March 5, 2007, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 30, 1951, to Daniel and Gladys (Knudson) Grant in Austin, Minnesota, where she lived her entire life. She married Dennis Boysen on June 14, 1969.

Barb had a true passion for travel and worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, specializing in cruises. In 2005, Barb opened "The Travel Edge" agency and in that same year was one of 10 agents in the United States selected to be on the "Regis and Kelly" cruise down the East Coast from New York to Miami. During her battle against cancer, Barb was "Captain of her Cruise for a Cure." Through Care Pages website, she kept her family and friends updated daily and received tremendous support from these dedicated crew members.

Barb enjoyed being part of the Austin community and served as an ambassador for the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. She was also a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Austin High School Alumni Association and Class of 1969 Committee.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis Boysen; one daughter, Kimberly (Chris) Baier; two sons: Brett (Kim) Boysen and Bryan (Jennifer) Boysen, all of Austin; seven grandchildren: Lynae, Nicholas and Kellie Baier; Joshua, Megan, Stephanie and Madelyn Boysen; brothers: David (Helga) Grant; and Michael Grant, of Austin; sisters: Joyce Anderson, of Austin; and Marilyn Surman, of Highlands, N.D.; mother-in-law, Eunice Boysen, of Hayfield; a host of crew members, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys D. and Daniel E. Grant, Sr.; sister, Nora Lee; brother, Daniel Grant, Jr.; brother-in-law, Charles Anderson.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota, with Pastor Dan Kahl and Father Joseph Fogal officiating.

The Worlein Funeral Home in Austin was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Lauren Nathan Grant, 76, of Corning, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at Prairie Manor, Blooming Prairie.

He was born July 23, 1926, to Leonard H. and Netha S. (Erickson) Grant in Austin.

He graduated from Austin High School in 1944 and married Orlie Tollefson on Aug. 11, 1946, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

A farmer in Udolpho and Newry Townships his entire life, Lauren raised Grade A dairy cattle for 36 years. He was secretary of Red Oak Grove Creamery Association, Red Oak Grove Cemetery Association, Blooming Prairie Elevator; director of Freeborn-Mower County Electric Co-op; foreman of Greenview Rest Area on Interstate 90; charter member and president of Mower County Farmers Union.

He enjoyed traveling and made many trips in the United States and foreign countries. He enjoyed family and friends.

Survivors include wife, Orlie Grant, rural Austin; sons, Daniel Grant, Owatonna; David (Sandra) Grant, Austin; daughters, Martha Feda, Burnsville; Caroline Dahms, Owatonna; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Ordean (Eileen) Grant, St. Charles; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation: 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, at the funeral home and Monday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Monday, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin with the Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating.

Interment: Red Oak Grove Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

John T. "Jackie" Graves, age 83, of Austin, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 15, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center, Albert Lea, Minn.

He was born Sept. 12, 1922, in Austin to Charles and Mary (Gallagher) Graves.

A professional boxer, Jackie lived in Austin his entire life. He loved boxing, people and enjoyed playing the harmonica.

Survivors include a son, Danny (Claudia) Graves, Spokane, Wash.; three grandchildren: Dionna, Garrett and Wendy; five great grandchildren; two brothers: Harold (Mary) Graves, Brainerd, Minn.; George Graves, Austin, Minn.; two sisters: Clela (Gordon) Braastad, Long Prairie, Minn.; Donna (Elmer) Mullenbach, Adams, Minn.; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Graves; sisters: Helen, Irene, Viola, Doris, Darlene, Mary and Judy; brothers: Clarence and James.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Friends may call from 4-6 p.m. Friday at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

 

Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Graves was born May 19, 1886 at Jones county, Iowa, the daughter of Benjamin R. and Catherine (Bobleter) Tuel. She spent her childhood in and around Monticello, Iowa.

On April 18, 1906, she was united in marriage with Robert K. Graves at Monticello. In 1914 they moved to Minnesota and lived the last 47 years in and around Brownsdale. To this union were born nine children.

Her life was centered around her family and home. In the past few years she found great enjoyment in her 27 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was a very wonderful mother and friend and will be greatly missed by all. She found great satisfaction and companionship with the members of the Sunshine Birthday Club and the Martha Circle of Brownsdale Methodist Church.

Mrs. Graves entered St. Olaf Hopital April 11, and underwent surgery April 14. Martha E. Graves passed away May 2, at St. Olaf Hospital.

Mrs. Graves is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Roy Van Vleet (Alice), Mrs. Francis Carroll (Frances), Mrs. Glen Krulish (Jean), Austin, Mrs. Gertrude Wilder, Van Nuys, Calif.; four sons, Robert and Arthur, Austin, Harry and Donald of Brownsdale; 27 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Arvilla Derflinger, Long Beach, Calif., Mrs. Virginia Eilers, Monticello, Mrs. Frances Bahl, Dubuque, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert K. Graves, one son, Lynn, her parents, three brothers, one sister.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. May 6, at the Jordan Mortuary Chapel, the Rev. William J. Campbell officiating. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery, Brownsdale, with Ronald Van Vleet, David Van Vleet, Darryl Graves, Patrick Carroll, Roger Graves, Richard Wilder, grandsons of Mrs. Graves, serving as bearers.

 

Robert King Graves was born June 24, 1881, in Will County, Plainfield, Ill. the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Graves. He received his education in Plainfield. At the age of 21, he came to Monticello, Iowa and worked for the Diamond Creamery.

On April 18, 1906, was united in marriage with Martha E. Tuel. To them were born nine children. From 1909 until 1914, he farmed in and around Monticello, Iowa. The past 46 years he lived and farmed around Brownsdale, Minn.

Mr. Graves, called "Bob" by all his friends, of which he had many, was well known for his wit and humor which he displayed right up to the last. It was a pleasure to be in his company because you were always left with the impression life was well worth living.

In his passing we have all lost a very good friend, father and husband who will be missed much by all. Mr. Graves died May 15, at his home in Brownsdale.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. May 18, at Jordan Mortuary Chapel, the Rev. William J. Campbell officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery at Brownsdale.

Mr. Graves is survived by his wife, Martha; four daughters, Mrs. Roy Van Vleet(Alice), Mrs Francis Carroll(Frances), Mrs. Glen Krulish(Jean), Mrs. Gertrude Wilder, Van Nuys, Calif.; four sons, Robert and Arthur of Austin, Harry and Donald of Brownsdale; 27 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son Lynn; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Graves; a sister, Alice; a brother, Walter.

 

Jack Hiram Green, 67, of Rochester, Minnesota, and formerly of Brownsdale, Minnesota, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Jack was born Dec. 3, 1939, in Mora, Minnesota, to Lester and Marie (Bates) Green. He was raised in Brownsdale, Minnesota. Jack served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959.

He married Betty Riles on Feb. 23, 1963. He worked for Weyerhaeuser from 1965 until he retired in 1992.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Green; his three daughters: Jacque (Sterling) Brody, of Dubuque, Iowa; Christy (Kevin) Clay, of Rochester; and Casey (Jeff) Wagner, of Pine Island, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Jared Brody, Katie Brody, Tanner Clay, Jamie Clay, Chad Wagner and Luke Wagner; and two great-grandchildren, Rhea Luna-Clay and Zoie Luna-Clay.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.

Funeral services for Jack Green were held on Friday, May 11, 2007, at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Brownsdale, with Rev. Peter Nycklemoe presiding. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale, with military honors provided by the Hayfield American Legion.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Merill Gregor, 80, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 17, 2007, after a brief illness.

Merill was born Sept. 29, 1926, in Mapleton, Minnesota, to Lee and Helen (Marske) Gregor. Merill served in the Navy during WWII. After the Navy, Merill attended school in Denver, Colorado and completed training as an x-ray technician. He returned to Minnesota and continued to have a successful career in the health care field. He advanced his career to hospital administration and served as a hospital administrator in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, and Britt, Iowa.

Merill is survived by his sons: David (Sherry) Gregor, Bruce (Dolly) Gregor; by his stepdaughters: Arlene (Bruce) Wicken, Barbara (Darvin) Mattila; by his son-in-law, Gene Ratzel; by three sisters, Evelyn Dubek, Margetta Byers and Betty Lou (Barney) Mullenbach; by 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose (Harms); his first wife, Dorothy (Paulson); by a daughter, Sharon Ratzel; and by his sons, Richard and Robert.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at Mayer Funeral Home, 600 Second Street N.W., Austin. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Betty Jean "Daysha" Anderson, 78, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 at the Austin Medical Center. Austin, Minnesota.

Betty was born on January 11, 1929 at Wallingford, Iowa to Fred and Ida (Gunderson) Wolden. She graduated from Waldorf Academy in 1947.

She married Don Reisetter in 1948 and they divorced in 1951. She married John Keller in 1951 and later divorced. She married Harry Gregory in 1969 and he died in 1969. She married Allen C. Anderson on Oct. 25, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nev. She worked as a nurse in Minneapolis. Betty was an Air Force widow and had lived in Sacramento, California.

Betty is survived by her husband: Allen Anderson, Austin, Minnesota; by a daughter, Barbara Andrews, Sacramento, California and her children: Jeremy and Marika; by a step daughter: Debra Wenlund, Elk River, Minnesota and her children: Heidi, Bradley and Jenny; and by a brother: Lauren Wolden, Phoenix, Arizona.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ida Wolden; and by a son, Randy Keller.

A memorial service was held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at Bonnerup Funeral Home, Albert Lea, Minnesota; the Reverend Reggie Klindworth officiating. Interment was in Wallingford Cemetery, Wallingford, Iowa.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

The funeral for Esther Luella Johnson will be 1 p.m. Saturday at LeRoy Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Thomas Kolden officiating. Burial will be in Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in rural LeRoy.

Mrs. Johnson, 92, of Austin, a former LeRoy homemaker, died Wednesday, Feb.9, 2000 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin where she had resided since August 1998.

Esther Luella Grimley was born Nov. 8, 1907, in rural LeRoy and attended country schools through the eighth grade. On Feb. 10, 1926, she married Peder Johnson in Austin. He died April 23, 1985.

Survivors include three daughters, Leora (Mrs. David) Lidtke of LeRoy, Phyllis (Mrs. Ray) Becker of Dakota, Minn., and Marlys (Mrs. Peter) Jones of Prior Lake, Minn.; two sons, Peder Jr. of Rochester and Garry of Spring Valley; 21 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a brother, Glenn Grimley of Adams; and a sister, Ruth Osland of Adams. She was preceded in death by a daughter and two sisters.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home in LeRoy and an hour before the service Saturday at the church.

 

Submitted to Mower MnGenWeb by K. Pike.

 

Robert E. Grimley, 86, of Austin, passed away on April 12, 2007, in Austin, Minnesota.

He was born on Jan. 14, 1921, the son of Edwin and Sarah Grimley.

Robert married Dorothy Grap on Aug. 14, 1941. The couple lived in Austin, where he was retired from the George A. Hormel Co.

Robert served in World War II and was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.

He is survived by his son, Gary (Vickie) Grimley, Rochelle, Illinois; by his daughter, Gaye Nyman, Waterloo, Iowa; by six grandchildren; by 14 great-grandchildren; and by one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife.

Robert donated his body to science. Cremation and interment will be announced at a later date.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Margaret Dorthy Groby, age 96, of Austin, Minnesota, died at Austin Medical Center Monday morning, Feb. 19, 2007.

Margaret was born Nov. 17, 1910, to Arthur and Minnie (Ober) Cummings in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Margaret's mother became ill when she was about three years of age. She was raised by her grandmother who passed away when Margaret was five. After that she was taken to the State Orphanage at Owatonna. She was there for over a year before she was taken as a foster child into the home of Mr. and Mrs. August Schlussin, of Waterville, Minnesota, where she lived until the age of 18. Margaret was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

She married William F. Saack in 1928 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville. Five children were born to this union including one baby boy deceased. They moved to Austin in 1941 where they joined St. John's Lutheran Church.

When her children were small, Margaret was a homemaker. After her divorce, Margaret worked at MacLaren's Laundry for 10 years. In 1956 she met and married Elmer Groby, of Spring Valley, Minnesota. She began work at Chuck Hall Cleaners where she was employed until they went out of business five years later. She cooked at St. John's Lutheran School for one year before she and her husband bought the White Front Caf‚ in Rose Creek which they operated for five years. Elmer died in 1978. Margaret worked at St. Mark's Lutheran Home for a few years.

Survivors include her son, Fred (Michele) Saack, Rochester, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Molly Preuss, Waterville, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; two daughters: Inez and Shirley; and two sons: Curtis and an infant.

Memorial services were held on Friday, Feb. 23, 1007 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Austin, with the Rev. William Natzke officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

The Worlein Funeral Home in Austin was in charge of arrangements.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

LaVonne Harriet Gronseth, 72, of Brownsdale, died Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at Season's Hospice, Rochester.

She was born May 5, 1930, to Haven and Myrtle (Fosse) Gulbranson in Vernon Township.

On Feb. 28, 1953, she married Wallace Gronseth in Hayfield. LaVonne was a life long resident of the area. She was a library assistant for the Brownsdale Elementary School, a member of Evanger Lutheran Church and the Evanger Ladies Aid. She loved family and flowers.

Survivors include her husband, Wallace Gronseth, Brownsdale; daughters, Wallene (Marty) Stubstad, Rochester; LaMae (Joel) Fritze, Hayfield; Diane (Kevin) Peterson, International Falls; Dawn (Jeff) Haugen, Cannon Falls; and eight grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and first husband, Archie Gronseth.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2003, at the funeral home and Saturday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Evanger Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant with Rev. Todd Hawkins officiating.

Interment: Evanger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sargeant.

Funeral Home: Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, Hayfield.

Memorials: To the Cancer Society or to Evanger Lutheran Church.

 

George Grovdahl Sr., age 89, of Hayfield, passed away June 27, 2005, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

George was born Feb. 6, 1916, to Ole and Gertrude (Hellen) Grovdahl at rural Sargeant, Minn. He attended School District #91. He was confirmed, baptized and a lifetime member of Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Sargeant.

George was a farmer and mechanic, having worked at several dealerships and repair shops. He was a avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed many hunting trips to Wyoming and family fishing trips to Pelican Lake, near, Orr, Minn.

On June 7, 1938, George was united in marriage to Erma Stayner in Grand Meadow. Together they raised their family on the farm purchased by his grandfather in 1877. They lived there until moving to Hayfield in November of 2004.

George and Erma enjoyed music. They performed together at various community events and nursing homes. George played guitar and violin and Erma accordion and she also sang. He also enjoyed repairing and rebuilding violins. Together they traveled over much of the country after their family was raised. George especially liked going out west and also to Nashville, Tenn,

George was well respected in the community and loved is family. He was a loving husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Erma, Hayfield; son, George Jr (Doris) Grovdahl, Stewartville; daughter, Janet (Donald) Flatness, Glenville; grandsons: Michael Sween, Grand Meadow; Jon Flatness and special friend, Sari Dahl, Savage, Minn.; granddaughter, Jeanean (Joe) Mestnik, Prior Lake, Minn.; great grandchildren: Ryan, Tommy and Anna Mestnik, Prior Lake, Minn.; son-in-law Donald Sween, Grand Meadow.

George was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Oscar Grovdahl; and daughter, Nellie Ann Sween.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2005, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville and one hour prior to the service at the church. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005, at Evanger Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant, Minn., with the Rev. Todd Hawkins officiating. Burial will be in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery, Sargeant. Memorials are suggested to Evanger Lutheran Church.

 

AUSTIN -- Orlando E. Grove, 82, of 2308 12th Ave. S.W., died Wednesday (Dec. 29, 1993) at St. Mark's Lutheran Home here.

Born Sept. 18, 1911, in St. Ansgar, Iowa, he grew up in the Mona, Iowa, area. He graduated from Lyle High School in 1930.

He married Iona Everson on Oct. 12, 1933, at Mona Lutheran Church where he was a member. They farmed in the Mona area until 1941, when they moved to Rochester. Mr. Grove worked in a Rochester dry-cleaning business until 1959.

The couple then resumed farming in the Preston area. Mr. Grove retired in 1972 and they moved to Chatfield. The couple moved to Austin in 1982.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Marlene (Mrs. Harry) Anderson of Chatfield; two sons, Elverne of Austin and Keith of St. Paul; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Irene Wall of Atlanta.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday in Clasen-Jordan Chapel here, with the Rev. Myrwood Bagne officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and one hour before the service Friday.

 

MRS. E. M. THOMPSON

Mrs. Edwin M. Thompson passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 3rd at St. Olaf Hospital from complications following many years of pain and sufferings due to arthritis.

Alma Gunderson was born in Marshall county, Minn., Sept. 13, 1885, the daughter of Martin and Anna Berg Gunderson. At the age of 2, she became a resident of Moscow township.

She had five brothers, Henry, John and Oscar, deceased. W. Leonard Gunderson, Sioux City, Iowa, and George Gunderson, Seattle, Washington; four sisters, Mrs. Henry Earl and Mrs. Albert Gullickson, deceased; Mrs. Viola Hammel, Sioux City and Mrs. Peter Borgesen, Austin.

On Jan 26, 1910, she was united in marriage with Edwin M. Thompson of Corning.

Seven children were born to this union; Mrs. John Krupicka (Annella), Corning; Herschel, deceased; Arnold, National City, Calif.; Roy, Corning; and Mrs. Merril Walker (Shirlee), Seattle, Wash.; also 16 grandchildren and many other relatives.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of Red Oak Grove congregation.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb 5, at 1:15 p.m. at the Mayer Funeral Home and at 2 o'clock at Red Oak Grove Lutheran church, Rev. Alf Romstad officiating. Burial was in Red Oak Grove cemetery. At the service, Mrs. Romstad sang "Old Rugged Cross" and "My God and I", accompanied by Mrs. Dale Braaten, organist. Pallbearers were Byron and Stanley Borgesen, Grant and Warren Gullickson, Emmett Earl and George Krupicka.

Out of town persons attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gunderson and Mrs. Viola Hammel, Sioux City, Iowa.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb

Phyllis Irene Guse, age 80, of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Arlington, South Dakota, died Thursday, Feb.22, 2007, at the Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Phyllis was born on July 23, 1926, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Ray and Ellen (Foley) Karr. She grew up in Sioux City, where she graduated from Central High School in June of 1944.

On Sept. 2, 1944, Phyllis was united in marriage to Sylvester (Chico) Guse at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sioux City. After their marriage, Phyllis continued to be employed by Swift and Company as a bookkeeper.

In 1952, Chico accepted a transfer from The Railway Express Agency to the position of "Agent" in Storm Lake, Iowa, where Phyllis then accepted a position as bookkeeper for Vilas and Company. In 1965 Chico was transferred to Worthington, Minn., and Phyllis accepted a bookkeeping position with Hudson Bros. Construction Company. In 1970 Chico was transferred to Austin, Minn., and Phyllis accepted a position as office manager for the Wagner Construction Company, where she worked until retiring.

After retirement, Phyllis and Chico enjoyed traveling, and eventually purchased their place in Apache Junction in the spring of 1992. After Chico's death in 1993, she continued to winter in Arizona.

Phyllis' greatest love was her family. A highlight of this last summer was her 80th birthday celebration held in Albert Lea, Minn., where all of her children, and most of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were in attendance.

Phyllis was a member of St. John's Catholic Church of Arlington, South Dakota.

Surviving are her children: Kathy Snyder (Dennis), Eugene, Oregon; Darleen Steck (Jim), Denver, Iowa; Maureen Rutten (Bob), Arlington, South Dakota; Andrea Ling (Jeff), Winter Haven, Florida; Sandra Swenson (Kevin), Alden, Minnesota.; Douglas Guse (Tanja), Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Todd Guse (Jennifer), Blaine, Minnesota; 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Geraldine Hamilton, Oakmont, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chico; one brother, Richard Karr; two sisters: Jana Olson and Margaret Upton; and two grandchildren: Bobby and Johnny Rutten.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, at St. John's Catholic Church in Arlington, South Dakota.

 

©2007 MnGenWeb