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Pearl E. Ludewig, 100, of Sleepy Eye, died Monday, April 30, 2001, at the Sleepy Eye Care Center. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, May 3, 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, with interment in Japanese Martyrs Catholic Cemetery, Leavenworth. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. and Thursday from 7:30-10 a.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. There will be a parish prayer service at 6 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday.
Pearl Elsie Ludewig was born Dec. 10, 1900, in Hanska, the daughter of George and Mary (Wellman) Mickelson. At a young age she moved with her family to Leavenworth where she grew up and attended school. Pearl worked on the family farm until she married Urban Ludewig on Jan. 7, 1919, at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth. The couple made their home in Stark Township where they farmed for many years. Urban died on Feb. 7, 1976. Pearl continued to live on the farm with her son Bud until the fall of 1991, when she moved to Sleepy Eye Care Center. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Pearl enjoyed gardening, flowers, raising chickens and especially loved her family and grandchildren.
Pearl is survived by her son, Sylvester "Bud" Ludewig of Sleepy Eye; daughters, Irene Houghtaling of Carmichael, Calif., Delrose and husband Wilbert Seifert, Delores and husband Robert Gulden, and LaVerna and George Berg, all of New Ulm; son-in-law, Robert Berg of New Ulm; 20 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Dolores Seifert of Sleepy Eye. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Urban; daughter, Marie in infancy; son and daughter-in-law, George and Inez Ludewig; daughter, Marion Berg; son-in-law, Paul Houghtaling; brothers, Fred and George; and sister, Minnie Huiras.
Casket bearers were Gary Berg, Linda Flor, Marly Berg, Doug Guldan, Audrey Baker and Jeff Ludewig.
Henry W. (Hank) Pankratz, 82, of Springfield, died Monday, April 23, 2001, at Springfield Medical Center in Springfield. Funeral services were held Friday, April 27, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield, with interment in the church cemetery. Military honors were conducted by John Watson American Legion Post 257 of Springfield.
Henry Pankratz was born Nov. 10, 1918, in Brookville Township, Redwood County, to Alexander and Anna (Fernkes) Pankratz. He attended country school, and was employed in the aircraft factory in Inglewood, Calif., before enlisting in the US Navy during World War II in 1942. Hank was a metal smith at Camp Perry Va., Norfolk, Va. and at Chesapeake Bay, Md. He was discharged March 11, 1946. Hank married Angeline Kotten, the daughter of Teresa and Hubert Kotten, on Feb. 14, 1950, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year. The couple farmed three miles south of Springfield for 30 years, retiring to Springfield in 1980. Hank is a past commander of John Watson American Legion Post 257 and a 50-year member of St. Thomas Court, Catholic Order of Foresters. He was a supervisor on Burnstown Township Board for many years, and did field inspections for the State of Minnesota. He was also a life-long member of St. Raphael's parish. Hank enjoyed his family, having coffee with friends, hunting, fishing and his cabin on Lake Ida.
Hank is survived by his wife, Angeline of Springfield; son, Ronald and wife Cindy Pankratz of Alexandria; daughters, Jacuueline and husband Greg Wennes of Spring Grove, Debra and husband Steve Baumann of Marshall, and Gail and husband Thomas Hegland of Lino Lakes; daughter-in-law, Karen and husband Jo Kral of Springfield; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Roman of Springfield, and Clarence and wife Elaine of Anoka. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark in 1990; grandson, Jason Pankratz in 1977; brother, Robert in 1996; and sister-in-law, Adeline Pankratz in 1990.
Casket bearers were Peter Wennes, Duane Roiger, Roger Bohlsen, Clifford Pankratz, Gordon Pankratz and Dr. Curtis Kreig.
Blanche A. Lindemann, 72, Shakopee, formerly of Sleepy Eye, died Tuesday, June 26, 2001, at her home. Funeral services were held Friday, June 29, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Shakopee, with interment in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Cavanaugh-McNearney Funeral Home of Shakopee handled the arrangements.
Blanche was born July 19, 1928, in Eden Township, Brown County, the daughter of Julius and Gladys (Christensen) Class. She attended Sleepy Eye Public School and also Mankato State University. Blanche married Daniel Lindemann on Oct. 22, 1949, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Evan. Following marriage, Blanche worked as a cosmetologist.
Blanche is survived by her husband, Daniel; children, Steven and wife Karen of Willmar, Scott and wife Bobby Jo of Kimball, Cindy Morgan of Shakopee, and Shannon Geis and husband James of Shakopee; grandchildren, Chandra Lindemann, Darren Lindemann, Karla Lindemann and husband Mark Priester, Kurt Lindemann, Brandi Andring and husband Thomas, Thomas Morgan, Mary Morgan, and Max Geis; great-granddaughter, Suzy Petsch; brother, Gaylen Class and wife Judy of Bloomington. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Casket bearers were Chandra Lindemann, Darren Lindemann, Karla Lindemann, Kurt Lindemann, Brandi Andring, Thomas Andring, Thomas Morgan and Mary Morgan. Honorary casket bearers were Max Geis and Suzy Petsch.
Albert "Chief" Neumann, 65, New Ulm, died Thursday, June 28, 2001, at his home. Funeral services were held Monday, July 2, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm, with interment in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm.
Albert was born July 17, 1935 in New Ulm, to Albert Sr. and Amelia (Koetting) Neumann. He attended New Ulm Public School. On Sept. 7, 1962, he married Mildred Schwartz at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. He worked for A.M.P.I. for over 20 years, retiring in 1997. Albert had also worked construction and carpentry in New Ulm. He enjoyed woodworking projects, including making children's wooden toys. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.
Albert "Chief" is survived by his wife, Mildred Neumann of New Ulm; daughters and sons-in-law, Trudy and Keith Richter, Tyleen and Tony Miller, Terry and Glenn Wech, and Darcy and Dave Christensen, all of New Ulm; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wally and Verna Neumann, and Harvey and Mary Neumann, all of New Ulm,; and Harol Neumann of Riverside, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Garnet "Barney" Neumann, and Donald "Dan" Neumann.
Evelyn Mary Eckstein, 80, of Sleepy Eye, died Saturday, July 14, 2001, at Sleepy Eye Hospital. Funeral Services were held Tuesday, July 17, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Interment is in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye.
Evelyn Riebel was born May 31, 1921 in Brown County, the daughter of William and Frances (Riebel) Zuhlsdorf. She attended country school and grew up in Brown County. Evelyn married Albert Eckstein Nov. 7, 1939 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The couple made their home in Sleepy Eye where she worked at Pietrus Foods and Del Monte. Evelyn later worked for B.F. Goodrich in New Ulm for 17 years. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Guild and VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed embroidering, crocheting and playing cards. Evelyn especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins Baseball games.
She is survived by her son, Charles and wife Carol Eckstein of Sleepy Eye; daughter, Judy and husband Vernon Schumacher of Sleepy Eye; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Angeline Mishler of Inver Grove Heights, Gladys Zarn of Sleepy Eye, Bernice Marsh of Sleepy Eye, Catherine and husband Donald Meyer of Sleepy Eye and Eleanor and husband Lloyd Strong of Sleepy Eye; brothers, Leonard of Parkers Prairie, Jerome and wife Jane of Mankato, Albert and wife Pauline of Sleepy Eye and Richard of Sleepy Eye. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert in 1988; brothers, Donald and Bernard; and sister, Delores Eckstein.
Casket bearers were Bradley Eckstein, Mark Eckstein, Scott Eckstein, Dave Eckstein, Bret Otzenberger and Pete Wersal.
Frances Stockton, 90, of Sleepy Eye, died Thursday, July 12, 2001, at Richfield Health Center in Richfield. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 20, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with interment in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. There will be no visitation or reviewal. Minnesota Valley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Frances was born January 11, 1911 and lived most of her life in Sleepy Eye up until several years ago when she became a resident of the Health Care Center. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.
She is survived by a son, Jerome "Jerry" Stockton, Jr., of Clark, N.J. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerome Stockton, Sr.; and by her siblings.
Rachel Henrietta Schieffert, 88, of Morgan, died Thursday, July 12, 2001, at Sleepy Eye Hospital.
Funeral services were Monday, July 16, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye. Interment is in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home of Sleepy Eye.
Rachel Meyer was born April 18, 1913 in Sleepy Eye, the daughter of Herman and Minnie (Guse) Meyer. She grew up and attended St. John's Lutheran School in Sleepy Eye. Rachel married Joseph Schieffert Oct. 2, 1930 in New Ulm. The couple made their home in Sleepy Eye. She had made her home at Gil-Mor Manor in Morgan since January of 2000. She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye and Ladies Aid. She also was a past member of the VFW and Legion Auxiliary. Rachel enjoyed crafts, flowers and especially her home and family.
She is survived by her sons, Gene and wife Lois Schieffert of rural Sleepy Eye and Myron "Mike" and wife Janice Schieffert of Bloomington; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; special niece, Orlene Horman of Sleepy Eye; and many nieces and nephews.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joseph in 1979; sisters, Alma Vollmer, Esther Grundmeyer, Minnie Domke and Adelia Schewe; brothers, Albert, Art, Alfred and Herman Meyer.
Casket bearers were Lori Dahlof, Tim Schieffert, Dave Schieffert, Michael Schieffert, Todd Schieffert, Brenda Schieffert-Wise and Cindy Childers.
Vernard "Vernie" J. Helget, 76, of Sleepy Eye, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. Funeral services were Friday, July 13, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home of Sleepy Eye handled the arrangements.
Vernie was born March 20, 1925, in Stark Township, Brown County, the son of Louie and Mary (Haala) Helget. He grew up and attended country school in Stark Township, and later St. Mary's School in Sleepy Eye. On Aug. 8, 1945, Vernie married Delores Schmid at Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Church in New Ulm. The couple lived and farmed in Home Township for many years, later retiring and moving to Sleepy Eye. Vernie was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Sleepy Eye Eagles, and Card Club. He enjoyed fishing, playing baseball in his youth and watching baseball later in life. Vernie also enjoyed playing cards, farming, old time music and especially spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vernie is survived by his wife, Delores Helget of Sleepy Eye; children, Ronald and wife Gloria Helget of Sleepy Eye, Mary Ann and husband Richard Krebs of Sleepy Eye, Linda and husband Scott Peterson of Sleepy Eye, Larry Helget of Sleepy Eye, Lori and husband Thomas Deibele of Sleepy Eye, and Kathy and husband Craig Larson of Hanska; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Edwin Helget of Sleepy Eye; sisters, Adella and husband Raymond Tauer of Hanska, and Lucille and husband Robert Brand of New Ulm; sister-in-law, Donna Helget of Sleepy Eye; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Elvira and Stanley Wiltscheck; brother, Marvin Helget; and sister-in-law, Alice Helget.
Casket bearers were Jon Helget, Cori Krebs, Billy Helget, Joey Helget, James Peterson and Jeffrey Helget. Honorary casket bearers were Pat Tauer, Scott Brand, David Wendinger, Eldon Helget, Dennis Tauer and Donna Rae Beranek.
Albert Robert Johnson, 71, of Sleepy Eye, died Tuesday, July 10, at Sleepy Eye Municipal Hospital, Sleepy Eye. Funeral services were Saturday, July 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Sturm Funeral Home of Sleepy Eye handled the arrangements.
Albert was born June 26, 1930, in Prairieville Township, Brown County, the son of Evald and Hazel (Borchardt) Johnson. He grew up and attended District 29 Country School and later, Sleepy Eye Public School. After he completed his schooling, Albert farmed with his father before entering the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean Conflict from July of 1953 to May of 1955 in Germany. Albert married Alice Mae Groff on May 18, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. The couple farmed in Ortonville and Clinton, and later Albert worked at the GTA Cargill Elevator and the Ebenhoh Body Shop. Albert later owned and operated a dairy farm in Prairieville Township for many years. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. Albert enjoyed farming, gardening, playing cards, and going to coffee with his friends. He also enjoyed going for drives in the country and especially spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Albert is survived by his wife, Alice May Johnson of Sleepy Eye; children, Sherri Johnson of Sheboygan, Wisc., Linda and husband Patrick Stimpert of Zumbrota, Alan Johnson of Sleepy Eye, Ronnie and wife Tara Johnson of Albert Lea, Ryan and wife Jessica Johnson of Sleepy Eye, Gary Johnson of Sleepy Eye, Ricky Johnson of Sleepy Eye, and Becky Johnson of Sleepy Eye; seven grandchildren, Cassondra Johnson, Vanessa and Sissy Stimpert, Tory and McKenzie Johnson, Elexis Johnson and Hannah Johnson; brother, Russell and wife Clarice Johnson of Sanborn; sister, Virginia and husband Norbert Irlbeck of Browerville; and brother-in-law, Roman Pankratz of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy in 1989; sister Adeline Pankratz; and infant brother, Darold.
Edward F. Kral, 81, of the Lake Villa Maria Apartments in Sleepy Eye, died Monday, July 16, 2001 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 19 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with burial in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. (today) Wednesday at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm. Visitation will continue at the church for one hour prior to the time of mass on Thursday. St. Mary's Catholic Aid Council and St. Mary's Council of the Knights of Columbus will pray a combined rosary at 6 p.m. and there will be a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. both Wednesday evening at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm. Arrangements are handled by Minnesota Valley Funeral Home of New Ulm.
Edward was born April 16, 1920 in Sigel Township, Brown County to Edward and Anna (Wiltscheck) Kral. He attended country school in District 10, Sigel Township, Brown County. After school he worked in custom combining for a few years. He married Angeline Hoffmann on April 9, 1951 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in New Ulm. After marriage they farmed in Sigel Township, Brown County, until moving to Lake Villa Maria Apartments in Sleepy Eye in May, 2001. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, St. Mary's Catholic Aid Council, and St. Mary's Council of the Knights of Columbus and was a past board member of the Sigel Baseball Association.
Edward is survived by his wife, Angeline Kral of Sleepy Eye; daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Mel Wendt of Elysian, Kathy and John Hillesheim of New Ulm and Margie and Randy Kirchhoff of Glencoe; sons and daughters-in-law, Francis and Gwen Kral of New Ulm, Thomas and Pennie Kral and Ken and Jody Kral, all of Sleepy Eye; twelve grandchildren; a sister, Elzear Lillian Kral of Winona; brothers and sisters-in-law, Victor and Rosemary Kral of New Ulm and Robert and Ebba Kral of Edina; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Kral of Osakis. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Norbert Kral in childhood, Alfred Kral and Elmer Kral; sisters, Eleanor Hoffmann, Marcella Hoffmann, Lucy and Marie Kral in infancy, Elizabeth Berg and Florence Kral.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the donor's choice.
Donald "Don" Stimpert, 85, of 420 Burnside Street S.E. in Sleepy Eye died Monday, July 16, 2001 at the Sleepy Eye Care Center in Sleepy Eye. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 20 at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye with burial in Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 19 at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye and will continue for one hour prior to the time of service at the church on Friday. Minnesota Valley Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Donald was born on July 5, 1916 in Benson, Illinois to Charles and Sena (Waltzen) Stimpert. He married Marjorie A. Sandmann on September 8, 1935 in Springfield. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In 1952 they started the Orchid Inn and Motor Lodge in Sleepy Eye and operated it until 1996. He was a former member of the Lions Club, Toastmasters and the Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye. #
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie A. Stimpert of Sleepy Eye; daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Donald J. Billmeier of Sleepy Eye; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Joan Stimpert of Sleepy Eye; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; and his sister and brother-in-law, Gladys and Arno Johnson of Sleepy Eye. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Douglas Stimpert on March 11, 1955; and brothers, Chester Stimpert, Raymond Stimpert, Arnold Stimpert and Charles Stimpert.
Alice Plamann, 67, of Forest City Township, died Tuesday, July 17, at her home. Funeral services were held Friday, July 20, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield.
Alice May Plamann was born Oct. 24, 1934, in New Ulm, to Louis and Ella Kraus. On April 15, 1953, she married William Plamann in New Ulm, and together they lived in New Ulm until 1971 when they moved to Cokato. In 1989, they moved from Cokato to Forest City Township where they lived at the present time. Alice was a homemaker and mother to her husband and seven children.
Alice is survived by her husband, William; daughters, Linda and husband Clifford Boeson of Cokato, Susan and husband Marvin Berscheid of Kimball, Lori and husband Bill Phillips of Litchfield, and Carrie and husband Roy Johnson of Litchfield; sons, Gary and wife Darhla Plamann of Annandale, Ronald and wife Linda Plamann of Kimball, Bill and wife Kathy Plamann of Dassel; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Pearl Welmann of Long Prairie and Jeanette and husband John Pratt of Bemidji; brother Leo Kraus of New Ulm; and many nieces and nephews. Alice was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Herman Kraus.
Vita Lorraine Schmidt, 83, Sleepy Eye, died Friday, July 20, 2001, at her home. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 24, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, with interment in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye.
Vita was born May 3, 1918, in Sleepy Eye, to Lucian J. and Ann (Schueller) Bertrand. She grew up in Sleepy Eye, attending and graduating from St. Mary's School in 1938. On July 14, 1945, she married Ervin (Bud) Schmidt in Sleepy Eye. Vita was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, a member of the C.C.W., Christian Mothers Society, and the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries. Vita and Bud owned and operated the Sleepy Eye Tile Yard, in which Vita was very supportive. She was very proud to have been one of the early women truck drivers. For a period of time, Vita worked at 3M in New Ulm, retiring from there in 1983. She enjoyed walking -- at times up to four or five miles a day, spending time with her grandchildren, raising flowers, lunching with friends, attending community theater plays, traveling by car, and was also an avid reader.
Vita is survived by daughters, Mary and husband Jim Sommerfeld of Sleepy Eye, and Joann Schmidt of Sleepy Eye; sons, Jim and wife LuAnn Schmidt of Burnsville, and Chuck and wife Mary Schmidt of Lakeville; grandchildren, Tim and Brian Schmidt, Allen and Mark Sommerfeld and Elain Schmidt; sister, Flavia and husband Dennis Larson of Sleepy Eye; and brother, Medard Bertrand of Kansas City. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Ervin (Bud) Schmidt.
Honorary casket bearers were Elain Schmidt, Brian Schmidt, Allen Sommerfeld, Tim Schmidt, and Mark Sommerfeld.
