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Loretta Zschetzsche, 75, of rural Sleepy Eye, died Sunday, March 4, 2001, at St. Therese Home in New Hope. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 7 at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth, with interment in the church cemetery.
Loretta was born Oct. 18, 1925, in St. Paul, the daughter of Mathias and Rose (Unger) Lang. She grew up in St. Paul where she attended St. Bernard's Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy. Loretta worked many years for several downtown St. Paul businesses until she married. She enjoyed traveling. Four of her many trips were to Europe, with one of her special destinations being Illmitz, Austria where she visited her relatives. On May 28, 1960, Loretta married Jerome J. Zschetzsche at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in St. Paul. The couple made their home on the farm near Leavenworth. She was the bookkeeper for NFO Collection Point for many years. Loretta was a member of the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth, the Catholic Aid Association and the Christian Mothers. She enjoyed gardening, dancing, spending time with family at their lake home, and having fun with friends. She had a special bond with her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.
Loretta is survived by her children, Rosann Zschetzsche of Sauk Centre, Michele and husband David White of O'Fallon, Mo., Gerri Lynn and husband Dave Windmeier of Corcoran, and Michael Zschetzsche of Sleepy Eye; three grandchildren, Brittany Zschetzsche, Trevor and Joshua White; sisters-in-law, Florine Lang of Mesa, Ariz., Gertrude and husband Sylvester Huiras of Columbia, Mo., Helen Fiero of Ildsmar, Fla., Lucille Mangen of Minnetonka and Mary Zschetzsche of Sleepy Eye.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerome in 1999; brother, Matt Lang; sister-in-law, Margaret and husband Stan Sobocinski; brothers-in-law, Edwin, Norbert and wife Bernice, Vic Mangen and Jack Fiero.
Casket bearers were: Bob Walsh, David White, Paul Leintz, Dave Windmeier, Charles Sobocinski and Stanley Sobocinski.
Barbara Jean Kastner, 47, of Kasota and formerly of Hanska area, died Sunday, March 4, 2001, at St. Peter Community Hospital in St. Peter. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 8 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm with interment in New Ulm City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 and from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home.
Barbara was born on July 1, 1953, in New Ulm, to Norbert and Carol (Frederickson) Kastner. She attended school in Hanska. She lived in the Hanska area until the age of ten when she moved to St. Peter, where she became a resident of St. Peter State Hospital in Pexton Hall. She worked various jobs while living in St. Peter. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska.
Barbara is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane and Richard "Rocky" Lane of New Ulm, Sharon and Kenny Christensen of Essig; brothers, Michael Kastner of rural Comfrey, Thomas Gohr of North Mankato; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Sandra Davis.
Casket bearers were: Richard "Rocky" Lane, Chris Kliner, Mike Hasse, John Schroeder, Adam Mosenden and Tim Leske.
Merle "Butch" Venero, 80, of Sleepy Eye, died Monday, March 5, 2001, at the Presbyterian Home in Roseville. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 9 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Visitation is Thursday, 4-8 p.m. and 7:30-9 a.m. Friday at the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will also continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Butch was born Sept. 6, 1920, in Faribault to Maximillian and Florence (Wharton) Venero. He grew up and graduated from high school in Faribault. After his schooling, he worked as a butcher at National Tea in Sleepy Eye. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII in Hawaii as a cook. Butch married Alice Victoria Larsen on Dec. 20, 1945, in Sleepy Eye. He owned and operated Venero's Sanitary Meat Market on Main Street for many years and then became a financial representative for IDS/American Express until his retirement. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the Sleepy Eye Public School Board while the high school was built, and he also served on the Sleepy Eye Hospital Board. Butch enjoyed many years of retirement as a "snow bird" in Venice, Fla.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice Venero; and his loving children, Jane Wester of Eagen, Jeri and husband Bob Johns of Rochelle, Ill., Jay and wife Dory Venero of Excelsior, Vicki and husband Andy Connell of Coon Rapids, Paula Veilleux of Vadnais Heights, and Mary and husband John Evans of Maplewood; 13 adoring grandchildren, John, Carrie, Holly, Michael, Susan, Laura, Emily, Anne, Kelly, Josh, Katie and Hannah; seven special great-grandchildren, Alex, Andrew, Rachel, Spencer, Emma, Wynne and Mickey; brother, Erv and wife Vera Venero of Faribault; and sister, Maxine and husband PeeWee Onsrud of Faribault. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Alex J. Herlick, 92, of New Ulm died Friday, March 9, 2001, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, March 13, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, with interment in the Catholic Cemetery in New Ulm.
Alex was born on Nov. 26, 1908, in New Ulm to Anton and Josephine (Kachelmeier) Herlick. He graduated from the Holy Trinity High School in New Ulm. On Oct. 20, 1941, he married Bertha Hose at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth. After marriage, they moved to New Ulm. He was the cashier at the Klossner State Bank in Klossner for twenty five years. He served as Secretary-Treasurer at the Klossner Coop Creamery in Klossner from 1945-1970. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm and was past president of the St. Joseph's Catholic Aid Council and was an original board member of Cathedral High School in New Ulm.
Alex is survived by his son, John A. Herlick of Fargo, N.D.; sisters, Marie "Dottie" Welch of Robbinsdale, Collette and husband Stuart Groebner of New Ulm, and Carol McGrath of St. Paul; sisters-in-law, Lois Bode and husband Loren "Pete" of New Ulm, and Erna (Hose) Pelzel of Sleepy Eye. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bertha Herlick on June 2, 1998; a sister, Veronica Herlick; and brothers, Arthur, Anton "Tony" and Randolf Herlick.
Raymond E. Walter, 79, of Springfield, died Sunday, March 18, 2001, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 21, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield, with interment in the church cemetery.
Raymond was born Sept. 12, 1921, in Leavenworth Township, Brown County, to Arnold and Minnie (Fromm) Walter. He attended country school and began farming after school. On Oct. 14, 1943, he married Adeline Eckstein at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Following marriage, they moved to a farm near Cobden, and later to a farm in Burnstown Township. During his farming years, Ray also worked for the Del Monte Corporation for many years. He was a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, and a long time member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield. Ray enjoyed farming, his work at Del Monte, fishing, hunting, playing cards and having coffee with his friends at the airport.
Ray is survived by a daughter, Shirley Wendt of Springfield; sons, Richard and wife Judy Walter of Richfield, Raymond Jr. and wife Marlene Walter of Sleepy Eye; son-in-law, James and wife Cheryl Fischer of New Hope; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Elaine and husband Clarence Pankratz of Anoka, and Betty and husband Frank Liebl of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Adeline in 1991; daughter, Donna Fischer in 1979; and brothers, William and Robert.
Casket bearers were Jay, Jeff, Rick, Mike and Gary Walter, and Jason Wendt.
Michael J. Grausam, 85, Sleepy Eye, died Thursday, March 15, 2001, at his home. Private mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, March 19, at Divine Providence Chapel with interment in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Mike was born April 22, 1915, to Florain and Rose (Deutsch) Grausam in Sleepy Eye. He worked with his family on the dairy farm. He attended rural schools and St. Mary's School in Sleepy Eye. Mike entered the Army and served in WW II. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to the family farm. Mike married Agnes Hengel on May 20, 1945. They farmed and raised four children. Mike retired in 1980 and moved into Sleepy Eye. He enjoyed participating in all of his children's activities. His hobbies included listening to old time music, playing banjo, raising pigeons and he was also a craftsman with woodworking, and manufactured Hengel Concertina parts for many years. Mike was on the board of directors at St. Mary's Credit Union for 27 years, a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Catholic Aid Society, Brown County Holstein Association, served on the District 202 School Board of Prairieville Township and Prairie Land Flywheelers Two Cycle Club.
Mike is survived by his wife Agnes Grausam of Sleepy Eye; son, Greg and wife Paulette Grausam of Sleepy Eye; daughters, Joan Grausam of Leavenworth, Wash., Rosie and husband Bernie Kuehn of Milroy, and Julie and husband Wayne Huiras of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Matthew, Mark and Michael Grausam; brother, Edward Grausam of Sleepy Eye; mother-in-law, Anna Hengel of Sleepy Eye; brothers-in-law, Christy Hengel of New Ulm, Ray Hengel of Sleepy Eye and Sylvester Kotten of Sleepy Eye; sisters-in-law, Isabel Hoffmann of Cypres, Calif., Simone Hengel of Sleepy Eye and Mary Ann Kotten of Sleepy Eye. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, George Hengel; and brother-in-law, Jerome Hengel.
Honorary casket bearers were Eugene and Barb Bertrand, Tom and Mary Mathiowetz and Matt and Lenore Trost.
Patti R. Berdan, 60, of Northfield, died March 20, 2001, at her home following a long battle with cancer. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, March 23, 10:30 a.m., at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield, with interment in All Saints Cemetery in Lakeville. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, at the Benson Funeral Home, 201 E 4th St. in Northfield, and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Patricia Rose Berdan was born Jan. 29, 1941, in St. Paul, the daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Chapple) Albachten. She graduated from Worthington High School and St. Theresa College in Winona in 1965. She was united in marriage with John (Jack) Patrick Berdan at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Nov. 27, 1965. Since that time, she has made her home in Prior Lake, Lakeville and more recently, Northfield.
Patti is survived by her husband, Jack Berdan; daughters, Tami and husband Ken Ronnfeldt of Milwaukee, Wis., and Sarah and husband Vince Matthews of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Morgan and Megan Matthews; and sister, Joan Winter of Otis Orchards, Wash. She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Stephan.
Linnea Hawkinson, 99, of Wells, died Friday, March 16, 2001, at Glenwood Retirement Village in Glenwood. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 23, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells, with interment in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells. Visitation is at the church Friday, one hour prior to the service.
Linnea immigrated to the United States when she was eight years old. Her family settled in Geddes, S.D., where she graduated from high school. She received an AAS degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermilion. She taught school in her hometown. Linnea married S.M. "Sam" Hawkinson on Aug. 5, 1927, in Geddes. After their marriage, the couple lived in Rovinia and Onida, S.D., and Boyd, Arco, Brownton, Mankato and Wells. Linnea was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and active in the church circle. She served as circle chairman into her 80s. She was active in General Federation of Woman's Clubs before moving to Wells. She was a member of Eastern Star, advancing to the level of Worthy Matron. Linnea was a talented artist, enjoyed playing bridge and belonged to several clubs until she was in her 90s. She also enjoyed traveling and made a trip to her native Sweden.
Linnea is survived by daughter, Jeanine Kalstrom of Glenwood; grandson, Jeff and wife Ann Kalstrom of Duluth; granddaughter, Kristine and husband Jay Miller of Buffalo; great-grandchildren, Brett and Scott Miller, Erik and Maja Linnea Kalstrom; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Sam in 1973; brothers, Earl and Van; son-in-law, Roger Kalstrom; and several nieces and nephews.
Willard V. Christensen, 82, of Glencoe, died March 14, 2001, at Glencoe Regional Health Service. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 17, at Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe, with interment in the Glencoe Catholic Cemetery. Serving as casket bearers were Roger Gutzke, Erven Lorince, Quinn Beneke, Marshall Christensen, Tracy Christensen, Jesse Christensen, Doug Christensen, Bryan Winter and Adam Revier.
Willard Victor Christensen was born the son of Helgar and Wilhelmina (Guth) Christensen on March 16, 1918, in Prairieville Township, Brown County. He attended rural Sleepy Eye Public Schools for several years. On October 11, 1941, Willard was united in marriage with Lucille Meyer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Ulm. Willard and Lucille made their home in Sleepy Eye until 1957, when they moved to their current farm in Glencoe. Willard was a faithful member of St. Peter and Paul and St. Pius X Catholic Church. He served the parish by being an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. During his life Willard loved a variety of things. He was an avid GSL Panther supporter, enjoyed All-Star Wrestling and the Vikings. Willard also took an interest in old farm tractors, farm work, but especially loved tractor pulling. He also always found time for his family and friends. Willard enjoyed visiting neighbors, caring for children, playing cards and was willing to help anyone who needed help. He also took a very big interest in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Willard is survived by his wife, Lucille Christensen of Glencoe; children, Joyce and husband Jerome Beneke of Glencoe, Dennis and wife Sharon Christensen of Glencoe, Mark and wife Janey Christensen of Biscay, Louis Christensen of Lakeville, Paul and wife Mary Ann Christensen of Glencoe, Timothy and wife Debra Christensen of Glencoe, Victoria Christensen of North Mankato, Beth and husband John Winter of Glencoe and Mary and husband Derald Bielke of Biscay; grandchildren, Quinn and wife Jolee Beneke, Brett and wife Julie Beneke, Shannon and wife Peggy Beneke, Nikki and husband Nathan Dammann, Doug and wife Michele Christensen, Kim Fuglsang, Chad and wife Tonya Christensen, Laura and husband Jon Watkins, Marshall Christensen, Amy and husband Cory Potter, Tracy Christensen, Travis Christensen, Justin Christensen, Jesse Christensen, Terri Christensen, Jennifer Winter, Bryan Winter, Adam Revier, Shane Revier, Cody Revier, Cord Revier and Chanceton Revier; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Delmer and wife Marjorie Christensen of Princeton; brothers-in-law, Warren and wife Vonnie Meyer, Bill Meyer, Herm and wife Mary Lou Meyer; sisters-in-law, Georgine Portner, Margaret and husband Leo Lang, and Lorraine Meyer; also many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Leonard; sister, Deloris Wall; and grandson-in-law, Robert Fuglsang.
Lillian C. Strate, 84, of Sleepy Eye, died Tuesday, March 27, 2001, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Services will be Friday, March 30, at Divine Providence Community Home Chapel, with interment in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye, and one hour before services at Divine. There will be a parish prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home on Thursday.
She is survived by her sister, Rose Gulbrandson of Sleepy Eye; sister-in-law, Ines Lochner of Sleepy Eye; and 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Woodrow, in 1995; eight brothers, Hugo, Andrew, Leo, John, Ben, Bill, Leonard and Carl; and two sisters, Florence and Elizabeth.
Lillian was born May 19, 1916, in Albin Township, Brown County, the daughter of Andrew P. and Catherine (Schieffert) Sperl. She grew up and attended school in Albin Township. Lillian married Woodrow R. "Woody" Strate on July 20, 1939, in Sleepy Eye. The couple made their home in Home Township where they farmed until moving to Sleepy Eye in 1965. Lillian was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, the National Catholic Society of Foresters, the Catholic Aid Association and the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening and all sports, especially baseball.
Casket bearers are Mel Cook, Don Cook, Lynn Strate, Don Lochner, Willis Lochner and Jim Gulbrandson.
Rolland "Sonny" Pyan, 71, Sleepy Eye, died March 29, 2001, at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato. Funeral services were held Monday, April 2, at Divine Providence Community Home Chapel in Sleepy Eye, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Military rites were by the Sleepy Eye Honor Guard.
Rolland Pyan, the son of Fred and Stella (Wagner) Pyan, was born Nov. 15, 1929, in Marathon, Wis. He moved to Sleepy Eye in January of 1941 with his family. Rolland graduated from St. Mary's High School and while in school, he excelled in sports. In June of 1950, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in June of 1955. On Jan. 21, 1961, Rolland married Karen Trebesch at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The couple made their home in Sleepy Eye. Rolland was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a member of the Sleepy Eye V.F.W. He enjoyed softball, bowling, playing cards, woodworking, gardening, hunting and fishing.
Rolland is survived by his wife, Karen Pyan of Sleepy Eye; sons, Blaine and friend Rita Bell of Evan, Bradley and wife Paulette of Nicollet, Michael of Sleepy Eye, and Boyd of Jackson; daughters, Denise and husband Don Lienig of Morgan, Colette Clay of Morgan, and Theresa Pyan and fiance' Leo Moldan of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Alicia, Gary, Danielle, Cassandra and Christine Lienig, Joe and Paula Clay, Cheyenne, Dakota and Savannah Pyan, and Chantel Moldan; mother, Stella Pyan of Sleepy Eye; brother, Douglas and wife Marian Pyan of St. Peter; and sister, Sally and husband Thomas Forestner of Austin. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred; numerous aunts and uncles; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Theodore and Lena Trebesch.
Stena Jensen, 84, of Redwood Falls, died March 28, 2001. Funeral services were held Monday, April 2, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls with interment in Crestlawn Memorial Garden. Redwood Valley Funeral Home of Redwood Falls handled the arrangements.
Stena Jensen was born Jan. 1, 1917, in Brookville Township to Peter and Sophia (Larsen) Jacobsen. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Brookville Township. Stena attended country school and graduated from Sleepy Eye Public School. On Nov. 19, 1938, Stena was united in marriage to Norman Jensen in South Dakota. Together, the couple farmed southwest of Redwood Falls from 1941, until the time of their retirement. In 1996, she moved into Johnson Park Place in Redwood Falls, where she resided the past five years. Stena was a charter member of the monthly Tuesday Afternoon Club. She was an avid reader, and was very hard working. She enjoyed baking and spending time with her family and friends.
Stena is survived by her daughters, Norma Schlemmer of Minneapolis, Linda and husband Stuart of St. Peter, and Diane Jensen of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Melissa Jensen, Gwen Schlemmer, Brenda Schwob, Jim Schlemmer, Paul Nesberg and Amy Esping; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Norman, son Larry; granddaughter Debra; and three sisters and four brothers.
Marcus J. "Marc" LaPlant, 46, of Grand Rapids, Minn., died Tuesday, March 27, 2001 at his home, after a long battle with cancer. Memorial services were held Friday, March 30, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Burial will be at a later date in the Harris Cemetery in Harris Township. Arrangements are by Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids.
Marc was born March 11, 1955 in Grand Rapids, to James and Ola LaPlant and grew up and attended school in Grand Rapids, graduating from Grand Rapids High School in 1973. He worked for over 20 years in the restaurant management field, helping to establish new restaurants for Hardee's, Domino's and Burger King in many northland cities. In 1977, he went to work for Wild Construction in Shevlin
Marc is survived by his wife, Sheila (Moran) LaPlant; daughters, Valerie Moran, Lisa Moran and Katie Rebecca LaPlant, all at home; parents, James and Ola LaPlant of Grand Rapids; sisters, Becky Valentinelli of Ft. Collins, Colo., Janice Eggebraaten of Grand Rapids, and Sharon Engelstad of Colfax, Calif; mother-in-law, Sylvia Moran-Lehar and husband Leo Lehar of Sleepy Eye; sisters-in-law, Kathy and husband Chuck Spaeth of Sleepy Eye, Jane and husband Jeff Cook of Sleepy Eye, and Mary Beth and husband George Heim of Burnsville; brother-in-law, Bill and wife Judy Moran of Minnetonka; and many nieces and nephews.
Maurice Lynn Simonsen, 81, of Sleepy Eye, died March 26, 2001, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Services were held Friday, March 30, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with interment in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery with military rites by the Sleepy Eye Honor Guard.
Maurice was born Dec. 13, 1919, in Eden Township, Brown County, the son of Lars Peter and Rose Mary (Matter) Simonsen. He attended country school in Eden Township and also St. Mary's School in Sleepy Eye before attending Ag School in St. Paul. Maurice served in the United States Army in the occupation forces as a tank operator with the 864th Aviation Engineers BTL during WWII in Japan from January of 1945, until he was honorable discharged in November of 1946. He also served as an M.P. in Hiroshima. When Maurice returned home, he operated the family farm. He was in the Sleepy Eye Drum and Bugle Corps from 1948-1951. Maurice married Lucille Marie Soukup on June 1, 1950, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, with Father Albert Blatz officiating. He served on the Eden Township Board for 23 years. He was a member of the St. Mary's Knights of Columbus, served on the St. Mary's Board of Education and was an adult leader of the Evan Skyrockets 4-H Club. Maurice was a member of the Brown County Holstein Association and also an avid hunter and fisherman. Maurice and his wife raised seven children.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Lucille Simonsen of Sleepy Eye, daughters, Rose and husband Don Suker of Apple Valley, Sharon and husband Tom Hirsch of Sleepy Eye, Janet Huiras of Sleepy Eye, Marie and husband Tryg Fredrickson of Sioux Falls, S.D., Diane and husband Dwight Sommer of Sleepy Eye, and Julie Simonsen of Bologna, Italy; son, Lynn Simonsen of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Gene and Greg Suker, Dan, Charlotte, Jacob, Gabe, Aaron and Michael Hirsch, Jessica and Andy Huiras, Jorge Fredrickson, Jamie and Shawn Sommer; brothers, Bernard and wife Ruth Simonsen of Morgan, and Clarence and wife Vange Simonsen of Marshall; and sister-in-law, Beverly Simonsen of Sleepy Eye. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Alice and Laura; brother, Donald; and sister-in-law, Mary Simonsen.
