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Lori Ann O'Neil
Lori Ann O'Neil, 36, Sleepy Eye, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003, at her home. Funeral services were Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in Decoria Cemetery, Decoria Township. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements. The family prefers memorials.
Lori was born Jan. 22, 1966, in Mankato. She grew up and attended school in Mankato. Lori graduated from Mankato East High School in 1984, and was active in the church youth group in high school. Lori married Tim O'Neil on Oct. 31, 1987, in Mankato. They have lived in Sleepy Eye since 2000. Lori worked part-time at Herberger's since 1999. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye, where she taught Sunday School for the past two years. Since moving back to Minnesota, Lori has worked at Riverbend Day Treatment, where she loved being involved in the kid's lives. The last year she was a dispatcher with Sleepy Eye Bus Lines.
Lori is survived by her husband, Tim O'Neil of Sleepy Eye; children, Matthew, Mason and Molli, all of Sleepy Eye; parents, Royce and Claudia Sohre of Good Thunder; mother-in-law, Dorothy O'Neil of Waseca; grandparents, Claude and Sophie Ziegler of Rapidan, Harold Franz of Mankato and Elmer and Lela Sohre of Good Thunder; brother, Russell and wife Stephanie Sohre of Good Thunder; brothers-in-law, Jim and Jan O'Neil of Faribault, Jon and Vicki O'Neil of Waseca, Mike and Judy O'Neil of Waseca, and Dan O'Neil of Waseca; sisters-in-law, Patricia and Frank Demonte of Park Ridge, Ill., and Karen and James Nesius of Lake Park; 19 nieces and nephews; seven great-nieces and nephews and many cousins, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her birth father, Marvin Franz; grandmother, Esther Franz; nephew, Shea O'Neil; and father-in-law, Dallas O'Neil.
Kimberly Ann Severson
Kimberly Ann Severson, 17, Sleepy Eye, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002, as a result of an auto accident. Funeral services were Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in the church cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Kim was born June 30, 1985, in Sleepy Eye, the daughter of Paul and Susan (Leonard) Severson. She lived in Sleepy Eye her entire life, attending St. Mary's Schools. Kim worked part-time at Subway and also Riverside Animal Clinic in Sleepy Eye. She loved animals and enjoyed her many pets. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Kim liked to spend time with her niece and nephews, as well as her friends, family and special friend, Ricky.
Kim is survived by her parents, Paul and Sue Severson of Sleepy Eye; sisters, Theresa and husband Scott Stimpert of Winthrop, and Amanda Severson and special friend Will Hornick of Sleepy Eye; brothers, Jason Severson of New Ulm and Mark Severson and special friend Rachel Mude of Sleepy Eye; niece, Samantha; and nephews, Jonathan, Christopher and Andrew Stimpert; grandmothers, Agnes Leonard of Nicollet and Marion Severson of Mankato; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Paul L. Severson and Kenneth Leonard.
Casket bearers were Nick Stolt, Tony McCabe, Justin Leonard, Greg Leonard, Kory Kettner, Josh Leonard, Matt Nordwall and Kevin Nordwall.
Floyd Peter Guldager
Floyd Peter Guldager, age 78, of the Minnesota Veteran's Home, and formerly of Bloomington, died Nov. 13, 2002, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Memorial services were held Nov. 29, 2002, at Morris Nilsen Chapel in Richfield. Full military honors were conducted with interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel of Richfield.
Floyd was born April 22, 1924, in Sleepy Eye. He was a member of the American Legion Post 435 and Richfield Lodge, A.F. & A.M. He was an Army veteran of both WWII and the Korean Conflict.
He is survived by a sister, Pearl Berkner of Sleepy Eye; sister-in-law, Margaret Guldager and family; and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mable L. (Svoboda) Guldager in 2001.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
Elizabeth "Bette" Klein
Elizabeth "Bette" Klein, 72, Sleepy Eye, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, at Sleepy Eye Care Center. Funeral services are Thursday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday 4-7 p.m. and Thursday, 7:30-10 a.m. at Sturm Funeral Home. A parish prayer service is scheduled Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Bette was born Nov. 16, 1930, in Sleepy Eye, the daughter of Mathilda (Herr) and Fredrick Klein. She grew up in Sleepy Eye and graduated from St. Mary's High School. Bette made her home in Sleepy Eye all of her life. She worked at the Pietrus processing plant for many years. Bette was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir. She also enjoyed watching and listening to baseball and football games and especially loved spending time with her family.
Bette is survived by her sister, Joyce and husband Andy Zurick of Norco, Calif. and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joseph in infancy, Fredrick, Jr., Marlin and Thomas; sisters, Madonna Marron, Ina Mae Gramentz, Patricia Kainz and Marge Christensen.
Casket bearers were Rod O'Marron, Mark Wersal, Josh Wersal, Justin Wersal, Ted Klein and Greg Klein.
Carol (Andersen) Amsden
Carol (Andersen) Amsden, 68, Canyon Lake, Calif., died Dec. 11, 2002, at her home. A family conducted memorial service was held on Dec. 13 at the Evans-Brown Mortuary in Sun City, Calif.
Carol was born July 18, 1934, the daughter of Carl and Hansine Andersen of rural Sleepy Eye. She was baptized and later confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Evan. She received her BA in education from Mankato State University and taught school in the Winthrop School District. On Dec. 21, 1958, Carol married Elmer Hansen, Jr. of Sleepy Eye, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Evan. The couple moved to Orange, Calif., where their three sons were born. Elmer died in 1972, the result of a heart attack. On Sept. 10, 1978, Carol was united in marriage to Michael Amsden of Orange, Calif. Although she became a victim of bone cancer 10 years prior to her death, Carol continued 0her involvement in education by doing substitute teaching in the elementary schools of the Canyon Lake area. Carol and Mike loved to travel and visited several countries around the world. Their last trip was to Minnesota in August of 2002, when they attended Carol's 50th class reunion. They were also present at the 125th anniversary celebration of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Evan.
Carol is survived by her husband, Michael Amsden of Canyon Lake, Calif.; sons, Bryan Hansen of Anaheim, Calif., Brett and wife Rosario Hansen of Fullerton, Calif., and Bradley and wife Kelly Hansen of Tucson, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and sister, Else and husband Reynold Jacobsen of Morgan. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister Florence and husband Arthur Henriksen of Minneapolis.
Frieda E. Kohls
Frieda Kohls, 87, Morgan, formerly of Redwood Falls, died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2003, at Gil Mor Manor in Morgan. Services were Wednesday at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Morgan, with interment in Redwood Falls Cemetery, Redwood Falls.
Frieda was born Aug. 16, 1915, in Evan, the daughter of Jens and Magda (Hansen) Christensen. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Evan. She grew up in Evan and received her education from District #57, Brown County. On Sept. 20, 1940, she was united in marriage to Alton Kohls in Sleepy Eye. After marriage, they resided in Sleepy Eye for four years, until moving to a farm in rural Morgan. Together they operated the farm until retiring in 1973. After retirement, Frieda and Alton moved to Redwood Falls, where they were employed by the Nelson Funeral Home. Alton died March 1, 1988. Frieda had been a resident of Gil Mor Manor for the past two-and-a-half years. Her special interests included making quilts, playing cards, sewing, baking cookies and gardening.
Frieda is survived by her children, Ron and wife Char Kohls of Redwood Falls, and Gloria and husband David Lindell of Arlington, Tex.; grandchildren, Kim, Shelly, Rhonda, Tina and Cheri; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton; sisters, Clara, Emma and Ruth; and brothers, Chris, Elmer, Arthur and Hans.
Wilbur Louis Best
Wilbur Louis Best, 92, Morgan, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at Gil Mor Manor. Funeral services were Saturday at United Methodist Church, Morgan, with interment in Morgan City Cemetery. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Gil Mor Manor of Morgan.
Wilbur was born Sept. 25, 1910, the son of W. Alexander and Sarah (Yates) Best on the family farm near Princeville, Ill. He moved with his parents at the age of two years to a farm near Sleepy Eye. Wilbur received his education from country schools. He was involved with taking care of the family farm until he married Hazel Springer on Feb. 14, 1937, in Lamberton. Together they farmed in the Morgan area for 36 years and during this time, they raised a family of five children. Hazel died March 28, 1974, and Wilbur remained on the farm for three more years. Wilbur married Elsie M. Peterson on April 23, 1977, and they made their home in Morgan for 11 years, until Elsie died on Oct. 25, 1988. Wilbur continued to reside in the same house for nine years. Due to ill health conditions and medical needs, Wilbur moved into Gil Mor Manor in Morgan in November of 1997. Farming was his way of life. While growing up, he worked hard on his family farm. He was an active 4-H member and a supporter of 4-H in later years. He put in long days milking cows, feeding cattle, hogs and sheep and raising crops. He was a long time member of the Morgan United Methodist Church and an active member of the Morgan Lions Club for several years.
Wilbur is survived by his sons, Kenneth and wife Wanda Best of Murrieta, Calif., Clifford and wife Nancy Best of Bloomington, Lyle and wife Renae Best of Rice; daughters, Beverly and husband Tom Kish of Deltafield, Wisc., and Bernice and husband Ward Miller of Richfield; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Otto Best; sisters, Etta Anderson and Mildred Neal; first wife, Hazel; and second wife Elsie.
Words Wilbur lived by: "Trust in the Lord," "Keep up the faith," and "Be thankful in everything, and always."
Todd Michael Johnson
Todd Michael Johnson, 46, Medical Lake, Wash., died unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, at Cheney Medical Center, Cheney, Wash. Funeral services are Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m., at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis, with interment in Prairieville Cemetery, Cty. Road 29, rural Sleepy Eye on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m. A time of prayer and remembrance was held Jan. 13 at the Cheney Funeral Chapel. On Jan. 15, Eastern Washington University held a celebration of Dr. Todd M. Johnson's life at Showalter Auditorium in Cheney.
Todd was born Nov. 3, 1956, in Minneapolis, the son of Merton R. and Charlotte J.L. (Farm) Johnson. He grew up in Edina and graduated from Edina East High School. On June 15, 1985, Todd married Sandra Louise Rasmussen at the United Church of Christ, New Ulm. Todd obtained a B.A. degree (1979) with majors in mathematics, general science and education from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. His M.S. (1989) and Ph.D. (1994) degrees in curriculum and instruction: mathematics education were received from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Todd spent his professional life educating others. During his career, he taught learners of all ages. At the time of his death, Dr. Johnson was an assistant professor of math education at Eastern Washington University after serving as an assistant professor of math education at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill. He taught, with great enthusiasm, a variety of courses for elementary education students. His dedicated work and numerous contributions to his field helped in many ways shape the mathematics education programs at Eastern Washington University. Todd was active in all areas of his profession: teaching, service and professional and scholarly activities. He served as chair of the mathematics education committee and represented the mathematics department on the faculty senate. Todd successfully applied for and was funded several curriculum grants that integrated his research interests with his love for teaching mathematics and preparing future educators. He frequently traveled to give presentations at professional meetings and he had articles published in peer-reviewed mathematics education journals. Todd enjoyed traveling, landscaping, socializing and spending time with family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor and he truly cared about others.
Todd will be greatly missed by his wife, Sandra of Medical Lake, Wash.; brother, Peter, his wife Chris and their children, Matthew and Will Johnson, Eagan; father-in-law, Paul, Sr. and wife Jane Rasmussen of Sleepy Eye; brothers-in-law, Paul, Jr. and wife Linda Rasmussen, of Benld, Ill., William Gorman of Arcadia, Calif.; Fred and wife Jane Rasmussen of Evan; and Mark Rasmussen of Sleepy Eye; many nieces and nephews; step-sister-in-law and step-brothers-in-law, Judy and husband Lloyd Tompkins of Park Rapids; Alan Jacobsen of Morgan; David Jacobsen of Northfield; and Curtis and wife Lisa Jacobsen of Prescott, Wisc.; many step-nephews and step-nieces; numerous family members and his dog, Hack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merton and Charlotte Johnson; mother-in-law, Oradell (Backer) Rasmussen; sister-in-law, Rita (Rasmussen) Gorman; and step-sister-in-law, Kathryn (Jacobsen) Jensen.
Orevilla Kopischke
Orevilla Wilhelmina Alma Kopischke, 83, Morgan, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at New Ulm Medical Center. Funeral services were Wednesday at Zion Evangelical Church, Morgan, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Nelson-Martin Funeral Service handled the arrangements.
Orevilla was born Oct. 18, 1919, on the family farm in Eden Township, Brown County, the daughter of Fred and Frances (Vohs) Penning. She grew up on the family farm, attended country school and graduated from Morgan High School. On Sept. 14, 1938, Orevilla married Alfred C. Kopischke at St. John's Church in Morgan. After marriage, they farmed in Eden Township on Alfred's family farm until Alfred died on Jan. 19, 1969. Orevilla later moved to New Ulm and worked as a clerk at Pamida. She retired from Pamida in the late 70s and returned to the farm in 1982. She moved to Countryside Retirement Community in Sleepy Eye and for the past three months has been at Sleepy Eye Care Center. Orevilla was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, member of the Women's Guild, Ladies Aid, O.W.L.S. and had also taught Sunday School. Among her interests were gardening, crocheting and knitting for her children and grandchildren. Orevilla supported her family, sending three sons off to the service, two that served in Vietnam.
Orevilla is survived by her children, Donald A. Kopischke of New Ulm, Janet Nygaard of Fergus Falls, Kenneth A. Kopischke of Northfield and Calvin A. and wife Darlene Kopischke of St. Peter. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jon, Jr., Jeff, Greg, Allen, Jennifer, Peter, Rachael, Karin, Matthew and Zachariah; and 10 great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, Alfred, Orevilla was preceded in death by her sisters, Florence and Elaine and a nephew, Larry.
Raymond Joseph Wensauer
Raymond Joseph Wensauer, 77, Essig, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, at Sleepy Eye Care Center in Sleepy Eye. Funeral services were Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in the church cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Raymond was born July 29, 1925, in Mulligan Township, Brown County, the son of Frank and Mary (Sellner) Wensauer. Raymond grew up and attended country school in Mulligan Township and also attended St. Mary's High School in Sleepy Eye. After his schooling he farmed in Mulligan Township. Raymond married Agnes Fink on May 13, 1947, at The Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth. After their marriage, Raymond and Agnes lived and farmed in Mulligan Township until their retirement. After retiring, they moved to the Godahl area and later to Essig. Raymond was a past member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Comfrey and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Raymond enjoyed going to auctions, traveling, old time music and spending time with his family.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Agnes Wensauer of Essig; children and their spouses, Joseph and Laura Wensauer of Parkers Prairie, James and Patricia Wensauer of Comfrey, Kathy and Ivan Radloff of Winthrop, Mary and Dale Wiegmann of Willmar, David and Valerie Wensauer of Sacred Heart, Barbara and Joel Lingbeek of Renville; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brothers-in-law, Alois and wife Deloris Fink of Fairfax and Joseph Fink of Sleepy Eye. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Frank Wensauer.
Casket bearers were Jason Wensauer, Christina Wensauer, Brandon Wensauer, Jonathan Lingbeek, Casey Wiegmann and Michelle Kilanowski.
Willard Zellmer
Willard Ralph Zellmer, Sleepy Eye, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at the Sleepy Eye Care Center. Funeral services were Thursday at the Sleepy Eye Care Center chapel, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Willard was born Dec. 24, 1913, at the family farm near Evan. He was the second child born to Ernest and Alma (Dobberstein) Zellmer. He grew up on the family farm and continued to live there until retirement. Willard attended school district #58 and then moved to Sleepy Eye. Willard was a caring person, always lending a hand to someone needing help. He enjoyed country life, hunting, fishing, trapping and raising animals. Willard went to auctions and sales barns. He never traveled much, but enjoyed going north with a cousin, Norbert Weyker, to various sales. Willard was game for most anything, he never drove a car, but would visit neighbors and family attending church when able. The last 20 years Willard was housebound, the last four years at the Sleepy Eye Care Center. The family thanks the staff for his excellent care. Willard was a member of the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Sleepy Eye.
Willard is survived by his sister, Esther of Countryside Retirement Community in Sleepy Eye; Eunice and husband Stanley Larson of Hillman; niece, Rebecca and husband Robert Patient of St. Paul; nephew, Tom and wife Debra Larson; and great-nephews, Jacob and Jordon Larson, all of Clear Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Reinhart and Melvin.
Bernice S. Meidl
Bernice S. Meidl, 90, Sleepy Eye, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Funeral services were Saturday at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye.
Bernice was born July 19, 1912, in Bovey, the daughter of David and Kathryn (Puckett) Hamm. She attended grade school in Wisconsin and moved to Sleepy Eye, where she graduated from Sleepy Eye Public High School in 1929. Bernice married Anton Meidl on July 28, 1942, in New Ulm and the couple made their home in Sleepy Eye. Bernice worked as a clerk for many years at Sauter's Variety, McKnights, Doeltz Pharmacy and Sheridan Drug, all of Sleepy Eye. After Anton died, Bernice continued to live in Sleepy Eye, moving to Ross Park Apartments and later to the Sleepy Eye Care Center and Divine Providence Home. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye, the Sleepy Eye VFW Auxiliary and the Sleepy Eye Historical Society. Bernice enjoyed fishing, hunting, cats and dogs, and especially spending time with her friends.
Bernice is survived by her nieces; nephews; cousins; special friends, Ron and Jane Fischer and family of Sleepy Eye and Larry and Marlene Fischer and family of Sleepy Eye. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Anton in 1981.
