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Merle A. Miller
Merle Arlo Miller, 87, of Jackson, died Sunday, November 30, 2003 at the Jackson Medical Center in Jackson.
A service was held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2003 at the Sathe-Osterberg Funeral Home in Jackson with Doctor Martin Lucin officiating.
Burial was held in Riverside Cemetery in Jackson.
Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and on Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the Sathe-Osterberg Funeral Home.
Merle was born February 26, 1916 in Lakefield to Russell and Alta (Nestrude) Miller. He was baptized at Bethlehem Church in Lakefield and attended school in Lakefield.
After Merle's father took sick, he quit school to help farm with his family. He later stayed with relatives in Wisconsin for many years. In 1935, he was in northern Minnesota for a year with the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Merle was united in marriage to Margy Madeline McMoran by Pastor Torbjorn Hansen on November 9, 1941 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Parsonage in Lakefield.
Merle was a versatile person who worked at many different jobs throughout his long life. He was a mechanic for Markquardt Motors in Jackson, worked as an assembler at a munitions plant in the Cities during the Korean War, after which he went to work for Dallas Hansen, Sr. in rural Jackson. In 1965, Merle left farming and went to work at the Jackson Livewire, where he pursued his first love, photography. He worked there until his retirement in 1981.
Margy passed away on September 29, 2001. Merle then became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Jackson.
Merle loved to spend time with his family and go fishing. He loved nothing more than holding his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing with them and telling them stories of his childhood.
Merle spent many years working as a judge every Saturday night at the Jackson Race Track. He and Margy were charter members of a camping group, the Nighthawks. They stayed with them at a campground on the south side of Clear Lake for many years. Merle had many fond memories of fishing at the lake and spending time with friends around the campfire telling fishing stories, singing and having a good time. While at Good Samaritan Center, he enjoyed playing Bingo and cards with the other residents.
Merle is survived by his son, Kenneth of Woodland, CA; daughter, Beverly Jean and her husband, Ronald Olson of Butterfield; five grandchildren, James Adams, Jeffrey Adams, Julie Lunz, Scott Miller, and Tanya Jones; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roy and his wife, Hazel of Babbitt and Harold "Hoppy" and his wife, Theresa of Glenwood, WI; brother-in-law, Myron "Bud" McMoran of Jackson; three sisters-in-law, Willa McMoran of Truckee, CA, Bernice Miler of Renton, WA, and Delores Miller of Lilliwaup, WA; and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends and neighbors.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 60 years, Margy; granddaughter, Lynn Marie Adams; three brothers, Larry, Leonard (Buddy), and Kenny; two sisters, Marjorie Jones and Fern Chase; two sisters-in-law, Lois McMoran and Dorothy Miller; and two brothers-in-law, Curtis McMoran and Varlyn Jones.
Marvin Schmitz
Marvin Schmitz, 77, of St. James died Thursday, December 11, 2003 at his home in St. James.
A service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2003 at St. James Catholic Church in St. James with Father Jim Berning and Sister Lucille Hass officiating.
Burial was held at Calvary Cemetery in St. James.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday and continued Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. There was a Christian Mother's Rosary on Sunday at 4 p.m. and a Parish Prayer Service at 4:30 p.m.
Marvin was born June 7, 1926 to Peter and Katherine (DeMuth) Schmitz in rural Heron Lake. He attended the rural school of Dundee and high school in Fulda.
On November 30, 1946, Marvin married Loretta Pelzel at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake. They farmed in Butterfield and the St. James area. Marvin was also employed by Hubbard Research Farm of Mankato and worked for the the Rohwer Elevator in Butterfield and the LaSalle Elevator in LaSalle.
Marvin enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing cards, having coffee with friends, and loved being with friends and family.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Loretta of St. James; five sons, Roger and his wife, Kira of New Hope, Dennis and his wife, Sue of Mankato, Mark and his wife, Gail of San Francisco, CA, Jeff and his wife, Kris of Owatonna, and Troy and his wife, Bonnie of Elk River; daughter, Nancy and her husband, Kim Olson of Butterfield; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Viola Just and her husband, Otto of Heron Lake, Margaret Krohn of Chaska, and Martha Fiedler and her husband, John of Windom; six sisters-in-law, Dela Schmitz, Wilma Lunders, Pauline Schaffer, Bernice Clausen, Marcella Carlson, and Magdalen Schaffer; and brother-in-law, Ray Pelzel and his wife, Vernice.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John; and two sisters, Mary Graham and Agnes Paplow.
Casketbearers were Mason Schmitz, Monte Schmitz, Ryan Schmitz, Cedric Friesen, Nathan Olson, Matt Kijenski, Ryan Olson, and Robert Schmitz. Honorary casketbearers were Natalie Olson, Karen Olson, Rachel Schmitz, Brooke Schmitz, Paul Schmitz, Michelle Friesen, Carrie Kijenski, Laura Schmitz, and Michael Schmitz.
Email condolences may be sent at sturmfh.com. In lieu of sending thank yous, a contribution will be made to the American Lung Association.
Leona C. Wermerskirchen
Leona Clara Wermerskirchen, 99, of St. James, died Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in St. James.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2004 at St. James Catholic Church in St. James with Father Jim Berning officiating.
The pianist and vocalist was Dick Jokumsen.
Burial was held at Calvary Cemetery in St. James.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, at the Pease Funeral Home in St. James.
Leona was born August 15, 1904 to Herman and Barbara (Marihart) Berg in St. James. She was raised and attended school in St. James. She married Frank Wermerskirchen September 16, 1930 in St. James.
Leona worked as a cook and waitress and also at Tony Downs Foods in St. James. She was an active member of the St. James Catholic Church and the Royal Neighbors. She enjoyed cooking and baking.
Leona's husband, Frank, died April 16, 1966. She became a resident of the Pleasant View Nursing Home in St. James in October of 1998.
Leona is survived by her son, James and his wife, Donna of Austin; daughter, Donna Lenz of Trimont; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, husband; three brothers, Leo, Leonard and Peter; five sisters, Caroline, Veronica, Elsie, Gertrude, and Arlene; and son-in-law, Ray Lenz.
The pallbearers were Thomas Lenz, Mark Nelson, Frank Wermerskirchen, Dean Cafourek, Keith Longman, and Shaun Caveney.
Nancy M. Parsons
Nancy M. Parson, 60, of Janesville, WI, formerly of the Butterfield area, died Sunday, June 13, 2004 at her home in Janesville.
A service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 17, 2004 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Darfur with Reverend Troy Jacobs officiating.
Burial will be held at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Darfur.
Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.
Nancy was born March 28, 1944 in Butterfield to Alvin and Ilah Winnefred (Koenig) Flaming. She graduated from Comfrey High School in Comfrey.
On October 17, 1964, Nancy was united in marriage to Dale L. Parsons. They made their home in Bismarck, ND until 1990 when they moved to Janesville. Nancy was employed as a program director at the Enrichment Center by Lutheran Social Services and more recently was employed as a bus driver by the Janesville Transit System.
Nancy was an avid Christian who loved the Lord and was a member of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Janesville where she was active in its Ladies Guild. She enjoyed gardening and traveling.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Dale of Janesville; three children, Jeff and his wife, Bonnie of Mt. Horeb, WI, Bentley of Janesville, and Suzanne of Janesville; three grandchildren, Robert, Travis, Troy; parents, Ilah and Melvin Wolle of Darfur; five brothers, Roger Flaming of California, James and his wife, Carol Flaming of Mountain Lake, Donald and his wife, Barb Wolle of Lake Crystal, Douglas and his wife, Shirley Wolle of Darfur and Charles and his wife, Charlene Wolle of Mountain Lake; mother-in-law, Isabelle Parsons of St. Peter; two brothers-in-law, Harvey Henze of Wasau, WI and Wayne Parsons of Rice Lake, WI; sister-in-law, LaDonna Bartlett of Cleveland; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Alvin Flaming; brother, Jerry Flaming; and sister, Ilah Jane Henze.
Sylvia M. Wills
Sylvia M. Wills, 70, of St. Peter, died Sunday, June 13, at Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato.
A service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2004 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Peter with Pastor Charles Degner officiating.
Burial will be held at Greenhill Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at St. Peter Funeral Home and continues for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Sylvia was born May 6, 1934 in New Ulm to Dietric 'Dick' and Stella (Plagge) Bruns. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Courtland. She attended parochial school at Immanuel Lutheran School through eighth grade, then was a 1952 graduate of Nicollet High School.
Sylvia married Wallace Wills on December 26, 1953. They made their home in the St. Peter area until Wally's health forced them to move to town.
After marriage the couple joined St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church where Sylvia was active in the altar guild. She worked for Sugar and Spice Bakery and then Erickson (More 4) bakeries for many years.
Sylvia enjoyed her flowers, playing cards, watching and attending Twins games, but her greatest joy were her children and grandchildren.
Sylvia is survived by her three daughters, Jean and her husband, 'Doc' Durheim of St. James, Jane and her husband, Jeff George of St. Peter, and Jody and her husband, John Zellmer of Mankato; son, Keith and his wife, Michele Wills of St. Peter; nine grandchildren, Nicole, Bethany, and Christine George of St. Peter, Kyle, Matt, and Kelsey Wills of St. Peter, and Sam, Alex and Max Zellmer of Mankato; two sisters, Lois and her husband, Ronnie Dauffenbach of Grants, NM and Ardis and her husband, Harlan Wills of New Ulm; five brothers, Myron and his wife, Lila Bruns of New Ulm, Richard Bruns of Sleepy Eye, Roger Bruns of Mankato, Gary and his wife, Shirley Bruns of New Ulm, and Tom and his wife, Ann Bruns of New Ulm; sister-in-law, Dell Bruns of St. Peter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Wilbur and Minnie Wills; husband, Wally in 1988; twin granddaughters, Heather and Holly Zellmer in 2000; two sisters-in-law, Lois and Adeline Bruns; and brother-in-law, Dennis Bruns.
Memorials are preferred to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Immanuel St. Joseph Hospice, or donor's choice.
Lois J. Heller
Lois Jean Heller, 71, of rural St. James, died Saturday evening, June 12, 2004 at Immanuel-St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato.
A service was held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ormsby with Pastor Shawn Ethridge officiating.
The organist was Marian Nibbe and the soloist was David Sandbo.
Burial was held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in rural Odin.
Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Kramer Family Funeral Home in Trimont and continued for one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.
Lois was born September 25, 1932 in Bancroft, NE to Leonard and Gertude (Breitbarth) Wascher. She attended rural country school district #66 and high school in Wisner, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's in Pender, NE.
Lois was united in marriage on June 4, 1950 to Gerald Heller in Freemont, NE. In March of 1957 they moved to a farm in Long Lake Township in rural St. James.
Lois was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and its ladies aid. She was also a member of the Donald Larson VFW Auxiliary Post #9607 of Butterfield.
Lois greatly enjoyed being with her grandchildren, attending all their different sporting events, and working side by side with her husband in the wood shop making many different items.
Lois is survived by her husband, Gerald of St. James; three sons, Gerry and his wife, Rhonda of rural St. James, Luane and his wife, Karen of rural Butterfield, and Scott and his wife, Robbin of Sherburn; eight grandchildren, Jason Heller and his wife, Sarah of Omaha, NE, Nicole Rogers and her husband, Jim of North Mankato, Matt Heller and his wife, Katie of Fort Riley, KS, Megan Heller and her fiancee, Brian Ambrose of Jackson, Mike Heller of Sherburn, Lucas, Jeremy, and Jessy Heller of Butterfield; six great-grandchildren, Tyler and Joseph Rogers, Jackson and Brady Heller, and Logan and Ethan Heller; father, Leonard Wascher; step-mother, Ester of Trimont; two sisters, LeeAnn Cummins and her husband, Marvin of Hamel and Lana Faye Brock and her husband, Richard of Sheboygan Falls, WI; brother, Lowell Wascher and his wife, Lois of Helena, MT; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Kirkland and her husband, Mel of Norfolk, NE and Margaret Kind and her husband, Russell of Wisner, NE; brother-in-law, Delmer Heller and his wife, Marilyn of West Point, NE; and several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Lois was preceded in death by her mother, Gertude Wascher; father and mother-in-law, George and Eunice Heller; and other relatives.
Casketbearers were Jason Heller, Jeremy Heller, Lucas Heller, Mike Heller, Matt Heller, Jessy Heller, and Jim Rogers.
