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Meta Buhr, 83
Funeral services celebrating the life of Meta V. Buhr, 83, of Lester Prairie were held on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005 at 2 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Lester Prairie. Officiating was the Rev. Eric Nelson. Casket bearers were Eugene Buhr Jr., Brandon Buhr, Robert Hlavka, Eric Hlavka, Jessie Buhr and Tobias Buhr. Honorary casket bearers were Deedra Noel, Justine Smith, Jaquline Haasl, Courtney Buhr, Hannah Buhr and Messena Smude. Interment was in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Lester Prairie.
Meta Vendelein Buhr was born the daughter of John and Martha (Ahlbrect) Haag on March 26, 1921 in Young America Township. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Reformed Church of Peace in Snapsburg (rural Norwood). On April 14, 1940, Meta married Roy Buhr at Zion Ev. Reformed Church of Peace. They made their home in Hutchinson, LeSueur, and moved to a 140 acre farm in Mayer in 1961. In 1975, the couple moved to Lester Prairie where Meta has lived until March of 2004 when she entered St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted. Meta enjoyed her animals on the farm where she was almost like a doctor to the animals. She liked to travel to Pennsylvania and Texa. Meta’s biggest enjoyment in life was family and friends.
On Fri., Jan. 28 Meta Buhr entered eternal rest at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Martha Haag; husband Roy Buhr; son: Gary Buhr; son-in-law: Henry Hlavka Jr.; Bill Schmidt; brothers: John Haag, Hilary Haag, Herbert Haag, Vernon Haag and Maynard Haag; sisters: Della Smoldt, Lydia Buckentin, Gladys Dudrey and Clara Haag.
Meta is survived by her children: John Buhr of Lester Prairie, Eugene Buhr (Oona) of Hanover, Pa., Roger Buhr of Mayer, Lanette Hlavka of Oak Grove, Jeffrey Buhr (Nada) of Woodlands, Texas and Samuel Buhr (Nancy) of Winsted; grandchildren: Eugene Buhr Jr. (Sandy), Deedra Noel (Joe), Justine Smith (Joe), Robert Hlavka, Jaquline Haasl (Brian), Eric Hlavka, Brandon Buhr, Courtney Buhr, Hannah Buhr, Jessie Buhr, Messena Smude (Todd) and Tobias Buhr (Anita); step-grandchildren: Alex and Maddie Spanos; great-grandchildren: Zachary, Kaylyn and Carly Noel, Jared and Owen Buhr, Brianna, Nicolle and Jordan Smith, Cody Hlavka, Leighton Buhr, Dalton, Chase and Kylie Hoese and Mckayla Smude; sisters-in-law Lucille Haag of Green Isle and Anna Haag of Pine River; special friend: Fred Kellermann of Mayer; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie.
Cecelia L. Ebert, 89
Mass of Christian Burial Monday, Feb. 14, 2005 for Cecelia L. Ebert, 89, of St. Bonifacius, Minn. She died Thurs., Feb. 10, 2005 at her home in St. Bonifacius.
She was born Sept. 4, 1915, at St. Bonifacius, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Heitz (Cecelia Ditsch.) She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in St. Bonifacius. On Nov. 3, 1930 she married Roman G. Ebert at St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Bonifacius.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She lived her entire lifetime in St. Bonifacius and was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church her lifetime. She also took part for many years in the St. Bonifacius Senior Citizens. She enjoyed playing cards, baking pies and cooking.
She was preceded in death by husband Roman, parents John and Cecelia Heitz, brothers Clemence, John Paul, Herbert, Elmer and Alfred Heitz, sister Olivia Ess.
She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Allen and Pat Ebert of Waconia, daughter and son-in-law Marge and Bob Zrust of Buffalo, grandchildren Mark Ebert, Christine Ebert, Kathy and Joe Anderson, Brad and Sue Zrust, Molly and Dean Petty, Ted and Kim Zrust, great grandchildren Derek, Emily, Jordan, Samantha, Ben, Cameron, Avery, Ellie and Zachary, brother and sister-in-law Art and Ceil Heitz of Maple Plain, sisters Leona Schmidt of Prior Lake, Therese Reus of Victoria, Flora Stein of Mound, Nora Theis of Prior Lake, sisters-in-law and brothers-in law Marie Heitz of Maple Plain, Leona Schuler of Mound, Frances Born of Chaska, Beatrice and Ray Sicheneder of St. Bonifacius, Peggy Ebert of Hutchinson, Vera Ebert of Montgomery, Marvin Geyen of Mound, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Bonifacius, the Father Joseph Gallatin officiating. Interment at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, St. Bonifacius. Casketbearers were grandchildren.
Arlys L. Ertl, 82
Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, Feb. 14, 2005 for Arlys L. Ertl, 82, of New Germany, Minn. She died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005 at Elim Home in Watertown, Minn.
She was born Aug. 31, 1922 at Watertown, Minn., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meyer (Alice Borchardt). She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith. On Nov. 20, 1943 she married Romuald J. Ertl at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
She graduated from Watertown Grade School and High School. She graduated from the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. Arlys and her husband Romie farmed near Mayer from 1943-1980. They then moved to New Germany until she entered Elim Nursing Home in Watertown in November of 2001. She was actively involved in church, 4-H, Fair Board, School Board and community projects. She loved family gatherings, attending grandchildren’s activities, playing cards and decorating cakes. She was an avid Twins fan.
She was preceded in death by husband Romie, daughter-in-law Candi Ertl, father and mother Henry and Alice Meyer, sister Elizabeth Ebright, father-in-law and mother-in-law Mike and Mary Ertl, brothers-in-law Larry Laumann and Albert Hoops.
She is survived by children and spouses Mary Ann and Mike Harms of Norwood Young America, R. James and Jane Ertl of Rosemount, Dick Ertl of Mayer, Ralph and Melanie Ertl of Mayer, grandchildren Mandy Harms and Jeremy Schefers, Molly Harms, Jon Ertl, Jason Ertl, Heidi and Pat Gongoll, Tony Ertl, Katie Ertl and fiancee Ryan Anderson, Crystal Ertl, Alicia Ertl, sisters-in-law Vangie Laumann of Texas, Elvera Hoops of Excelsior, Caregivers Gladys and Melvin Dillard of New Germany, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Waconia, the Father Bob White officiating. Interment at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Waconia.
Casketbearers were Mike HArms, R. James Ertl, Dick Ertl, Ralph Ertl, Tony Ertl, Jon Ertl, Jason Ertl, Jeremy Schefers, Pat Gongoll, and Melvin Dillard. Honorary casketbearers were Mandy Harms, Molly Harms, Heidi Gongoll, Katie Ertl, Crystal Ertl, Alicia Ertl and Ryan Anderson.
Jeanne R. Rudnicki, 76
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005 for Jeanne R. Rudnicki, 76, of St. Bonifacius. She died Friday, Feb. 11, 2005 at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.
She was born Jan. 20, 1929 at St. Bonifacius, Minn., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Thurk (Ottilia Logelin).On Sept. 15, 1951 she married James A. Rudnicki at St. Boniface Catholic Church in St. Bonifacius.
She loved spending time with her family. She took an active role in the low vision group.
She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Ottilia Thurk.
She is survived by husband James, children and spouses Andrea and John McDaniel of Minnetrista, Julie and David Willcox of Delano, Lisa and Ron Froehling of Minnetrista, Jill and Ross Abrams of Shorewood, grandchildren Jaime and Bethany Mackenthun, Jessa and Mitch Theis, Lean, Shana and Jimmy Froehling, Adam and Austin Abrams. Sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Robert Mullally of Wisconsin, brother and sister-in-law Donn and Patricia Thurk of St. Bonifacius, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Betty and Art Ehalt of Waconia, Joan Brooks of Mound, Kay and Carol Lapping of Big Lake. Best friend Arlene Logelin of Waconia, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Bonifacius, with Father Joseph Gallatin officiating. Final resting place St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, St. Bonifacius.
Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia.
Reuben Schmalz, 86
Funeral services celebrating the life of Reuben Schmalz, 86, of rural Lester Prairie were held Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. Officiating was the Rev. Gerald Schwanke. The organist was Mary Mielke and the soloist was Franklin Schoenke. Serving as casket bearers were Reuben’s grandchildren, Garret Engelhardt, Melanie and Josh Eckstein, Phillip Schmalz, Megan Schmalz and Jeremy Williams. Honorary casket bearers were also his grandchildren Kaylan Engelhardt, Krista Mehrl, Brandon Jilek and Anika Jilek. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Reuben Emmert Schmalz was born on July 4, 1918, in Winsted Township, McLeod County to William and Emma (Meyer) Schmalz. He was baptized on July 18, 1918, by Pastor Walter Baumhoefner and confirmed on April 9, 1933, by Pastor J.A. Schert at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.
Reuben was proud to be an American at an early age. When he found out that he and President Coolidge shared 4th of July birthdays, he sent a greeting card to the President. To Reuben’s delight, President Coolidge replied with Happy 8th Birthday wishes to him dated July 1, 1926. He attended school in Winsted Township and completed the eighth grade. He farmed along side his father until he was called to active military duty on June 17, 1941.
He served his country stateside for four years as a supply sergeant training tank destroyer operator. He was commissioned abroad on June 1, 1945, traveling and serving in Australia, India, Burma and China. He went over 32,000 miles in six months, making him one of the most traveled G.I.’s from McLeod County at that time. Reuben was honorably discharged from his World War II service on Jan. 21, 1946. On Oct. 6, 1946 he was appointed a member of the McLeod County Draft Board and served for three years at the onset of the Korean War.
Reuben married Lavilla Schoenke on June 14, 1947. Rev. John W. Meyer officiated the celebration at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in New Germany. The couple had six children. Reuben and Lavilla enjoyed farming together at the Schmalz homestead in Lester Prairie.
For three years, Reuben attended evening agricultural classes in the late 1940’s. He was honored in 1948 as one of the best Dekalb corn producers in the area. In 1953, he was awarded the Grand Champion prize, first place, in the white category at the Egg Institute. He was honored by the University of Minnesota in 1963 for being one of nine top swine producers in the state.
In between family and farming responsibilities, Reuben served as Congregation President, Elder, Trustee and chaired the building committee after the 1965 tornado destroyed St. Peter’s church and school. He was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and served as chairman of the circuit. He was a board member of the Cooperative Elevator in Lester Prairie for 12 years and noted chairman the later half of his term. He served as a bank director of Farmer’s State Bank for 15 years. He was a director of the Minnesota Valley Breeder’s Association Board. The University of Minnesota chose Reuben and Lavilla to travel to Europe, Asia and Russia on a goodwill ambassador agricultural tour for three weeks in 1968. He continued to serve his country as a member of the American Legion Post 453 for 58 years and served as an adjutant chaplain and post commander.
His greatest accomplishment of his life was to lead and guide his children as it says in Deuteronomy 11:18-22. On Feb. 8, Reuben passed away at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jerry, deceased at the age of 18 on Jan. 1, 1972, brothers Andrew Schmalz, Alfred Schmalz, and sister Rose Zena Siewert.
Reuben is survived by his wife Lavilla of Lester Prairie, children Jacalyn Engelhardt (Bill) of Plymouth, Nathan Schmalz (Jacqueline) of Lester Prairie, Beverly Gillian (Gene) of Anoka, Mary Jo Mehrl (Rev. Klaus Mehrl) of Shorewood, Ill., Lisa Jilek (Jerry) of Minnetrista, grandchildren Garrett Engelhardt, Kaylan Engelhardt, Melanie Eckstein (Josh) Phillip Schmalz, Megan Schmalz, Jeremy Williams, Krista Mehrl, Brandon Jilek, Anika Jilek, sisters-in-law Irene Schmalz of Lester Prairie, Mary Krekelberg of LeSueur, brother-in-law Franklin Schoenke of New Germany, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie.
George J. Steinhagen, 74
Funeral services were Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005 for George J. Steinhagen, 74, of Waconia, Minn. He died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005 at Presbyterian Homes in Spring Park, Minn.
He was born Jan. 10, 1931 at Waverly, Minn., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Steinhagen (Dorothy L. Roban).On Jan. 16, 1954 he married Jean I. Buesgens at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Cologne.
He loved his family and was a caregiver of his wife Jean. He served in the Army from 1952-1954. He enjoyed old tyme music, dancing and belonged to the concertina club “Czeck area Concertina Club”. He enjoyed motorcycle riding.
He was preceded in death by sons-in-law Ben Hofer Jr. and William Hensley, parents Frank and Dorothy Steinhagen, father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Lena Buesgens, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Marie and James Cauley, Julia and Ralph Zubay, Frank and Eleanor Buesgens, Mickey Buesgens, Ray Hilk, Myron Sexton.
He is survived by wife Jean, children and spouses Renee and Harold Justinen of Kelowna, B.C., David and Kelly Steinhagen of Hopkins, Paul and Kathleen Steinhagen of Waconia, grandchildren Nancy, Blake, Dustin and Clint, sisters and brothers-in-law Elaine and Allen Hudinsky of St. Bonifacius, Toni and Jack Hill of New Hope, Rosemary Storms of Norwood Young America, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Dr. Ralph Buesgens of Waterville, Ann Hilk of Waconia, Mark and Elaine Buesgens of Norwood Young America, Grace Sexton of Faribault, Joan and Richard Joos of Eagan, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Thursday, Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. from Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia, the Rev. John Wallace officiating. Interment at National Cemetery, Fort Snelling, Minn.
Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia.
Ralph J. Wartman, 85
Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005 for Ralph J. Wartman, 85, of St. Bonifacius. He died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005 at Presbyterian Homes in Spring Park.
He was born Oct. 7, 1919 at Shakopee, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wartman (Katherine Heid). On June 4, 1946 he married Rosemary Meuleners at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown.
He lived in St. Bonifacius for 58 years. He was a member of the Sportsman Club, St. Boni Senior Citizens, St. Boni Saints Baseball Board, St. Boni Commercial Club. He operated the Wartman’s Sorghum Company from the 1960’s. He loved to fish and play sheephead. He enjoyed baseball and dancing.
He was preceded in death by parents Joseph and Katherine Wartman, brother Harold Wartman, sister Margaret Gelhaye, brothers-in-law Elmer Moonens, Wilbert Raser, George Gelhaye, Simon Meuleners, Art Gabrelcik, Cyril Meuleners, Norbert Meuleners and Ronnie Remer, sisters-in-law Hildegard Wartman, Pricilla Gabrelcik, Aurelia Barfknecht and Dorothy Meuleners.
He is survived by wife of 59 years Rosemary, son and daughter-in-law Ron and Bonnie Wartman of Carver, brothers and sisters-in-law Ed Wartman of Excelsior, Roman and Adeline Wartman of Excelsior, Philip and Gloria Wartman of Hawaii, Mildred Wartman of Chaska, sisters Lucetta Monnens of Shakopee, Christina Raser of Watertown, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Leander and Jean Meuleners of Watertown, Irene Meuleners of Hamburg, Irene Meuleners of Howard Lake, Marcy and Leon Wickenhauser of Cologne, brother-in-law and wife Gene and Marge Barfknecht of Delano, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in St. Bonifacius, with Father Joseph Gallatin officiating. Interment at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.
Casketbearers were Don Wartman, Philip Wartman Jr., Loren Barfknecht, Dan Gabrelcik, Bruce Remer, Clarence Gelhaye, Mike Meuleners, and Dale Meuleners.
Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia.
Martin G. Hoeft, 77
Funeral services were Saturday, Feb. 12. 2005 for Martin G. Hoeft, 77, of Mayer, Minn. He died Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005 at his home in Hollywood Township, Mayer, Minn.
He was born Feb. 28, 1927 at Mayer, Minn., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gust Hoeft (Mary Gongoll). He was baptized March 20, 1927 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer and confirmed April 6, 1941 at Zion Lutheran Church, Mayer. On March 13, 1948 he married Marjorie Jones at Trinity (Gotaholm)Lutheran Church, Watertown.
He loved his family and enjoyed family gatherings. He served on the Mayer School Board and also the Zion Lutheran School Board. He and his wife Marjorie farmed. He worked for Van Dale for 18 years. They bought and owned Blauers Resort in Garrison and retired back in Mayer in 1993. He enjoyed bird watching and fishing, fishing and fishing. He also loved to work with woodworking and crafting.
He was preceded in death by wife Marjorie, son Brian, parents Gust and Mary Hoeft, brother and sister-in-law William and Frieda Hoeft, sister and brother-in-law Arthur and Anna Jones, sister-in-law Leona Plaisuad, brother-in-law Evers Jones.
He is survived by children and spouses Darleen Wandersee of Watertown, Dale and Vicky Hoeft of Mayer, Larry and Paula Hoeft of Mayer, Cynthia and James Grossinger of New Germany, Pamela and Mark Gutzke of Mayer, Rebecca and Ronald Schiroo of Glencoe, grandchildren Bruce and Sue Wandersee, Jason and Angie Wandersee, Christopher and Julie Grossinger, Tony and Rachelle Hoeft, Jeffrey Hoeft, Dawnelle Grossinger, Edward Hoeft, Jill Hoeft, Thomas Hoeft, Crystal Gutzke, Andrew Hoeft, Justin Schiroo, Casey Gutzke, Josh Hoeft, Tyler Schiroo, great grandchildren Jacob, Chelsea, Austin, Isaac, Kayla, Erin and Lauren Wandersee, Elizabeth Hoeft, sister Erma Kubasch of New Germany, sister-in-law Rhoda Jones of St. Louis Park, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Saturday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Mayer, the Rev. Peter Meier officiating. Interment at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mayer.
Casketbearers were grandchildren.
Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia.
Juergen C. Bettcher, 77
Juergen C. Bettcher, 77, of New Germany, MN, died accidentally Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004.
He was born Sept. 9, 1927, in Bergen Township, McLeod County, MN, the son of Ewald and Ferninda Terlinden Bettcher. Juergen was baptized Oct. 9, 1927 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bergen Township, McLeod County, MN. He was also instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith April 6, 1941 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during The Korean War. He was awarded a Bronze star.
On Oct. 1, 1954, Juergen, C. Bettcher and Grace C. Farber were married at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany. Juergen was employed for many years by Joe Gehlen at Gehlen Farm Service/Elevator in Silver Lake, MN. He was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hollywood Township, Carver County, rural New Germany.
He is survived by a son, Douglas (Debbie) Bettcher of Mayer; two grandchildren, Chad Bettcher and Mindy Bettcher; a brother and sisters, Ewald(Dorothy) Bettcher Jr. and Violet Tonn, all of Lester Prairie, MN, Derrolla Fasching of Winsted, MN, Della Stender and Florence Klaustermeier, both of Lester Prairie, MN, Carol Adams of Victoria, MN, and Betty (Gene) Miller of Cologne, MN; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Farber of Watertown, MN; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace C. Bettcher, Jan 6, 2004; parents, Ewald and Ferninda Bettcher; a brother, Victor Bettcher; and sisters, Eunice Wainwright and Evangeline Fasching.
Funeral Services were held Friday, Dec. 31 at St. John Lutheran Church of Hollywood, rural New Germany. The Reverend Robert Rupprecht officiated and interment followed in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Special music was provided by John Farber and Becky Aurich served as organist. Casketbearers were John Bettcher, Brian Miller, Rick Adams, Roger Fasching, Allen Klaustermeier and Dean Adams. The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted served the family.
