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Janice Margaret Schmitt, 73, of Comfrey died Thursday, April 13, 2000 at Sleepy Eye Municipal Hospital. Services were Monday, April 17, at Nora Unitarian Universalist Church, with interment in Mount Pisquah Cemetery, Hanska. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home Chapel, Comfrey.
She is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Schmitt of Comfrey; sons, Les and wife Lynn Schmitt of Comfrey, and John and wife Julie Schmitt of Comfrey; daughters, Susan and husband Richard Evers of Comfrey, Joy and husband Gerard Rathman of Comfrey, and Julie and husband Dominic Sellner of Sleepy Eye; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brothers-in-law, Philip Ahlness and Clayton Olson, both of Hanska; and an aunt, Selma Korslund of Northfield. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Eleanor Ahlness and Ethel Olson; and a brother, Oswald Haugen.
Janice was born Sept. 18, 1926, at Lake Hanska Township, Brown County, the daughter of Olaf and Olga (Korslund) Haugen. She was a graduate of Hanska High School in 1945, after which she attended and graduated from nurses training at Union Hospital in New Ulm. On Nov. 7, 1952, Janie married Robert L. Schmitt at Nora Unitarian Universalist Church in Hanska. They lived in the Comfrey area, returning to Hanska, and later to Comfrey in 1958. Janice worked as a nurses' aide at the Comfrey Community Hospital for 23 years. She was a lifetime member of Nora Unitarian Universalist Church in Hanska and enjoyed reading, needlework, horses, camping and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Honorary casket bearers were Noel Olson, Craig Olson, Lon Ahlness, Mike Olson, Brent Olson and Lynn Ahlness.
Margaret Tauer, 92, of Sleepy Eye died Thursday, April 27, 2000, at New Ulm Medical Center. Services were Wednesday, May 3, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in the church cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye.
She is survived by her daughters, Millie and husband, Walter Connelly of Rochester, and Josephine and husband, Melvin Rose of Sleepy Eye; sons, Donald and wife Peggy Tauer of Downey, Calif., and Jerry Tauer of Kent, Wash.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Cecilia Kassner of Garrison, N.D.; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; and brothers.
Margaret was born Sept. 19, 1907, at Rib Lake, Wis., to John and Margaret (Kraus) Reznicek. In Margaret's teens, she moved with her family to New Ulm. She married George F. Tauer in November of 1927 in Sleepy Eye. The couple made their home in Sleepy Eye where Margaret worked at Del Monte for five years and then worked full time at Pietrus Foods for 35 years and part time for seven years. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the CCW. Margaret enjoyed baking, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.
Felix A. Steffen, 89, of Sleepy Eye died Friday, April 28, 2000, at Divine Providence Community Home, Sleepy Eye. Mass of Christian burial was Tuesday, May 2, at the Divine Providence chapel, with burial in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Arrangements were handled by Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes, Sleepy Eye.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Frances Steffen of Sleepy Eye; nephews, Paul Steffen and Jerry Steffen; and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond Steffen, Joseph Steffen and his wife Florence; sister, Margaret Steffen; and a nephew, Jim Steffen.
Felix was born April 12, 1911, in Sleepy Eye to John A. and Anna (Schieffert) Steffen. He lived his entire life in Sleepy Eye. He had worked as a government grader at Pietrus Foods in Sleepy Eye for 35 years. He enjoyed fishing and traveling. Felix was a happy man with a witty, humorous personality and a warm smile. He enjoyed teasing people. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, Catholic Aid Association, and the Sleepy Eye Senior Citizens.
George Edwin Ludewig, 75, of Franklin died Thursday, April 27, 2000, at Franklin Health Care Center, Franklin. Services were May 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye.
He is survived by his wife, Inez of Sleepy Eye; daughter, Pamela and husband Don Hirsch of Sleepy Eye; son, Jeffrey and wife Nancy Ludewig of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Douglas Hirsch, Deanna Hart, Stacy Hirsch, James Ludewig and Amber Fischer; great-grandchildren, Brian and Mathew Hirsch; mother, Pearl Ludewig of Sleepy Eye; brother, Sylvester "Bud" Ludewig of Sleepy Eye; sisters, Irene Houghtaling of Carmichael, Calif., Delrose and Wilbert Seifert, Delores and Robert Gulden, and Luverna and George Berg, all of New Ulm; brother-in-law, Robert Berg, Jr., of New Ulm. He was preceded in death by his father, Urban; sisters, Marie in infancy and Marian Berg; and brother-in-law, Paul Houghtaling.
George was born Nov. 20, 1924, at Home Township, the son of Urban and Pearl (Mickleson) Ludewig.He was a lifelong resident of Brown County and attended District 39 country school. He married Inez Evers on Feb. 11, 1947, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The couple farmed in Stark Township for 44 years, moving to town in May of 1991. George was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and taking long walks. George loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Casket bearers were Rick Hart, Gary Berg, Doug Hirsch and Marly Berg, Doug Gulden and James Ludewig.
Otto Carl Ohlemann, 78, of Springfield, died Friday, April 28, 2000, at Springfield Medical Center, Springfield. Services were Monday, May 1, at Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield, with interment in St. Raphael's Catholic Cemetery, Springfield. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield.
He is survived by his son, Mike Ohlemann of Delbo, Minn.; daughters, Theresa Ohlemann of Springfield, and Mary and husband Tom Schroeder of Springfield; step-son, Butch "Tony" and wife Beverly Guza of Sleepy Eye; step-daughter, Sandra and husband Marlan Buhr of Worthington; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ann King of New Haven, Lucille Sandbo of Springfield, Martha Fonken of New Ulm; and Ruth Kaseforth of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alice in 1989; sisters, Ada Batzlaff and Florence Anderson; and brothers, Martin, Harold and Edward.
Otto was born July 26, 1921, in Charlestown Township, Minn., the son of Carl D. and Therse (Ork) Ohlemann. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 in the African and European Theatres. Otto has lived in Springfield since 1946 and he was a partner with Wally Radtke in Radtke & Ohlemann Construction Company. Otto married Alice Garrow on March 31, 1949, in Springfield. He became street superintendent in 1962 for the city of Springfield and retired after 20 years in 1982. He moved to the St. John Lutheran Home in March 1998. Otto was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sanborn. He was also a member of the John Watson American Legion Post #257 in Springfield and a life member of the VFW Post #800 in Sleepy Eye. He served on the Springfield city council for a few years. Otto enjoyed fishing, hunting, bird watching and especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Casket bearers were Joshua Schroeder, Nathan Schroeder, Brittany Schroeder, Lynda Messerich, Andrea Ohlemann, Tracy Bertrand, Brenda Gluth, Amy Janzen, Ryan Marz, Debbie Bird and Ashley Ohlemann. Honorary casket bearers were Otto's great-grandchildren.
Walter C. Hillesheim, 83, of Wabasso, died Saturday, May 6, 2000, at his home following an extended illness. Mass of Christian burial was Wednesday, May 10, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Wabasso, with interment in the church cemetery. Peterson Brothers Funeral Home of Wabasso handled arrangements.
He is survived by his wife, Florence; seven children, Arlene and husband Lynn Bushard of Garfield, Theresa and husband Darwin Hohenstein of New Ulm, Gerald Hillesheim of Hutchinson, Eugene and wife Jean Hillesheim of Morton, LaVonne and husband Leroy Mathiowetz of Wabasso, David and wife Lauri Hillesheim of Wabasso, and Janet and husband Gary Jacobs of New Ulm; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Roman and wife Marlee Hillesheim of Sleepy Eye and Linus and wife Alice Hillesheim of New Ulm; three sisters, Loretta and husband Ray Roiger of St. Michael, Bernice and husband Leo Ludewig of Comfrey, and Bernette and husband Clifford Schumacher of Sleepy Eye; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and three sisters.
Walter was born Nov. 23, 1916, near Sleepy Eye, the son of Catherine (Goblirsch) and Frank Hillesheim. He grew up in the rural Sleepy Eye community and attended rural schools. On April 24, 1940, he was married to Florence Groebner in Springfield. For 40 years they lived and farmed in the Wabasso area, retiring in 1980 and moving to Wabasso. He was a member of the St. George Society, the Catholic Aid Association and a member of the Farm Bureau for 53 years.
Bernice Freyholtz, 70, of Fairfax, died Friday, May 5, 2000, at New Ulm Medical Center. Services were Monday, May 8, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Wellington Township, Renville County. Arrangements were handled by Hauser Hantge Chapel, Fairfax.
She is survived by her husband, Howard Freyholtz of Fairfax; daughter, Brenda Marti and husband Floyd of Sleepy Eye; granddaughters, Denise Johanson and husband Greg, and Rachelle Marti; great-granddaughter, Nicole Johanson; sisters, Evelyn Stoll and Adeline Wellner and her husband Ray; sister-in-law, Lonny Schroeder; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Norman Schulte; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Raymond, Roman and Norman Schroeder.
Bernice was born Feb. 25, 1930, in Bandon Township, Renville County, Minnesota. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her faith as a youth at St. John Lutheran Church in Fairfax. She attended country school District 125. Bernice was united in marriage to Howard Freyholtz at St. John Lutheran Church parsonage on April 14, 1948. Bernice and Howard farmed in Wellington Township until 1967, when they moved into the city of Fairfax. Bernice helped on the farm and was a homemaker. She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Wellington Township and was active with the Ladies Aid. Bernice will be remembered for her smiles and fun loving nature. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed playing cards, shaking dice, and spending time at the lake in the summer.
Casket bearers were Delbert Stoll, Larry Stoll, Gayle Stoll, Paul Schulte, Chris Schulte and Steve Buboltz.
Goldie E. VanAvermaet, age 79, of Chaska, died Tuesday, May 2, 2000, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee. Services were May 5 at the Bertas Funeral Home, Chaska, with burial in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Kathy Wells of Prior Lake; daughters and son-in-law, Pat Sondergaard of Eden Prairie, Shelley and Lyle Shackelford of Spring Park; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Allen and Doris Penske, Marvin and Judith Penske, Arletta Penske all of Vesta, Loretta Penske of Marshall, Joyce Penske of Coon Rapids; sisters, Gilfie Lyons and Delphine Hansvick, both of Vesta, LaVon Wells of Northome; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Kelsey Wells; second husband, Ceriel VanAvermaet; brothers, Howard Penske, Karmen Penske, Kenneth Penske and infant brother, Glen; brothers-in-law, Jeff Lyons, John Hansvick and Paul Wells; son-in-law, Roger Sondergaard.
Goldie E. VanAvermaet was born Oct. 5, 1920, in Vesta, Minn., to Gus and Emma (Kolander) Penske. She was one of 10 children. Goldie was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Sleepy Eye from 1984 to present.
Casket bearers were Ryan Wells, Eric Shackelford, James Penske, Joe Khourey, Jodi Sondergaard, and Mark Wells .
Marie E. Hughes, 87, Aurora, Colo., formerly of Sleepy Eye and Fairmont died Sunday, May 7, at the Mariner Health Care Center, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Colo. Graveside services were Wednesday, May 10, at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. The Olson Funeral Home in Fairmont arranged services for the family.
Marie Estelle Borgwardt, the daughter of George H. and Stella O. (Drake) Borgwardt, was born Oct. 16, 1912, in Fairmont. She received her education in Fairmont and also attended nurses' school, receiving her degree as a registered nurse. In June of 1937, she was united in marriage to Emory G. "Doc" Hughes in Fairmont. She and her husband made their home in Sleepy Eye, where he was a veterinarian for 25 years. Her husband died in 1961. Marie moved to Mankato where she was a house mother at Mankato State College from 1963 until 1969. She then moved to Minneapolis until retiring to Fairmont in 1974. In 1991, she moved to Aurora to live with her daughter, Jeanne Hughes. She was a former member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fairmont and Chapter Y of the P.E.O.
Survivors include one son, James E. Hughes and his wife Nancy of Aurora; two daughters, Patricia M. Kateley of Boring, Ore., and Jeanne A. Hughes of Aurora; three grandchildren, Heidi Hughes of Aurora, Allison Kateley of Crested Butte, Colo., and David Kateley of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii; nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one brother, Bob Borgwardt; and one sister, Patsie Borgwardt.
Memorial are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Leonard "Lenny" Fischer, 70, of Springfield, died Saturday, May 20, 2000, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Services were Tuesday, May 23, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield, with interment in the church cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home of Springfield handled the arrangements.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Bernie Fischer of Springfield; children, Gerard and wife Paulette Fischer of Springfield, Alethea and husband Roger Fry of Omaha, Neb., Johnita and husband Steve Ihrke of Rochester, Bill Fischer and special friend Jean Swenson of Hillsboro, N.D., Kim and husband Russ Anderson of Springfield, Clifton and wife Renita Streich of Springfield, Jeff Streich of Springfield, Bridget Streich and special friend John Wright of Hutchinson, and Chad Streich of Springfield; 19 grandchildren; brothers, Jim and wife Sharyl Fischer of Brooklyn Park, and Dennis and wife Lois Fischer of Sommer, Mont.; special friend of the family, Karen Kastner of Comfrey; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, and sister-in-law, Donna Fischer.
Lenny was born on Oct. 18, 1929, in Bashaw Township, Brown County, the son of Rudy and Ann (Engelhardt) Fischer. He grew up and attended country school in Bashaw Township. He married Bernadette Sellner on Sept. 2, 1952, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The couple lived and farmed in Bashaw Township, near Springfield, until he retired. He was a life member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield. Lenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, bird watching and listening to old time music. He especially enjoyed visiting with his friends and family.
Casket bearers were Gerard Fischer, Jeff Streich, William Fischer, Chad Streich, Clifton Streich, Russ Anderson, Steve Ihrke and Roger Fry.
Phyllis Hansen, 74, of Sleepy Eye, died Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Services will be Friday, May 26, 2 p.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Interment will be private at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. There will be a time of lunch and fellowship in St. Mary's Church social room following the interment. Arrangements were handled by Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye.
She is survived by her husband, Charles "Chisey" Hansen of Sleepy Eye; daughter, Jan and husband Rod O'Marron of New Ulm; sons, Craig and wife Linda Hansen of Sleepy Eye, Scott and wife Deb Hansen of Sleepy Eye; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Ethel and husband Ed Krzmarzick of Sleepy Eye; and one special gal. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Norma Judge.
Phyllis was born Nov. 17, 1925, in Sleepy Eye, the daughter of Henry and Elsie (Dohrmann) George. She grew up in Sleepy Eye and graduated from Sleepy Eye Public High School in 1943. She married Chisey Hansen on Nov. 8, 1947, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.
Memorials are preferred to the Sleepy Eye Municipal Hospital.
Doug A. Olson, 59, of Lester Prairie, died Thursday, May 18, 2000, at his home. A private family service was held at Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie, with interment in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Watertown.
He is survived by his wife, Joni Olson of Lester Prairie; children, Eric Olson of Winthrop, Lynn Badrul Haimi Bakar and husband Budda of Eagan; Jake Motzko of Eden Prairie; grandchildren, Nils and Kathijah; mother, Dorothy Swedeen; sisters, Kathleen Olson of Minneapolis, Karen Aelony and husband Zev of Minneapolis, Sandy Olson of Forest Lake; mother-in-law, Jean Motzko of Watertown; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death his his father, Arnold; brother, Philip Olson; nephew, Yale Griffin; and father-in-law, Gordon Motzko.
Doug Arnold Olson was born the son of Arnold and Dorothy (Paulson) Olson on June 12, 1940, in Cambridge. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Cambridge. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1958. From there, Doug attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1963 with a bachelor of science degree. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he attended William Mitchell Law School for a short while. Doug and Joni owned Jonio's Restaurant first in Gaylord, then Winthrop and Sleepy Eye, and were currently in business in Lester Prairie. Doug enjoyed listening to all kinds of music from blues to bluegrass. He also loved to sing karaoke and could do the best imitation of Bob Dylan. The one thing Doug was especially known for was his fabulous ability to cook anything and everything. This is the reason he never was a big member of any local clubs-his comment was, "someone's got to feed them."
New Ulm Mayor Bert Schapekahm, 68, died Thursday, May 18, 2000, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester after a yearlong battle with leukemia. Services were Monday, May 22, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm, with burial in the church cemetery. Military honors were conducted by the New Ulm American Legion Post 132. Firle Funeral Home of New Ulm handled the arrangements.
He is survived by daughters Becky Meinert and her husband Jim of rural Sleepy Eye, Susan Wales and her husband Glen of St. Paul Park, Lisa Schneider and her husband Dan of New Ulm, Tammy VanWinkle and her husband Steve of Farmington; son, Steve and his wife Denise of Eagan; 16 grandchildren; mother, Martha Schapekahm of New Ulm; brothers, Gary and his wife Lois of Wild Rose, Wis., Rich and his wife Marion of New Ulm, LeRoy and his wife Carol of New Ulm; sisters, Omie and her husband Bill Schimmel of Mankato, Judy and her husband Bud Schroer of New Ulm, Ruth and her husband Dean Bartsch of Brooklyn Center; sisters-in-law, Marliss Gieseke of New Ulm, Janice Longhenry of Glencoe, Joanne Frey of Grayslake, Ill.; brothers-in-law, Orin Schultz of New Ulm, Adelbert Schultz of New Ulm; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darleen on July 7, 1990, and his father.
Egbert Gerhardt Schapekahm, the son of Adolph and Martha (Seehusen) Schapekahm was born June 4, 1931, in New Ulm. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and then New Ulm Public School. He was the manager of Simons Lumber Company in New Ulm. He served in the Minnesota Army National Guard during the Korean War and returned to Simons Lumber Company after the military. He was united in marriage to Darleen Schultz on May 1, 1954, in Winthrop. He worked for the New Ulm Police Department from May 1, 1958, to May 1, 1993. He became mayor of the city of New Ulm in January 1994 and was serving his second term at the time of his death.
Bert was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Region Nine Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce, the country western group "Trail Riders," and was the mayor of New Ulm. He will be remembered for his big smile, laugh, and big hugs. He enjoyed his family, fishing up north at his cabin, loved music, entertaining, playing the harmonica, woodworking, and serving as mayor.
Sylvester P. Seifert, 88, of Sleepy Eye, died Saturday, May 27, 2000, at his home. Services were Wednesday, May 31, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, with interment in the church cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home of Sleepy Eye handled the arrangements.
Sylvester was born March 5, 1912 to Henry and Emma (Hillesheim) Seifert in Stewart, Minn. He lived and farmed in Prairieville Township near Sleepy Eye until retiring in 1984. On October 29, 1947, Sylvester married Irene Sellner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Sylvester was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. They moved into Sleepy Eye in 1995. He enjoyed keeping up on current events, spending time with his grandchildren and being on the farm.
He is survived by his wife, Irene of Sleepy Eye; daughters, Debbie and her husband Doug Halvorson of North Mankato, and Cindy and her husband John Nelson of New Ulm; three grandchildren, Nicole Halvorson, Alex and Michael Nelson; brothers, Art and his wife Arlene Seifert of Sleepy Eye, and Stanley and his wife Patt Seifert of Sleepy Eye; sisters, Luella and her husband Michael Kuelbs of Sleepy Eye, Dolores and her husband Vic Vickers of Texas, and Violet Barsness of Mankato; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Seifert and Bernetta Seifert, both of California. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Harvey and Ervin Seifert.
Casket bearers were Brad Hoffmann, Brad Sellner, Dean Hoffmann, Michael Sellner, John Seifert and Tom Seifert.
Donald J. Augustin, 77, of Springfield, died Sunday, May 28, 2000, at the Redwood Falls Hospital. Services are Thursday, June 1, 10:30 a.m., at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation continues on Thursday from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia of Springfield; sons, Wayne and his wife Judy Augustin of Comfrey, Kevin and his wife Phyllis Augustin of Sleepy Eye; daughter, Brenda and her husband Rodney Newman of Bloomington; eight grandchildren, Keith and his wife Kathy Augustin, Wendy and her husband Tom Helget, Sheila and her husband Todd Nachreiner, Grant Augustin and special friend Robin, Aran Augustin, Sara, Nathan, and Megan Newman; eight great-grandchildren, Kristen, Kyle and Kaitlyn Augustin, Alec and Alexis Helget, Andrew and Dylan Nachreiner, and Samantha Augustin; sister, Marie Jensen of Glenwood; and brother, Francis (Pat) and his wife Millie Augustin of Springfield. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Cyrilla and her husband Leander Koreis and Germaine and her husband Norbert Lang; and a brother in law, Afton Jensen.
Don was born Sept. 12, 1922, in Mulligan Township to Frank and Ella (Cady) Augustin. He attended country school and Comfrey High School, graduating from St, Mary's High School in 1941. Don married Sylvia Helget on June 5, 1945, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. They farmed in Mulligan Township and in 1950 started to assist neighbors in butchering meat for storage. In 1951 he bought a meat saw and he and Sylvia cut and wrapped meat in their basement of their home for neighbors. In 1954, Don and Sylvia built a building to begin processing meat for anyone who called. The business expanded quickly and, with the assistance of a number of employees, they continued the butchering business for many years serving a large area. Don was a lifetime member of the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth, where he had served on the Church Council. He was a member of the Holy Family Society of the Catholic Aid Association, where he served as financial secretary for many years, the Knights of Columbus, a former choir member and church lector. Don received the Bishop's Medal of Service and Community Award from the Holy Family Society. He played baseball with Mulligan and Leavenworth, and enjoyed farming, the butchering business, working at the Sleepy Eye Auction Market, painting barns, bowling, fishing, dancing (he and Sylvia attended many couples' dances), following local and amateur sports, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Casket bearers were Aran Augustin, Tom Helget, Grant Augustin, Todd Nachreiner, Keith Augustin and Nathan Newman.
