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John Axel Johnson, 99, Fairfax, formerly of Sleepy Eye, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2002, at Fairfax Community Home, Fairfax. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m., at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, and 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.
John was born June 7, 1902, in Prairieville Township, Brown County, the son of Rasmus Peter and Marian (Olsen) Johnsen. He grew up and graduated from high school in Hector, later attending barber school in Minneapolis. John married Verna V. Prosch on July 17, 1929 in Atkin. The couple made their home in Prairieville Township, where they lived and farmed until retiring in November of 1990, when they moved to Fairview Apartments in Fairfax. John moved to the Fairfax Community Home in 1994. Verna preceded him in death on Nov. 4, 1996. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye. He served on the church board, Evan Creamery Board, the country school board and the Prairieville Township Board. John enjoyed playing baseball as a catcher and doing custom work for area farmers.
John his survived by his sons, Lowell of Minneapolis, Kenneth and wife Bonnie of Prior Lake, and Jerry and wife Sharon of North Olmsted, Ohio; daughter, Joyce and husband Roger Wolling of Fairfax; daughter-in-law, Jeanette of Brookston; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Esther and husband Fred Zimanski of Hutchinson, Mabel Reemer of Portland, Ore., Sylvia Barless of Beaverton, Ore., and Violet and husband Ray Palermini of Beaverton, Ore.; and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verna; son, Glenn; brothers, Julius, Ewald and Olaf; sisters, Sofia Hansen; Rosetta Beilke; Augusta Hansen; Amelia Schou and Aster Bendixen; and great-grandchildren, Timothy and Deborah Johnsen.
Casket bearers are Michael Johnsen, Rick Wolling, Brian Johnsen, Randy Wolling, Paul Johnsen, Tom Johnsen, Mark Johnsen, Steven Johnsen and Dale Johnsen.
Glayd Clemis Marti, 83, Sleepy Eye, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, at Sleepy Eye Care Center, Sleepy Eye. Funeral services were held Tuesday at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Glayd was born March 31, 1918, in North Home Township, to Elmer and Helema (Swanson) Sampson. She attended District 13 Country School and worked as a hired girl for various farm families. She also processed meat for local farmers. Glayd married Vernon Marti on Sept. 15, 1937, at his farm home. They farmed the home place until 1977, when they moved to Sleepy Eye. They resided in Sleepy Eye until 1990, when Glayd moved to the Fairfax Community Home and three-and-a-half months later to the Sleepy Eye Care Center. Glayd enjoyed gardening, watching birds, nature, fishing and spending time with her family.
Glayd is survived by her children, Gardell and wife Mary Marti of Sleepy Eye, Carol and husband Kenneth Hinderman of Sleepy Eye and Mark Marti of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Mitze Marti and friend Al Ahlrich, Dell and wife Cindy Marti, Gina and husband Wayne Nienhaus, Linette Hinderman, Craig Hinderman, Jennifer Marti, Brooks Marti and Adam Marti; great-grandchildren, Jamie and Hannah Marti and Kolten Nienhaus; sister, Ione and husband Merrill Krienke; sisters-in-law, Floreen Sampson, Gladys Marti and Dorothy Romberg; brother-in-law, Oliver Marti; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; brothers, Roger and wife Margaret Sampson, and Doyle Sampson; sisters, Alice and husband Elwood Campbell and Ora and Ed Gunneson; sister-in-law, Verla Marti; and brothers-in-law, Elden Marti and Carl Romberg.
Casket bearers were Craig Hinderman, Linette Hinderman, Adam Marti, Brooks Marti, Dell Marti, Jennifer Marti, Mitze Marti and Gina Nienhaus.
Ervin J. Platz, 84, Springfield, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2002, at St. John Lutheran Home, Springfield. Services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Springfield, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, and 7:30-10 a.m. Friday at Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield. There will be a parish prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and men's rosary at St. Raphael's Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Friday morning.
Ervin was born Dec. 8, 1917, in Burnstown Township, Brown County, to Henry F. and Mary (Saffert) Platz. He attended country school and lived and farmed on the Platz homestead in North Star Township his entire life. On Feb. 20, 1937, he married Dolores Juenemann at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield. Ervin was a lifetime member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters, served on the parish council and on the North Star Township Board. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, watching baseball and football games, playing cards, listening to old tim music, gardening with Dolores, being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, feeding and watching the birds, squirrels and rabbits with his dog "Jesse."
Ervin is survived by his son, Gilbert and wife Helen Platz of Waskish; daughter, Marlys Platz of Springfield, grandsons, Gerard and wife Linda Platz of Litchfield and Steve and wife Julie Platz of Loretto; great-grandchildren, Russell and Courtney Platz; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leona Platz of Springfield, Rosemary and Norbert Ochs of Walker, Marilyn King of Estherville, Phyllis Juenemann of Springfield, and Willard and Ralph Juenemann of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dolores; sisters, Lorraine and Eileen; brother, Vernon; brothers-in-law, Lellis Fielder, Clayton King, Delbert Juenemann, Gerald Juenemann, and Jerome Juenemann; and brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Irene Groebner.
Casket bearers were Joseph Groebner, Mike Ochs, Gerard Platz, Mark Roiger, Mike Platz, Steve Platz, Vernon Platz, Jr., and Steve Schmidt. Honorary casket bearers were Kenneth Groebner, Kenneth Huebert, Willard Juenemann, Ronald Groebner, Ralph Juenemann and Norbert Ochs.
Joseph Francis Schultz, 95, St. James, died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002, at Good Samaritan Village Nursing Home in Mt. Lake. Funeral services were held Monday at the St. James Catholic Church with interment, including full Military Honors, in Calvary Cemetery, St. James. Pease Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Joe was raised in the St. James area and attended St. James Catholic School. He was married to Evelyn Syverson on Feb. 23, 1933, in St. James. Joe served in the Army in World War II from March of 1944 until November of 1945, in Europe. He had been employed by Oscar Dyrstad and Joe Schmidt of St. James in construction and with Link Anderson doing concrete work. Hoe was a maintenance foreman for the St. James city water department for 14 years, retiring at age 64. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the VFW in St. James. Joe enjoyed gardening and taking care of his lawn and watching baseball on television.
Joe is survived by his wife, Evelyn; sons, Gerald and wife Delores, Richard and wife Carolyn, Eugene and wife Judy, all of St. James, and Robert and special friend, Dee of Forest Lake, Calif., grandchildren, Linda and husband Darrell Schultze of St. James, Rick Schultz of St. Cloud, Kim and husband Mark Thompson of Madelia, Michael and wife Lisa Schultz of Lake Crystal, and Michelle Martinez of Groton, Conn.; step-grandson, Mark Hepler of Sioux Falls; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Cecil; brothers, Vencil (Ike) and Gustav; sisters, Minnie Beirman and Anna Hanson, great-grandson, Dustin and a nephew, Bud Beirman.
Casket bearers were Gerald Schultz, Richard Schultz, Michael Schultz, Robert Schultz, Rick Schultz, Darrell Schultze and Bill Dougherty. Honorary casket bearers were Merle Miller, Donald Schultz, Ernie Bryant, James Esser, Gary Sturm, Marvin Lang, Donavon Anderson and Loren Hurley.
Lorraine Laux Arndt, 86, Springfield, formerly of Sleepy Eye, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester. Funeral services will be held Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, from 4-8 p.m. and Thursday, 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye. There will be a parish prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday.
Lorraine was born July 15, 1915, in St. James, the daughter of William and Lula (Rice) Johnson. She operated a beauty shop in Sleepy Eye for many years. Lorraine was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, and St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Springfield. She was a past member of the Minnesota State Hairdresser's Association and the Christian Mothers Society.
Lorraine is survived by her daughters, Janice and husband Roy Dean of Sarasota, FL and Audrey and husband James Curran of Phoenix, Ariz.; and 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roman Laux; husband Otto Arndt; and daughter, Rosemary Mertz.
Colleen Marie Quast, 59, Janesville, formerly of Sleepy Eye, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002, in Mankato. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 13, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Janesville, with interment in the church cemetery. Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home of Janesville handled the arrangements.
Colleen was born in Sleepy Eye on July 20, 1942, to Ambrose and Rosa (Wolf) Pietig. She graduated from St. Mary's High School, Sleepy Eye, in 1960, and received her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from St. Joseph's Nursing School in Mankato in 1961. Colleen was united in marriage to Burton Quast on Oct. 7, 1972, in Mankato. She devoted the next several years to raising their 12 children. Colleen enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in school events and she also enjoyed exercising, shopping, and took much pride in plasma donation. She was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Janesville.
Colleen is survived by her husband, Burton; sons, Charles and wife Jessica Quast, Bruce and wife Angela Quast, Curt Quast, Don Quast and special friend Jennifer Mynar, Allen Quast, Mark Quast and special friend Sara Blegen, Tim Quast, and Dan Quast, all of Janesville; daughters, Bernadette and husband Corey Sack, Collette and husband Scott Lynch, Brigitte and husband Chad Strauss, and Annette Quast, all of Janesville; grandchildren, Ashly, Carter and Carson Quast; Jordan and Jeremiah Sack; Devon, Kelton and Kirston Lynch; Dillion and Kennedy Strauss; and Zachary and Jenna Quast; mother, Rosa Pietig of Sleepy Eye; brothers, David Pietig and Perry and wife Lisa Pietig, all of Sleepy Eye; sisters, DeeAnn and husband Jim Gieseke of Springfield, and Pattie and husband Wayne Pelzel of Sleepy Eye; sisters-in-law, Bernice Kuehn of Elysian, Betty and husband Harold Wolle of Mankato, and Bonnie and husband Joe Mans of Shakopee; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father; and son, Scott in 1987.
Casket bearers were Charles Quast, Bruce Quast, Curt Quast, Don Quast, Allen Quast, Mark Quast, Tim Quast and Dan Quast; Corey Sack, Scott Lynch and Chad Strauss. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Bernadette Sack, Collette Lynch, Brigitte Strauss, Annette, Jessica Quast, Angela Quast, Jennifer Mynar and Sara Blegen.
Lorinda Amanda Sommerfeld, 91, Sleepy Eye, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Funeral services were held Tuesday at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Lorinda was born Dec. 29, 1910, in Winthrop, the daughter of John and Augusta (King) Plahn. Her mother died when Lorinda was very young and she was raised by her stepmother, Louisa (Bauermeister) Plahn. Lorinda grew up and attended school in Winthrop, moving to Sleepy Eye with her family in 1930. She worked at Del Monte and did housekeeping for several families in Sleepy Eye. Lorinda married Theodore L. Sommerfeld on April 8, 1938, in Sleepy Eye. The couple lived and farmed northwest of Sleepy Eye for many years. Theodore preceded her in death in 1971, and Lorinda remained on the farm until moving into Sleepy Eye in 1980. She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye and the Ladies Aid. Lorinda was an avid gardener and also enjoyed baking and sewing.
Lorinda is survived by her children, JoAnn and husband Darwin Black of Fairfax and James and wife Mary Sommerfeld of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Debbie and husband Jeff Suchomel, Steve and wife Beck Black, Allen Sommerfeld and Mark Sommerfeld; great-grandchildren, Carl Mortenson, Bryant and Bennett Black and Mitchell Suchomel; brother-in-law, Arthur Meier and wife Wilma and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother; husband, Theodore; sisters, Doris and Helen; brothers, Vernon and Harold and wife Althea; and a sister in infancy.
Casket bearers were Steve Black, Allan Sommerfeld, Mark Sommerfeld, Jeff Suchomel, Carl Mortenson and Bryant Black. Honorary casket bearers were Bennett Black and Mitchell Suchomel.
Elroy John Voigt, 77, Gaylord, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002, at Burns Manor Nursing Home in Hutchinson. Funeral services were held Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in the church cemetery. Egesdal Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Elroy was born April 4, 1924, in Green Isle Township, Sibley County, to Alvin and Ella (Sauter) Voigt. He married Gladys Brelje on Sept. 4, 1945, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn. After marriage, the couple moved to a farm near Hutchinson, where Elroy worked for a farmer and Gladys worked in the home. In 1950, they moved to Gaylord to help Elroy's dad operate a restaurant. During his lifetime, Elroy operated a road grader for Sibley County Highway Department, Komatz Construction of St. Peter and Mathiowetz Construction of Sleepy Eye. He retired in 1993. After his retirement, Elroy enjoyed traveling with Gladys, snowmobiling and fishing with his grandsons. He also took pride in the landscaping of his yard, the church's and his friends' lawns. He spent many hours in his driveway polishing his truck.
Elroy is survived by his children, Mavis and husband Darwin Wagner of Brownton, Eugene and wife Deborah Voigt of Lake Elmo, Donna and husband Orlin Sylvester of Gaylord, and Myron and wife Darlene Voigt of Mesa, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; brothers and sister-in-law, Harvey Voigt of Ceres, Calif., and Arnold and Jean Voigt of Lake Mills, Iowa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Delores and Edwin Streich of LeCenter, Caroline Vogt of Glencoe, Lorraine and Edwin Krumm of Glencoe, Gladys Alsleben of Gaylord; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Voigt of Glencoe; Elizabeth Klitzke of Glencoe, Ethel and Vern Wassink of South St. Paul; Stella and Gilbert Oelfke of Shakopee; brothers-in-law, Wesley and Delores Brelje of Aitkin, George, Jr. and Della Brelje of South St. Paul. He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys on June 25, 2000; parents; brother, Maynard Voigt; brothers-in-law, LeRoy Alsleben, Lester Vogt, Roger Brelje, Earl Brelje, Milton Klitzke, William Schaefer, Alvin Doering; and sisters-in-law, Helen Doering, Agnes Schaefer and Elaine Voigt.
Charles William Biesanz, Sr.
Charles William Biesanz Sr., a lifelong member of the Winona community, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at Community Memorial Hospital. C.W., or "Bill," as he was better known, was born Oct. 13, 1915, in Winona to Charles and Maude Berry Biesanz. He attended both Notre Dame Prep School and Cotter High School, and graduated with a four-year degree in economics from Saint Mary's College in 1938, where he also played football. After graduation, he went into the sand and gravel business in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., for three years before joining the U.S. Navy in 1941, as an ensign. He was a shore fire gunnery officer on the aircraft carrier Midway and saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He left the U.S. Navy in 1945 with the final rank of lieutenant. On Dec. 30, 1941, he married Irene Frances O'Connor in Mosinee, Wis., and together they had 11 children. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene in 2001, son, Robert Paul, in 1988 and great-grandson, Peyton, this year. Bill is survived by ten children: Charles William (Becky) Biesanz Jr., Anne (Ted) Roberton Jr., Thomas Biesanz, Teresa (Bill) Schumaker, Philip Biesanz, David (CJ) Biesanz, Barbara (Mark) Pozanc, Francis (Rebecca) Biesanz, Donald (Lynn) Biesanz and Julie (Geoff) Gardner. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
After the war, Bill returned to Winona and went to work for Biesanz Stone Co., where he served as president until 1982. He remained active and interested in the stone business until the end and was always a guiding light and the voice of experience. Bill was a longtime member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and was a member of the Knights of Saint Gregory. His faith was of utmost importance in his life. As a young Catholic couple, Bill and Irene belonged to the Christian Family Movement. He felt most honored to be an affiliate of the order of the Christian Brothers, as well as an affiliate of the Hermits of Mount Carmel, sharing both honors with his wife, Irene, of 59 years. Promoting vocations of religious life, he was a charter member of the Serra Club, attending meetings on a regular basis for 50 years. Bill served in many capacities during his life: past president of the Allied Stone Industries, charter board member at Town and Country State Bank (now Winona National) -- serving as chairman for many years -- president of the National Alumni Board of Saint Mary's College, and also sat on the lay committee and corporate board. Bill was an avid bridge player and liked to play three no trump regardless of what Irene bid. He and his son, Phil, won a golf tournament where Bill putted one-handed with a stone putter. He also enjoyed playing chess with his children and grandchildren. He loved and enjoyed his family and friends very much, and always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He was a most gracious gentleman, a wonderful father and friend, and we shall miss him greatly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, with the Rev. John M. Sauer officiating. Entombment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Winona, with military burial rites provided by the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9.
Visitation was held Monday at the Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home,Winona with a prayer prayer.service.
Casket bearers were his sons, Charles, Thomas, Philip, David, Francis and Donald Biesanz. Honorary casket bearers were his daughters, Anne, Teresa, Barbara and Julie. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donor's choice.
James J. D'Elia
James J. D'Elia, 80, Sleepy Eye, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2002, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Divine Providence Community Home chapel, with interment in Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
James was born April 30, 1922, in Hartford, Conn., the son of James and Mary (Sarna) D'Elia. He worked 42 years for the railroad in Hartford, Conn., and was a veteran of World War II. He will be laid to rest with his wife of 49 years, Marie Vanderwerf. James enjoyed reading and spending time with animals.
James is survived by his sisters, Agnes Shadwick of Bolivar, Mo., and Louise Jefferies of Hartford, Conn.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Marie.
Casket bearers were Joseph Ferrato, Roger Nolby, Les Hansen and Duane Vanderwerf.
Marie Huberty
Marie Broker Huberty, 93, Sleepy Eye, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2002, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 6, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 2-3 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. rosary by the Christian Mothers, at the Divine Providence Community Home chapel, and continuing on Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. at the church. Sturm Funeral Home handled the arrangements. The family prefers memorials be given to the charity of one's choice.
Marie was born Sept. 7, 1908, in Collegeville. She graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud and St. Cloud Business College. Prior to her marriage in 1934, to Joseph Huberty of Tracy, Marie was employed by Zapp State Bank and City Treasurers Office in St. Cloud. In 1952, the family moved to Sleepy Eye, where Marie had been an active member of St. Mary's Christian Mothers, the Hospital Auxiliary and Divine Providence Community Home Auxiliary. She was also a founding leader of the Sleepy Eye Busy Bees 4-H Club.
Marie is survived by her four children; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Elden "Tiny" LeBert
Elden "Tiny" LeBert, 78, New Ulm, died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2002, at his home. Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Church in New Ulm, with interment in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Concelebrants were Father John Richter and Father George Schmit. Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes handled the arrangements.
Elden, the son of Edmund and Minnie (Wendland) LeBert, was born Dec. 29, 1923, in New Ulm. He attended grade school in Home Township, Brown County, and graduated from New Ulm Public High School. On Aug. 30, 1945, Elden married Cleo Simmet at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in New Ulm. After marriage, they lived in Sleepy Eye for three years, where Elden was employed at the Sleepy Eye Creamery. He then went to work as a salesman for Olewein Chemical Company and then moved to New Ulm in 1948. In 1951, Elden went to work for the Eagle Roller Mill in New Ulm, which was later sold to International Multifoods. Elden was employed as a territory manager and sales trainer for Supersweet Feeds and served in that capacity for 27 years, working out of the New Ulm office. He was later transferred to Kansas City, Mo. area, working there for about a year-and-a-half, when he suffered a severe hearing loss and decided to take disability retirement. For 11 years, Elden and Cleo spend the summer months at Grand View Lodge in Brainerd, where Cleo was employed. They spent their winters in Florida for the past 20 years. During the 1960s and 70s, he was active as a Boy Scout leader and served as president of the Red Rock Council, which merged with the Peacepipe Girl Scout Council. He was president of the Holy Trinity Home and School Association and also served on the Parish Council of the Holy Trinity Cathedral parish. He was a Faithful Navigator for the 4th degree Knights of Columbus, of which he was a member. He also belonged to the New Ulm Country Club and Turner Hall in New Ulm.
Tiny is survived by his wife, Cleo of New Ulm; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Bruce and Pattie LeBert of Stillwater; daughter and son-in-law, Denise LeBert and Duane Suess of Clive, Iowa; daughters, Michele LeBert of Winona and Joni Douglas of Winona; grandchildren, Melissa and Jason Schroeck of Minneapolis, Ian and Daisy Bullerman of Minneapolis, and Jared and Jamie Suess of Clive, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Minnie LeBert; and daughters, Renee and Margo LeBert and Brenda Schroeck.
Casket bearers were grandchildren, Melissa and Jason Schroeck, Ian and Daisy Bullerman and Jared and Jamie Suess.
