Search Archived Marriage Records
Walther, Laurence, FSC,
1919-2002
Brother Laurence Walther, 82, died Aug. 21, 2002 at Saint Anne's Hospice in Winona, Minn.
He was born in Chicago, Ill. on Oct. 31, 1919 to Peter A. and Anna Schaefer Walther. Laurence graduated from the De La Salle Institute in Chicago. He then attended Saint Mary's College in Winona, Minn., where he professed his vow to become a Christian Brother in 1941 and where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1944. He received a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Saint Louis University in 1952 and a Master of Arts in Music Education from DePaul University in 1954. In 1970, he completed a Master of Arts in Theology program at Manhattan College. In 1972, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Winona State University, and in 1975, he received his Master of Music in Piano from Indiana University.
Brother Laurence served as a high school teacher for 14 years and administrator for nine years, including roles as teacher at the LaSalle Institute in Glencoe, Mo., director of Xavier High School in Appleton, Wis., and director of the De La Salle High School in Minneapolis, Minn. He also served as a professor at Price College in Amarillo, Texas. Brother Laurence returned to Saint Mary's as a full-time faculty member in 1970. In his first year, he originated the college's Fine Arts Department and was the first member of the music faculty.
Brother Laurence's love for music was ever-present. His mother, a gifted pianist, introduced Laurence to the piano when he was 5. He launched a professional performing career when he began touring with Brother Vincent Malham as "Brothers in Concert" in 1974. The duo toured the United States, The Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore and Rome, in addition to recording albums. The Brothers also performed at the Kennedy Center before ambassadors, senators and representatives. Brother Laurence served as administrator of the Dunrovin Retreat and Conference Center in St. Croix, Minnesota. He served many roles in the Saint Mary's Music Department, including professor, lecturer, piano teacher and chairman, for nearly 30 years.
In 1980, Brother Laurence received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the De La Salle Institute in Chicago, and the following year, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Saint Mary's College. The Saint Mary's board of trustees bestowed the honorary Doctorate of Musical Arts upon Brother Laurence in 1991. Last summer, he received an award from the Winona Fine Arts Commission in honor of his lifelong dedication to music and education.
Brother Laurence was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Peter and Anthony, and a sister, Marguerite Conway. He is survived by two sisters, Genevieve Walther of Wheeling, Ill., and Joan Fernstrom of Northbrook, Ill., a sister-in-law, Angela Walther of Bloomington, Ind., eight nieces and nephews, 25 grand nieces and nephews, and 20 great nieces and nephews. His students, his colleagues, his audiences, his fellow Brothers, and his family and friends are honored to have known him.
A wake will be held Sunday, Aug. 25, from 3-5:30 p.m. in Saint Thomas More Chapel, Saint Mary's University, Winona, Minn. The funeral will begin at 5:30. Burial will be Monday at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Winona. Memorials may be directed to the Music Department, Saint Mary's University, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987.
Froiland, Phyllis J.
Phyllis J. Froiland, 73, of Rushford, died Thursday, August 22, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Phyllis was born on March 1, 1929, in Houston, Minn. to Clinton and Grace (Ensrud) Virock. She was raised in Rushford, and graduated from Rushford High School. Phyllis attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. On January 22, 1949, she married Alfred W. Froiland. Phyllis worked at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home for several years. She also worked at the National Bank in Rushford for 25 years, as a loan officer, retiring in 1996. Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed reading, current events, sports, and politics. Phyllis is survived by one son, Daniel Froiland of Marine on St. Croix, Minn.; two daughters: Kathy Froiland of Houston, Texas and Mary (Brian) Baker of San Antonio, Texas; two grandchildren: Luke and Mandy Froiland; and one sister, Mary Ronnenberg of Winona, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Watson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at Hoff Funeral Homes Rushford Chapel, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the Church.
Vondrashek, Rita
Rita Vondrashek, 75, of Hastings, Minn., died Thursday, July 4, 2002.
Rita was born in Winona to Joseph and Della Maliszewski.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Liz (Mark) Tessier of Hastings; sons, Jon (Suzanne) Vondrashek of Mount Prospect, Ill. and Mark Vondrashek of Seattle, Wash.; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a sister, Sister Corona (Doris) of Rochester; and a brother, Edwin Maliszewski of Winona.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward (Red) Vondrashek, son, Jay Vondrashek, and her parents.
She was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis
Holmberg, Sybille J.
Sybille J. Holmberg, 79, Winona, died Monday, August 26, 2002, at Lake Winona Manor.
Sybille was born March 25, 1923 in Lanesboro, Minn., to Carl and Frances (Holtz) Sandvig.
She is survived by sons, Richard J. Hughes, Michael Holmberg, Stewart Holmberg, Ronald Hughes and Steve Holmberg; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brothers, Allan Sandvig, T.W. Sandvig, Richard Sandvig and Robert Sandvig.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Gary and Ervin, and a sister, Carol.
Funeral services were Friday, August 30 at Watkowski-Pronschinske Funeral Home with Rev. G.H. Huggenvik officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
A Watkowski-Pronschinske Funeral Service.
Biesanz, Charles W. Sr.
Charles William Biesanz, Sr., a life-long member of the Winona community, passed away on Wednesday evening, August 28, 2002 at Winona Community Memorial Hospital. C.W. or "Bill", as he was better known, was born on October 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 4 year degree in Economics from Saint Mary's College in 1938 where he also played football. After graduation, he went into the sand & gravel business in Wisconsin Rapids, WI for three years before joining the US 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 US Navy in 1945 with the final rank of Lieutenant.
On December 30, 1941, he married Irene Frances O'Connor in Mosinee, WI 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 8 great-grandchildren.
After the war, Bill returned to Winona and went to work at Biesanz Stone Company, 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 long time member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and was a member of the Knights of Saint Gregory. His faith was of the 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 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 to 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.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at 2:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, with 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 will be Monday, September 2, 2002 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home, Winona with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.
Casket bearers will be his sons: Charles, Thomas, Philip, David, Francis, and Donald Biesanz. Honorary casket bearers will be his daughters: Anne, Teresa, Barbara, and Julie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donor's choice.
Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winona.
Berhow, R. Kathryn
R. Kathryn Berhow, age 81, of Goodview, went to her eternal home on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 at Lake Winona Manor.
Kathryn was born on July 16, 1921 in Marathon, IA, to Paul Henry and Tomine (Refsland) Lindgren.
Kathryn graduated from Marathon High School, Marathon, IA. She attended Buena Vista University, in Storm Lake, IA and received her teacher's certificate. She then graduated from Winona State University with a B.S. Degree.
On July 19, 1951, she married Orville LeRoy Berhow at Grace Lutheran Church, Marathon, and he preceded her in death on August 11, 1992. She was an elementary teacher for 17 years in Forest City, IA. In 1968, they moved to the Winona area. She then worked in Cochrane-Fountain City School System for 17 years, retiring in 1985.
She was a member of Central Lutheran Church, Winona, where she was a past president of the Ladies Aid, a member of Quilters, Young at Heart, and other church activities. She was also a member of Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Kathryn enjoyed helping others and touched many lives.
She is survived by her four sons, David (Shelly) Berhow, Winona, Paul Berhow, Goodview, Peter (Jody) Berhow, Winona and Kevin (Debbie) Berhow, Minnesota City; six grandchildren, Shannon, Shaun, Matthew, Jon, Jerad, and Andrew; one sister, Gorine (Orville) Nielsen-Snellenberger, Mesa, AZ and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a sister, Arlys Erickson.
Funeral services were Saturday, August 31, 2002 at 1:00 PM at Central Lutheran Church, Winona with Rev. Michelle Rem, officiating. Interment was at Oakland Cemetery, Minnesota City, MN.
Memorials may be given to Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN. Funeral arrangements were by the Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winona.
MacSwain, Roderick S.
Roderick S. MacSwain, 73, of 1678 Valley View Drive, died of cancer Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at Community Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 12, 1929, in Wausau, Wis., the son of Sumner and Relia MacSwain. He married Joyce Trindal on April 24, 1954, in Loyal, Wis.
Rod graduated from Mosinee High School, served three years in the U.S. Army and attended the University of Wisconsin Spencerian Business College.
Rod was a member of Mosinee Lodge No. 318, Masonic Blue Lodge Scottish Rite 32nd degree Mason, Valley of Green Bay Tripoli Temple (Shriner) Milwaukee, Wis., Winona Elks, Winona American Legion, past member of the Winona Country Club and Korean War veteran. He was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan and a season ticket holder for almost 50 years.
He dedicated 41 years of his life working in the flour milling industry. The last 22 years of his career were spent at Bay State Milling Company, retiring as sales manager in 1993.
He is survived by two daughters, Lori Ahrens of Winona and Marcia (Ric) Stephens of Ada, Mich.; six granddaughters, Jenny and Bethany Ahrens, and Taylor, Lexington, Samantha and MacKenzie Stephens; his 99-year-old mother, Relia of Kewaunee, Wis.; a brother, Donald (Betty) MacSwain of Kewaunee; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, wife, and grandson, Hunter Stephens.
All who came in contact with Rod will forever remember and treasure his favorite expressions -- "Oh Fudge, " "Holy Ka-toot, " and "Good on ya."
"To my many friends -- Holy Ka-toot it was great knowing all of you, and Oh Fudge we had a great time -- thank you for the memories -- Good on ya!"
Funeral services were Saturday, September 7, at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home with Rev. Mary Hurmence of Central United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery where members of American Legion Post No. 9 conducted military burial rites.
Pallbearers were Chuck Merkel, Dave Keller, Joe Coshenet, Dave Peplinski, Steve Kohner and Les Wothke.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Winona County Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.
God Bless You, Dad.
"Good on ya!"
Weld, Mildred Marie (Babe)
Mildred Marie (Babe) Weld, 77, of Minnetonka, Minn., and formerly of Galesville, Wis., died Friday, August 16, 2002 at her home of cancer.
She was born August 10, 1925 on West Prairie in the Town of Trempealeau, Trempealeau County, Wis., to Paul and Tillie (Fischer) Duff.
She attended the West Prairie rural school, graduated from Galesville High School with the class of 1942 and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Whitewater, Wis. State College in 1946. She taught Business Education classes at the high school in Menomonie from 1946-1948.
On November 19, 1948, she married Bob Weld. They were later divorced.
Mildred became a secretary of the Hopkins, Minn. public school system in 1970, and remained in that position until her retirement.
She is survived by three daughters, Ann (Conde) McGowan of Fresno, Cal., Dr. Judy (David) Schmidt, M.D. of Missoula, Mont., and twin sister, Jill (Eric) DeLoreto of Minnetonka; one son, Paul (Ellen) Weld of Minnetonka; eleven grandchildren: Caley and Eliza McGowan of Fresno, Sara and Isaac Schmidt of Missoula, Gianna, Anthony and Mark DeLoreto of Minnetonka, and Jason, Blake, Matthew and Bridgit Weld of Minnetonka; a sister, Evelyn Grover of Galesville, Wis.; a brother-in-law, Clifford Retzlaff of Seattle, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her daughter, Mary Liz Weld, her parents, her brothers, Lory and Rolland Duff, and a sister, Lynda Duff Retzlaff.
Family and friends gathered at Mildred's home in Minnetonka on Sunday, August 17, for a celebration of her life.
The body was cremated.
