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James R. Nordeen
James Roger Nordeen, 85, of Cambridge died at the Cambridge Medical Center on February 23, 2016 of pneumonia.
He was born on October 28, 1930 to Adolph and Myrtle (Soderbeck) Nordeen at home in Grass Lake Township. James was the eighth child in a family of ten children. He attended Clint Country School and graduated from Braham High School in 1948.
Before graduation he worked on the family farm and helped neighboring farmers. He worked for a short time after graduation at Donaldson’s Department Store in Minneapolis. Soon after he went to work at Land-O-Lakes Feed Mill until he entered military service in the Army.
Corporal Nordeen was with Headquarters Honor Guard 24th Infantry Division in Japan and Korea. After discharge he returned to Land O’Lakes.
On April 2, 1955 Jim and Carole (Lindgren) were married
. They were blessed with two children Bonnie and Daniel. Jim had many health problems over the years. He had several jobs working and retiring from Land-O-Lakes after over 30 years. Jim and Carole lived most of their married
years in NE Cambridge. He enjoyed visiting, gardening, yard work, watching television, and especially enjoyed just being outdoors.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack (Willie), Kermit (Alice), Merle, Laurel “Chip” (May); sisters Evelyn (Marvin) Johnson, Marge (Berl) Hause, Phyllis (Matt) Lammi; brothers-in-law Gerald Stoeckel & Mike Johnson; sisters-in-law Anita Lindgren and Sharon Lindgren.
He is survived by wife Carole of 60 years; children Bonnie Lucas and Daniel; granddaughters Miranda and Molly; great granddaughters Astrid and Emoree; brother Duane of Illinois; sister Elaine Stoeckel of St. Anthony; sisters and brothers-in-law Roger and Mary Lindgren, JoAnn and David Nyholm, Peter Lindgren, Gerald Lindgren, Nancy and Wally Bennett, Ronald and Joan Lindgren and Patty Johnson; nieces, nephews, cousins; and friends.
Elizabeth Peterson
Betty (Johnson) Peterson was born in Red Wing, Minnesota on April 21, 1933 to Rev. C. Gordon and Amelia (Nelson) Johnson of Grantsburg, Wisconsin. The oldest of three children, Betty learned graciousness, hospitality, and creativity from her mother beginning at a young age. In high school, she shared her love of music by playing piano, drums, and singing. After high school, she sang in a group with God’s Invasion Army. She frequently provided music at church and other events. Betty was chosen homecoming queen of Granstburg High School, and was equally comfortable in her camping gear or wearing gardening gloves and trousers.
Betty met the love of her live, Dale Peterson, on a blind date arranged by her friends. It was love at first sight and Dale and Betty were married
on August 20, 1955 and moved to Kansas City, Kansas. They started their family in 1956 with the birth of Steven followed by Mark and Mary, and lived on the East Side of St. Paul. Adventures such as biking, camping, canoeing, and travel were an important part of family life.
A naturally gifted teacher, Betty shared her passion for children and learning as a preschool teacher at Trinity Baptist Church in Maplewood for several years. Later, with a dear friend, she established NellieB Needlearts on Payne Avenue in St. Paul. Working alongside friends, she encouraged creativity and community through shop events, retreats, and outreach to those incarcerated.
For several years, Betty’s commitment to help others included coordinating Angel Tree ministry at Trinity Baptist. Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts to children whose parent is incarcerated. With her enjoyment of the outdoors, Betty and Dale led many groups of high school girls on Boundary Water retreats. She was inspired by the beauty in God’s creation and helped others in their discovery of the outdoors.
Because of her deep faith, gift of hospitality, and desire to serve others, Betty often welcomed others into her home. She shared her home with many international guests, friends, and family members especially during their time of college or seminary studies. Betty was energized by entertaining and serving friends and family. She was resourceful and imaginative in creating beautiful gardens, entertaining, and in her personal style.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, Dale, of 60 years and children Steven (Debbykay), Mark (Jill), and Mary Haivala. Her grandchildren are Rebekah Peterson (Mitch Thompson), David Peterson, Jacob Stoner, Emily Peterson, Abbie Peterson, Joseph Haivala, and Naomi Haivala. Great grandmother to Emory Thompson, Hallie Harris, and Linnea Thompson. Also survived by her brothers, Rev. Charles Johnson and Roger (Peggy) Johnson, and many relatives and friends.
Her warm smiles and eyes that lit up with a twinkle at a good joke or conversation will be deeply missed.
Fern Schmitz
Fern Schmitz beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother completed her life's journey, Saturday April 5, 2003 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. Fern was born on January 27, 1912, to Clarence and Fanny (Ames) Cheney in Bullard Township, Wadena County. She was the 8th child of a family of 9. As her father was a logger they moved to many different areas where they attended different shcools in Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. All of her siblings have preceded her in death.
She married
Ralph Schmitz on Oct. 30, 1933 in Wadena where they made their home until moving to the farm by Sebeka in 1948. She was a charter member of the Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church in Menahga and was a member of the Christian Mothers. They later built a home in Sebeka where they lived until Fern moved to Humphrey Manor where she lived for 22 years until moving to Fair Oaks Lodge.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed quilting for her grandchildren, fishing with Ralph, going out for lunch and visiting with family and friends.
Pallbearers were her grandchildren; Tom Schmitz, Kristine Pagenkopf, Sarah Albrecht, Keth Schmitz, Jr., Daniel Schmitz, Jaccie Nelson, Scott Putzke, Janelle Ahlgren, Tony Putzke, Jaimie Beretta and LaiLonna Lilly. Interment will be in the Calvary cemetery in Wadena.
Fern is survived by two sons and two daughters: Dennis (June) Schmitz of Grand Rapids, Keith (Diane) Schmitz of Park Rapids, Sandra (Gene) Putzke of Sebeka and Linda (George) Lilly of Nimrod; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph in 1979, 8 siblings and 1 grandson in 1978.
Exia Catherine Schwartz
Exia Catherine Burkhart was born to her parents Fred & Katherine (Price) Burkhart on June 25, 1913 in Greentop, Missouri. Her family moved to Hunter, ND in 1918. She was united in marriage to Hubert Joseph Schwartz on Sept. 30, 1935 in Hunter. Shortly afterwards they moved to the Bluffton area where they farmed.
Exia was a member of the Christian Mothers, was very active in mission work, enjoyed sewing, cooking, loved to go fishing and helped Hubert with the outside work on the family farm. Hubert passed away at their home in Bluffton on May 9, 1986. Exia was also preceded in death by her parents; sons David & Norman; sisters Jedde, Avalee, Mildred & Anna; brothers Don, Edwin, Elmer & Lee.
She is survived by her daughter Betty Switala of Osceola, WI; son Richard of Traceyton, WA; grandchildren Craig Schmitz, Michelle Curtis, Jason Schmitz, Sara Pavek, David, Mathew & Denise Schmwartz; great-grandchildren Dustin Schlenker, Kendra & Raine Curtis, Austin & Issac Pavek, Brittany, Bridgette & Brianna.
Burial will take place next to her husband in the St. John's cemetery in Bluffton.
Lena M. Rieck
Lena Maria Wilhelmina Rach was born to her parents Herman and Mary (Luedtke) Rach on January 11, 1908 in Bellingham, Minnesota. She passed away on Saturday afternoon at the Henning Health Care Center where she had been a resident since 1994.
Lena was baptized on January 19, 1908. Her family moved to Bartlett Township where she attended country school and was confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bartlett on April 24, 1921.
She was united in marriage to Otto Carl Rieck at Immanuel Lutheran on November 12, 1925. In 1943 they moved to Verndale and joined the Redeemer Lutheran Church. She was active in the LWML, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir.
Lena was preceded in death by her husband Otto on July 7, 1978; her parents Herman and Mary; sisters Elsie, Frieda, Mildred, Martha & Elverna; brothers Harold, Herman & Alfred and a grandson Mark.
Lena is survived by her daughters; Dorothy (Mrs. Harold) Foster and Margaret (Mrs. Ed) Wens both of Longview, WA, Mazie Mueller of Wadena; sons Robert (Barb) of Rogers, MN and Charles (Judy) of Shakopee, MN; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren.
Burial will take place next to her husband in the Greenlawn cemetery in Verndale.
Ann Louise McQuay
A Memorial Mass was held for Ann Louise McQuay, age 88, a resident of the Long Prairie Memorial Home in Long Prairie, MN on Monday, May 19, 2003 at 10:00 AM at the St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie with Father Mark Stang presiding. Interment of Ashes was in the Oak Valley cemetery in rural Hewitt, MN.
Ann Louise McQuay was born to Charles and Catherine Connelly on October 27, 1914 in Eagle Bend, MN. She was named after her mother's sisters, but Charles never liked the names so he nicknamed her 'Girlie' and it stuck with her for the rest of her life. She grew up in Eagle Bend and Wadena, MN. She played on the girl's traveling basketball team that played other town teams in the area.
Girlie married
John Clinton McQuay on January 15, 1932 and raised 5 children. She also had 4 nephews and nieces that spent a lot of time with them on the farm in Otter Tail County. She was active in Homemakers Clubs, Royal Neighbors, VFW Auxiliary and was a 4-H leader for her children.
She and John both worked to help with the family expenses. Girlie cooked at nightclubs in the area, such as the River Inn in Aldrich, MN, the Pine Cove Inn in Wadena and the Lantern in Cushing, MN. When John worked away from home, she ran the farm and kept things going. In 1965, they sold the farm and moved to Elk River where they worked different jobs until john went to work for the state and Girlie went to work for Honeywell.
When they retired they spent a lot of time baby-sitting their grandchildren, taking camping trips and fishing. They also worked on a son's farm doing the farming.
After John passed away, Girlie moved to Anoka, MN and started volunteering at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN, still spending a lot of time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always ready to go anywhere. She made many trips to Indiana and Virginia to visit nieces. She also got to take a trip to Ireland with 2 of her nieces, which she enjoyed very much. She loved coming up to the lake to go fishing, visit with the neighbors and play with her great grandchildren.
Girlie passed away at the Long Prairie Memorial home in Long Prairie, MN on May 13, 2003.
She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1985; mother & father; oldest daughter Mary Lou Henderson; brothers James Patrick Connelly and Charles Coleman 'Bud' Connelly; sister Gladys Barett; and grandsons Marlo Lynn Henderson and Shawn Peter Winchester.
She is survived by sons Charles Burton and his wife Ione of Foreston, MN and John Thomas and his wife Dorothy of Andover, MN; daughters Burnell and her husband Bill Miller of Ogilvie, MN and Susanne and her husband Delroy Winchester of Anoka, MN; son-in-law Marvin Henderson; 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Honorary Pallbearers for her Memorial Mass were Michael Henderson, Terry Henderson, Tony Winchester, John McQuay, Greg McQuay and Tom McQuay.
Hazel Back
Hazel Edna White was born to her parents William & Mae (Danforth) White in the Central area of Wadena County. She passed away at the St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Hazel was a homemaker who also did seasonal work for Peterson-Biddick Seed Company. She was united in marriage to Laurence Horace Back on April 8, 1931. They moved to their farm in Wing River Township after their marriage where she lived until her death. She enjoyed baby sitting, cooking, baking, sewing, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister Mabel Johnson; brothers Leonard, Donald & Wilbur White. She is survived by her daughter Linda (David) Terveer of Wing River Township; granddaughters Lynette Terveer-Wood & Lori Terveer both of Brainerd and Louann Terveer of Hopkins; great-granddaughter Hailley Ann Wood and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Burial will take place next to her husband in the Wadena cemetery.
Charles W. Kennedy
Retired District Judge, Charles W. Kennedy, 90, passed away on May 10th at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. Judge Kennnedy was born on April 13, 1913 to Grace Dunlop Kennedy and Charles Garfield Kennedy in Presho, South Dakota. As a youth, he attended school in Pukwana, South Dakota, where the family resided on a farm, and eventually the family took up residence in Deadwood, South Dakota. While attending high school, Judge Kennedy became an excellent typist and won contests, at both the County, District, Regional and State level, on an old LC Smith typewriter. He also developed the ability to write in shorthand and became very adept at that as well. All of this enabled him to be employed as a high school senior at the First National Bank in Deadwood.
Judge Kennedy graduated from Deadwood High School in 1929. He entered the University of Minnesota in 1931, where he intended to go to law school. He met and married
his wife of 66 years, Sigrid Rempel, on March 6, 1937. He continued his studies at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a law degree in 1936.
Charles and Sigrid moved to Wadena where he began his law practice. In 1941, he was drafted into the Navy and took training in Boston, Massachuset. He was a Lieutenant JG and was assigned to duty as a Communications Officer on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. While serving there in 1945 he was the first person to decode the message that an atomic bomb had been dropped on Hiroshima. At the wars end, he served briefly as Attorney General on the island of Samoa.
Upon completing his military service he returned to Wadena to continue his law practice.
He served as both City Attorney for Wadena and was eventually elected as County Attorney as well.
He was a tireless and well prepared trial lawyer.
He would often enjoy presenting his cases to the family, asking them for their views and reactions to his arguements. After more than two decades on one side of the Bench, Judge Kennedy was appointed in 1962 to be District Judge of the Seventh Judicial District. His appointment was by Governor C. Elmer Anderson after a plebescite held in the Seventh District. While on the District Bench he held court in the various counties of the ten county District, from St. Cloud on the eastern end to Moorhead on the west. While on the District Bench he served for a short time as a visiting Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Kennedy served on the bench until mandatory retirement in 1983. Upon retiring from the Bench he returned to the practice of law Of Counsel with the law firm of Kennedy & Nervig, LLP until 1998. From 1998 on, his wife Sigrid, being a resident at Fair Oaks, he became completely devoted to her attention and retired completely from the practice of law.
Judge Kennedy loved his wife, Sigrid, and his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved the law and was a true scholar in the pursuit of knowledge. Whether it was a District Court decision, a Supreme Court decision, or a brief writing, he was a master at brevity and clarity. As a youth, living in South Dakota, he developed a deep love for horses and was always fond of and looked forward to the Kentucky Derby. He loved crossword puzzles, was an avid reader of poetry, books, Shakespeare and the Bible. He will be missed by his family who loved him dearly and those whose lives he touched.
Judge Charles W. Kennedy is survived by his wife, Sigrid; sons Charles R. and wife Lois of Wadena, John B. and wife Polly of Westport, Connecticut; daughter Patricia G. Kennedy of New York City, New York; three grandsons Charles R. Jr. and wife Kelly of Stillwater, Douglas C. and wife Roxanne of Eden Prairie, Steven J. and wife Anne of Richfield; granddaughters Kate Kennedy of Carlton College, Nora Kennedy of Westport, Connecticut and Christa P. Johnson of Victoria, Minnesota; four great-grandchildren Maddy, Chloe, Parker and Max Kennedy.
Interment will take place in the Wadena cemetery.
