Hazel M. Meyer, 83
Kiester - Hazel M. Meyer, age 83, of Kiester died Wednesday, January 3 at her home in Kiester. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Kiester, with Reverend Richard Steffen officiating. Visitation was from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday. Burial followed at Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery. Hazel was born July 4, 1917 in Alden to Henry and Barbara (Hochreiter) Ahnemann. She married Melvin J. Meyer on February 17, 1938 in Walters. Hazel was a homemaker all her life. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where she was involved in the sewing group, circle, and WELCA groups. Hazel was also a member of the Kiester Senior Citizens group. Hazel enjoyed traveling, sewing, gardening, flowers, and socializing with her friends and family. She is survived by two sons, Loren and wife Bernie Meyer of Apple Valley, Glenn Meyer of Anchorage, Alaska; one daughter, Judy Meyer of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Rick and his wife Sue Meyer of Cedar Rapids, IA and Lana and her husband Paul Lenz of Hutchinson; six great-grandchildren: Troy, Karissa, and Trent Meyer, Colton, Morgan, and Payton Lenz; three sisters: Ruby Ahnemann of Minneapolis, Ruth Almberg of Kiester, and Myrtle Niebuhr of Ely; one brother, Norman Ahnemann of Phoenix, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Melvin, and one brother - Elmer Ahnemann.

W.D. "Bill" Ley, 84
Blue Earth - W.D. "Bill" Ley, age 84, of Lakota, IA, died Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at the United Hospital of Blue Earth, MN. Services were held on Saturday, December 29, 2000 at the First Presbyterian Church of Lakota. A burial followed at Maple Hill Cemetery also in Lakota. Pastors Bill Peake and Victor Vriesen officiated the service. "Bill" was born on August 21, 1916 to Willie Everett Ley and Lucile Florence (Wheeler) Ley in Germania, IA. Bill attended Lakota Public School and graduated in 1934. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a major in Business. He married Clara Ruth Odland, an elementary teacher from South Dakota, in 1940 and Joy (Orthel) Jensvold of Buffalo Center in 1988. "Bill" was a partner in business at the Ley Motor Company in Lakota from 1937 to 1967 and also in Ley and Ley. In 1967 Bill joined Farmers Trust & Savings Bank where he served as President until 1981. Bill was a member of and served in many community and civic activities such as the Lakota School Board, Iowa Ford Dealers, Iowa Automobile Dealers Assc., Lakota Presbyterian Church, Buena Vista College, Kossuth County Fair and the Founding Board of the Gruis Recreational Area. In 1988, he established the William D. Ley Scholarship fund at the North Iowa Community School. Bill enjoyed a number of hobbies and outside interests such as baseball, basketball, horses, golf and antique cars. "Bill" was survived by his wife, Joy, son David and wife Sandy, daughter Carolyn and Gary Berkland, his son Tim and Patricia Hohn and Helen and Jerry; 4 step-children: Sue (Steve) Bosma, Tony (Fran) Jensvold, Mary (Rande) Giesking and Todd Jensvold; 18 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Jerry A. Klingbeil, 44
Wells - Jerry A. Klingbeil, age 44, of Wells, died on Friday December 15, 2000 at his home from an extended illness. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 6, 2001, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells. Rev. Paul Baker was officiating the service. Visitation was at the Church in Wells one hour prior to the Service. Burial was at Rosehill Cemetery in Wells. There will be a private family service in the spring. Jerry was born on December 17, 1955 in Wells to Melvin and Beulah (Linder) Klingbeil. Jerry graduated from Wells High School in 1974. He served in the United States Navy from 1976 to 1987. Jerry enjoyed cooking and spending time with his nieces and nephews. Jerry is survived by his mother, Beulah Klingbeil of Wells; four sisters, Roxann Jones of California, Mary (LaMar) Glamm of Bayport, MN, Beverly Klingbeil of Wells, and Susan Schmidt of Osseo, MN; one brother, Howard (Diane) Klingbeil of St. Paul, MN, numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by father, Melvin Klingbeil.

Marlene K. Jordan, 62
Winnebago - Marlene K. Jordan, age 62, of Winnebago died Friday, December 29, 2000, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 2, 2001, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Winnebago. Visitation was from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 1, 2001, at Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery of Winnebago. Marlene was born July 21, 1938 in Winnebago to Archie and Salvina (Erickson) Nelson. She was a graduate of Winnebago High School in 1956 and also graduated from Mankato State College with a degree in Elementary Music. She married Dale Jordan of Winnebago on April 12, 1958. During her career, she taught in the Garden City, Amboy and Granada-Huntley-East Chain school systems until retiring in 2000. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Church Choir Director for many years, Minnesota Education Association and Winnebago Area Musical Players. She enjoyed gardening as a hobby. Marlene is survived by her husband: Dale of Winnebago, one daughter: Donna (Todd) Olson of Amboy, two sons: David (Cindy) Jordan of Winnebago and Todd (Jody) Jordan of Winnebago; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; two sisters: Maxine (Paul) Penney of Winnebago and Margaret (Paul) Kieper of Mason, OH and mother-in-law: Mildred Jordan of Winnebago. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Ralph Louis Jenkins, 76
Waseca - Ralph Louis Jenkins, age 76 of Waseca died Friday, December 29, 2000 at St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault, MN. Born in Byron Township, Waseca County, on December 5, 1924, he was the son of Julius and Edna (Nienow) Jenkins. He attended rural Waseca Country School. He married Ellen Robinson on May 17, 1943 in Winnebago, MN. He farmed in Waseca county, and worked as a mink rancher. During that time he also worked at Misheks Concrete in Waseca for 31 years. After retiring from Misheks he was self-employed as a trucker. On December 29, 1988, he married Shirley Ann Dahle at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, trapping, fishing, snowmobiling, pets, gardening, and canning. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. He is survived by his wife Shirley of Waseca, six daughters, Darlene (Donald) Sutter of Milaca, MN, Delores Jenkins of Foreston, MN, Shirley (Cary) Barto of Waseca, Mary (Bill) Brown of Motley, MN, Sue (LaMarr) Sather of Waseca, Sherry (Victor) Zoll of Peoria, AZ; one son, Ralph (Gean) Jenkins of Waseca; two step-daughters, Dayle Ann Hager of Madison, WI, Dawn (Gary) Schwartz of Waseca; six step-sons, Ray C. (Ann) Hager of North Mankato, Syd (Debbie) Hager of LaCrosse, WI, Robert (Bonnie) Hager of New Richland; twenty grandchildren; twenty step-grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; four sisters, Iola Webb of Winnebago, Celice Foster of Winnebago, Iris Jahnke of Medford, OR, Ruby Anderson of Coupeville, WA; sister-in-law, Billie Jenkins of Socorro, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, granddaughter - Angela Blowers, two step grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers. Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 3, 2001 one hour prior to service at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 3, 2001 at 1:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Roger W. Haug officiating. Burial followed at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. Memorial are preferred to the Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Eldean B. "Sarge" Harpestad, 84
Elmore - Eldean B. "Sarge" Harpestad, age 84, of Elmore, died Saturday, December 30, 2000, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center, Blue Earth. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 3, 2001, at 1:30 PM, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center - West Parlor, with Pastor Gary Terrio, officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth. Visitation time was from noon until service time on Wednesday at St. Lukes. Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth handled the arrangements. He was born May 7, 1916, at Newark, Illinois, the son of Martin and Edith (Brewick) Harpestad. His family moved to Minnesota in 1919 where he lived in Frost, Bricelyn and Delavan before moving to Blue Earth in 1929, where he attended Blue Earth Schools. He served in the Civil Conservation Corps in the late 1930's and worked on several Faribault County farms. He enlisted in the Army in December 1941 and served in WW II. He re-enlisted in the Air Force serving in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii and California. He was married to Peggy Mathews in California on September 6, 1952. In 1975 he retired from the Air Force as a Sergeant after serving 31 years, and returned to Blue Earth. Peggy died June 24, 1984. Eldean later married Viola Steuer on July 12, 1986 in Elmore. For 15 years the couple lived in Elmore for 6 months of the year and Apache Junction, Arizona the other 6 months of the the year. Eldean was a member of the Blue Earth American Legion Post 89, VFW Post #4580 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32. He was survived by his wife: Viola Harpestad of Elmore, Brother: Everett (& wife Ardelle) Harpestad of Apple Valley, Brother: Gordon ( & wife Leona) Harpestad of Wells, Sister: Margaret Cohen of Hopkins, 2 Step-granddaughters, 4 Step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife, Brothers: Lavern & Laurence Harpestad, Sister: Emma Mae Whitbeck, and 3 step-sons: Lyle, Keith & Ronnie Steuer.

John A. Breen, 88
Blue Earth - John A. Breen, age 88, formerly of Blue Earth, died of cancer on Monday, January 1, 2001, at Belmond Care Center, Belmond, Iowa. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, January 4, 2001, with a prayer service at 7:30 PM at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth. Services were held on Friday, January 5, 2001, at 11:00 AM at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth with Father John Ozbun officiating. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery, also in Blue Earth. John was born September 16, 1912, in Vail, IA, to John J. & Sarah (Turner) Breen. John was raised and educated in Truman graduating in 1931. He farmed briefly before serving four years in the Civil Conservation Corps near McGregor. He was married to Marian E. Frailey on September 16, 1937. He moved to Fairmont and started working for Montgomery Wards, which lead him to Pipestone and later to Moline, IL. In 1946 he moved to Monmouth, IL where he managed two stores for the Brown-Lynch-Scott Hardware Co. In 1949 he came to Blue Earth where he purchased the Western Auto Store, which soon became the Breen Our Own Hardware Store. The store, now called Breen's True Value, still continues on Blue Earth's main street and is the longest operating business on main street. John retired from the store in 1989. He was a longtime member of the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church where he was active in the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years, serving as a Grand Knight. He also served on the Blue Earth Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, United Hands Hospice - where he was a board member and the Blue Earth Light & Water Board for many years. He had also presented the "Barter Time" radio program on KBEW radio for many years. John is survived by his wife: Marian of Belmond, IA, son: John (Sue) Breen of New Brighton, Ken (Marlys) Breen of Blue Earth, daughter: Sharon (Don) Baum of Belmond, Debra (DuWayne) Abel of Belmond, 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Loretta Harris.

Florence G. Welk, 84
Blue Earth - Florence G. Welk, age 84, of Blue Earth died Saturday, January 6, 2001, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, January 9, 2001, at 2:30 PM at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center, with Pastor Gary Terrio officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Visitation was from 1:30 PM until service time at St. Lukes on Tuesday. Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth is handling the arrangements. Florence was born April 24, 1916 in Faribault County to Julius J. and Bertha A. (Miller) Welk. She was raised and educated in Blue Earth, where she was a 1934 graduate of Blue Earth High School. She later graduated from the Minneapolis Business College and became a secretary in Minneapolis and California before returning to Blue Earth in 1946. She was the secretary and office supervisor of the Blue Earth Public School Superintendents Office from 1946 until her retirement in 1979. She was a lifelong member of the Salem United Methodist Church where she was active in several church organizations. She also traveled the continental US, Europe, Hawaii and Alaska extensively. Florence is survived by her sisters: Evelyn Mensing of Blue Earth, Myrtle Gullord of Blue Earth and Phyllis Owens of Blue Earth and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Aldo Welk and a sister: Viola Welk.

John G. "Jack" Vaughn
Elmore - John G. "Jack" Vaughn, age 76, of Elmore died January 7, 2001, at United Hospital in Blue Earth. Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 11, 2001, at 1:30 PM at Elmore United Methodist Church with Pastor Wes Johnson officiating. Burial was at Riverview Cemetery in Elmore. Visitation time was from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth. John was born on January 15, 1924, in Swea City, IA to Glen and Ethol (Guest) Vaughn. He was raised and educated in Elmore where he was a 1942 graduate of Elmore High School. He served in the Army Air Corps in India during WWII. Following the war he returned to Elmore where he was self employed, owning Vaughn's Produce. He was married to Thelma Mae Walton on September 18, 1946, in Elmore. He later became a sales representative for many years with the Town Square Furniture Co., where he sold furniture in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. He retired in 1994. He was a member of the Elmore Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner. He was also a member of the Elmore American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars post 4580 of Blue Earth and the Minn-Iowa Golf Course. He loved golfing, fishing, watching TV, traveling and playing cards. Jack is survived by his daughters: Gloria (Lynn) Beenken of Spencer, IA, Vicki Vaughn of Birchwood, WI, Glenda (Paul) Taylor, of Charleston, WV, sister: Ardis Vaughn-Harrison of Roseville, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife in 1995 and 1 grandchild.

Geneva A. Schultze, 64
Wells - Geneva A. Schultze, age 64, of Wells died on Thursday, December 28, 2000 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral services were held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 3, 2001 at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells. Rev. Meg Sander was officiating. Visitation was at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 2, 2001, and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial followed at the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery in Fairmont. Geneva was born on November 5, 1936 near Good Thunder, MN to William R. Hoppe and Emma T. (Roben) Hoppe. She attended Wellcome Memorial School in Garden City and lived in Fairmont until 1969, when she moved to Wells. Geneva was married to Donald W. Plath from 1958 to 1963. She married Gerhard F. Schultze on March 10, 1965. Geneva was employed by Banquet Foods (now Armour Swift-Eckrich) until a disabiling accident in 1973. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and enjoyed spending time with her friends and her grandchildren. She is survived by 2 daughters: Debra (David) Andrus of St. Louis, MO, Bonnie (Terry) Roessler of Wells; two sons: William (Wendy) Schultze of Wells, Brian Schultze of Blue Earth; eight grandchildren; Starla Schultze, Jordan Mithun, Chase Roessler, Jagger Schultze, Victoria Andrus, Jamie Schultze, Margaret Andrus and Rebecca Roessler; one sister, Janice Goraczkowski of Millbank, SD as well as many beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, William R. and Emma T. Hoppe, her husbands; Donald W. Plath and Gerhard F. Schultze and a brother; Glenford Hoppe

Curtis A. Olson, 93
Frost - Curtis A. Olson, age 93, of Frost, died on Saturday, January 6, 2001, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 9, 2001, at 11:00 AM at United Lutheran Church in Frost with Pastor Patricia Hinkie officiating. Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 8, 2001, at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth. Burial was at the United Lutheran Cemetery in Frost. Curtis was born April 21, 1907, to Samuel and Julie (Knutson) Olson in Des Moines, IA. He was raised in rural Blue Earth where he attended Blue Earth Area country schools. He helped his dad farm and was married to Selma Thompson on April 2, 1932. Curtis farmed all his life in the rural Frost area. Although he moved to the town of Frost in 1974, and officially retired in 1976, he continued to be actively involved in his family farm to the age of 91. He enjoyed playing cards and driving through the country checking on crops. He was a former member of the Dell Lutheran Church near Frost where he served as a church trustee for many years. He was also a longtime Emerald Township Board Member and became a member of the United Lutheran Church of Frost in 1976. Curtis is survived by his three sons: Roger (Elsie) Olson of Blue Earth, Dennis (Mavis) Olson of Clear Lake, IA, and Claire (Diane) Olson of Frost, two daughters: Shirley (Larry) Vetsch of Ham Lake and Bonnie (Larry) Fowler of Dundas, sister: Dorothy Urness of Frost, 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Selma on Feb. 2, 1995, and a brother: Orville Olson.

Stanley A. Mittelstadt, 75
Albert Lea - Stanley A. Mittelstadt, age 75, died Tuesday, January 2, 2001, at the Albert Lea Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 5, 2001, at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Rev. Don Rose was officiating the service. Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, January 4, 2001, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery with military honors accorded by area servicemen's organizations. Stanley was born February 23, 1925, to Arthur F. and Lillian E. (Rouse) Mittelstadt in Blue Earth. He attended and graduated from high school also in Blue Earth. Stanley served in the United States Navy during WWII. He graduated from Mankato State University with a B.S. Degree in English and Social Studies and from the University of Minnesota with a Master's Degree in Educational Administration. On November 3, 1951 Stanley married Adele Stone in Benson, MN. On October 20, 1989, he married Irene Schaefer Smith in Albert Lea. Stanley was the Head of the English Department at Albert Lea High School and retired in 1986. He had been a resident of Albert Lea since 1952. Stanley was also on the City Planning Commission and was a member of the Elks Lodge, Toastmasters and American Legion. he enjoyed the Vikings, watching Matlock on TV, doing crossword puzzles and fishing at the cabin. His children and grandchildren were very special to him. Stanley is survived by his wife Irene of Albert Lea; daughter Mary and her husband Paul Hangartner and their children Adam, Amanda and Brent of Melrose, WI; sons: William Mittelstadt and wife Tamara and their daughter Sarah of Woodbury, MN and Roger Mittelstadt and wife Anna and their children Jase and Alec of Byron, MN; step-daughter Deborah Moore and husband Greg and their children Amber and Jeremy of Elmore; sister Lillian Toppin and husband Harold of Blue Earth; and 2 nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Adele and one niece. In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.

Magdalene Martha Kalis, 81
Wells - Magdalene Martha Kalis, age 81, of Wells died on Monday, January 1, 2001, at Parkview Nursing Home in Wells. Funeral Services were held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 5, 2001, at Casimir Catholic Church in Wells with Father Eugene Stenzel officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday with the rosary service at 9:00 AM. Burial was at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Wells. Magdalene was born on April 3, 1919, in Walnut Lake Township, Faribault County, Minnesota to Nicholas and Agnes (Dulas) Kalis. Magdalene attended rural School District #23 in Faribault County and St. Casimir Catholic School in Wells. She worked most of her life on the family farm and moved to Wells in 1984. She enjoyed gardening and raising poultry. She is survived by three sisters: Marcella Radke of Ellendale, MN, Kathryn Kalis of Wells and Bernice DeWeber of Benicia, CA; three brothers: Louis (Ellen) Kalis of Wells, Edward Kalis of Wells and Aurelius "Ray" (Lois) Kalis of Wells along with numerous nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and two sisters

Kermit A. Alfson, 75
Blue Earth - Kermit A. Alfson, age 75, of Blue Earth, died Sunday, January 7, 2001, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 12 , 2001, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth with Pastor Stephen Bohling & Pastor Clark Cary officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Visitation was from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday at Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth. Kermit was born December 18, 1925, in Blue Earth to Melvin J. and Mathilda (Graue) Alfson. At a young age, Kermit's family moved from Blue Earth to South Dakota where he spent the first several years of his childhood. The family returned to the Blue Earth & Frost areas following the death of his father in 1936. He attended Blue Earth Schools. He entered the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He was also a Merchant Marine. Following his military service, he returned to the Blue Earth area where he was married to Mildred C. Diedrich in May of 1951. He was employed for several years by the Minnesota Mining Co., Kark's Rendering and Quirk Lumber Co. He later became a self employed carpenter and painter for may years, retiring in the mid 1980's. He continued to do occasional carpentry and painting following retirement and was a janitor at the Blue Earth Schools for a time. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Blue Earth. Kermit is survived by his son: K. Arden (Wanda) Alfson, of Delavan, daughters: Rose M. (Rick) Garvick of Elmore and Julette (Mark) Eisele of Elmore, brother: Elwood "Lefty" (Bev) Alfson of Winnebago, sister: Irene (Donald) Boettcher of Blue Earth, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife in 1986, infant sister: Ilene Alfson, sister: Marlene Lubitz, brothers: Wayne & Roger Alfson and a son: Perry R. Alfson.

Lillian Stohr, 79
Thompson, IA - Lillian Stohr, age 79, died on Tuesday, January 9, 2001, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, IA. Funeral services were held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, January 13, 2001, at the United Methodist Church in Thompson with the Rev. Gary Marzolf officiating. Visitation was held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday at the Winter Funeral Home in Thompson and again one hour before the service at the church. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery. Lillian Rose Stohr was born on December 29, 1921, to Fred and Minnie (Haas) Winkleman in Buffalo Center, IA. She was baptized in the Baptist Church at Buffalo Center and also attended school in Buffalo Center and Lakota. She was united in marriage on March 30, 1942, to Elmer M. Stohr in Elmore. Together they farmed near Lakota and Thompson. Lillian also worked at DeLuxe Products in Lake Mills for 15 years. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in March of 2000. She enjoyed her grandchildren, great grandchildren, music, crocheting and knitting for her family and friends. Lillian is survived by her husband Elmer of Thompson, son: Larry (Charlotte) Stohr of Leland, IA, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, brother: Ervin (Emily) Winkleman of Lakota and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Dale, sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Eldon Heidecker.

Myron Edward Smith, 77
Winona, MN - Myron Edward Smith, age 77, of Winona, MN, died of cancer on Friday, January 12, 2001, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 12:00 noon, Monday, January 15, 2001, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Winona. Burial was at St. Mary's Cemetery also in Winona. Friends could call from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday at Martin-Myhre Funeral Home and from 11:00 to 12:00 noon on Monday at the church. Myron was born November 20, 1923, in Elmore to Ralph and Mae (Gately) Smith. He married Judith Johnson on March 22, 1947. "Smitty" attended Mankato State University in 1941 and joined the Naval Air Corps in 1943 where he received his fighter pilot wings at Corpus Christi, TX. After the war, he returned to Mankato and graduated in 1947. He also went on to receive his Masters Degree from Colorado State in 1954. He taught and coached in the public schools of Springfield, Nicollet and Red Wing. In 1967 he moved to Winona and taught at Winona State University where he also coached football and track. Myron retired in 1987. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Winona, Westfield Golf Club, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Sunrisers and a past member of the Exalted Rulers of the Red Wing Elks. He was also inducted into the U of M Mankato Athletic Hall of Fame. Myron is survived by his wife, Judith of Winona, three sons: Myron Jr. of Hollywood, FL, Jamie (Susan) of Winona and Dave (Siri) of Dallas, TX, six grandchildren: Luke, Karin, Melody (Lockwood), Ben, Meredith and Jordan, two step-grandchildren: Alisha and Graham Sievers, one great grandchild: Andrew, two sisters: Beverly Wiblemoe and Marilyn Smith and two brothers: Myrl and Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ronald.

Roy A. Scofield, 83
Winnebago - Roy A. Scofield, age 83, of Winnebago, died Friday, January 12, 2001, at Parker-Oaks Care Center of Winnebago. Funeral services were at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 17, 2001, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Winnebago. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery of Winnebago. Visitation was from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Roy was born September 5, 1917, in Backus to Lawrence and Ida (Helling) Scofield. He also attended school in Backus. On December 3, 1941, he married Nellie Wiese in Pine River. The couple farmed in Backus and then in Winnebago for many years. In 1965 he became a Seed Corn Dealer for Farmer's Hybrid until retiring. Roy was a member of the Farmer's Union and Winnebago Coop Oil Co. He enjoyed playing cards and watching "Bandwagon." Roy is survived by his wife, Nellie of Winnebago, two daughters: Charlene Stebritz of Sioux Falls, SD, Shirley (Robert) Haight of Winnebago, two sons: Larry (Sandy) Scofield of Aitkin and Richard (Joyce) Scofield of Winnebago, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, one sister: Mildred Housman of Minneapolis, one sister-in-law: Bertha Scofield of Wadena and one brother-in-law: Robert Olson of Pueblo West, CO. Roy is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Beulah E. Rollenhagen, 90
Wells - Beulah E. Rollenhagen, age 90, of Wells died on Wednesday, January 3, 2001, at United Hospital in Blue Earth. Funeral Services were held at 2:30 PM on Friday, January 5, 2001, at the Wells United Methodist Church. Rev. Kenneth Haack officiated the service. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was at Rosehill Cemetery also in Wells. Beulah was born on April 16, 1910, in Lura Township, Faribault County to Sidney Grant and Mary Emeline (Rand) Whitney. She grew up in Delavan and graduated from Delavan High School in 1928. She worked as an operator for the Delavan Telephone Company until 1935. Beulah married Harold F. Rollenhagen on February 28, 1935, in Delavan. Following their marriage they moved to Dunbar Township where they raised two children. Beulah was a Campfire Girl, professional musician, piano teacher, 4-H leader, and belonged to the Dunbar Home Extension Group. She enjoyed playing piano, gardening and knitting. Beulah is survived by her husband Harold of Wells, daughter: Arlyss Kremer of Windom, son: Harlan (Karen) Rollenhagen of Colorado Springs, CO, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Cheryl L. Nilson, 68
Winnebago - Cheryl L. Nilson, age 68, of rural Winnebago died Thursday, January 11, 2001, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Funeral services were at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 16, 2001, at First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago. Burial was at Rosehill Cemetery of Winnebago. Visitation was from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday at Spencer-Owen Funeral Home also of Winnebago and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Cheryl was born July 26, 1932, in Winnebago to William F. and Bonnie O. (Larson) Scholl. She was a graduate of Winnebago High School in 1950 and Mankato State College in 1952 with a teaching degree. On June 25, 1952, she married Charles H. Nilson in Winnebago. She taught school at Huntley for six years. Cheryl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Women, church choir, taught Bible and Sunday school, Verona Ladies Club, Farmer's Club, Chat & Sew Club, past church boards and helping with the Red Cross Bloodmobile. Cheryl was survived by her husband Charles of Winnebago, two daughters: Margo Langlie of Winnebago and Merodee (Jim) Grannis of Derby, KS, five grandchildren, one brother: Larry (Marianne) Scholl of Winnebago. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Carol Madetzke, 87
Elmore - Carol Madetzke, age 87, died at the Chandler Health Care Center, Chandler, AZ, on December 29, 2000. A memorial service was held on January 8, 2001, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elmore with Rev. Karl Hollibaugh officiating. Interment of Cremains was at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery also in Elmore. Carol was born on August 6, 1913 to Clinton and Elnora (Manning) Stowe at the Stowe farm by Thompson, IA. Carol graduated from Buffalo Center High School and taught country school for two years. On January 31, 1934, she married Everett Madetzke at the Stowe family home. Together they farmed until 1974 and then retired to their new home in Elmore. Carol was active in her church with Sunday School, Ladies Aid, Vacation Bible School, and "Study Club." She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, spending winters in Arizona and her greatest love was her grandchildren. Carol is survived by her son: David (Nancy) Madetzke of Chandler, AZ, daughter: Mary (Richard) Reinke of Blue Earth, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, one sister: Harriet DeVries and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Everett in 1999, one son: Douglas in infancy, one brother: Vernon Stowe and one sister: Elizabeth Halverson.

Roland H. "Rolly" Ledin, 87
Blue Earth - Roland H. "Rolly" Ledin, age 87, of Blue Earth, died Tuesday, January 9, 2001, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester. Following cremation, Memorial services were held on Friday, January 12, 2001, at 2:00 PM, at Salem United Methodist Church in Blue Earth, with Pastor Rod Stemme officiating. Burial will be at Rice Lake Cemetery, Braham, MN, at a later date. Visiting time was 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth handled the arrangements. "Rolly" was born October 15, 1913, in Braham, MN to George and Esther (Swanson) Ledin. He was raised and educated in Braham, MN where he was a 1931 graduate of Braham High School. He earned his Bachelor Degree from Gustavus Aldophus College in St. Peter, MN, with a double major in Biology. He taught school in Mabel, MN, prior to beginning work for the Works Progress Administration. With the WPA, he set up recreation programs in many communities in Northern Minnesota, such as service clubs and city baseball teams. He was married to Marjorie R. Merickel in May of 1939. In the early 1940's, he began working in the mining industry as a surveyor. He worked at the Hill-Annex Mine near Calumet for a time and eventually became a general foreman. He started and was the general foreman at the Lind-Greenway Mine in Bovey, MN, where he worked for several years. In the early 1960's, he moved to North Carolina where he was the general foreman for the Texas Gulf & Sulfur Co. phosphate mine. He later became a Superintendent of Mines for the coal mining operation of Consolidated Coal Co. in Pinkneyville, IL. At the end of his career he was also a consultant that assessed the value of mines and equipment for purchase. He returned to Blue Earth in 1987 and was married to Bertha M. Anderson-Kohlmeyer on February 20, 1987 in Blue Earth. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and was actively involved in Scouting for boys & girls, was a member of the Marble, MN, Library Board and the Blue Earth Kiwanis. "Rolly" is survived by his wife Bertha Ledin of Blue Earth, sons: Derris (Betty) Ledin of Palm Coast, FL, Dennis (Lynne) Ledin of North St. Paul, daughters: Patricia Dunning of Thief River Falls, MN, Georgeanne McCormick of Grand Rapids, MN, Step-daughters: Mary (James) Tauer of Albuquerque, NM, Jean Kohlmeyer of Washington D.C., many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife and a brother: Stanley.

Marie E. Klein, 95
Winnebago - Marie E. Klein, age 95, of Mankato, formerly of rural Granada, died Tuesday, January 16, 2001, at the Mankato Lutheran Home in Mankato. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 20, 2001, at the First United Methodist Church in Winnebago. Burial was at Center Creek Cemetery in Granada. There was no visitation. Spencer-Owen Funeral Home of Winnebago handled the arrangements. Marie was born July 10, 1905, at Brookings, SD to Lohr and Lottie (Crump) Dancer. She was a graduate of Brookings High School in 1923 and worked at a grocery store. On August 8, 1923, she married Harry A. Klein at Brookings. They moved to Ceylon in 1932 and then to Granada in 1934 where they farmed. After her husband's death, Marie moved to Fairmont and then to the Mankato Lutheran Home in 1996. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge and Oddfellow Lodge. She enjoyed crocheting and crafts. Marie is survived by her son: L. Wayne (JoAnn) Klein of Tyler, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry, daughter-in-law, grandchild and one sister.

Allan J. Graue, 78
Blue Earth - Allan J. Graue, age 78, of Blue Earth, died Saturday, January 13, 2001, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center of Blue Earth. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 10:00 AM, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center with Pastor Gary Terrio and Pastor Clark Cary of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery of Blue Earth. Visitation was 1 hour prior to services at St. Lukes. Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth is handling the arrangements. Allan was born on June 1, 1922, in Frost to Goodvert E. and Ida (Egness) Graue. Allan was raised and educated in Frost where he was a 1941 graduate of Frost High School. He enlisted in the US Navy in August of 1942 where he served during WWII in the European Theater as a Gunners Mate and was involved on D-Day at Normandy, France. He was married to Rachel E. Philfeula on July 28, 1945, in Chicago. Following his discharge from the Navy in October of 1945, the couple returned to the Frost and Blue Earth areas where he began working as an auto body repairman at Henke Auto Body in Blue Earth for many years. He later worked many years at the L&M Motors Auto Body Shop before his retirement. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32, the American Legion Post #89 of Blue Earth and was very active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4580 of Blue Earth where he was a past commander. He was selected to the All State Post as Commanding Officer, and was part of the honor guard for 10 years. Allan is survived by his sons: Greg (Margaret) Graue of Amboy, Mark (Donna) Graue of Northfield and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife in 1977 and 3 infant children: Richard, Robert & Kandice Rae Graue.

Cora Boettcher, 93
Blue Earth - Cora Boettcher, age 93, of Blue Earth & Elmore died Wednesday, January 10, 2001, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines, IA. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 13, 2001, at 11:00 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Elmore, with Pastor Karl Hollibaugh officiating. Burial was at Riverview Cemetery of Elmore. Visitation was from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth. Cora was born June 23, 1907, in Kossuth County Iowa to Carl and Anna (Quam) Halvorson. She was married to Clarence G. Boettcher on February 19, 1931. The couple lived in the Rake, IA and Elmore areas for several years before settling on a farm near rural Elmore where they lived for 22 years. They then moved to Blue Earth where they lived at Crescent Apartments for 10 years. Cora moved to the Briar Cliff Retirment Home in Altoona, IA six years ago after the death of her husband. She spent the past year at the Mitchelville Care Center in Mitchelville, IA. She was a homemaker and a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Elmore. Cora is survived by her sons: De Vere Boettcher of Blue Earth, Richard (Shari) Boettcher of Altoona, IA, brother: Jerome Halvorson of Rake, IA, sisters: Irene Boettcher of Blue Earth, Arlet Rokke of Belmond, IA, Bernice Matheson of Milaca, MN, daughters-in-law: Miriam Boettcher of Des Moines, IA, Janyce Boettcher of Sioux Falls, SD, 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 sons: Eldean & Paul Boettcher, 4 sisters, 2 brothers, a granddaughter, an infant sister and a daughter-in-law: Carol Boettcher.

Alfred Jerry Anderson, 57
Yelm, WA - Alfred Jerry Anderson, age 57, formerly of Delavan, died January 10, 2001. Funeral services are pending. Jerry was born in Mankato, MN on June 14, 1943, to Alfred and Ruth (Hawker) Anderson. Jerry graduated from Delavan High School in 1961. He served in the military from 1963-1967. He married Judy Stensland in October of 1966 and they farmed in the Delavan area until 1989 when they moved to Yelm, WA. Jerry is survived by his wife, Judy of Yelm, WA three sons: Michael (Lori) Anderson of Yelm, Matthew (Tiphani) Anderson of Ferndale, WA, Adam (Ginger) Anderson of Yelm, five grandchildren: Kayla, Andrew, Mandi, Jordi and Zachary, two sisters: Karen Trembly of Richfield, MN and Judy Frankcamp of Blue Earth, two aunts, father and mother-in-law: George and Jean Stensland and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.