Edward L. Masog
Edward L. Masog, age 87, a resident of Little Falls, MN, died August 14, 1997, at the Lutheran Senior Citizens Center in Little Falls.
Funeral services were held August 18 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls with the Rev. Leroy Kremer officiating. Interment was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Little Falls with military rites conducted by the Little Falls American Legion Post #46.
Edward L. Masog was born on October 13, 1909, in Little Falls to the late Joseph and Mary (Sobiech) Masog. He grew up and attended school in Little Falls. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1927 to 1930. He was united in marriage to Gladys Hansen on November 28, 1933. Edward served in World War II in the 24th Red Bull Division in Ireland, North Africa and Italy. He then served in the Korean Conflict in Japan and Korea with the 1st Calvary Division. Upon completion of his time in the service, he was employed with the Minnesota National Guard at Camp Ripley. After a forty-one year career in the military, he retired in 1970 as a Chief Warrant Officer. Following his retirement, he resided in Texas for 23 years and in Little Falls for the past four years. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls and a life member of the American Legion and the Retired Officers Association.
Survivors include his wife, Gladys, of Little Falls; sons, Edward Masog and wife Ladonna of Verndale, MN, Terrence Masog and wife Connie of Houghton, LA, Jerome Masog of Apple Valley, MN and Thomas Masog of Laurel, MD; daughters, Shirley Ploof and husband Gerald of Little Falls and Joan Knopik and husband Gerald of Little Falls; brothers, Raymond Masog of Frazee, MN and Joseph Masog of Little Falls; sisters, Amy Hooper of St. Paul, MN and Cecelia Moran of Little Falls; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son, two grandsons, two brothers and one sister.
Pallbearers were grandsons, Jeffrey, Michael and Douglas Masog, Galen Knopik and Gregory and Dennis Ploof.
Melvin W. Beierman
Melvin W. Beierman, age 76, a resident of Pierz, MN, died August 16, 1997, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN.
Funeral services were held August 19 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz with Rev. Kenneth Brenny and Rev. Alfred Heltemes officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Melvin W. Beierman was born April 5, 1921, in Lindsay, NE to the late Fred and Agnes (Kurtenbach) Beierman. He grew up in Lindsay and graduated from Holy Family High School in 1939. Mel worked in the CC camps in Blair, NE and in the Black Hills, SD. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in Africa and Italy until his discharge in 1945. Mel was united in marriage to Serene M. Zens on July 26, 1945, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie, MN. The couple farmed near Westbrook, Tracy and Amiret, MN until coming to farm northeast of Pierz in December, 1955. Mel also worked at Larson Boats for four years. He was a base crew foreman for Tri-City Paving from 1965 to 1983. Mel retired from farming in 1993. He enjoyed traveling, his animals, John Deere tractors and spending time with his grandchildren. Mel was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and served on the parish counsel, Pierz American Legion Post #341 where he was past post commander, was the Granite Township supervisor for 38 years, was a member of the Pierz Knights of Columbus and served on the Pierz Co-op Board for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Serene; sons, Charles Beierman of Genola, MN, Wayne Beierman of Albuquerque, NM, Dale Beierman and wife Dixie of Pierz, Bruce Beierman and wife Ila of Fridley, MN, Scott Beierman and wife Suzanne of Rice, MN, and Dennis Beierman and wife Brenda of Lake Belton, TX; daughters, Joann Gardner and husband George of Bemidji, MN, Lynn Underhill and husband Fred of Brainerd, MN, Mary Freihammer and husband Bill of Brainerd and Joyce Bell and husband Ernie of Sauk Rapids, MN; brothers, Bill Beierman of Platte Center, NE, Fred Beierman of Moses Lake, WA, Jack Beierman of Ephrata, WA, and Jerry Beierman of Grand Coulee, WA; sisters, Wilma German of Humphrey, NE, Mary Ann Fischer of Laurel, MT, Doris Cohrs of Dovray, MN, Pat Stone of St. Edward, NE, Delores Frazier of Phoenix, AZ, Carole Walker of Citrus Heights, CA and Charlene Suter of Wensichee, WA; and 30 grandchildren. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Beierman; grandson, Lee Underhill; three brothers, and a sister.
Honorary pallbearers were Mel Gruber, Charlie Poser, Rollie Loidolt, Ole Loidolt, Leonard Kasper and George Kummet. Pallbearers were his sons.
Theresa ‘Tess’ B. Sand
Theresa ‘Tess’ B. Sand, age 71, a resident of Pierz, MN, died August 14, 1997, at her home.
Funeral services were held August 18 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz with Rev. Kenneth Brenny officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Theresa ‘Tess’ Sand was born April 16, 1926, at her parents’ farm home in Pierz, to the late Henry and Crescence (Meyer) Kruschek. Her early years were spent in Pierz with the family moving to Melrose, MN in 1937 where she graduated from Melrose High School. After completing her schooling, Theresa worked for the Kraft Company in Melrose. She was united in marriage to John ‘Al’ Sand on January 6, 1945, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Memphis, TN. The couple farmed in Balta, ND for four years. They came to live in Pierz in 1951. She was employed at Crestliner Boats in Little Falls, MN from 1962-1974. Al & Tess owned and operated Al’s Drive-In from 1964-1986. Tess was currently employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at St. Mary’s Villa in Pierz. Tess was well known for her delicious barbecue sandwiches and homemade onion rings. She enjoyed picking berries, rocks and helping others. She also greatly enjoyed her family, church, friends and community. Theresa was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Pierz where she ministered as a lector and communicant, Pierz American Legion Auxiliary Post #341 where she served as chaplain, Christian Mothers and the German Gesundtheit Singers group.
Survivors include her sons, Claude Sand and wife Michelle of Sauk Rapids, MN, Jim Sand and wife Linda of St. Cloud, MN, Bob Sand and wife Joan of East Haven, CT, Neil Sand and wife Nancy of Zimmerman, MN, Paul Sand and wife LeAnn of Pine River, MN and Michael Sand and wife Tammi of Woodbury, MN; daughters, Mary Eileen Kiffmeyer and husband Ralph of Big Lake, MN, Kathleen Nutz and husband Bill, Sr., of Pierz, Juletta Bergren and husband Kenny of Little Falls, Marbeth Betsy Sand at home, Christine ‘Pixie’ Russek and husband Ed of Harrisburg, PA, Pamela Tapia and husband Mario of Winfield, KS, Ann Sand of Little Falls, Jane Blommel and husband Scott of Grey Eagle, MN; brother, Albert Kruschek of Madison, WI; sister, Grace Nilges and husband Mark of Iola, KS; 34 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John ‘Al’ Sand, on December 30, 1995; her parents; six brothers and five sisters.
Honorary pallbearers were Mary Austin, Helen Ross, RoseMary Preimesberger, Elvira Stumpf, Marcie Athman and Margaret Faust. Pallbearers were her sons.
Wells V. Wentworth
Wells V. Wentworth, age 89, a resident of Motley, MN, died August 16, 1997, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, MN.
Funeral services were held August 19, 1997, at St. Michael’s Church in Motley with Father Robert Landsberger officiating. Burial was later in Wisconsin.
Mr. Wentworth was born on September 16, 1907, in Willow City, ND, to Ernest and Mable (Jean) Wentworth. He married Theresa Pospychala on August 5, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN. He was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Motley. He was a car man for the Soo Line Railroad, retiring in 1972.
Survivors include his wife, Theresa; two daughters, Mrs. Donald (Joan) DeGeest of Motley, MN and Mrs. Gerald (Marie) Jensen of Houlton, WI; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters.
Jenny Konz - Hollermann
Jenny Konz-Hollermann, age 24, a resident of Pearl Lake, MN, died August 17, 1997, at the Paynesville Hospital as the result of an automobile accident.
Funeral services were held August 21 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pearl Lake with Fr. John Caskey officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Jenny was born April 5, 1973, in Litchfield, MN to David and Sue (Schutz) Konz. She married Scott Hollermann on April 7, 1990, in Richmond, MN. She was employed by the Frigidaire Corporation, St. Cloud, MN.
Survivors include her husband and children, Bridget, Justin and Chelsey at home; parents of Pearl Lake; sisters, Sheila, St. Cloud, Julie of Pearl Lake; brother, Anthony “Tony” of Pearl Lake; grandparents, Ebert and Ethel Konz, Pearl Lake; and John and Esther Schutz, Cold Spring, MN. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Julia Schutz (1976).
Pallbearers were Chuck, Joe, Paul and Ted Konz; Steve Hollermann and Rich Schutz.
Harry N. Brummer
Harry N. Brummer, age 68, a resident of Hillman, MN died August 21, 1997 at his home.
Funeral services were held August 23 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Hillman, with Father Nathan Packard officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Harry was born August 28, 1928 in Lastrup, MN to Lawrence and Annie (Kinkan) Brummer. He was united in marriage with Mary Kruschek on May 2, 1950 at St. Rita’s Church in Hillman. They farmed and lived in the Hillman area all their married life. Harry was an avid sportsman who was well known for his baseball and softball interest. He also loved hunting and trapping.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; a son, Andy and wife Debbie of Hillman; daughters, Peggy Pomrenke of Nome, AK, Deana Hoefler and husband George of Pierz, MN, Lisa Hulsing and husband Gearold of Onamia, MN; sisters, Isabelle Perkins of Onamia, Angeline Janson of Lastrup and Katie Poland of Minneapolis; 12 grandchildren, Hannah Hulsing, Jerry Luke Hulsing, Casey, John and Josi Hoefler, Emmy Lou, Andrea, and Jessica Brummer, Jodi Brummer Dumbeck, Dustin and Brent Wacker, and Niki Pomrenke; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jody; grandsons, Joshua and Luke; and five brothers.
Casketbearers were nephews, grandchildren and sons-in-law.
Cacimier “Elmer” Langner
Cacimier “Elmer” Langer, age 78, a resident of Bowlus, MN, died August 20, 1997 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Funeral services were held August 23 at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Holdingford, MN with Rev. Gerald Mischke officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Elmer Langner was born March 3, 1919 in Holdingford, to John C. and Francis (Herman) Langner. He married Emma Heitzman on July 3, 1946 in Holdingford. He owned and operated 4 Corners Bar, Bowlus, from 1954 to 1958. He was a truck driver for Opole Creamery and then for Albany Creamery, retiring in 1983. He served in the Merchant Marines and, prior to his marriage, was a member of the old time band “Slim & Spud”. He was a member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, Holdingford, Bowlus American Legion Post #642 and Holdingford Senior Citizens.
Survivors include his wife, Emma; daughters and son, Louise Adolph, Holdingford, Marlin Langner and wife, Donna of Plymouth, MN, Sharelin Biniek and husband, Dennis, Bowlus; brothers and sisters, Clements Langner, Avon, MN, Veronica Yell, Alexandria, MN, Peggy Harlander, Chisolm, MN, Ger-maine “Jerry” Langner, Hunting-ton Beach, CA, Dorothy Whiteley, Lomita, CA, Caroline McIllhenny, Millbrae, CA, Virginia Pintok, Troy, MT, Genevieve “Genny” Pintok, Aurora, OR, Benjamin Langner, Williamsburg, VA; five grandchildren, Shawn and Jeremy Langner and Derek, Trent and Dustin Biniek.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, Frank, Stan and Theo Langner; Marie Anderson, Clara Bandimere and Emily Solarz.
Richard Carlson
Richard K. “Bill” Carlson, age 75, a resident of Clarissa, MN, died August 20, 1997 at his home.
Funeral services were held August 22 at the Little Falls Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Keith Thompson officiating. Burial was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Little Falls.
Richard K. “Bill” Carlson was born on March 8, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN to the late Emil and Anna (Haak) Carlson. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Minneapolis North High School. Bill worked for his brother as a butcher before entering the U.S. Navy where he served from 1942 until 1946. He was united in marriage to Jean Nelson. The couple made their home in Minneapolis for a few years before moving to Clarissa to farm. After his retirement, Bill continued living on the farm and took on a variety of jobs including driving a transport vehicle for senior citizens, delivering Sunday papers, and janitorial work. Bill’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, planting trees, coffee with friends and playing cribbage. He was also an active grandfather to his seven grandchildren. He was a member and past commander of the Clarissa American Legion and Immanuel Lutheran Church now known as Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa.
Survivors include his ex-wife, Jean Carlson of Crystal, MN; sons, Richard and wife, JoAn of Waconia, MN and Corey and wife, Paula of Kasson, MN; daughters, Cheryl Wersal and husband, Greg of Golden Valley, MN and Trudy Larson and husband Mark of Little Falls, MN; brother, Emil Carlson of Brainerd, MN; sisters, Lillian Hanson of Olivia, MN and Marge Parsons of Greenfield, MN; and , seven grandchildren, Crissy, Josh and Dusty Larson, Nathan and Alissa Wersal and Ashley and Evan Carlson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Carlson.
Pallbearers were Don Anderson, Don Lindig, Vernon Holmquist, Wayne Stuckmayer, Hollis Dickinson and Gordy Johnson.
Anne B. Rudnitski
Anne B. Rudnitski, age 72, a resident of rural Foley, MN died August 22, 1997, at St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN.
Funeral services were held August 26 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Gilman, MN with Fr. Raymond Schulzetenberg officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Anne Rudnitski was born December 11, 1924, in Verona, SD to I. Henry and Anna (Lippert) Arenkiel. She married Lloyd Rudnitski March 4, 1943, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. She lived most of her life in the Foley area where she had farmed with her husband. She was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman where she was a member of the Rosary Sodality and was also a past member of the Foley American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include her son and daughters, A. Carol and Gary Marks, Whittier, CA, Lonita Fortier, St. Paul, MN, Diane and Richard A. Watkins, West Jordan, UT, Kathleen and Gerald Petron, Royalton, MN, and Roger and Laurel, New Prague, MN; brother and sisters, Edna Meline, Sheridan, WY, Burnette Heatherington, Ft. Dodge, IA, Donna Bartkowicz, Bowlus, MN, Nina Beehler, Rockford, IL, and Walter Arenkiel, Foreston, MN; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, April 8, 1993; a daughter, Debra; brothers and sisters, Bud, Ed, Irvin and Daro Arenkiel, Lillian Forschen, Renee Johnson, Leylla Hyland and a granddaughter.
Pallbearers were Greg Fortier, Robert Petron, Michael Petron, Mike Rudnitski, Dave Rudnitski and Larry Rudnitski.
Berniece J. Diebel-Korale
Berniece J. Diebel-Korale, age 68, a resident of Little Falls, MN formerly of Long Prairie, MN, died August 23, 1997, at the Lutheran Home in Little Falls.
Funeral services were held August 26 at the First Baptist Church in Long Prairie with Rev. Jan J. Bosman officiating. Burial was in the Long Prairie Cemetery.
Berniece J. Diebel - Korale was born March 11, 1929, in Long Prairie to the late Henry and Anna (Meincke) Gmeiner. She grew up in Long Prairie and graduated from the Long Prairie High School. Berniece was united in marriage to Dwight L. Diebel on June 25, 1947, at the Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. She worked at Peterson’s Variety Store in Long Prairie until 1954. The couple continued to reside in Long Prairie until moving to Little Falls in 1962. Dwight L. Diebel passed away on July 23, 1976. Berniece was united in marriage to Donald Korale on December 24, 1995, in Nevada. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and dancing. Berniece was a member of the Eastern Star Alpha Chapter #23, Little Falls American Legion Auxiliary and the Little Falls VFW Auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband Donald Korale of Mesa, AZ; sons, Roger Diebel and wife Patrice of Preston City, CT, Charles Diebel and wife Jill of Little Falls, Paul Diebel and wife Becky of Little Falls and Wayne Diebel of Little Falls; daughters, Jan Martinson and husband Curt of Randall, MN, Patricia Inabnett and husband Mark of Cokato, MN, Sandra Forster and husband Jim of Big Lake, MN, Mary Peine and husband Dan of Randall, MN, Diane Diebel of Clear Lake, MN; sisters, Sally Schmidt of Swanville, MN and Esther Claseman of Long Prairie; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband Dwight Diebel, infant son, Douglas, parents and brothers, Elmer, Lawrence and Ervin Gmeiner.
Pallbearers were her sons, Roger, Charlie, Paul and Wayne Diebel; sons-in-laws, Curt Martinson and Jim Forster.
