Zorah M. Fox
Zorah M. Fox, age 77, a resident of Randall, MN, died January 8, 1999, at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN.
Funeral services were held January 9 at Randall Presbyterian Church with Rev. Suzanne Cekalla officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery (commonly known as Parker Cemetery) near Randall.
Zorah M. Fox was born on November 11, 1921, in Parker Township, Morrison County, MN, to the late George and Matilda (Twedt) Oothoudt. She grew up on a farm and attended country school in Parker Township. She graduated from Little Falls High School in the class of 1941. Zorah was united in marriage to Herbert C. Fox on February 28, 1943, in Little Falls, MN. The couple made their home in Randall before moving to Garrison, ND, to work on the Garrison Dam. In 1959 they moved to a hobby farm on the east end of Lake Alexander where they lived until moving back to Randall. Zorah loved to cook and bake and share it with everyone. She also enjoyed gardening and reading. She was a member of the Lone Eagle Card Club, Randall VFW Auxiliary, and Randall Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include her husband, Herbert C. Fox of Randall; daughter, Jacqueline M. Clark of Pillager, MN; sisters, Beatrice Peterschick of Little Falls and Maxine Bjornoos and husband Al of Randall; grandchildren, Chad, Travis and Justin Clark.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Glen, Andrew and Woodrow Oothoudt and grandson, Jason Clark.
Elwood Fenske
Elwood Fenske, age 63, a resident of Hunter, ND, died December 19, 1998, in his home.
Funeral services were held January 2, 1999, at First Presbyterian Church in Hunter. Burial was in the Hunter Cemetery.
Mr. Fenske was born September 8, 1935, in Randall, MN, where he grew up and attended schools until the age of 16 when he moved to Hunter. He worked on area farms and also worked at a creamery in Hunter for a few years. He married Lucille Hansen October 26, 1957, in Hunter. Elwood served in the Army from 1958 to 1960. Following his military service, the couple moved to Gardner, ND, where he worked at the Co-op Oil Company, and was custodian at the school. The couple moved to Hunter in 1970 and he worked at State Oil and Auto, Nodak Bag Company, returned to State Oil and Auto and most recently was employed at Hunter Grain Company. Elwood was a member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Hunter and was a member and served on the board of the Elm River Credit Union, Page, ND.
Survivors include his wife, Lucille; two sons, Jeffrey of Fargo, ND, Kyle (Kori) Hunter; his mother, Lydia Fenske, Little Falls, MN; a sister, Betty (Warren) Wise, New Hope, MN; a grandson, Bryce; and four granddaughters, Tessa, Kalli, Janna and Lindsey.
He was preceded in death by his father, Albert; two brothers, Rueben and Elias; and a sister, Darlene Otteson.
Elmer Loidolt
Elmer H. Loidolt, age 74, a resident of Pierz, MN, died January 7, 1999, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial was held January 11 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz with Father Kenneth Brenny officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Elmer was born May 12, 1924, in Pierz to the late Frank and Josephine (Happke) Loidolt. He grew up on the farm by Fish Lake and graduated from Little Falls High School. He was united in marriage to LaVerne Elizabeth Otremba in 1950 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Buckman, MN. They raised their nine children on a hobby farm outside Genola, MN. In 1990, they retired to the city of Pierz. Throughout his life, Elmer held a variety of jobs. He bartended for a number of local establishments, worked for the Soo Line Railroad, owned and operated the Star Cafe from 1960-1966, was a Morrison County assessor and was an employee of the Genola Grain Company. Much time and commitment was given to his volunteer activities. For many years, he brought squeals of terror and delight from young and old as he took on the role of St. Nicholas. In later years, he would become the “Candyman.” He would regularly visit residents of St. Mary’s Villa with a burgeoning bag of candies (knowing the favorites of each person). He always carried gum and silver dollars to brighten the days of those he would encounter. In his retirement, he began a furniture refinishing business. He took great pride in his work and found reward in pleasing his customers. Music filled his life in every form. He loved listening to old-time music on the radio and sang with his friends in the “Gesundheit Singers” band. Belting out a song in German was the highlight of his life. He was always very close to his brother and sister and many of his cousins and aunts. He spent many hours playing cards, enjoying the company of his friends and relatives. Elmer’s greatest enjoyment came from his children and grandchildren. He truly was a joy-filled, grateful, giving person. His faith was revealed by his commitment to weekly Mass and daily prayer.
Survivors include his wife, LaVerne Loidolt of Pierz; children, Jane and Larry Goedtel of Rosemount, MN, Dean and Marion Loidolt of St. Joseph, MN, Joell and Dennis Rudolph of Pierz, Nancy Loidolt of Annandale, MN, Robert and Jolene Loidolt of Pierz, Jerene and Greg Bailey of White Bear Lake, MN, Patsy and Mike Pryzbilla of Buckman, Randy Loidolt of St. Cloud and Jon Loidolt of Chicago, IL; brothers, Richard and Rose Loidolt of Pierz, Melvin and Kay Loidolt of Indianapolis, IN, and Ronald and Bonnie Loidolt of Ft. Ripley, MN; sisters, Laura and Ernie Benusa of Big Lake, MN, Cora and Frank Wippler of Sauk Rapids, MN, Sharilyn and Jim Busta of Peru, IN, and Pat and Dick Bujalski of Pierz and 14 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mary Ann; sister, Doreen Loidolt and his mother and father.
Pallbearers were Cory Loidolt, Mitchell Loidolt, Derek Rudolph, Kyle Goedtel, Mark Gangl and Jim Otremba.
Jeanette LeMieur
Jeanette Elaine LeMieur, age 61, a resident of Little Falls, MN, died January 7, 1999, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls.
Mass of Christian Burial was held January 9 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls with Father Nick Landsberger officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery.
Jeanette was born April 19, 1937, in Culdrum Township to the late Walter and Erma “Axel” Hanson. Her family moved to Rockford, IL, in 1941 and returned to Little Falls in 1947. Except for four years of elementary school, all of her education and life was spent in Little Falls. She was united in marriage to Leslie John LeMieur on February 12, 1955, at St. Mary’s Church in Little Falls. Jeanette had numerous part-time jobs as a cashier, sales clerk, baker’s assistant, cook, waitress, barmaid and bartender at many of the local clubs and establishments. She ran a day care center for four years, worked for TCC for 18 years and for Lutheran Social Services up to the time of her illness. She was a longtime member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary, AFSME, WIBC and a life member of the Christian Mothers. Jeanette enjoyed bowling, singing, cooking, reading and making people laugh. Mostly she loved spending time with her friends and family. She really enjoyed just being a mom and grandma.
Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Leslie of Little Falls; sons, James LeMieur and wife Jo Anne of Sauk Rapids, MN, and William “Bill” of St. Cloud, MN; daughters, Cathy Copa and husband Mike Sartell, MN, Terry Hamad and husband Sam of Bethlehem, Israel, Lynn Umlauf and husband Tyrone of Little Falls, Mary LeMieur of Little Falls, Lea Wold and husband Chuck of Becker, MN, Jodi Wold and husband Randy of St. Cloud, Amy LeMieur of Little Falls, and Gina Gibson and husband Bill of Royalton, MN; brothers, Fred Axel and wife Evelyn of Minnetonka, MN, and Don Hanson and wife Ann of Little Falls; sisters, Donna Nelson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Carol Johannes and husband Otto of Minnetonka and Geraldine Rekowski and husband Edward of Little Falls; 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Josh Odden and granddaughter Jessica LeMieur.
Casketbearers were Michael Johannes, Jimmy and Daniel Rekowski, Steven Nelson, Ron Axel and Leif Hanson.
Johanna Brezinka
Johanna Brezinka, age 91, a resident of Little Falls, MN, originally from Elmdale, MN, died January 7, 1999, at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls.
Mass of Christian Burial was held January 11 at St. Edward’s Church in Elmdale with Father Greg Mastey officiating. Burial was at St. Edward’s parish cemetery.
Johanna was born August 9, 1907, to Frank and Mary (Bieniek) Kostreba in Opole, MN. Johanna was united in marriage to John Brezinka on April 30, 1923. The couple farmed in the Swanville,MN, Bowlus, MN, and Sobieski, MN, areas before retiring from farming in 1966. They were residents of Swanville Township for 44 years. Johanna was known to all as the “Strawberry Lady.” She loved gardening, working with crafts, rug making and quilting. Johanna was a member of the Rosary Society at St. Edward’s Church.
Survivors include sons, Leo Brezinka (Mary) of Royalton, MN, Louis Brezinka (Helen) of Minneapolis, MN, Carl Brezinka (Ramona) of Sobieski, John Brezinka (Leona) of Apple Valley, MN, George Brezinka (Kathleen) of Grey Eagle, MN, Clarence Brezinka (Geraldine) of Minneapolis, Robert Brezinka (Ione) of Elmdale, Daniel Brezinka (Kathy) of Elmdale and David Brezinka (Diane) of Upsala, MN; daughters, Ann Kiley (LeRoy) of Elmdale, Eleanor Doroff (Eugene) of Little Falls, Josephine Piotrowski (Daniel) of Rogers, MN, Francis Lashinski (Daniel) of Rogers, Betty Czech of Royalton, MN, Mary Lobin of Savannah, GA, Judy Hennes (Lambert) of Sobieski and Fay Post (Robert) of Blaine, MN; daughters-in-law, Rose Brezinka of Apple Valley, MN, and Carol Brezinka of Pequot Lakes, MN; sisters, Sally Kuklok of St. Wendel, MN, Josephine Davidson of Massachusetts, Cecelia Kallsen of St. Cloud, MN, and Katherine Scroch of Stwendl; 91 grandchildren; 144 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; sons, Lawrence and Richard and 16 brothers and sisters.
Casketbearers were Michael Brezinka, Roger Brezinka, William Kiley, Eugene Doroff, Jr., Thomas Piotrowski and Dennis Lashinski.
Ruby Pikal
Ruby S. Pikal, age 79, a resident of Little Falls, MN, died January 11, 1999, at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls.
Funeral services were held January 14 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls with Rev. Greggrey A. Valentine of the Little Falls Alliance Church officiating. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery, Little Falls.
Ruby was born February 7, 1919, in Wolfpoint, MT, to the late Abram and Anna (Neufeld) Ratzlaff. She grew up in North Dakota and attended school. Ruby was united in marriage to Lowell L. “Butch” Pikal on April 19, 1939, in Fargo, ND. The couple moved to Little Falls in 1946. Ruby will be remembered for her beautiful flowers and vegetable garden. She enjoyed making quilts and sewing. She loved children, babysitting for her many friends and neighbors whose own children called her “grandma.”
Survivors include her son, Warren “Punky” Pikal of Little Falls; daughters, Patricia VanOrsdel and husband Douglas of Little Falls, Sharon Sundstrom and husband John of Little Falls and Janis Pikal of Seattle, WA; brothers, Wesley Ratzlaff of Langdon, ND, Harold Ratzlaff of Jackson, MN, and Paul Ratzlaff of Wales, ND; sisters, Doris Moser of Seattle, WA, Edna Rhoad of Falls Church, VA, and Evelyn Howard of Seattle, WA; five grandchildren, Michael and Joni Sundstrom, Todd and Stuart VanOrsdel, Russell Pikal and a great-grandson, Christian VanOrsdel.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lowell on January 4, 1995.
Pallbearers were Douglas, Todd and Stuart VanOrsdel, John, Michael and Joni Sundstrom and Russell Pikal.
Leland Swanson
Leland W. Swanson, age 62, died January 4, 1999, at Utah Valley Medical Hospital in Provo, UT, due to complications from a sudden illness.
Military rites and burial were held in American Fork, AR, January 9.
Leland was born in Little Falls, MN, July 3, 1936, to John and Florence Swanson. He grew up on a farm in Culdrum Township and graduated from Swanville High School in 1954. He entered the Army in November 1955 and served with the Occupation Forces in Germany. He was discharged in April 1959. He moved to Salt Lake City, UT, with American Airlines. In 1967 he moved to American Fork, AR, where he met and married Rosemary Gelcer, his wife of 30 years. Leland joined the Utah Army National Guard and rose to the position of Grief Maintenance Officer for the National Guard Facility. He was a Chief Warrant Officer in rank. He served his country for 36 years.
Leland is survived by his sons, Larry (Laura) of Wasilla, AK, and Ric (Penny) of Los Angeles, CA; daughters, Audrey and Christine;brother, Loren of Boring, AR; sisters, Marilyn of Springdale, AR, and Micki of Troutdale, OR, and 12 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Dorothy M. Voorhees
Dorothy M. Voorhees, age 64, a resident of Titusville, FL, passed away January 10, 1999, at the Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, FL.
Funeral services were held at the South Brevard Funeral Home in Melbourne, FL on January 14, 1999.
Dorothy was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 8, 1934. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her daughter, Susan Vera of Cocoa, FL; sons, Merrill Voorhees, Jr. of Palm Bay, FL, and Robert Voorhees of Melbourne, FL; one sister, Lorraine Mitchell of Hackensack, NJ; one brother, Thomas Mitchell of Watertown, NY; eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Angeline Dahmen
Angeline Ann Dahmen, age 79, a resident of Pierz, MN, died January 7, 1999, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held January 9 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz with the Rev. Kenneth Brenny and Rev. Charles Padaturuthy officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Angeline was born May 26, 1919, in Buh Township, Morrison County, MN, to the late Robert and Christine (Boser) Happke. She grew up and attended country school in the Lastrup, MN, area. Following her schooling, Angeline lived and worked at home on her parents’ farm. She was united in marriage to Mike S. Dahmen on June 29, 1937, at St. John’s Nepomuk Catholic Church in Lastrup. After their marriage, Angeline and Mike moved to Breckenridge, MN, for two years. In 1939 the couple returned to Lastrup where they farmed for four years on Angeline’s parents’ farm. From 1943 to 1954 the couple moved and farmed in Granite Township, MN. In October of 1954, they moved to Agram Township and farmed until May of 1992 when they moved to the city of Pierz. Angeline had resided in Pierz until her death. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz, Christian Women, Gesundheit Singers and formerly a member of the Heartland Polka Swingers. Angeline enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, flowers, gardening, dancing and old-time music.
Survivors include her husband, Mike; sons, Kenneth and wife Jan, and Brian and wife Karen, all of Pierz; daughter, Judy Herman and husband Rich of Little Falls; brothers, Herbert of Detroit, MI, and Al Happke of Pierz; twin sister, Rita Tembruell of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren, Dale Dahmen and wife Sherry and great-grandchild, Dominic of Buffalo, MN, Dean Dahmen and wife Allison of Foley, MN, and Denise Dahmen of Pierz and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joseph, John, George, Tony, Jerome and Norbert Happke; sisters, Mary Poepping, Josephine Loidolt, Anna Hoheisel, Margaret Motschke and Agnes Walz and a son, Donald.
Honorary pallbearers were Colette Braun, Min Meyer, Lorae Vardas, Marcella Flicker, Marcia Athman, Beata Gohl, Elaine Meyer, Eva Janson, Rita Toenies and Ray Poepping. Casketbearers were LeRoy Hoheisel, Jack Happke, Bob Happke, Elroy Meyer, Galen Stumpf and Clarence Dahmen.
Sakri Kanniainen
Sakri Kanniainen, age 81, a resident of Clarissa, MN, died January 16, 1999, in Long Prairie, MN.
Funeral services were held January 18 at United Methodist Church in Clarissa with Rev. Rory Swenson officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Long Prairie.
Sakri was born August 12, 1917, in Floodwood, MN, to John and Johanna (Suomala) Kanniainen. He married Lillian Boyer on August 15, 1942. He was a printer for 38 years. He was a member of United Methodist Church in Clarissa.
Survivors include his wife, Lillian of 56 years; children, Kenneth (Roxie) Kanniainen of Litchfield, MN, Rodney (Beverly) Kanniainen of Ham Lake, MN, and Richard (Carol) Kanniainen of Minnetonka, MN; brothers and sisters, Oscar Kanniainen, Edwin Kanniainen and triplet sister Jenny Peippo; six grandchildren, Robert, Kara, Matthew and Carrie Kanniainen, Jill Hyman and Janell Bolstad and seven great-grandchildren, Jesse, Paige, Shelby Bolstad, Braxton and Benjamin Hyman and Charee Benage and Ryan Kanniainen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Debra in 1970; brothers, Henry, Wilho, Sulo and Walter; sisters, Saimi Revelle and Martha Kanniainen and grandchildren, Douglas, John and Ryan Kanniainen.
Casketbearers were Jerry Klinnert, Mike Marquardt, Bob Boyer, Steve Skillings, Ralph Wehrenberg and Joel Dufresne. Honorary bearers were John Kanniainen and Nick Seelen.
