Harry Larson
Harry George Larson, age 79, a resident of Cushing, MN, died on March 23, 1999, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
Services were held at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Clarissa, MN on March 27.
Harry was born to George and Jennie Larson north of Staples, MN, in Thomastown Township on May 28, 1919. He married Delores Huebner on October 28, 1942, at Old Wadena. Harry was inducted into the Army in 1942 at Fort Snelling, MN, where he started his military training. He continued his Army service in Colorado and Alabama, and then traveled overseas for the European Campaign during World War II, where he earned several Distinguished Service Medals. His military occupational specialty was fuel truck driver for Patton’s Army. Harry was very proud of his Army service and his contribution to his country. In April 1946, Harry and Delores purchased the farm where they currently reside. Harry was the general construction foreman of Minnesota’s first taconite plant located in Aurora, MN, for seven years before returning to the Cushing area to farm and run a salvage business. Harry enjoyed telling his joke of the day, politics, restoring old cars, gardening, keeping current with daily national news, and loving his wife of 56 years. His greatest enjoyment was spending time talking and visiting with his family and many friends.
Survivors include his wife Delores; five daughters and five sons, Dedra and Bill Knosalla of Mound, MN, Dee Ann and James Gibbons of Bloomington, MN, Kathleen and Richard Hanych ofCushing, Melodie and James Sudbeck of Browerville, MN, Tammy Larson of Long Prairie, MN, Garry Larson of Savage, MN, Steven Larson and Suzie Blais of Cushing, Mark and Trudy Larson of Little Falls, MN, Michael and Kathy Larson of rural Browerville and Jody and Mary Larson of Buffalo, MN; othersurvivors include two sisters, Edith Heino of Seattle, WA and Adeline (Forest) Knapp of Dallas, OR; 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were grandsonsScott Knosalla, Jamie Gibbons, Joshua Larson, Michael Sudbeck, Jesse Hanych and Joseph Larson. Honorary pallbearers were grandsons Jeffrey Knosalla, Jon Knosalla, Andrew Sudbeck, Patrick Gibbons, Dustin Larson, Nathan Larson, Sheldon Larson- Peavey, and Christopher Larson.
Gunda Skwira
Gunda M. ‘Connie’ Skwira, age 88, a resident ofLittle Falls, MN, formerly of Sobieski, MN, died March 26, 1999, at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls.
Funeral services were held March 29 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski with Rev. David Maciej and Rev. Raymond Donnay officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Gunda M. ‘Connie’ Skwira was born July 15, 1910, in Swan River Township, Morrison County, MN, to the late Thomas and Emma (Koziol) Rudolph. She grew up in Swan River Township and attended country school. Gunda was united in marriage to Paul J. Skwira on October 28, 1930, in St. Stanislaus Koska Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN. The couple farmed in rural Sobieski until Paul’s death in 1956. Connie continued living on the family farm. She worked as a sales clerk and bridal consultant at Loretta’s Dress Shop in Little Falls from 1953 until retiring in 1969 due to declining health. She strongly believed in the value of education and returned to school and received her G.E.D. in 1961 at the age of 51. Connie continued to reside in Sobieski until moving to Pine Grove Manor in Little Falls in 1983. In 1994, she moved to the Buckman Building in Little Falls. Connie became a resident of St. Otto’s Care Center in 1996. She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and crocheting. She crocheted afghans and teddy bears for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Connie was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski and served on the parish council, was church trustee and sang in the choir.
Survivors include sons, LeRoy Skwira and wife Mickey of South St. Paul, MN and Edwin Skwira and wife Doris of Little Falls; daughters, Margaret Novakoske of Sobieski, Patricia Virnig and husband Gerald of Little Falls and Rita Skwira of Little Falls; sisters, Justine Plakut and husband Leo of Milwaukee, WI, Ursala Thompson of Little Falls, Kathryn Maciej and husband Raymond of Bowlus, and Mary Kokett and husband Ben of Little Falls; brothers, Roman Rudolph and wife Dorothy of Little Falls, Dr. Thomas Rudolph and wife Dorothy of Rhinelander, WI and Dr. Victor Rudolph of Clearwater, FL; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, in 1956, parents, brother, Frank Rudolph and a son-in-law, Arthur Novakoske.
Pallbearers were Gary and Tim Skwira, Larry and Jerry Novakoske, Paul and David Virnig, John Gustafson and Dean Schilling.
Helen Cash
Helen C. Cash, age 91, a resident of Little Falls, MN, died March 27, 1999, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls.
Funeral services were held March 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Fallswith Rev. Leroy Kremer officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Helen C. Cash was born December 19, 1907, in Sobieski, MN, to the late Paul and Victoria (Kanieski) Staneck. She grew up and attended school in Sobieski. Helen was united in marriage to Alfred ‘Lefty’ Cash on August 26, 1930, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls. The couple resided in Little Falls most of their lives. Helen worked as a waitress at the Buckman Hotel for many years. In 1939, she was employed as a cook at the Pine Edge Inn in Little Falls, working for the Madden Brothers until retiring in 1981. Helen enjoyed baking, growing flowers, especially her African violets, and visiting with all her family. Helen was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls.
Survivors include her son, Donald Cash and wife Joan of Willmar, MN; daughter, Delores Rudek and husband Edmund of Little Falls; sisters, Julia Thielen of Little Falls, Susie Proper of Little Falls, Mary Stockburger of South St. Paul, MN, Elizabeth Schaffee and husband Sidney of Minnea-polis, MN, Florence Kapsner and husband Gilbert of Little Falls, Lorraine Furnstahl of St. Cloud, MN and Joann Theis and husband Louie of Little Falls; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred, parents and sister, Agnes Trafas.
Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren.
Pallbearers were great-grandchildren.
Arthur L. Garrison
Arthur L (Art) Garrison, Sr., age 71, a resident of Little Falls, MN, died March 17, 1999, at his home in Little Falls after a long illness.
Funeral services were held March 22 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls with Rev. Loren Olson officiating. Burial was in the Cushing Union Cemetery in Cushing, MN.
Arthur was born March 5, 1928, in Cushing, to the late Henry and Mary (Sharon) Garrison. He grew up and attended country school in the Cushing area. After completing his schooling, Arthur enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1952. Among his many commendations, he was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in the Korean War. He served on the Little Falls Fire Department of 25 years, with one term as chief, and one as President of the Firemen’s Association. Arthur was a member of the Army National Guard, American Legion Post 346, V.F.W. Post #1112. He most recently retired from Hennepin Paper Mill in Little Falls. Arthur enjoyed deer hunting on the family land near Big Fork, MN, fishing, picking agates, riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, and spending time this family watching ball games.
Survivors include his sons, Art Jr. Garrison and wife Denise of Deer Lodge, MT, Wes Garrison and wife Corrine of Little Falls, Mark Garrison and wife Vicky of Kasson, MN, Ken of Little Falls; sisters, Mayme Manlick of Little Falls, Kate Dudley of Sturgis, SD, and Grace Maas of Sturgis, SD; brothers, Carl Garrison and Lloyd Garrison of Little Falls; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandson; many nieces and nephews and a special friend, Beverly Kastreba, of Little Falls.
Jon A. Determan
Jon A. Determan, age 40, a resident of rural Swanville, MN, died March 30, 1999, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN.
A memorial service was held April 3 at the Swanville Bible Church in Swanville.
Jon A. Determan was born on December 13, 1958 in Stillwater, MN to the late Robert and Shirley (Garner) Determan. He grew upon a farm near Swanville and graduated from Swanville High School in 1977. He was united in marriage to Penny Canfield on October 11, 1980, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN. The couple made their home on a farm near Swanville. Jon worked at Prairie Packing in Long Prairie, MN, Jennie-O-Foods in Melrose, MN, as a supervisor for 13 years, and for the past five years, at Polar Tank Trailer in Opole. Jon enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and art - especially drawing and painting. He dearly loved his family and his children.
Survivors include his wife Penny Determan of Swanville; son, Jerimiah Determan at home; daughters, Virginia Determan at home and Jillian Determan at home; brothers, Mike Determan and wife Deb of Little Falls and Scott Determan and wife Roxanne of Browerville, MN; sister, Denise Mezera and husband John of Buffalo, MN; uncle, Donald Determan of Long Prairie, Mn; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Harold J. Carlson
Harold J. Carlson, age 70, a resident of Little Falls, MN, died March 30, 1999, at his home.
Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church in Little Falls with Rev. Steven Priola and Rev. Wayne Burggraff officiating. Interment was in Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls.
Harold J.Carlson was born August 3, 1928, in Brainerd, MN, to the late John and Jessie (Bergner) Carlson. He grew up in Brainerd and graduated from the Brainerd High School. He attended Brainerd Community College for two years. He was united in marriage to Catherine A. Norton on June 28, 1952, in the First Baptist Church in Little Falls. He worked at Brainerd Heating for two years. In 1960, the couple came to reside in Little Falls and Harold worked at Metalcraft Roofing and Heating as the office manager for 36 years, until retiring in 1990. He also worked as a security guard at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls from 1981 to 1990. He was one of the original Police Reserve Officers and served as the chief of the Reserves. He also worked as a Special Police Officer for the Little Falls Police Department and a Special Deputy for the Morrison County Sheriff’s office. Harold was elected to the Little Falls City Council and served as Council President. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Little Falls, and served as Sunday school teacher, Sunday school treasurer, church treasurer, church clerk, deacon and usher. He was on the church board in 1974 that decided to begin a Christian school in the First Baptist Church, and then served on the North Star Christian Academy School Board. Harold enjoyed camping and hiking.
Survivors include his wife Catherine (Katie) Carlson of Little Falls; son, David W. Carlson of Waynesville, MO; daughters, Diana K. Hammerbeck and husband George of Little Falls and Debra J. Burggraff and husband Rev. Wayne of Lebanon, PA; brothers, twin - Herbert J. Carlson and wife, Laurel of Cushing, MN, Frank Carlson and wife Shuizko of Vasallia, CA and Michael Carlson and wife Mary of St. Peter, MN; sisters, Dorothy Frasl of Minneapolis, MN, Charlotte Burnet of Prior, OK and Alice Mahron and husband Ron of Lutz, FL; brothers-in-law, Elmer Lang and John Ferry; grandchildren, Andy Carlson, George and Christopher Hammer-beck, Tony, Becky, Shelly and Ben Burggraff; great-grandson, Alex Carlson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marian Lang and Karen Ferry; brothers, Robert and Carl Carlson and granddaughter, Amy Carlson.
Honorary pallbearers were the grandchildren and the Little Falls Police Reserves.
Casketbearers were Gary Jarvis, Robert Verley, Rick Walker, Keith Majaski, Dennis Bjorn and Douglas VanOrsdel.
Delphine Hagstrom
Delphine Hagstrom, age 84, a resident of Upsala, MN, died April 1, 1999, at the Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls, MN.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held April 5 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala with Father Greg Mastey officiating. Burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.
Delphine was born July 13, 1914, to Paul and Irene (Kieser) Heimerl in Winsted, MN. She attended Holy Trinity School in Winsted and Eden Valley High School. Delphine worked at Honeywell and Finishing Equipment Companies when she lived in Minneapolis, MN. When she moved to Upsala, she became a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and a member of the Christian Mothers. She loved animals, playing the organ and knitting.
Survivors include her husband, Winton, of Upsala; son, Stephen Fink of Minneapolis; brother, Ramon Heimerl of Greeley, CO, and sister, Lee Draver of Superior, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Sidney “Sid” Fink and brother, Robert Heimerl.
Casketbearers were John Stafney, Leo Hartung, Paul Gerads, Marcellus Theisen, Linus Lehner and Lloyd Hagstrom.
Chris Piekowski
Chris A. Piekowski, age 83, a resident of Mounds View, MN, died March 28, 1999.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 30 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton, MN. Interment was at the Fort Snelling Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, the former Betty Konen of Pierz, MN; daughter Jan;son John; four grandchildren; two brothers, John and Florian of Minneapolis, MN, one sister, Theresa Heigl of Pierz and many relatives from Flensburg, MN, and Sobieski, MN.
Henry Kedrowski
Henry Sylvester Kedrowski, age 69, a resident of rural Little Falls, MN, died April 5, 1999, at the V.A. Medical Center in St. Cloud after a massive stroke and subsequent complications left him comatose.
Funeral services were held onApril 10 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, MN, with Father Anthony Kroll officiating. Burial will be April 12 at the MN State Veteran’s Cemetery where there will be a Military Prayer Service at 9:30 a.m. by V.F.W. Post 1112.
Henry S. Kedrowski was born February 19, 1930, in Parker Township, rural Morrison County, to Jacob and Martha (Wochnik) Kedrowski. He attended school in Parker Township and Swanville, MN, and later obtained a GED from Little Falls Community High School. He worked on the family farm before serving in the Army from 1956 to 1958, and then worked in various positions in Minnea-polis. He married Clara J. Cooper on May 6, 1961, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Long Prairie, MN, and they resided in Little Falls. He was employed at Camp Ripley as a mechanic, specializing in tire and battery maintenance from 1961 until his retirement in 1989. He joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1959 and served 30 years before retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 1989. He participated in several military training programs and received numerous commendations during his career at Camp Ripley. After his retirement, he started a fence building business and was known for his excellent work. Henry was a life member of V.F.W. Post 1112 in Little Falls and served two terms as Junior Vice-Commander and one term as Senior Vice-Commander. He was an enthusiastic member of the Greater Minnesota Two Cylinder Club and served one term as Sergeant at Arms. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish, Flensburg, and served as an usher and member of the Cemetery Committee. He was staunchly pro-lifeand, as a member of the Morrison County Chapter of MCCL, drove its float in area parades. He worked for Rep. Steve Wenzel as a member of his campaign committee.
Survivors include his wifeClara of Little Falls; son, Mark; daughter, Karen and son-in-law Timothy Fitzgerald, all of Rock Hill, SC; two grandchildren; sisters Bernice Belesky of Dearborn, MI;Veronica Altrichter of Clear Lake, MN; and, Cecilia Daniels of Nevis, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bernard, and an infant brother.
Pallbearers were nephews Barry Kedrowski, Douglas and Dale Altrichter, Kevin Cooper, Andrew Lindquist, and Michael Symanietz.
Priscilla R. Grau
Priscilla R. Grau, age 83, a resident of Little Falls, MN, died April 7, 1999 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held April 10 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Belle Prairie with the Rev. Harold Kost officiating.Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Priscilla Rose Vichorek - Grau was born June 26, 1915, in Somerset, WI, to the late John and Mary (Constantneau) Martell. She grew up in Somerset and later her family moved to St. Paul where she attended school. Priscella married John Vichorek in Glaskow, MT on March 25, 1935. The couple lived in Little Falls and, in 1968, John passed away. On April 6, 1974, Priscilla was united in marriage to Herbert Grau in Holy Family Catholic Church in Belle Prairie, MN. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Little Falls where she resided until her death. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Belle Prairie.
Survivors include her husband Herbert; sons, Jeff Vichorek and wife Deanna of Moose Lake, MN, John Vichorek and wife Sara of Seattle, WA, Dave Vichorek and wife Debra of Maple Grove, MN; daughter Patricia Otremba and husband Robert of New Hope, MN; brother, Douglas Duff and wife Shirley of Sacramento, CA; sister, Nora Swanson of Richfield, MN; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Vichorek, parents; brothers Anthony Martell and Steve Martell and a sister Isabel Mead.
Casketbearer were Mike,Mark, Jeff and Dave Vichorek, Charles Kelly and Robert Otremba.
