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Lavonne Sannes
Lavonne Sannes, 61, of Fertile, MN, died on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Riverview Hospital, Crookston, MN. She was born on March 26, 1946, to Harry and Alma (Werpy) Sannes at Ada, MN. She attended Gary and Fertile-Beltrami Public Schools. Following her schooling, Lavonne worked at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Grand Forks, ND. In the late in 1970's, Lavonne moved to Fertile where she did baby sitting. In 1978, Lavonne met Eugene "Bim" Hegg and a formed a longtime relationship with him. Bim died on April 1, 2006, and Lavonne continued to live in her home. As a happy-go-lucky person, Lavonne made friends easily. She loved to knit American flags and afghans, dance and care for children. Lavonne enjoyed canning and made excellent pickles. Her sense of humor made Lavonne a joy to visit. Lavonne is survived by her brother, Orlando, Erskine, MN, and sister, Virginia Leines, Spokane, WA; one nephew, Daren Leines, one niece, Darla O'Conner, and several cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Arla Stende and longtime friend, Eugene "Bim" Hegg. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 1, 2007, at 11 am in the Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. Visitation will be one hour before the services in the church. Burial will at the Gary Lutheran Cemetery, Gary, MN.
Joseph B. Granbanski
Joseph B. Granbanski, 89, of Crookston, North Dakota, the son of Barney and Francis (Miller) Grabanski. He grew up in the Manvel and Oslo, Minnesota. He worked as a farmer and also as a grounds supervisor at the Technical College for many years. In 1978, the couple moved to Crookston where they have made their home until the present time. Joe enjoyed horesback riding and also woodworking. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Loving family members include his wife, Sylvia; his children, James Granbanski and Robert (Joyce) Grabanski, all of East Grand Forks, MN, Joan (Gerald) Mireault of Crookston, Roy (Marge) Grabanski of Litchfield, MN, Dan (Lynn) Grabanski of Faribault, MN and Rykk (Melanie) Grabanski of Watkins, MN; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Nelson of Grand Forks, N.D.; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Francis; an infant brother; and a sister, Effie.
The funeral service for Joseph Grabanski will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, with Rev. Mario Prada, presiding. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Monday from 5-7:00 PM, with a 7:00 PM Rosary; and also for an hour before the funeral at the church. Interment will be in the St. Dorothy's Cemetery in Dorothy, MN.
LeRoy R. Swartz
LeRoy R. Swartz, 80, of Crookston, North Dakota, the son of Frank and Albina (Kosobud) Swartz, and was baptized into the Catholic faith. At the age of 8, after the deaths of his father and brother, he moved with his mother to the Tabor, Minnesota for a few years, worked for the Farmers Union Oil Company in Crookston driving the bulk fuel truck for 17 years and the City of Crookston Street Department as a heavy equipment operator for 22 years. He retired in 1992. LeRoy was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish in Crookston and was a life-member of the V.F.W. Post #1902.
He married Betty (Ziegler) Kirchoffner on October 15, 1977 and loved and treated her two children, Steven and Joan, as if they were his own. Later LeRoy enjoyed the unconditional love of four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and loved being called Papa by them. He loved all children and couldn’t resist talking and smiling at them, whether they were family or strangers. Many children of farm families in the area he delivered fuel to remember him and his Juicy Fruit Gum.
LeRoy was a kind, fun-loving man. He enjoyed dancing, old-time music and outdoor activities like gardening, fishing, hunting, biking and traveling until his declining health slowly prevented him from enjoying those activities.
Loving family members include his wife, Betty; son Steven Kirchoffner and his wife, Julie, of Grand Forks, ND; daughter, Joan Coauette of Fargo, ND; four grandchildren, Ben of St. Paul, MN, Elliot of St. Louis Park, MN, Mindy and her fiancé, Jared Sachs, of St. Paul Park, and Nathan of Grand Forks, ND; and his great-granddaughter, Emma.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his father, Frank and mother, Albina; a brother, Marvin; stepfather, Arthur Kluzak; and step-brothers, Albert, Frank, Clarence, Alvin and Steve Kluzak.
The funeral service for LeRoy Swartz will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 23, 2007 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, with Rev. Mario Prada, presiding. Visitation will be on Sunday at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home from 5-7:00 P.M., with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service, and also for an hour before the funeral at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council. Interment will be at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday July 24, 2007 at the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. In Lieu of Flowers the family asks that a donation be made to one’s favorite charity.
Maria Metzger
Maria Metzger, 86, of Crookston, Minnesota. Sadly, Michael passed away in 1975. Maria continued to live in Eldred before moving to the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston on July 31, 2003. Over the years, she worked for area families doing housekeeping and child care. Maria had a great sense of humor and loved children and all kinds of animals. She will be fondly remembered by all who shared in her life.
Maria is survived by two sisters, Rosie and Susie; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Besides her husband, Michael, Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Josef and Anna; and brothers and sisters, Katrina, Anna, Josef, Nicholas and Michael.
The funeral service for Maria Metzger will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, with Rev. Jim Gustafson, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour before the funeral. Interment will be in the Eldred Cemetery in Eldred, Minnesota, died at her home Tuesday morning, April 8, 2008, surrounded by loving family and friends. She had been bravely battling cancer for the past two and one-half years.
Nancy was born in Salina, Kansas on August 20, 1953, the daughter of Lester and Lois (Bendickson) Vigness. Her father was in the U.S. Air Force and after his retirement the family moved to Thief River Falls, North Dakota, died at his residence unexpectedly Saturday evening, April 5, 2008, of natural causes. Robert was born in Crookston, North Dakota following a family move there. In the early 1960’s the family moved to Fargo and Robert attended North High School. He worked at Reed’s Cleaners in Fargo until entering the U.S. Army in 1968. He was stationed in Germany, and received his honorable discharge in 1970. He returned to Fargo and resumed employment with Reed’s Cleaners. Robert later moved to Las Vegas, Minnesota, with the Rev. Paul Nynas of Hope Lutheran Church, Fargo, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour before the service. Military Honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council and interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston.
Connie Gudvangen
Connie Gudvangen, 52, of Fertile, MN, died Sunday, April 6, 2008, at the Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.
Connie Gaye Berhow was born on April 26, 1955, to Robert and Betty Jo (Sampson) Berhow in Chicago, IL. She was baptized at First Presbyterian Church, Chicago, on July 10, 1955, and later confirmed at Varnes Lutheran Church, Fertile, on May 31, 1970. They returned to the Fertile area in 1956. She attended and graduated from Fertile High School in 1973.
On June 23, 1973, Connie was united in marriage to Gordon Gudvangen at Little Norway Lutheran Church, Fertile. They made their home in rural Fertile where she stayed at home caring for their children. In about 1987, Connie began working as an aide at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home. In the mid 1990's to the present, she worked as a home health aid for Riverview Health Care. Connie was also a substitute bus driver and in the last few years drove a regular bus route. Connie developed cancer in September of 2000. Her battle with this disease was one of courage, strength, and she was an inspiration to others dealing with cancer.
Connie was active in the Crookston's Relay For Life. She was a member of Maple Lake Lutheran Church and SandHill SnowCruisers.
Life for Connie was about family. Christmas, Easter, birthday parties or any special occasion brought Connie's children, grandchildren, cousins, mom and dad, and brothers and sisters and in-laws to her house. She was a joy to be around because she loved to care for others. She collected teddy bears and dolls and rode snowmobile. Connie had mentioned many times to her husband, Gordy, which she was "ready to die, but not ready to leave". Connie's life with her family was summoned up in one word-fun!
Connie is survived by her husband, Gordon, three sons: Joshua (Mandy), Jeremiah (Anna), Joesph (Kimberly Dufault, special friend of Fosston, MN), of Fertile, MN; one daughter: Melissa (Bradley) Olson, Fargo, Carter Brooks, and Isabelle Gudvangen; three brothers: Dale(Brissa), Irving, TX; Aubrey (Linda), Crandall, TX; one sister: Janet (Michael) Scott, Fertile, MN and several nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, a grandson, Brody who were both stillborn.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 10:30 am in Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00-8:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:30pm in the Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.
Burial will be in the Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
Arrangements are with the Erikson-Vik Funeral Home Fertile, MN.
Norman Erickson
Norman Erickson, 89, of Detroit Lakes and formerly of Fertile, died on Sunday, April 6. Funeral Services for Norman Erickson will be on Friday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fertile. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at West Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes and for one hour prior to services at the church.
