Lois O’Hollearn
Lois O’Hollearn, 85, of Oxford, IA, formerly of New Hampton, died Friday March 30, 2001 at her home of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, April 2, 2001 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton with Reverend Carl Schmitt officiating.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton with Craig Kotowske, Jim Kellner, John O’Byrne, Paul Thompson, Rick Reynolds serving as casket bearers.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Sunday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 4:30 pm rosary & 7:30 pm scripture service. There will also be visitation an hour prior to services at the church.
Lois O’Hollearn was born June 7, 1915, at Lawler, the daughter of Mike & Theresa (Rooney) O’Byrne. After graduating from Lawler High School, she went on to attend Clarke College in Dubuque, where she earned her Teachers Certificate. On June 7, 1938, she was united in marriage to William O’Hollearn at Mt. Carmel Church in Lawler. After her marriage, she taught in rural schools and later New Hampton Community Schools, where she taught for 22 years, retiring in 1980. She moved to Cedar Rapids in December of 1994.
She is survived by:2 daughters-Mary Lou (Louis) Kellner of Cedar Rapids
-Kay (James) Kotowske of Oxford
7 grandchildren
10 great grandchildren
1 sister- Darleen Hohman of Lincoln, NE
She was preceded in death by her:
parents
Husband-William O’Hollearn (1957)
3 brothers-Virgil, Frank, Merle O’Byrne
5 sisters- Helen O’Byrne, Cleo Stratton, Sister Lucian, Velma Wilson & Margaret Cooney
Lois Jean Roes
Lois Roes, 64, of Ionia, died Wednesday, July 11, 2001 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN after a short illness.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Monday, July 16 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia with Msgr. Stanley Hayek officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Sunday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton, where there will be a 4 pm Rosary & 7 pm Scripture service. Friends may also call an hour prior to services at the church.
Lois Jean Roes was born September 23, 1936, at Ionia, the daughter of Leo & Mary (Brown) Testroet. She graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School in Ionia. After her schooling she worked in Milwaukee, WI and was a bank teller in Nashua and Ionia. She also worked as a grocery clerk. She was united in marriage to Lawrence Roes on April 4, 1964 in Hemingford, NE. After their marriage the couple resided in Nebraska for a short time before moving back to Ionia, where they were currently residing. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia, where she sang in the choir for nearly 50 years. She enjoyed quilting, cross-word puzzles, games, and visiting with family and friends.
She is survived by her:
husband-Lawrence of Ionia
2 sons-Tom of Nevada
-Dan (Jody) of Onalaska, WI
2 grandchildren-Trevor & Collin
2 sisters-Norita Clark of Charles City
-Janice (Jack) Smith of Ankeny
3 brothers-Vincent (Alice) Testroet of Hales Corners, WI
-Thomas (LaVonne) Testroet of Chicago, IL
-Jim Testroet of Ionia
many nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her:
parents
2 brothers-Hubert Testroet
-Leon Testroet
1 sister-Mary Eickenberry
4 sisters-in-law-Madonna (Jenn) Testroet
-Betty (Strong) Testroet
-Jane (Cleveland) Testroet
-Alice (Rigatti) Testroet
Loren Paul Fenneman
1918-2001
Loren Fenneman, 82, of New Hampton, died Friday, August 31, 2001 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Reverend David Bergstrom and Reverend Kevin Frey officiating. Dennis Strum will be the organist and will accompany, vocalists Julie Allen and Gail Allison singing “The Lord’s My Shepherd,” “In The Garden,” & “Beyond The Sunset. ”The congregation will sing “How Great Thou Art. ”
Burial will be in New Hampton Cemetery with Jill Cowen, Michael Cowen, Jason Cowen, Joseph Alberts, Brian Allen, Vickie Brummond, Cindy Sheridan, Lanette Reamen, LeAnn Reamen, and Justin Allen serving as casket bearers.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Tuesday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton, and also an hour prior to services at the church.
Loren Paul Fenneman was born September 17, 1918 in Richland Township, near New Hampton, the son of Ernest & Emma (Mack) Fenneman. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Williamstown. He attended rural school (Lindy) and graduated from the New Hampton High School. After graduation he worked as an electrician for Seeliger Electric. On September 6, 1940 he married Adeline (Edgar) at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. He farmed near Fredericksburg and New Hampton before moving to their present farm in 1957, located south of New Hampton. Loren was active in community affairs, he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served as a member of the council, he was also chairman of the Farm Bureau Membership Drive, President of the Pork Producers Association, and Director on the Board for Rural Schools in New Hampton Township. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking after retiring from farming in 1980.
Loren is survived by his wife Adeline of New Hampton, a son Larry (Jackie) Fenneman of Marion, IA, a daughter Mrs. (David) Lorene Cowen of Upper Darby, PA; 4 grandchildren Jill Cowen, Michael Cowen, Jason Cowen of Upper Darby, PA, and Joseph Alberts of Atkins, IA; a great grandson Cody Alberts; several step grandchildren;
one step great granddaughter; and a brother Lynford Fenneman of Elma.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Lloyd Fenneman.
Lucille Mary Hagemann
Lucille Hagemann died Thursday, July 1, 2004 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, Iowa. She was 78 years of age.
Lucille Mary Hagemann was born in Cresco, Iowa on November 1, 1925, the daughter of Frank Bernard and Anna Mary (Herold) Leferink. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and attended grade school at St. Joseph’s and Assumption High School for one year. Following her education, she helped out at home and also for other people until her marriage.
On November 26, 1945, the Rev. Anthony C. Woerdehoff united Lucille in marriage to Virgil Phillip Hagemann at St. Joseph’s Church in Cresco. Following their marriage they lived at Ft. Atkinson, IA. They became the parents of two children, Kenneth and Mary Jane. Lucille lived in Ft. Atkinson until 2002 when she moved to Cresco to be closer to family.
Lucille was a devoted wife and mother who did all of the necessary things to raise her family, she gardened, embroidered, crocheted and in her spare time enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards and making trips to the boat. She truly enjoyed having her grandchildren come to visit, since they lived so far away. Lucille was a former member of St. John Nepomucene Church, and belonged to a Circle of the Altar & Rosary Society.
She is survived by her children: Kenneth (Rini) Hagemann of Yuma, AZ and Mary Jane Ostert of Cresco, IA; three grandchildren: Corinne (Thomas) Louttit, Tara (Jason) Kolsrud and Kenny (Joannah) Hagemann; five great grandchildren: Joseph Louttit age 12, Alyssa Louttit age 6, Brent Hagemann age 6, Kenny Hagemann Jr age 1 and Hailee Hagemann age 3 months; one sister: Rita Monthy of Cresco, IA and two brothers: William (Goldie) Leferink of Albuquerque, NM and Leonard (Ruth Ann) Leferink of Riceville, IA.
Her parents, her husband, Virgil in May of 1988, and two brothers, Francis and Felix Leferink preceded her in death.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco, Iowa with burial at St. John's Cemetery in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiated. Visitation was 5-8 PM Monday and one hour prior to services on Tuesday.
Mae Elizabeth Gaffney
Mae Gaffney, 87, of New Hampton, died Sunday, June 17, 2001 at the New Hampton Care Center in New Hampton of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, June 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton with Reverend Carl Schmitt officiating.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, also in New Hampton with Richard Schmidt, Steven SchmidtGreg Till, Brad Till, Mike Mitchell, and Paul Johnson serving as casket bearers.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Tuesday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton, where there will be a 4:00 pm combined CD of A & Rosary Society Rosary & 7:30 pm Scripture service. Visitation will also be an hour prior to services at the church.
Mae Elizabeth Gaffney was born January 11, 1914, at New Hampton, the daughter of Joseph & Amy (Fulcher) Lensing. She attended school in New Hampton at St. Joseph Catholic School and also New Hampton High School. After her schooling, she was united in marriage to Alfred “Bud” Gaffney on Sept 2, 1930 in New Hampton. After their marriage the couple resided in New Hampton, where they lived all of their married life. Mae worked for Ferkins Super Valu, and was a cook at Holly’s Café. She also worked as school cook at St. Joseph Catholic School for 18 years, retiring in 1978. After her retirement she enjoyed going to the Senior Center, playing cards, reading, and needlepoint. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the rosary society there. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Joan of Arc No. 388.
Mae is survived by:
3 daughters-Dorothy Schmidt of New Hampton
-Dolores Till of Clear Lake
-Ruth (Jack) Lauver of Linn, TX
1 son- Jim (Marlene) Gaffney of Hiawatha
2 son-in-laws-Paul Johnson of New Hampton
-Jim Mitchell of Fredericksburg
19 grandchildren
33 great grandchildren
8 great great grandchildren
She was preceded in death by her:
parents
husband-Alfred “Bud” November 6, 1983
1 son-Donald in infancy
2 daughters-Eileen Johnson
Nancy Mitchell
4 brothers-Virgil, James, Bob and Dewey Lensing
1 sister-Loretta Campbell
Marcella Ann Lukes
Marcella Lukes died at her home in Protivin, Iowa, on September 20, 2003 after a long illness. She was 76 years of age.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John Moser presided with the Conway Funeral Home assisting with arrangements. The pall was placed by the family and gifts were carried by the grandchildren, servers were Josh Hansmeier and Mark Panos, Lector was Bill Berka and casket bearers were: Victor, Steven, John and Ronald Lukes, Dale Ford and Terry Bigalk.
Marcella Ann Lukes was born on April 17, 1927 in Howard County, Iowa, east of Schley, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph S. and Anna Stella (Pizinger) Komarek. She was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Trinity Church of which she was a life time member. She attended rural school for a couple of years then went to Holy Trinity Grade School and graduated from Rudolphinum High School in Protivin, and worked as a telephone operator.
On September 27, 1948 she was united in marriage to Wilmer W. Lukes at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin and they made their home in Protivin for almost 55 years as husband and wife. Following her marriage, she worked in the telephone office, worked as a cook in an area café, as a part time clerk in the Post Office and worked as a clerk typist for her husband in the insurance office. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Rosary Society and the Catholic Workmen.
Marcie was an energetic person who enjoyed fishing, bingo, using her green thumb in her garden and cooking, especially for family get togethers. Even with all of her activities, she had time to spend with her children and was especially fond of her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Wilmer; four children: Joyce Schutte of Decorah, IA, Gary (Mary) of Decorah, IA, Wayne (Deb) of Marion, IA, and Joan Heinrich of Orlando, FL; Stan Heinrich of Protivin, IA, Michael Gerth of Mt. Vernon, IA; 7 grandchildren: Eileen Gerth; Leah (Greg) Smith andKara Lukes; Heather and Brad Lukes; Noah and Kelsey Heinrich;six great grandchildren: Christa, Jacob and Hannah Gerth; Gavin Smith; Corbin and Hunter Lukes; one sister: Elsie (Erwin) Ford of Cedar Falls, IA.
Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother Edward, and one sister, Georgina Pecinovsky.
Margaret Hovorka
Margaret Hovorka died on Thursday, July 1, 2004 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, Iowa. She was 88 years of age.
Margaret Hovorka was born on September 23, 1915 in Paris township, Howard County, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Antonia (Benedict) Tlusty. She was baptized and confirmed in the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at Lourdes where the family were members. She attended the rural school near her home.
On November 12, 1935, Margaret was united in marriage to Edward A Koudelka at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lourdes. Following their marriage, she joined the Holy Cross Catholic Church where she remained a member until its closing. She belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society. On February 20, 1971, Margaret was united in marriage to Edward Hovorka at the Holy Cross Church in Schley.
Margaret knew the effort of hard work, liked to garden and raise flowers, and was an excellent cook.
Margaret is survived by one daughter, Wilma (Ermin) Frana of Calmar, IA, a daughter-in-law, Verneal Koudelka of Elma, IA, one step son, Edward Hovorka and a step daughter, Willomene Anderson of Minneapolis, MN; 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, Edward Koudelka on October 12, 1961 and Edward Hovorka on November 26, 1994; one son, William E. Koudelka on November 12, 2003; three grandchildren: Ron and Brian Frana and Marsha Koudelka; six brothers, Frank, Joseph, Edward, Henry, Jim and John Tlusty; and three sisters: Elizabeth Wagner, Mary Bugenhagen and Josephine Koshatka.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 5, 2004 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco, Iowa with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Schley, Iowa. Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiated. Organist was Mary Tremmel. Cantor was Pam Daley. Lector was Sheila Wolford. Eucharistic Minister was Geri Tlusty. Gift Bearers were Marge Taylor and Julie Frana. Casket Bearers were Eugene, Tony, Allen, Bruce, and Jeff Frana, Vickie Demro, and Karla Koudelka. Visitation was Sunday, July 4, 2004 from 3-7 PM with a 6 PM Scripture Service. There was also a visitation one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.
Margaret Stella Jestrab
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Little Turkey. Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Monday at the Conway Funeral Home in Protivin. There will be a rosary at 5 P.M. and a Scripture Service at 6 P.M. on Monday.
Margaret Stella Jestrab was born February 26, 1917 to Wenzel and Mary (Houdek) Shindelar of Spillville, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm near Spillville. After high school, Margaret did housekeeping work nearby, and eventually moved to Rochester, MN to work at St. Mary’s Hospital. She enjoyed her hobbies of crocheting, embroidery and playing the piano.
On January 17, 1949, she married Cyril Jestrab at St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville. Following their marriage, Margaret and Cy farmed near Little Turkey, Iowa. They were members of St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Little Turkey. And retired to Protivin in 1975, becoming members of Holy Trinity Church there. As a devout Catholic, Margaret was very a prayerful and humble woman. She was a member of both churches’ Rosary Societies, also. Margaret was very dedicated to raising her family. She worked hard, but enjoyed it. There was gardening, cooking, baking and cleaning to do every day. She was loved by many.
In 1996, Margaret moved to the Cresco Care Center. She is survived by her six children: Mary Schultz and Ann Jestrab, both of Hopkins, MN. Gregory (Cindy) Jestrab of Riceville, TN. Al (Angie) Jestrab of Spring Lake Park, MN. Marty (Cindy) Jestrab of Protivin, Iowa. And Catherine (David) Haugenbury of Clinton, Arkansas. Other survivers include one sister, Adella (Jim) Frana of Calmar, Iowa, and ten grandchildren.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Cyril Jestrab in 1996, and her sister Regina (Frank) Frana, and three brothers: Jerry Shindelar, Jerome Shindelar and Daniel Shindelar.
Viola Ann Ferrie
Viola Ferrie died Monday, August 02, 2004 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, Iowa. She was 82 years of age.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 6, 2004 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma, IA. Rev. John W. Hemann will be the officiating clergyman. Lectors will be Jerry O’Donnell and Holly Resner. Gifts will be carried by Lisa Jacobsen, Cathy Fox, Nicole O’Donnell, Amy Drees and Jennifer Fye. Eucharistic Minister will be Barb O’Donnell. Honorary Bearers will be all the great nieces and nephews, Ron and Linda O’Donnell, Joyce and Gail Ives, Francis and Sharon Malone, Sister Mary Brian Kelly and Jim and Anne Ott. Casket Bearers will be Mike O’Donnell, Jim O’Donnell, Tony Neubauer, Darren O’Donnell, Tom Fye, Brian Recker, and Sean Bucheit. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Elma.
Viola Ann Ferrie was born on October 12, 1921, in rural Cresco, the daughter of Bernard and Lucy (Malone) Ferrie. She attended schools in Howard County. Viola worked as a nurses’ aide at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein and in private homes. Viola had the privilege of being the caregiver for her aging parents. She also worked as a live-in babysitter for the Henry Deterding family. Viola was a resident of the Howard County Residential Care Facility for many years. In recent years, she had lived at the Evans Home in Cresco. Viola loved to visit with people, and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed writing letters and was a faithful correspondent to many friends and family members. She also had a love of poetry that was instilled in her by her mother.
She is survived by nephews: Russell (Margaret) O’Donnell of Elma, Gerald (Barb) O’Donnell of Cresco and Bob (Kim) Dilky of Urbandale, IA, nieces: Ann (Joe) Neubauer, Lavon (Galen) Fye all of Cresco, Lois (Don) Recker of Mankato, MN, and Mary (Tom) Bucheit of Osage, IA, a cousin, Francis (Sharon) Malone of Chicago, IL, numerous great and great great nieces and nephews and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Marie O’Donnell, Sister Mary Celestine, and Bernardine Dilky; brothers: Durand Ferrie, Virgil Ferrie, Francis and Hugh Ferrie who both died in infancy; and two nephews: Jerome O’Donnell and Eugene O’Donnell.
Mary Rose Bouska
Mary Bouska, age 91, died Saturday, July 21, 2001 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco, Iowa where she has lived since July 31, 2000.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at the Assumption Worship Center with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both at Cresco, IA.
Rev. Henry W. Charipar will preside and Mary Tremmel will accompany Cathy Bouska who will sing, "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace", "Just a Closer Walk With Thee", and "In The Garden". Casket and Honorary Bearers will be the grandchildren that will be able to make services. Reader will be Mary Lee Hill, gifts will be carried by Mark Bouska, Kacee Harris and Angie Bouska. Roger Harris will serve as Eucharistic Minister and Altar servers will be Garrett and Austin Hill.
Mary Rose Bouska was born in Howard County, between Protivin and Schley, Iowa, on September 16, 1909, the daughter of Joseph and Rose (Panoch) Samec. She attended school in Protivin and returned home to help on the farm.
On April 12, 1926, she was united in marriage to Alfred G. Bouska in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, Iowa. They made their home on various farms in the Schley area until 1941 when they moved to a farm near Granger, MN. In the 1950's they moved into Cresco and Mary started working in the local hardware stores. Prior to retirement, she worked for Frank Church in his shop.
Mary liked gardening and canning of the produce she raised. She was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church, its Rosary Society and helped on many projects, such as sewing and the church dinners. She was a former member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her children: Edward of Dunkerton, IA, Alfred of Prior Lake, MN, and Angeline Harris of Carroll, IA, sixteen grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Alfred on November 30, 1993, three sisters: Victoria Berka, Emma Soukup, Rose Webster; six brothers: Alois, Joseph, Frank, Edward, Charles and James Samec.
Mary Corcoran
Mary Corcoran, age 80, died on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 21, 2003 at the Notre Dame Parish – Assumption Worship Center in Cresco, Iowa, with burial in the Marshall Lutheran Church Cemetery at Adams, MN. Rev. Henry Charipar will preside. Friends may call from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Sunday at the Conway Funeral Home and for one hour prior to services on Monday at the Church.
Mary Corcoran was born on July 25, 1922 in Liverpool, England, the daughter of John and Sarah Brathwaite Gallagher. She was educated in the schools in Liverpool and worked in various pubs and eateries prior to meeting her future husband.
On March 7, 1953, she was united in marriage to David Corcoran, a service man in England, and she came to this country in September of 1954. They immediately came to Cresco, Iowa and Dave started working for the telephone company. Cresco was Mary’s home until she became too ill and she moved to Forest City to be cared for by her daughter.
Mary was truly British, and never really gave up her British citizenship. She was a Beatles fan, a strong supporter of British royalty and followed the life of Princess Diana. She loved to read, ride a bicycle when she was younger, and was a very strong family person who deeply loved children. She loved to babysit and would play with all of the children who came to visit. She didn’t belong to organizations, because she wanted to spend this time with her family. Mary worked at taking care of people. She was a nurses aide at the Evans Memorial Home.
She is survived by her husband, Dave; one son: Steven of St. Charles, MN, and one daughter: Sharon Hanks of Forest City, IA; two grandchildren: Nick Hanks and Casey Corcoran; one great granddaughter, Breckan Hanks; one brother: Richard Gallagher of Aukland, New Zealand; and three sisters: Agnes Homan, Sally Hayes and Bridget Yegliss, all of Liverpool, England.
Mary was preceded in death by two brothers: Thomas and John Gallagher.
Mary Ann Praska
Mary Praska died Monday, August 1, 2005 at the Cresco Care Center where she has lived since March 7, 2005. She was 89 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, August 4, 2005 in the Holy Trinity Church at Protivin, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Msgr. Donald Heineman will officiate. Casket bearers will be Charles Christianson, Robert Elsbernd, Steve Praska, Marvin Praska, Eldon Strike and Reuben Praska.
Mary Ann Praska was born on October 14, 1915 at Calmar, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Taylor) Humpal. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar and received her education through the eighth grade in Calmar. Her mother died when she was a young girl and she had to start working. She worked for families as a hired girl doing many of the chores to help around the house.
On June 15, 1942, Mary was united in marriage to Edward Praska at St. Aloysius Church in Calmar. They moved to the farm south of Cresco and joined Holy Trinity Church in Protivin, where they remained members even after moving to Cresco in 1999.
Mary was a farm wife who worked on the farm, raised her family, had a garden, and did the cooking and canning that women had to do in order to make ends meet. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and watching TV. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Rosary Society.
She is survived by her husband, Edward, one daughter, Darlene, both of Cresco, IA; one sister, Georgine (Cletus) Elsbernd of Calmar, IA, and a sister-in-law, Margie Humpal of Decorah, IA.
Her mother died when Mary was 5 years old, her father died later, and four brothers: Joe, Louis, Leonard and George Humpal and one sister, Regina Riha, preceded her in death.
Matilda Evelyn Praska
Matilda Praska died Friday, February 13, 2004 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, Iowa after a short illness.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, February 16, 2004 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John Moser presiding. Friends may call at the Conway Funeral Home in Protivin from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Sunday. Lector will be Eugene Novak and the gifts will be carried by Lisa Lansing and Kristi Schmitt. Casket bearers will be the grandchildren.
Matilda Evelyn Praska was born on April 26, 1929 in Howard County, Iowa, the daughter of Lewis F and Christina (Novak) Malek. She attended the rural school near her home through the eighth grade and later went on to obtain her GED. Following her early education, she helped other families in the care of their home.
On November 8, 1949, Matilda was united in marriage to Reuben Praska at the Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco, Iowa. This union was blessed with three children. She originally belonged to the Assumption Church and following her marriage, she joined the Holy Trinity Church.
Following their marriage, they began farming. Matilda had grown up on a farm and knew the work that was involved. This didn’t prevent her from helping with the farm chores. She loved to garden and grow flowers. Other things she liked to do were, embroidering, cooking, crossword puzzles and playing cards, listening to polka music and playing her accordian. Mostly, Matilda loved having her grandchildren come so that she could spend time baby sitting. Her family was the most important thing to her.
Matilda is survived by her husband of 54 years, three children: Diane (Michael) Schmitt, Janice (Denis) Lansing and Ronald, all of Cresco, IA; eight grandchildren: Scott (Emily), Gregory (Stacy), Kimberly and Kristi Schmitt; Timothy, Jeffrey, Jill and Lisa Lansing; and one great granddaughter, Claire Schmitt.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Benjamin Malek.
Mathias (Matt) Joseph Palmersheim
February 9, 1910
July 3, 2001
Mathias (Matt) Joseph Palmersheim died Tuesday, July 3, 2001 at Colonial Manor Care Center in Elma after a short illness.
Services will be Saturday at 10:30 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 PM Friday at Conway Funeral Home in Elma with a 4 PM rosary and a 7 PM scripture service. Visitation also for an hour before the funeral at the funeral home.
Matt was born Feb 9, 1910, in rural Howard County, the son of John S. and Ella (Biwer) Palmersheim. He attended rural schools, St Bernard’s Catholic School in Alta Vista, and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Elma.
He married Dolores E. McGrane on Apr 22, 1937 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma. Following their marriage, Matt and Dolores lived north of Jerico and farmed with his parents. He was secretary of the Jerico Creamery for some time. They farmed in the Alta Vista and Elma areas until their retirement in 1975 when they moved to Elma. Matt then worked for Ludwig Plumbing and Heating for several years. Matt was the Sacristan at Immaculate Conception Church for many years. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and frequently conducted daily prayer services on days when no Mass was held.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores; five sons, Robert (Karen) of Lawler; Kenneth (Penny) of Lakeville, MN; Francis (Carol) of Sioux City; Patrick (Cindy) of Elma; Richard of Palm Desert, CA; and a sister Anna Chambers of Federal Way, WA. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Joe, two grandsons and a great grandson.
Melvin Oscar Roberg
Melvin Roberg, age 86, died Sunday, June 2, 2002 at his home in Cresco, Iowa.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, June 6, 2002 at the Nordland Lutheran Church rural Paynesville, MN. Rev. Keith Ainsley will officiate. Burial with military rites will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Conway Funeral Home from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Wednesday and at the church an hour prior to services on Thursday.
Melvin Oscar Roberg was born at home near Paynesville, MN, on December 13, 1915, the son of Olaf and Maime (Johnson) Roberg. He attended the rural school near his home through the eighth grade. Following his schooling, he helped on the farm for a while, but he loved to travel and so he went to California and various places. He entered the U. S. Army in 1942 serving in Africa and France. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to the midwest.
On December 30, 1947, he was united in marriage to Louise Thompson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After their marriage, Melvin and Louise lived in West Allis, Wisconsin where he and a brother operated a garage. In 1951 they moved to a farm in Howard County. They moved into Cresco in 1982. Melvin enjoyed work and traveling. He and Louise would travel to Europe and every winter they would go to California. A couple of years ago he fulfilled a life long dream of returning to France where he had served during the war. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, and a life long member of the Nordland Lutheran Church in Paynesville, MN. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Cresco, IA.
He is survived by his children: Susan K Thomas of Redfield, SD. Brian and Peggy Roberg of Cresco, IA. Marlys Alstad of Cresco, IA. seven grandchildren: Krista, Jeannette, Nicholas, Rebecca, Brett, Nathan and Jenna; four great grandchildren; four brothers: Norman of Anamosa, IA, Oliver of California, LaVerne of Maquoketa, IA and Russell of Salina, KS; one sister: Ethel Barker of Anamosa, IA.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Louise on March 14, 1995, two brothers: Clarence and Earl and an infant sister.
Merle Haack
Merle Haack, 78, of New Hampton, died Tuesday, July 31, 2001 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester after a short illness.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Saturday, August 4 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton with Reverend Carl Schmitt officiating.
Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery in Elba, MN with Darrel Preble, Jason Haack, Paul Haack, Eric Senica, Cory Haack, Ryan Senica, and Chris Haack serving as casket bearers.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Friday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton, where there will be a 5 pm rosary and 7 pm scripture service. Friends may also call an hour prior to services at the church.
Merle James Hereid
Merle Hereid, 75, of Jerico, died Saturday, November 24, 2001 at his home in Jerico of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, November 27 at Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Lawler with Reverend Peter D. Peterson officiating. Verna Orvis will be the organist and will accompany those in attendance singing “How Great Thou Art,” & “What A Friend We Have In Jesus. ”
Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lawler with Joel Knutson, Gary Borlaug, Don Hereid, Jeff Knutson, Jeff Engstrom & Kenny Hines serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be Lawrence Ondrashek, Harlan Anderson, Harry Sorenson, Raymond Nystel, Donald Knutson, Paul Johnson, Daryl Iverson, and Harvey Knutson serving as honorary casket bearers.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Monday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton and also an hour prior to service at the church.
Merle James Hereid was born January 1, 1926, in Jacksonville Township, rural Lawler, the son of Ingvald & Clara (Johnson) Hereid. He attended country school near his home in Jacksonville Township. After his schooling he went to work at White Farm in Charles City. On March 5, 1948 he was united in marriage to Adis G. Knutson at Saude Lutheran Church Parsonage. After their marriage the couple farmed in the Saude area. The couple moved to a farm near Alta Vista in 1968. Merle then went to work for Sara Lee in 1972, until his retirement in 1987, when the couple moved to Jerico where he was currently residing. He loved playing cards and fishing.
Merle is survived by:
a son Denny (Judy) Hereid of Sumner
a daughter Deanna (Bob [Tex]) Hageman of New Hampton
a granddaughter Angie (Doug) Ellanson of Sarona, WI
4 grandsons Shawn Hereid of Tripoli
-Drew Hereid of Sumner
-Blaine Hageman of New Hampton
-Colin Hageman of New Hampton
2 great grandchildren
3 Step granddaughters
1 step grandson
2 brothers- Lowell (Pete) Hereid of Jerico
-Paul Hereid of New Hampton
3 sisters-Ann Borlaug of New Hampton
-Ada Engstrom of Praire Du Chien, WI
-Orreann Hereid of Edina, MN
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Adis (January 28, 2000), a grandson Adam Hereid, 3 brothers Harold in infancy, Carlton, Oliver (Don).
