Anne Lepp
Anne Lepp, 91, of Butterfield died April 25, 1999, at the Trimont Nursing Home in Trimont. Services were held today (Wednesday) at the First Mennonite Church in Mt. Lake with the Rev. Raymond Reimer officiating. Special music was provided by Lila Neufeld, organist. Pallbearers were Connie Christensen, Corwyn Lepp, Jason Lepp, Mark Lepp, Michael Lepp, Michelle Lepp, Rodney Lepp, Ryan Lepp and Shawn Lepp. Interment
was at Mt. Lake Cemetery.
Anne Henrietta Friesen, daughter of Cornelius and Susanna (Sawatzky) Friesen was born May 12, 1907, in Butterfield Township, Watonwan County. She received her education in country schools and some high school in North Dakota. Anne was baptized in 1922, at Lostwood, N.D. In 1927, Anne married Peter Lepp. They made their home and farmed together near Lostwood until 1937, when they moved to a farm north of Butterfield. They farmed until they retired and moved into Butterfield in 1973. Anne worked for the St. James Greenhouse for 17 years. Peter died in 1988. Anne was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Mt. Lake, the Oak Leaf Mission Society and the Butterfield Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers, Ted, Cornelius and Jacob Friesen. Survivors include her three sons, Richard (Jean) Lepp of St. James; James (Donna) Lepp of Butterfield; and Colin (Lois) Lepp of Dodge Center; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, George Friesen of Mesa, Ariz.; two sisters, Susan Enns of Stanley, N.D.; and Mary Lou (Harold) Knickrehm of St. James.
LeRoy Ziegler
LeRoy Ziegler. 62, of Lakefield died April 24, 1999, at Avera-McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. Services were held Tuesday at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield with the Rev. Gary Anderson officiating. Special music was provided by Ardis Mickelson. Pallbearers were Jim Rue, Robert Dauffenbach, Roger Weber, Jim Trondson, Paul Brekke, Marv Appel and Lloyd Kruse. Interment
was at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lakefield.
LeRoy Michael Ziegler, son of Michael and Murrel (Bergenske) Ziegler, was born Aug. 26, 1936, in Oakes, N.D. LeRoy was baptized and later confirmed at St. Charles Catholic Church in Oakes. He attended grade school at St. Charles Catholic Schoool in Valley City and graduated from Valley City High School. After graduation, LeRoy lived in Valley City for a short time before moving to California. He married Georgeann Eubanks. The couple moved back to Valley City, N.D., and then to Lakefield in 1966. LeRoy spent much of his life as a truck driver and worked for Land-O-Lakes, Bob Dauffenbach at Dauffenbach Trucking and Blackowski Trucking. He was recently employed at Kruse Paving in Lakefield.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgeann; a son, Tim Carline; and a brother, LaMont “Bud” Ziegler. Survivors include his three sons, Brian Ziegler of Dell Rapids, S.D.; Jim Carline of Minneaplis; and Michael Carline of Lakefield; four sisters, Barbara Weigel of Fargo, N.D.; Jean (Edward) Monson of Lakefield; Joyce (Ronald) Higgins of Bellflower, Calif; and Shirley Hanson of Lakefield and three grandchildren.
William Kunze
William F. Kunze, 86, of Hutchinson died April 19, 1999, at his home. Services were held Friday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with Pastor Don Urbach officiating. Special music was provided by Letty Bernhagen, organist, and Lisa Habeck, soloist. Honorary pallbearers were Nicole Hall, Robert Hall II, Matthew Hall, Roberts Pace III, Julie Pace, Elizabeth Pace, Anthony Pace, Christopher Bishop, Meredith Bishop and Hope Corcoran. A private family interment
was held in Hersery Cemetery in Brewster.
William Kunze was born June 18, 1912, in Brewster to Henry and Anna (Hiese) Kunze. William was baptized as an infant and confirmed at the Brewster Lutheran Church. Bill attended the Jackson Country School in Brewster. In 1941, he married Celia Kuehl. They farmed in the Brewster area. In 1957 Bill and Celia moved to Windom where Bill was employed with the city as a boiler operator for many years.
He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Albert Kunze, Charlie Kunze, Henry Kunze, Augusta Thomford, and four siblings that died in infancy, Walter Kunze, Herbert Kunze, Margaret and Mary Anne Kunze. Survivors include his wife, Celia, of Hutchinson; a son, Donald (Debbie) Kunze of Andover; daughters, Connie Bishop of Golden Valley; Diana (Robert) Hall of LeSueur; and Sharon (William) Coyne of Edina; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sisters, Elsie Habeck of Worthington and Frieda Mortenson of St. Paul.
Violet Wehmeyer
Violet Wehmeyer, 90, of Storden died April 25, 1999, at Wiener Memorial Hospital in Marshall. Services will be Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church in Storden with Pastor Alan Buresh officiating. Special music will be provided by Ronald Torkelson, vocalist, and Ardelle Swenson, organist. Pallbearers will be Robert Schneider, Edward Foley, Chad Wehmeyer, Arnold Wehmeyer, David Foley, Mike Roberts and Dale A. Wehmeyer. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Violet’s granddaughters. Interment
will be at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Storden.
Jeff Whiting
Jeffrey Whiting, 17, of Windom died June 12, 1999, in a car-train accident in Windom. Services will be held today (Wednesday) at the Windom Area High School in Windom with Pastor Byron Emmert, Pastor Dennis Siebert, Pastor Michael Emmert and Pastor Jeffrey Hansen officiating. Special music will be provided by Mary LaCanne, Molly Mix, Simone Sunderman and Rachel Ward accompanied by Dustin Stavens and the Windom Chordhustlers. Pallbearers will be Mike Foley, Mike Wojahn, Kent Mickelson, George Bakalyar, Ken Fast and Roger Hoehne. Honorary pallbearers will be the ’50s group. Interment
will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Windom.
Jeffrey Nathan Whiting, son of Michael and Patricia (Smith) Whiting, was born June 19, 1981, in Atlanta, Ga. He was received into the Christian Faith through Baptism at the Assmbly of God Church in Mt. Lake. Jeff lived in several communities in his lifetime and most recently moved to Windom with his family in 1996. Jeffrey was home schooled at his home in Mt. Lake for part of his elementary education and also attended Mt. Lake Elementary. In May of 1999, Jeffrey graduated from Windom Area High School. He attended the Missionary Alliance Church and was a ctive in church plays and singing in the choirl Jeffrey was also very active during his high school years including One-Act Plays, speech and he took fifth place at state speech his junior year, choir in which he was a letter winner, ’50s group, choir section leader, choir vice-president his senior year, fall musicals, Fiddler on the Roof in 1995, Oklahoma in 1996 and The Sound of Music in 1997, playing the lead, Captain Von Trapp. He was also a letterwinner for the fall musica’s D.A.R.E. role model his senior year, Citizenship Award his junior year and senior class speaker for the senior class of 1999. Jeff also had been working at Nasby Agri-Systems in Windom for the past year.
Survivors include his parents, Michael and Patricia Whiting of Windom; brothers, Josh and Tim Whiting at home in Windom; grandparents, Keith and Geraldine Whiting of Ringsted, Iowa and Sara P. Watson of Cuba, Mo.
Duane Olson
Duane Olson, 66, of Mt. Lake died June 11, 1999, at his home. Services were held Tuesday at the Trinity Lu-theran Church in Mt. Lake with the Rev. Robert Gardner officiating. Special music was provided by Misty Karschnik, organist. Pallbearers were Harvey Enns, Marvin Enns, Arnold Oeltjen-bruns, Emil Oeltjenbruns, Walter Oeltjenbruns and Carl Rickert. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren, Daniel Olson, Brandi Olson, Jacob Olson, Justine Olson, Derek Olson, Marc Olson, Amber Olson and God children, Gregory Hildebrandt, Keith Oeltjenbruns, Kelly Chester, Alison (Svalland) Poch, Derek Olson, Amber Olson, board members of the Cooperative Oil Association of Mt. Lake, Western Co-op Transportation, and Land O’ Lakes Regional. Interment
was at the Mt. Lake Cemetery.
Duane Maynard Olson, son of Maynard and Goldie (Dorman) Olson, was born April 2, 1933, in Hartley, Iowa. He received his education in a country school near Mt. Lake and he graduated from the Mt. Lake High School in 1951. Duane was baptized in 1933 in Hartley, and he was confirmed in 1948, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Lake. After high school he worked for area farmers and businesses before serving in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1957, Duane married Dorathea Anni Hildebrandt at the Trinity Lutheran Church. They have been partners in farming near Mt. Lake since their marriage and he worked at Balzer Manufacturing in Mt. Lake. Duane was a member of the Mt. Lake V.F.W. Post #9072, the Donald Larson V.F.W. Post #9607, on the board of directors for Mt. Lake Cooperative Oil Association, Land O’ Lakes and Western Co-op Transport. Duane was also active on the church council.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Dorathea Olson of Mt. Lake; four sons, Douglas (Linda) Olson of Dumont; Daryl Olson of Mason City, Iowa; Deland (Deborah) Olson of Savage and Dean (Julie) Olson of River Falls, Wis.; seven grandchildren; and a sister, Corinne Carlblom of Herman-town.
Harry Loewen
Harry Loewen, 85, of Mt. Lake died June 13, 1999, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Services were held today (Wed-nesday) at the Bethel Mennonite Church in Mt. Lake with the Rev. George O’Reilly officiating.
Harry J. Loewen, son of Jacob F. and Helena (Dick) Loewen, was born in Carson Township, Cottonwood County, on Feb. 2, 1914. He was raised on a farm near Mt. Lake and attended Country School District 80E, finishing the eighth grade in the spring of 1929. The next year he attended Mt. Lake German Bible School. After that he helped on the farm and also worked for some neighbors. He was baptized in 1935, and joined the Bergfelder (Gospel) Mennonite Church. In 1941, he was drafted and chose to go to civilian public service at Denison, Iowa, where he served four years doing conservation work. In 1942, he married Verna Schroeder. In 1943, Harry became a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church. After the term of service at Denison, they moved to the farm in 1945, where they continued to live. Verna died in 1957. In 1958, Harry married Mildred Etta Rogers. They continued to farm until 1979, when Harry had his first heart attack. Harry served on the Mt. Lake Shipping Association Board for many years, Mennonite Aid Society and Mennonite Property Aid. He was active in the Bethel Church serving as an usher for many years and also as treasurer and trustee. He also managed the Care and Share Store in Mt. Lake from its beginning in 1980 until 1985.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Verna; a daughter, Janlee Ruth Blosser; two brothers, Abram J. and Jacob J. Loewen; and five sisters, Marie Heide, Frieda Wilmoth, Esther Loewen, Alma Loewen and Helen Loewen. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Loewen of Mt. Lake; a daughter, Velma Jane Loewen of Normal, Ill; three grandchildren; three sisters, Linda Nickel of Mt. Lake; Laura (Francis) Saeger of Bemidji; and Leona (David) Dick of Mt. Lake.
Ellsworth Pietz
Ellsworth Pietz, 76, of West-brook died June 9, 1999, at the McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. Services were held Saturday at the Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook with the Rev. Gordon Trelstad officiating. Special music was provided by organist Betty Rupp, and soloist Eunice Christensen. Pallbearers were Nick Meyer, Vernal Wahl, Vernal Horkey, Leon Mischke, Richard Meyer, Richard Burns, Duane Mischke and Harvey Carlson. Honorary pallbearers were Maurice ahd Hilda Mitchell, Earl and Maureen Leverty and Delbert and Betty Jensen. Interment
was at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Rosehill Township, Westbrook.
Ellsworth Louis Pietz was born Oct. 23, 1922, in Rosehill Township, Cottonwood County, to Edward and Martha (Mischke) Pietz. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Rosehill Township. He attended country school. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the service he returned to Westbrook where he started farming in Rosehill Township. In 1946, Ellsworth married Gloria Clark at Faith Lutheran Church in Westbrook. The couple farmed in Rosehill Township until retirement. Gloria died in 1983. In 1984, Ellsworth moved into Westbrook. In 1984, Ellsworth married Joyce Zinnef. The couple resided in Westbrook. Ellsworth worked for the A.S.C. and the county committee for many years. He served on the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Board. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. He was a member of the Short Horn Cattle Assn., a member of the Dundee Rod and Gun Club, the Westbrook V.F.W. and the Storden American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria; and one sister, Avis. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Pietz, of Westbrook; three children, Ricky (Cindee) Pietz of Charlotte, N.C.; Lynn (Susan) Pietz of Faribault; and ValRee (Glen) Graff of Sanborn; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandson; three step-children, Steven Zinnel of Stillwater; Lorelei Hafey Francke of San Antonio, Texas; and David Zinnel of Phoenix, Ariz.
Lois Tilton
Lois Tilton, 72, of Storden died June 12, 1999, of a heart attack at her home in Storden. Services will be held today (Wednesday) at the Bethany Lutheran Chuch in Storden with the Rev. Alan Buresh officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the Legion Auxiliary Post 391 and Storden American Legion Post 391. Interment
will be at a later date and time.
Lois L. Tilton, daughter of Anton “Tony” and LuLu Nielsen, was born in Arco, April 5, 1927. She attended school in Arco and graduated from Ivanhoe schools. She married Robert Tilton in 1949. After their marriage, the couple lived in Willmar before moving to Storden in the summer of 1965. After moving to Storden, Lois worked for the Campbell Soup Company in Worthington. After working for Campbell’s Soup, Lois began working for the Fingerhut Company in Windom and worked for them until her retirement. After retirement, Lois babysat for several years for the Gary Gillis family in Storden.
She was preceded in death by one son. Survivors include her husband, Robert, of Storden; children, Bob (Ellen) Tilton of Champlin; Richard (Cindy) Tilton of Mankato; Tom Tilton of Porterville, Calif.; Jerry (Jane) Tilton of Waukegen, Ill.; Toni (Bill) Quade of Storden; Marie (Ron) Koehn of Clinton, Okla.; a brother, C.R. “Ric” (Del) Nielsen of Addison, Ill.; a sister, Martha (Maurice) Smith of St. Cloud; 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Leland Johnson
Leland Johnson, 70, of Mt. Lake died June 9, 1999, at the Good Samaritan Village in Mt. Lake of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Services were held Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Lake with the Rev. Robert Gardner officiating. Special music was provided by Lois Anderson, organist. Pallbearers were Lloyd Carlson, David Dick, Paul Harder, Alfred Johnson, Steve Johnson and David Olson. Interment
was at Mt. Lake Cemetery.
Leland Stanford Johnson, son of Otto and Jennie (Loof) Johnson, was born April 25, 1929, at the Bethel Hospital in Mt. Lake. He received his education at Cottonwood County District #67 country schol and the Mt. Lake Public School. Leland was baptized at the Christian Reformed Church of Mt. Lake and in 1980 transferred his membership to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Lake. In 1952, Leland married Verna Rempel. They made their home and farmed together north of Mt. Lake for most of his life. Over the past years he served as a Sunday School teacher, Elder and Deacon in the Christian Reformed Church. He also served as Church Treasurer and particiated in the church choir at Trinity Lutheran Church. He also served on the Mt. Lake Elevator Board of Directors, the Midland Cooperative Board of directors and he was a former member of the Mt. Lake Lions Club.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, John Otto, Harm, Elmer Johnson and one in infancy; and two sisters, Gertrude Harder and one in infancy. Survivors include his wife, Verna Johnson, of Mt. Lake; five children, Barb (Jim) Quiring of Chanhassen; Larry (Gemma) Drees of Red Lake Falls; Susan (Mike) Lucht of Tuscon, Ariz.; Doug Johnson of Denver, Colo.; and Diane (Scott) Ling of Champlin,; eight grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence (Caroline) Johnson of Windom; four sisters, Ella Olson, Grace Peters, Irene Loewen and Verna (Raymond) Oeltjenbruns, all of Mt. Lake.
Elizabeth Hill
Elizabeth Hill, 88, of Auburn, Iowa, died June 10, 1999, Our House Hospice in Slayton. Services were held Monday at St. Mary’s in Auburn with Father Mark E. Harrington officiating. Special music was provided by Pastor Barry Hill, Angie Heezen, Karen Gray, Dean Palmer, Gail Palmer, Norma Simmons and Rob Hill. Pallbearers were Don Palmer, David Palmer, Glen Herrig, Mark Herrig, Chris Herrig, Steve Herrig, Scott Hill and Kelly Hill. Honorary pallbearers were Anita Tipton, Barb Metz, Kathy Schuck, Debi Sheets, Denise Ling, Michelle Baumhoefner, Pamela Epley and Jennifer Hill. Interment
was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Auburn.
Elizabeth Rose O’Tool, daughter of James and Theresa (Schulte) O’Tool was born Feb. 24, 1911, in Breda, Iowa. She received her education and graduated from Auburn Public School in 1919 and received a teaching certificate from Cedar Falls Teachers School. She married Lawrence Hill in 1934. Following their marriage they farmed in Auburn, Cylinder and the Emmetsburgs, Iowa, area. They then settled in the Auburn area and farmed for 18 years. In 1957, they moved to Iona, retired and returned to Auburn in 1971. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Altar Society in Auburn; St. Ann’s Council of Catholic Women and the Chat and Sew Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; brothers, Lawrence, Leonard and James O’Tool; sister, Laurellia Haubrich; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Survivors include her children, Richard (Alda) Hill of Blue Springs, Mo.; Daniel (Maggie) Hill of Mt. Lake; Janice (Don) Palmer of LeMars, Iowa; Harold (Virginia) Hill of Windom; Marilyn (Ed) Herrig of Wilmont; Lawrence Jr. (Linda) Hill of Independence, Mo.; Robert (Mary) Hill of Hadley; a sister, Cordellia Steffes of Carroll, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
Evelyn Loudermilk
Evelyn Loudermilk, 82, of Windom died June 8, 1999, at the Immanuel Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato. Services were held Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Windom with the Rev. Jeffrey Hansen officiating. Interment
was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Estherville, Iowa.
Evelyn Marie Swartz, daughter of Walter and Fern (Wood) Swartz, was born in Estherville, Iowa, on May 17, 1917. She was received into the Christian faith through baptism at the Terril Methodist Church in Terril, Iowa. After living a few years in Estherville, Iowa, Evelyn moved with her family to Terril where she graduated from high school in 1934. Evelyn was active in her church and 4-H Club as a young person and she worked in private homes. In 1941, Evelyn married Teddy L. Loudermilk. After their marriage, Evelyn was a houswife, mother and worked for Ted’s relatives. Later Evelyn worked in the Lakefield Hospital for four years and after moving to Windom, she began to work for the Sogge Good Samaritan Home in Windom for six years until she was disabled in 1973. In 1985, Evelyn and her husband moved to their current residence in Bingham Lake. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Windom and of the Memorial Committee Committee of the United Methodist Women and a Sunday school teacher.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Marie VanNorman; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Survivors include her husband, Teddy Loudermilk of Bingham Lake; children, Dale Loudermilk of St. James; Sybil (Wally) Minion of Bingham Lake; Rhonda (Howard) Friesen of Pemberton; sisters, Beth (Eugene) Huebner of Gnadenhutten, Ohio; Eileen (Dale) Blunt of Terril, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; and 15-great-grandchildren.
Eugene Sames
Eugene ‘Gene’ Sames, 62, of Loveland, Colo., died June 9, 1999. Services were held Saturday at Allnutt Hunter Chapel in Loveland with the Rev. Kim Latterell officiating. Interment
was at Gunnison County Cemetery.
Eugene Sames, was born April 28, 1937, at Lakefield to Mathew Nicholas and Caroline (Erkens) Sames. He graduated from Windom High School in 1955. In 1965, he married Doris J. Brown. He was a computer program analyst at Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., and at Northeastern Jr. College in Sterling, Colo., before retiring in 1992.
He was preceded in death by his wife. Survivors include a son, Michael Sames of Sunnyvale, Calif.; a daughter, Diane (Michael) Hellbusch of Loveland; sisters, Donna (Robert) Colhour of Loveland; and Georgia (Melvin) Rients of Lakefield; and four grandchildren.
Harvey Gieser
Harvey Gieser, 68, of St. James, formerly of Mt. Lake, died Dec. 17, 1999 at St. James.
Services were held Monday at the First Baptist Church in St. Francis with Pastor James Snow officiating.
Interment
will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were with Bjerum Funeral Home.
Harvey Gieser was born Oct. 20, 1931, in Alpha, son of Harold and Marie (Harris) Gieser. He graduated from Sherburn High School in 1949, and attended the Minnesota School of Business for two years. He began working for Northrup King in 1950.
Harvey married JoAnne Mounts in 1957. The couple resided in the Twin Cities area until 1985 when Harvey transferred to Chattanooga, Tenn., by Northrup King. He retired June of 1992. The couple then moved south of Mt. Lake until Harvey’s ill-health forced the couple to sell their home in October.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Captain Kenneth Gieser.
Survivors include his wife, JoAnne, of St. James; children, Jeffrey (Deb) Gieser of Louisa, Va.; Cynthia (Bill) Borner of Elbow Lake; Bonita (Todd) Tersteeg of Coon Rapids; and Steven Gieser of Butterfield; six grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Ronald (Irmgard) Gieser of St. Paul; Richard (Darlene) Gieser of Wisconsin; Harold (Pat) Gieser of Mitchell, S.D.; Douglas (Linda) Gieser of Ohio; JoAn (Richard) Olson of Trimont and Audrey Davey of St. Paul.
Margaret Junker
Margaret Junker, 91, of Mt. Lake died Dec. 20, 1999, at Mt. Lake.
Services were held Monday at the Alliance Missionary Church in Mt. Lake with Pastor Randy Junker officiating.
Interment
was held at the Delft Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Bjerum Funeral Home.
Margaret May Korfe, daughter of Harm and Anna (Harms) Korfe, was born Aug. 7, 1908, at George, Iowa. She received her education at Corona, S.D. In 1924, the family moved to Dale Township, Cottonwood County. She accepted the Lord in the Jeffers Baptist Church. In 1930, she married Ben F. Junker. They farmed in Selma Township until retiring in 1968, and moving to Mt. Lake.
She was very active in the Assembly of God Church and taught Sunday school.
Ben died in 1995. Margaret entered the Good Samaritan Village in 1991.
She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, LeRoy; and two brothers, Raymond and Wesley Korfe.
Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn (James) Adams of Coon Rapids; and Lois (Bruce) Geske of Fridley; four sons, Fred (Joan) Junker of Mt. Lake; Harvey (Beverly) Junker of Denton, Texas; Raymond (Shirley) Junker of Keller, Texas; and Wayne (Anne) Junker of Redwood Falls; a brother, Vernon (Joan) Junker of Redwood Falls; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; six sisters, Jean Bolstad, Ann Russel and Theresa Riffle, all of Windom; Luella (Leonard) Pankratz and Sylvia (Franklin) Selvey, all of Staples; and Irene (Eldon) Cole of Des Moines, Iowa.
Katharina Braun
Katharina Braun, 90, of Mt. Lake died Dec. 19, 1999, at the Eventide Home in Mt. Lake.
Services were held Wednesday at the Bethel Mennonite Church in Mt. Lake with Pastor George O’Reilly officiating.
Interment
was in the Mt. Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Eifert Funeral Home.
Katharina "Tina" Braun, daughter of Peter and Katharina (Dick) Braun, was born April 20, 1909, in Postwa, Sudrussland (South Russia). She received her education in Bible studies. Katharina was baptized in 1930, at Rudnerweide (Mennonite) Church. In 1943, Katharina, her sister, Anna, and niece, Erna, fled to the west leaving all possessions behind. After a long trip they arrived in Germany in 1944. With God’s help and the assistance of MCC, they emigrated to Butterfield in 1952. Their sponsor was Jacob J. Berg. In 1952, they moved to Mt. Lake where they settled and found work.
Tina was employed at the Mt. Lake Hospital for 28 years. She did volunteer work. She entered the Eventide Home in 1997 and was a resident until her death. She was a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church in Mt. Lake.
She was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters in Russia.
Survivors include her two children, Julie and Kevin in Russia.
Michael Sawatzky
Michael Sawatzky, 34, of McFarland, Wisc., died following a snowmobile accident, on Friday, Dec. 24.
Services were held Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Hope Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, Wisc. Burial followed in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Cottage Grove.
Dorthea Slivnik
Dorethea Slivnik, 60, of St. Cloud, formerly of Butterfield, died on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids.
Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 28, at the Kramer Family Funeral Home in Trimont with Rev. Martin Overson of the First Lutheran Church officiating.
Mildred Matzke
Mildred Matzke, 83, of Bingham Lake died Aug. 23, 2003, at Jackson Medical Center in Jackson.
Services were held Tuesday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom with Father Andrew Olsem officiating.
Special music was provided by Colleen Ortmann, organist; Jo-hanna Low, piano soloist; and Mary Theesfeld, vocalist.
Lector was Joan Low; gift bearers were Diane and Johanna Low; and Altar Boy was Andy Hunter.
Casketbearers were Thomas Low, Jason Low, Nathan Low, Willis Booze Sr., Willis Booze Jr. and Dennis Beukelman.
Interment
was at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Windom.
Mildred Bernice Low was born Jan. 14, 1920, to James and Mary (Phillips) Low on a farm near Sleepy Eye. She moved with her family to the Bingham Lake area at an early age, where she attended Bingham Lake Public School, graduating in 1938.
She attended Mankato Teachers College and graduated in 1943. Mildred taught school in the Cottonwood and Jackson County areas for 19 years.
In 1941, Mildred married Lester Matzke in Mankato.
Following World War II, the couple made their home in Bingham Lake, where she remained until 1993.
Mildred was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom. She also was a member of the Bingham Lake Garden Club and the Progress Club. She enjoyed gardening and the outdoors.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Matzke; daughter, Garnet Booze; and one sister.
Survivors include a sister, Margaret Horkey of Tacoma, Wash.; a brother, James (Joan) Low of Bingham Lake; and a son-in-law, Willis Booze Sr. of Windom.
Helen Nigg
Helen Nigg, 84, of Lamberton died Aug. 22, 2003, at Valley View Manor in Lamberton.
Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m., at Our Savior’s Lu-theran Church in Lamberton with Rev. Lee Harder officiating.
Interment
will be at Lamberton Cemetery in Lamberton.
Visitation will be held Thursday for one hour prior to services at the church in Lamberton.
Sturm Funeral Home of Lam-berton is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Helen Irene Warenas was born Dec. 26, 1918, to Thomas and Bessie (Hilleson) Warenas in Windom. She grew up in Storden and graduated from Storden High School.
After briefly working in California, she returned to Minnesota and married George Nigg in 1943. The couple lived in Lamberton where Helen worked as a Post Office clerk for 30 years.
Helen was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lam-berton and was president of the Ladies Aid.
Helen was involved in the American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as president and Second District first vice president. She was also president of the Valley View Manor Auxiliary.
She enjoyed participating in her bridge clubs, the birthday club and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She also enjoyed visits to her grand niece in Scottsdale, Ariz.
She was prceded in death by her husband, George, in 1985; sisters, Esther Hanson, Della Olson, Hattie Kaushagen and Mayme Valen; and brothers, Thomas and Darwin Warenas.
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Iris Nigg Lundin; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
