Mary C. Ramthun
March 21, 1922 - Oct. 9, 2000
LITCHFIELD -- Mary Cecilia Ramthun, 78, of Litchfield died Monday at the Meeker County Memorial Hospital in Litchfield.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Church of St. Gertrude in Forest City with the Rev. Mark Mallak officiating. Burial will be in St. Gertrude's Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield.
She was born March 21, 1922, on the Hill Farm south of Forest City in Darwin Township, Meeker County, to John and Catherine (Dougherty) Kleis. She attended country school through the eighth grade.
On April 27, 1945, she married Walter Ramthun in Forest City. They farmed in Forest City Township until March of 1964 when they moved to Litchfield. She worked at various places, including Al's Café in Eden Valley, the Red Castle Nursing Home, Travelers Inn Restaurant, Shell Café, Hide Away Café, West End Café, Janousek's and Park View Lunch in Litchfield. She retired 16 years ago and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease four years ago.
She is survived by her son Roger Ramthun of Vadnais Heights; daughter Sylvia (and Mike) Mooney of Grove Creek, Ga.; three grandchildren; brother Matt (and Rita) Kleis of Litchfield and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband and brother.
Bea I. Ritland
Jan. 21, 1915 - Jan. 10, 2001
DAWSON -- Beatrice I. Ritland, 85, died Wednesday at Madison Hospital in Madison.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home Chapel in Dawson. There will be no visitation or reviewal.
She was born Jan. 21, 1915, in Hamlin Township, Lac qui Parle County, to Clinton and Nellie (Tiffany) Barrett. She completed eighth grade at District 28 Hamlin Township School. She was employed by Lockheed in Burbank, Calif., for more than 49 years. She returned to Minnesota and was employed by Sparks Hatchery of Sioux Falls, S.D. She moved to Dawson.
On Aug. 26, 1951, she married Henry "Hank" Ritland. She was employed by Cozy Café, later purchasing the café and changing its name to "Bea's Lunch." They sold the café, and she was employed as a cook by American Legion Club of Dawson for more than 20 years. Hank died March 11, 1986. She moved to Madison Lutheran Home in December 1997.
She is survived by her half sister Deloris Barrett of Dawson; stepsister Lavonne Dahl of Bloomington and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister, one stepbrother, and two half brothers.
Ruth Renstrom
Oct. 16, 1921 - Jan. 8, 2001
BIRD ISLAND -- Ruth Renstrom, 79, of Bird Island died Monday at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Bird Island with the Rev. T. Lance Holthusen officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Bird Island and one hour prior to services at the church.
She was born Oct. 16, 1921, in Osceola Township, rural Bird Island, to John and Anna (Alisch) Maresch. She attended rural Bird Island school.
On Oct. 17, 1939, she married Vern Renstrom. They farmed in rural Bird Island and later near Lake Lillian, moving to Hutchinson in 1967. She returned to Bird Island four years ago. She was employed by Tonka Toys of Minnetonka many years and later by Hutchinson Hospital.
She was active at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
She is survived by her children Audrey (and Joe) Vokal of Silver Lake, Brian (and Cathy) Renstrom of Brownton; one grandson; sister Elvira Kenning of Hackensack and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and four brothers.
Leona Halvorson Stock
Nov. 20, 1916 - Jan. 9, 2001
APPLETON -- Leona Halvorson Stock, 84, of Appleton died Tuesday at Appleton Municipal Nursing Home.
Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at First Congregational Church in Appleton with the Rev. Herbert Rotunda officiating. Private burial will be at a later date in Appleton City Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Vaala Funeral Home in Appleton and one hour prior to services at the church.
She was born Nov. 20, 1916, in Edison Township, Swift County, to Lawrence and Mary (Blahosky) Kashmark. She attended Appleton High School.
On Nov. 19, 1936, she married Hjalmar Halvorson.
On Dec. 9, 1965, she married Wilfred Stock. She lived in Appleton where she was employed by several cafes, the Red Owl Store and owned and operated a ceramic shop for 12 years, retiring in 1981.
She was a member of First Congregational Church, active with women's fellowship, member of Degree of Honor-Protective Association, American Legion Auxiliary, West Central Ceramic Association and senior citizens board of directors.
She is survived by her children John (and Betty) Halvorson of Monticello, Mickey (and Tom) Christensen of Janesville, Phyllis Schoenrock of Alexandria, Rod Halvorson of St. Paul, Bob Halvorson of West Des Moines, Iowa, Wendy Steuck of Chokio, Mark (and Dawn) Halvorson of Benson; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister LeVina Currey of Grand Meadow and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, son-in-law Royal Steuck, four brothers and three sisters.
Frederick E. Bode
Oct. 30, 1937 - Jan. 9, 2001
LITCHFIELD TOWNSHIP -- Frederick Edwin Bode, 63, of Litchfield Township, Meeker County, died Tuesday at his residence.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield with the Rev. Harvey Nelson and the Rev. Tim Hansen officiating. Private family inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials are preferred.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. today at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield and one hour prior to services at the church.
He was born Oct. 30, 1937, in Courtland Township, Nicolett County, to Edwin and Minnie (Sperl) Bode. He was a 1955 graduate of Nicolett High School. He played trumpet and harmonica in several polka bands including the "Country Dutchmen." He farmed earlier in his adult life.
He is survived by his wife Karen; sons Shawn (and Kelly Goeb) Bode of Moose Lake, Shannon Bode of Glenwood; mother of Courtland; two grandchildren; brother Waldemar of Searles; sisters Elizabeth (and Stuart) Firnhaber of California, Naomi (and Lloyd) Voges of Courtland and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Emma F. Johnson
Aug. 5, 1901 - Jan. 9, 2001
WILLMAR -- Emma Florence Johnson, 99, of Willmar died Tuesday at Infinia in Willmar.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Covenant Church in Willmar with the Rev. Dan Johnson officiating. Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday in Cloverleaf Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.
She was born Aug. 5, 1901, to August and Erika (Larson) Olin. She lived with her family in Lake Wilson, moving to Willmar in 1914. She was a 1920 graduate of Willmar High School and received business training at Minnehaha Academy. She was employed by Willmar Grocery Store.
On March 9, 1935, she married Richard Johnson in Willmar. They farmed in Whitefield Township.
She was a member of First Covenant Church in Willmar, active in Women's Society.
She is survived by her daughter Gloria (and Richard) Nelson of Willmar; son Lowell (and Karen) Johnson of Willmar; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter, one brother and four sisters.
Leonard E. Christenson
Dec. 18, 1942 - Jan. 8, 2001
SPICER -- Leonard E. Christenson, 58, of Spicer died unexpectedly Monday in St. Paul after an apparent heart attack while working.
His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer with the Rev. Scott Gjevre officiating. Burial will be in Spicer City Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Willmar VFW post.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer and one hour prior to the service at the church.
He was born Dec. 18, 1942, in Minneapolis to Arnold and Lillian (Anderson) Christenson. He graduated from New London High School in 1960 and later from St. Olaf College. He served for four years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
He married Beverly Halvorson on June 29, 1968. They lived in St. Paul, Andover and Coon Rapids before returning to Spicer one year ago. He was employed as a computer design engineer for Control Data, ETA Systems and BullMicral Co. He worked for Micron Technologies Co. at the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife; daughters Elizabeth Christenson of Spicer, Natalie Christenson of Minneapolis; sons David Christenson of Spicer and Jacob Christenson of Spicer; brother Jerome (and Kathy) Christenson of Chaska and sister Arlene (and Nick) Curtis of Willmar.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Arlene A. Lofquist
March 13, 1915 - Jan. 11, 2001
GLENWOOD -- Arlene Adell Lofquist, 85, of Glenwood died Thursday at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Glenwood Lutheran Church with the Rev. Bob Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Lakeview Addition.
Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday until time of services at the church. Arrangements are with Hoplin Funeral Home, Glenwood.
She was born March 13, 1915, in Dovray Township, Murray County, to Paul and Nettie (Howe) Swenhaugen. Her family moved to the Starbuck area.
On May 25, 1938, she married Edgar Lofquist. They farmed near Kensington, moving to Illinois in 1949. They returned two years later to Minnesota, making their home in Glenwood. She moved to Glenwood Retirement Village in November 2000.
She was a member of Glenwood Lutheran Church, active in Ladies Aid Circle.
She is survived by her daughter Janet Lofquist of Minneapolis; sons Donald (and Lorraine) of Brooklyn Center, Jerome (and Mary Anne) of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister Olive Dahlquist of Starbuck; and brothers Marvin (and Evelyn) Swenhaugen of Seneca, Ill., Mayland Swenhaugen of Sun City, Ariz., and Arvid (and Ione) Swenhaugen of Ottawa, Ill.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister and one grandson.
Steve E. Dorsett
April 24, 1973 - Jan. 8, 2001
LITTLE FALLS -- Steve E. Dorsett, 27, of Little Falls died Monday from injuries received in an accident in Marietta, Ga.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Evangelical Free Church in Willmar with the Rev. Todd Olson officiating. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Zion Cemetery in Bertha.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to services at the church.
He was born April 24, 1973, in Minneapolis to Edwin and Judith (Bonnema) Dorsett. He graduated from Bertha-Hewitt High School in 1992 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was most recently employed as a tree trimmer for Daryl Rekowski's Tree Service in Little Falls.
He is survived by his parents Judy Ladwig of Willmar and Ed (and Nancy) Dorsett of Moorhead; sister Karen (and Todd) Severson of Willmar; grandfather Marvin Bonnema of Willmar; grandmother Helen Dorsett of Bertha; half brother Jonathan Dorsett of Moorhead and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother Grace Bonnema and grandfather Calvin Dorsett.
Hulda Standfuss
Feb. 14, 1911 - Jan. 11, 2001
RENVILLE -- Hulda Standfuss, 89, of Renville died Thursday at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Renville with the Rev. John Melke officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Renville.
Visitation will be 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Renville and one hour prior to services at the church.
She was born Feb. 14, 1911, in Mariendorf, Germany, to Christ and Paulina (Link) Petzke. She moved to a farm south of Renville when she was 12. She attended Flora Township country school.
On Sept. 15, 1929, she married William Standfuss. They farmed in the Danube area until retiring and moving to Renville. William died in 1983. She moved to Meadows on Main in September 1997 and lived at Crossroads and the RenVilla Nursing Home before her death.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and its quilting circle.
She is survived by her children Duane (and Marcella) Standfuss of Danube, Marjorie (and Orville) Lenz of Renville, Wilbur (and Betty) Standfuss of Renville; brother Gary "Gerhardt" (and Ellie) Petzke of Cannon City, Colo.; seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister and one granddaughter.
Viola L. Enevoldsen
Aug. 5, 1915 - Jan. 11, 2001
MONTEVIDEO -- Viola Lorinda Enevoldsen, 85, of Montevideo died Thursday at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo with the Rev. Leo Deitemeyer officiating. Burial will be in Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens.
Visitation will be this afternoon and evening, with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service, at Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo.
She was born Aug. 5, 1915, in Camp Release Township, Lac Qui Parle County, to Fred and Minnie (Zempel) Perske. She Montevideo High School.
On Dec. 31, 1939, she married Palmer Enevoldsen in Montevideo. She lived in Camp Release Township until moving to Montevideo about six weeks ago.
She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, was a prayer chain member and had been active in the Ladies Aid.
She is survived by her husband; children Paul (and KeEtta) Enevoldsen of Montevideo, Dennis (and Diane) Enevoldsen of Montevideo, Leota (and Kenneth) Rich of Inver Grove Heights; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and sister Florence Hamre of Montevideo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.
Galen L. Christenson
May 23, 1927 - Jan. 10, 2001
MONTEVIDEO -- Galen Laverne Christenson, 73, of Montevideo died Wednesday at his home in Montevideo.
His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo with the Rev. Warren Broughton officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Montevideo.
Visitation will be this afternoon and evening, with the family present from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo.
He was born May 23, 1927, in Yellow Medicine County to Martin and Alma (Kjelleberg) Christenson. He attended rural schools.
On May 11, 1944, he married Lorraine Gulden in Milbank, S.D. They lived in Montevideo where he worked for the Ford Garage, was a mechanic and salesman at Ree Motors from 1949-85, a salesman at Bittner-Ward and Wigen Motors from 1985-92. He was employed by the Red Owl store from 1992-98 and had been employed by the County Market since 1998.
He was a member of the Saddle Club.
He is survived by his wife; children Kathy (and Milton) Amundson of Park Rapids, Mark (and Kathy) Christenson of Montevideo, Lynn (and Douglas) Woltjer of Willmar, Sara (and Mike) Toov of Montevideo; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Charles Christenson of San Diego, Calif., Roger (and Joyce) Nelson of Willmar, Jerry (and Jan) Christenson of Columbia Heights; sisters Doris Zachow of Minneapolis, Wanda (and David) Nicks of Tampa, Fla., Mary Lou Christenson of Minneapolis and Karen Christenson of Boyd.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Marjorie Christenson and infant son Paul Christenson.
Gerald G. Gigstad
Oct. 5, 1934 - Jan. 11, 2001
SACRED HEART -- Gerald Gordon Gigstad, 66, of Sacred Heart died Thursday at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart with the Rev. John Hopper officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements are with Kulow Funeral Service in Echo.
He was born Oct. 5, 1934, in Renville to Oscar and Hilda (Jacobs) Gigstad. He attended Renville Public Schools.
On April 26, 1952, he married Mary Surges in Bird Island. They lived in South Dakota where he worked on a ranch. They lived in Renville, Minneapolis and Minnetonka, returning to the Renville area in 1966. In 1991 they moved into Sacred Heart. He retired from trucking for Koch Petroleum in October 1999.
He is survived by his wife; children Katherine (and James) George of Magnolia, Miss., Lynn (and Theresa) Gigstad of Burnsville, Jane (and Jon) Benedict of Fairbanks, Alaska, Gerry (and Rita) Gigstad of Sacred Heart, Mary (and Mike) Jakel of Danube, David Gigstad (and fiancée Kerri Gray) of Bedford, Texas; 14 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and brother Wayne Gigstad of Renville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son Richard Dean.
Donald S. Olson
Aug. 5, 1930 - Jan. 7, 2001
FOREST CITY TOWNSHIP -- Donald S. Olson, 70, of Forest City Township, Meeker County, died Sunday at his residence.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield with the Rev. Richard Ricker officiating. Burial will be in Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield. Military rites by Admiral Benson Post VFW 2818 of Litchfield.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield, and one hour prior to services at the church.
He was born Aug. 5, 1930, in Collinwood Township, Meeker County, to Arthur and Marie (Beckman) Olson. He attended country school through the eighth grade. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and during the Korean Conflict from 1952-54. He served in the Army Reserves an additional eight years. He returned home and continued farming with his family in Forest City Township.
He is survived by his brothers Robert of Sioux Falls, S.D., James of Litchfield and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
