Rose G. Thielen
Sept. 2, 1915 - Feb. 5, 2001
LITCHFIELD -- Rose Geneveive Thielen, 85, of Litchfield, formerly of Eden Valley, died Monday at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Church of St. Philip in Litchfield with the Rev. Mark Mallak officiating. Burial will be in Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Eden Valley.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, with a 6:30 p.m. C.C.W. Rosary and 7 p.m. prayer service, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield.
She was born Sept. 2, 1915, in Manannah Township, Meeker County, to Patrick and Mary (Neidemeies) Kehoe.
On Oct. 12, 1937, she married Gilbert Thielen in Darwin. They farmed west of Eden Valley in Manannah Township, retiring to Litchfield in 1989.
She was a member of St. Philip's Catholic Church in Litchfield and Christian Women's Society in Eden Valley and Litchfield.
She is survived by her husband; daughters Joyce (and Wally) Jungels of Sidney, Mont., Judy Thielen of Litchfield; daughter-in-law Annamay (and Daryl) Boyd of Helena, Mont.; six grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sister Helen (and Lowell) Gordon of Virginia; brothers James (and Gwen) Kehoe of Rosemount, Phillip (and Arlene) Kehoe of Gilbert, Raymond (and Alice Knochenmus) Kehoe of Litchfield and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her son Richard Thielen, one grandson, two sisters and one brother.
Minard P. Edman
Oct. 10, 1909 - Feb. 5, 2001
OWATONNA -- Minard Parker Edman, 91, of Owatonna died Monday at Owatonna Hospital.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna (507-451-7943) with the Rev. John Weisenburger of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Kahbakong Cemetery in Taylors Falls.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
He was born Oct. 10, 1909, in Pennock to Herman and Ragnal (Johnson-Fauldet) Edman. He was a 1928 graduate of Willmar High School, attended St. Cloud State University, was a 1938 graduate of University of Minnesota, with a bachelor's degree, and later received his master's degree from University of Minnesota.
On June 17, 1938, he married Carola Sunell. He was a teacher and coach in Underwood for four years, a teacher in New Richland for two years, and a principal and teacher at Clarkfield for 15 years. He was a hail adjuster for Hartford Insurance Company. In 1959 he moved to Emmons where he was superintendent of schools for five years, then to Taylors Falls where he was superintendent for 10 years, retiring in 1974. They lived in Taylors Falls for more than 25 years and wintered in Texas and Arizona. After Carola died in 1991, he moved to Owatonna.
He is survived by his daughters Linda (and Dave) Roush of Owatonna, Marilyn Levitt of Mankato; son Robert Edman of Minneapolis; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Lloyd (and Marie) Edman of Eugene, Ore., Warren (and Gray) Edman; sister Florence Rudh of New London and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife, three brothers and two sisters.
Robert J. Gunderson
Oct. 14, 1933 - Feb. 4, 2001
LAKE PLACID, Fla. -- Robert James Gunderson, 67, of Lake Placid, Fla., formerly of Willmar, died Sunday at Sebring Hospital in Sebring, Fla.
His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 701 89th Ave., Blaine.
Burial will be in Fort Snelling Cemetery at a later date.
He was born Oct. 14, 1933, in Willmar to Alfred and Esther (Focier) Gunderson. He attended Willmar schools and served in the military.
On Aug. 13, 1955, he married Jacqueline Thomas in Detroit, Mich. They lived in Willmar a short time and moved to Minneapolis where he was employed by Ford Motor Company for more than 25 years, retiring early due to illness.
He is survived by his wife; sons Toby (and Brenda) of Minneapolis, Bradley (and Debra) of St. Cloud, Matthew (and Ronda) of Minneapolis, Jason (and Tracey) of Minneapolis; daughter Joy Gunderson of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren; brothers William (and Eunice) of Willmar, Fred (and Mavis) of Willmar; sister Alice (and Joe) Kotzenmacher of Raymond and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters.
Ida M. Ruppe
Feb. 15, 1912 - Feb. 6, 2001
BENSON -- Ida Martha Ruppe, 88, of Benson died Tuesday at Meadow Lane Health Care Center in Benson.
Her funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson with the Rev. Barbara Lund Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Benson City Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service, at Jacobson-Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson and one hour prior to services at the church.
She was born Feb. 15, 1912, in Wisner, Neb., to Karl and Emilie (Blaedorn) Heller. She attended St. John's Parochial School in Wisner.
On Feb. 24, 1931, she married Erwin Ruppe in Wisner. They farmed in rural Wisner, moved to a farm in rural Danvers in 1939, and moved in 1967 to Benson, when they semi-retired. Erwin died in March 1979. She moved to Meadow Lane Health Care Center in 1994.
She was a member of a Homemakers Club, Women of the ELCA in Danvers, and in 1993 became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson.
She is survived by her sons Douglas (and Marsha) Ruppe of Benson, Stanley (and Virginia) Ruppe of Owatonna; daughter June Podtburg of Cottage Grove; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and sister Lena (and August) Kohlmoos of Stanton, Neb.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, infant son Milton Ruppe, daughter Violet Ruppe, three brothers and three sisters.
Oliver P. Mendel
Jan. 19, 1981 - Feb. 5, 2001
FOREST CITY TOWNSHIP -- Oliver Phillip Mendel, 20, of Forest City Township, Meeker County, died Monday at his grandmother's residence in Forest City Township.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Church of St. Gertrude in Forest City with the Rev. Pat Casey and the Rev. Fred Fink officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Arrangements are with Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield.
He was born Jan. 19, 1981, in Findlay, Ohio, to Richard and Patricia (Shea) Mendel. He grew up in Cypress, Texas, and was a 2000 graduate of Cy Fair High School. The last two years he lived in Minnesota with his grandmother. He was attending Ridgewater College in Willmar with plans to pursue a law degree.
He was a member of Church of St. Gertrude in Forest City and Christ the Redeemer Church in Cypress.
He is survived by his son Taylor James of Litchfield; parents of Houston, Texas; sisters Rebecca (and Teek) Wilson of Houston, Kathryn Mendel of Houston; grandmothers Ardes Shea of Forest City Township, Virginia Mendel of Cincinnati, Ohio, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by two grandfathers.
Alice T. Nelson
Dec. 16, 1916 - Feb. 7, 2001
GLENWOOD -- Alice Theodora Nelson, 84, of Glenwood died Wednesday at Glenwood Retirement Village.
Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the All Saints Chapel in the Glenwood Retirement Village with Chaplain James Gronewold and the Rev. Bob Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Hoplin Funeral Home in Glenwood and one hour prior to services at the church.
She was born Dec. 16, 1916, in North Fork Township, Stearns County, to Henry and Hannah (Halvorson) Ranten. She attended country school in North Fork Township. She moved to Glenwood in 1943 to waitress at the Victory Café and the Chimes Café.
On Sept. 10, 1950, she married Norman Nelson in Minneapolis. They lived in Brooten before moving to Glenwood in 1961. They were currently residing in Parkview Court.
She is survived by her husband; daughters Sandra Fossen Nelson of Tucson, Ariz., Gail Nelson (and husband Bjorn Aasbo) of Norway, Jan (and Peter) Thurgood of Shoreview; sons Gary (and Loretta) Nelson of Bradenton, Fla., Don (and Marlene) Nelson of Glenwood; 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son Leslie Julian Fossen.
Donald F. Daby
Feb. 12, 1923 - Jan. 21, 2001
PAYNESVILLE -- Donald Francis Daby, 77, of Paynesville died Jan. 21 at Koronis Manor in Paynesville after a struggle with hemacromatosis.
His memorial service will at 10 a.m. Monday at Paynesville Lutheran Church and at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Granite Falls Lutheran Church. Memorials to University of Minnesota Foundation are preferred.
Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.
He was born Feb. 12, 1923, near Granite Falls to Ernest and Thea (Velde) Daby. He was a graduate of Granite Falls High School.
On June 20, 1948, he married Doris Hedla in Granite Falls. He was a farmer, Pioneer Seed Corn salesman, real estate broker for 25 years and a Prudential Insurance agent. From 1983 to 1989 they lived at Lake Koronis, moved to Mesa, Ariz., and in October 1994 returned to Paynesville.
He was a member of Granite Falls Lutheran Church, serving on the board. He built the first student housing for Granite Falls Vocational Technical School and built Crown Dining Center (now DeToy's Restaurant) in Granite Falls.
He is survived by his wife; sons Duane (and Jenny) of West Des Moines, Iowa, Ralph (and Kristin) of Paynesville; five grandchildren; and sisters Marie Erie of Granite Falls and Eloise Peterson of Richfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Violet M. Yates
Dec. 31, 1921 - Feb. 2, 2001
WHITE, S.D. -- Violet Marie "Vi" Yates, 79, of White, S.D., formerly of Clara City, died Friday at White Care Center in White, S.D.
Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in the activities room at Clara City Community Care Center in Clara City with the Rev. John Smith officiating. Burial will be in White in the spring.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the Care Center. Arrangements are with Wing-Bain Funeral Home in Clara City.
She was born Dec. 31, 1921, in Mulda, Mont., to Fred and Hermina (Jurgens) Jessen. She was a graduate of White, S.D., High School and attended Nettleton College for two years. She taught school in Baron, Ohio, and Willmington, N.C. She lived in Willmar and Clara City.
On July 11, 1949, she married Al Yates. She lived at Clara City Community Care Center and then White Care Center.
She is survived by her daughter Cheryl (and Scott) Brown of Winton, N.C.; sisters Gladys Leeds of Coleman, S.D., June (and Lester) Oppelt of Elkton, S.D., and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents and ex-husband Al.
Richard E. Thomas
Jan. 30, 1939 - Feb. 6, 2001
FLANDREAU, S.D. -- Richard E. Thomas, 62, of Flandreau, S.D., died Tuesday at Flandreau Municipal Hospital.
His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Belview with the Rev. Martha Halls officiating. Burial be a later date in Mount Hope Cemetery in Watertown, S.D.
Visitation will begin at noon Saturday at the church. Kulow Funeral Service in Echo is in charge of arrangements.
He was born Jan. 30, 1939, in Watertown, S.D., to Epho and Ruby (Welch) Thomas. He graduated from Florence High School in 1957. He worked at Lockens Sales Barn in Watertown while in high school.
On Aug. 22, 1959, he married Donna Sikkink in Waubay, S.D. He graduated in 1961 from General Beadle State Teachers College, majoring in elementary education and social studies. He received his master's degree in administration in 1968 from South Dakota State University. He taught school in Castlewood, S.D., taught and served as K-8 principal in Dell Rapids, S.D., and was principal in Sully Buttes School District in Onida, S.D. In 1973, he taught sixth grade and was elementary principal in Belview. In 1980, he moved to Flandreau where he taught school, was a K-8 principal and worked as a sheriff's dispatcher. He recently was a substitute teacher in Elkton, S.D.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Belview, AAL officer, served on church council, served on Community Hospital Board in Flandreau and started a 4-H club in Belview.
He is survived by his wife Donna of Belview; children Polly (and Dan) Hooks of Aberdeen, S.D., Peggy (and Rick) Harte of Albuquerque, N.M., Donald (and Sandy) Thomas of Long Prairie, DeAnn (and Larry) Williams of Flandreau, S.D., Paul (and Shelly) Thomas of New Ulm, Tyson Thomas of Belview; 10 grandchildren; sisters Joyce Peterson of Watertown, S.D., Marge McCullough of Minneapolis, Dorothy Pomeroy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother Jack Thomas of Watertown, S.D., and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dr. Eugene J. Lauritsen
March 10, 1942 - Feb. 5, 2001
MONTEVIDEO -- Dr. Eugene Jeffrey Lauritsen, 58, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Montevideo, died Monday in Dallas.
His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Salem Lutheran Church in Montevideo with the Rev. Wayne D. Kopitzke officiating.
Visitation will be this afternoon and evening at Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo.
He was born March 10, 1942, in Montevideo to Fred and Hazel (Solberg) Lauritsen. He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1960 and from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul in 1971 as a veterinarian. He spent many years in New Orleans, La., where he set up a veterinary practice.
He was a member of the Love Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his sons Eric Lauritsen and Brian Lauritsen, both of New Orleans; brothers Dr. Frederick (and Catherine) Lauritsen of Cheney, Wash., L.S. "Corky" (and Bev) Lauritsen of Maynard, Sheldon (and Yolanda) Lauritsen of Dallas, Texas; sister Melinda Gort of Montevideo and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one infant sister.
Edgar V. Willander
Dec. 15, 1923 - Feb. 7, 2001
CLARKFIELD -- Edgar Vernelle Willander, 77, of Clarkfield died Wednesday at Clarkfield Care Center.
His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Augustana Lutheran Church in Clarkfield with the Rev. Julie Smith officiating. Burial will be in Fridhem Cemetery in Tyro Township, Yellow Medicine County. Military rites by Boyd American Legion Post 198.
Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, with a 5:30 p.m. prayer service, at Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield.
He was born Dec. 15, 1923, in Tyro Township to Oscar and Emelia (Anderson) Willander. He attended Clarkfield High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-46 in the Submarine Service in the Aleutians Islands as an electrician mate third class. He farmed in Tyro Township and was employed by Regal Homes of Montevideo until retirement.
He is survived by his brothers Eldon (and Ramona) of rural Clarkfield, William (and Patricia) of rural Clarkfield, Irvin of rural Clarkfield; sister Alicia Peterson of Canby and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
Lillian M. Kuebker
April 22, 1919 - Feb. 6, 2001
PAYNESVILLE -- Lillian Marie Kuebker, 81, of Paynesville died Tuesday under hospice care at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
Her funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville with the Rev. Keith Ainsley officiating. Burial will be in Burr Oak Cemetery in rural Paynesville.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.
She was born April 22, 1919, in Rib Falls, Wis., to Herbert and Ella (Pyan) Jebb. She was a 1937 graduate of New Salem, N.D., High School and attended Jamestown College for two years.
On Aug. 23, 1941, she married Kenton Kuebker. He was killed in action Oct. 25, 1944, during World War II. She attended airline school in Kansas City and was employed by Northwest Airlines. She retired to the Jebb homestead south of Paynesville in 1980.
She is survived by her sisters Joan Gaebe of Clara City, Jacqueline (and Kenneth) Nelson of Colorado Springs, Colo., Averial (and Gene) Hunt of Paynesville; brother William (and Wynona) Jebb of Colorado Springs, Colo., and other relatives.
She was preceded in death b her husband, parents and one sister.
Ruth V. (Rykken) Noren
July 17, 1911 - Feb. 7, 2001
BLOOMINGTON -- Ruth Violet Noren, 89, of Bloomington, formerly of Moose Lake and Willmar, died Wednesday.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at Woodbury Lutheran Church. Burial will be at 4 p.m. today in Moose Lake.
She was born July 17, 1911, in Willmar to Ole and Ingeborg Rykken. She was a graduate of Willmar High School. She married Leo Noren. They were longtime residents of Moose Lake. She was a registered nurse for many years and nursing instructor at Moose Lake State Hospital.
She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Moose Lake.
She is survived by her sons Jim (and Patty) of Woodbury, Jack (and Sue) of Grass Lake, Mich., Jay (and Ruthanne) of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1975.
Joseph J. Pros
Feb. 3, 1919 - Feb. 2, 2001
WILLMAR -- Joseph J. Pros, 81, of Willmar died Feb. 2 at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Rice Care Center in Willmar with Chaplain George Brecheisen officiating. Graveside services were Tuesday at St. Mary's Cemetery in Willmar with the Rev. Joe Steinbeisser officiating.
Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.
He was born Feb. 3, 1919, in Chicago, Ill. He lived in Hibbing and Cloquet where he received his education. He returned to Chicago where he was employed by various factories. He moved to Willmar in May 1987. He became a resident of Ashwood Care Center in April 1992, and then of Rice Care Center in November 1994.
He is survived by many friends who cared for him at Rice Care Center.
Kenneth J. Kavanagh
April 20, 1920 - Feb. 8, 2001
MURDOCK -- Kenneth J. "Ken" Kavanagh, 80, of Murdock died Thursday at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock with the Rev. Ronald Huberty officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with a 7 p.m. parish prayer service, at the church and one hour prior to services. Arrangements are with Jacobson-Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.
He was born April 20, 1920, in Murdock to Martin and Bridget Kavanagh. He attended school in the Murdock area.
On July 21, 1943, he married Lorraine Shult in Murdock, where they lived. He was employed as a salesman by Simmonds Produce of Kerkhoven.
He served on the Murdock Town Council for 24 years and was a member of Benson Golf Club, serving on the board.
He is survived by his wife; sons Ronald (and Linda) Kavanagh of Willmar, Randy (and Deanne) Kavanagh of Fridley; daughters Karen (and Marlin) Nelson of Brandon, S.D., Linda Preble (and Conley Rozeboom) of Willmar; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers Merlin (and Mary) Kavanagh of New Hope and Edward (and Phyllis) Kavanagh of Willmar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 10 brothers and two sisters.
Allen T. Smaagaard
July 15, 1941 - Feb. 7, 2001
EDEN PRAIRIE -- Allen Thomas Smaagaard, 59, of Eden Prairie died Wednesday at his home.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson with the Rev. Keith Born officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements are with Jacobson-Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.
He was born July 15, 1941, in Lac qui Parle County to Arnold and Theressa Smaagaard. He was a 1959 graduate of Benson Public School and a 1963 graduate of Concordia College. He was employed as English teacher and wrestling coach by Brainerd High School for five years. He lived in Boulder, Colo., where he taught special education, after receiving a fellowship to pursue special education study. He moved to Minneapolis in 1996 and was employed by Excel Communication.
He is survived by his mother Theressa Smaagaard of Benson; brothers Rolland Smaagaard of Chaska, Paul (and Kathleen) Smaagaard of Prior Lake, Dennis (and Kathryne) of Eden Prairie and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Andy E. Thoen
Aug. 11, 1922 - Feb. 7, 2001
BELGRADE -- Andrew Emil "Andy" Thoen, 78, of rural Belgrade died Wednesday at Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Big Grove Lutheran Church in rural Brooten with the Rev. Michael DeKraai officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade and one hour prior to services at the church.
He was born Aug. 11, 1922, in Northfork Township, rural Belgrade, to Alfred and Marie (Zyde) Thoen. He and his two sisters were orphaned in 1935. He lived in Michigan, returning in 1937to the Big Grove community, where he lived with J. Henry and Clara Anderson. He was a 1940 graduate of Belgrade High School. He served in the 27th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop of the 27th National Guard Infantry Division in World War II. He was part of the American invasion of Saipan and Okinawa.
On Nov. 2, 1947, he married Muriel Johnson in rural Brooten. He farmed in Northfork Township, retiring in 1985.
He was secretary of North Fork Mutual Insurance Company for 29 years, served on the Reinsurance Association of Minnesota board of directors for 18 years, was a member of Big Grove Lutheran Church, serving as church president many years, and was a member of VFW Post 1825 and American Legion Post 288.
He is survived by his wife; sons James (and Cathy) of Brooten, Douglas (and special friend Wendy) of Willmar, Marc (and Becky) of Dawson; daughters Lona (and Garry Jansen) of Snellville, Ga., Linda (and Rick Karger) of Belgrade; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters Agnes Burt of Athens, Wis., Clara Jeffreys of Lewiston, Idaho, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
