Gervase O'Brien, 77, of rural Cresco, Iowa
Gervase Charles O'Brien, 77, of rural Cresco, Iowa, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000, at his home.
He was born in Howard County, Iowa, on Jan. 3, 1923, the son of Charles and Pearl (Sweeney) O'Brien. He attended rural school and the school at Lourdes. On Oct. 28, 1953, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Harris at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. To this union, 10 children were born. He lived on the farm all of his life.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing and watching ball games, especially the Cubs and the Bears.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Richard (Cheri), Russell (Kimberly), and Thomas (Beverly), all of Cresco, Iowa; six daughters, Susan (William) Puffer of Spring Valley, Terri (Al) deNeui of Waverly, Iowa, Donna (Rick) Jensen of Guttenberg, Iowa, Sherry (Damon) Gragert of Lime Springs, Iowa, Sandra (Jeremy) Cornwell of Osage, Iowa, and Kathy (Darin) Ferrie of Cresco, Iowa; one daughter-in-law, Linda O'Brien of Cresco, Iowa; 24 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Colleta Wilson of Cresco, Iowa, and Bernadette Fogarty of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David, in 1997, and a sister, Marcella Moser.
Funeral services were held Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Very Rev. Roger R. Rethamel presided.
Casketbearers were the sons-in-law, William Puffer, Al deNeui, Rick Jensen, Damon Gragert, Jeremy Cornwell, and Darin Ferrie. Gifts were carried by Megan and Holly O'Brien and Maureen Puffer and the lector was Rick Jensen.
Conway Funeral Home in Cresco was in charge of arrangements.
Helen Eliina O'Byrne, 99, Spring Valley
Helen Eliina O'Byrne, 99, a Spring Valley homemaker, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at the Ostrander Nursing Home, where she had resided since June 1995.
Helen Eliina Maki was born Oct. 27, 1900, in Crystal Falls, Mich. She moved to Harrison, Ark., and married James Leonard O'Byrne there on Sept. 24, 1948. Her husband worked for the railroad. They moved to Spring Valley after retirement.
Survivors include nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and two brothers.
A memorial service was held Friday at Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home in Spring Valley with the Rev. James Ross of Faith United Methodist Church officiating. Spring burial will be in the Spring Valley Cemetery.
Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home in Spring Valley was in charge of arrangements.
Ronald O’Day, 24, brother of Mabel woman
Ronnie O’Day, 24, of Winnie, Texas, died Sunday, June 4, 2000, as the result of an automobile accident.
He was born Feb. 16, 1976, in Fresno, Calif. He lived in Fresno until moving to Texas with his father at the age of 14. There, he met Melanie Laughlin and they began their life and family together, having a son, Austen, and a daughter, Lyndsee.
In addition to Laughlin and his children, he is survived by his parents, Bill O’Day of Winnie, Texas, and Barbara Bayuk of Ridgecrest, Calif.; his sister, Cristal (O’Day) Adkins and her husband, Paul Adkins, of Mabel; his nieces, Shelby, Amy and Taylor Adkins of Mabel; his grandparents, Lavern and Elaine Vickerman of Mabel, and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Texas and California.
Funeral services will be held in Winnie, Texas.
Walter O'Groske, brother of Ostrander man
Walter G. O'Groske, 63, of Rochester, a retired home builder, died Thursday, May 18, 2000, at Saint Marys Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born March 2, 1937, in Wells, Minn., he grew up in the LeRoy-Ostrander area, graduated from LeRoy High School in 1955 and served in the Army from 1956 to 1958. On June 24, 1962, he married Alice Mitchell in Rochester. She is a bookkeeper at Domaille Motors. A Rochester-area resident for 40 years, he was a home builder and from 1991 to 1999 worked at Olmsted County Lumber Mart. Mr. O'Groske was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he served as usher for many years. He was active in United Commercial Travelers, served as president of the local chapter in 1979, as state president in 1983 and held a number of national committee positions.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Jolene O'Groske of Sheboygan, Wis., and Lisa (Chris) Munn of Roichester; a son, Dale (Shelly) of Byron; two grandchildren; his stepmother, Bertha O'Groske of LeRoy; two brothers, Rolland (Bernice) of Rcohester and Melvin (Charlene) of Ostrander; and five sisters, Carol Louks of Stewartville, Maggie O'Groske of Minneapolis, Marlys (LeRoy) Rowe of Wykoff, Sue Ann O'Groske of Garrison, Minn., and Betty (Larry) Boehmer of LeRoy. Four brothers and sisters preceded him in death.
The funeral was Monday at Bethel Lutheran Church. Burial was in Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Ranfranz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to United Commercial Travelers or Bethel Lutheran Church.
G. Oksanen, 88, formerly of Lanesboro
Genevieve E. Oksanen, 88, of LeRoy, a homemaker, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2000, at Mitchell County Health Care Center in Osage, Iowa.
Genevieve Egge was born April 25, 1911, in Crosby, N.D., and moved to a farm in Pilot Mound Township, Fillmore County, with her family in 1920. She graduated from Lanesboro High School and Milwaukee Business College. During World War II she did defense work. On Aug. 4, 1934, she married Leonard V. Oksanen in Milwaukee. They lived in a number of Wisconsin cities before moving to LeRoy, where her husband was in the elevator and farm implement business. He died in 1990. She entered the Riceville Nursing Home in 1995.
Survivors include her twin sister, Mildred Nelson of Altus, Okla.; and one brother, Dwaine Egge of Chatfield.
The funeral was held Monday at the LeRoy Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Pilot Mound Cemetery near Chatfield in the spring.
Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home, LeRoy, was in charge of arrangements.
Milda Olson, 80, of Whalan
Milda A. Olson, 80, of Whalan, a homemaker, died of a heart attack on Monday, March 27, 2000, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester where she had been a patient since March 24.
She was born April 4, 1919, in rural Whalan. On Oct. 9, 1937, she married Harley Olson at the Peterson church parsonage. She was a member of the Whalan Lutheran Church and its ladies aid and circle.
Survivors include her husband; two sons, Roger of Whalan and Larry of Mesa, Ariz.; two daughters, Gloria (Charles) Canfield and Bladwin (Frank) Lebeck, both of Rochester; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Vernon Olson of Minnesota City and Melvin Olson of Bloomington, Minn.; and a sister, Verna (Mrs. Goldie) Haugen of Lanesboro. She was preceded in death by six brothers, two sisters and a grandson.
The funeral was Friday at the Whalan Lutheran Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Whalan Lutheran Church.
Myron F. Olson, 77, formerly of GM
Myron F. "Mike" Olson, 77, of Rochester, a Grand Meadow native, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2000, at Saint Marys Hospital.
He was born Nov. 12, 1922, and grew up in Grand Meadow. From 1943 to 1945, he was a ball turret gunner with the Army Air Corps in southern Europe. On May 14, 1954, he married Joyce Schriever in Oronoco. He was a welder until 1956, then was an equipment installer for Nelson Dairy for a couple of years. From the late 1950s until his retirement in 1986, he was self-employed in refrigeration maintenance. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 92 and the Eagles Club.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Michelle (Rick) Luckadoo of Rochester; two granddaughters; two brothers, Richard (Selma) of Cook, Minn ., and Willis (Thelma) of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and three sisters, Luellen VanGundy of Houston, Edith (Wayne) Guy of Ostrander and Arletta Jurasinski of Mountain View, Calif. Seven brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.
The funeral was 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ranfranz Funeral Home with the Rev. Eric Gawura officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Orvel E. Olson, 76, brother of SV man
Orvel Olson, 76, of Chatfield, formerly of Rochester, died of an apparent heart attack Thursday, Jan. 27, 2000, at Olmsted Medical Center.
He was born April 7, 1923, in Hettinger, N. D. and moved to Lanesboro with his family as a young child. On Dec. 20, 1944, he married Delores Tangen in Lanesboro and they lived in the Fountain area until moving to Rochester in 1955. Mr. Olson was a farm laborer in the Lanesboro-Fountain area and after moving to Rochester worked at Model Laundry and Jerome Foods and was a custodian at Apache Mall. The couple moved to Chatfield in 1989. He was a member of Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester.
Survivors include his wife; two brothers, LeVern of Spring Valley and Darold of Stillwater, Minn.; and two sisters, Violet (Mrs. Morris) Waadevig of Rochester and Vivian (Mrs. Terry) Horan of Oakdale. Minn.
The funeral was Monday at Chatfield Lutheran Church with the Rev. Chris Finsand of Christ Lutheran and the Rev. Lester Horntvedt of Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester co-officiating. Spring burial will be in Root Prairie Lutheran Cemetery in rural Fountain.
Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield was in charge of arrangements.
Sharon Onsgard, 65, former GM teacher
Sharon L. Onsgard,, 65, of Houston, a retired teacher, died Monday, May 8, 2000, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wis.
Sharon L. Davies was born Aug. 27, 1934, in Rochester, grew up in LeRoy and graduated from LeRoy High School. After receiving a two-year teaching degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, she taught third grade in Houston and taught in Grand Meadow for a year. On Dec. 23, 1954, she married Orrin "Carlton" Onsgard in Augusta, Wis. They lived in Milwaukee and in Saginaw, Mich. After returning to Houston in 1961, she attended Winona State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. In 1965, she began teaching remedial reading in Houston, taught fifth grade until her retirement in 1998 and continued her college studies while teaching.
She was a member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, where she served as organist from 1966 until the time of her death. She was active in the school drama program and community theater and helped with music and costumes for high school musicals. She was involved with the State High School Solo and Ensemble Contest, served as president of the HEA and was selected Houston Teacher of the Year. Also, she taught GED classes in Houston and surrounding areas and assisted several Houston community residents to obtain their U.S. citizenship. Through the years, she taught piano to hundreds of students in her home, was instrumental in getting the Root River Bike Trail connected from Rushford to Houston and served on the Root River Market Board of Directors in Houston. Her interests included flowers and animals and she raised purebred collies for many years.
Survivors include her husband; four sons, Owen (Lisa) and Eric, both of Houston, Steve (Kathy) of Elgin, Ill., and Peter of Milwaukee; two grandchildren; and a brother, Winston Davies of Adams.
The funeral was Thursday at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, with the Rev. Lane Zaffke officiating. Burial was in Stone Church Cemetery in Houston.
Hoff Funeral Homes-Houston Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Annette Oppegard, formerly of Lanesboro
Annette P. Oppegard, 90, of St. Paul, formerly of Lanesboro, died Jan. 1, 2000, at Lyngblomsten Care Center, where she had resided for approximately 15 years.
Annette Elton was born March 16, 1909, to Henry and Ella Elton in rural Fillmore County. She attended rural school until 1925 when she was stricken with polio. Sheer determination and faith helped her regain mobility enough to graduate from Harmony High School.
She married Alfred Oppegard in 1929. To this union four sons were born, James and Elton Paul of the Twin Cities, Allen of New York, and Galen of Knoxville, Tenn.
The couple farmed south of Lanesboro for 13 years and then moved to St. Paul where he worked at Holmen airfield and then for the city of St. Paul. He died in 1971.
She is survived by her four sons, 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Orilee (Mrs. William H.) Kiehne of Harmony.
She was an accomplished writer and poet and had numerous stories and poems published in various magazines and books.
Funeral services were held in the chapel at Lyngblomsten Care Center on Jan. 4, 2000. A short service was held in Henrytown Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000, with interment in Henrytown Cemetery.
Harold Orman, 66, of Spring Valley
Harold Orman, 66, of Spring Valley, died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2000, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, where he had been a patient since Monday.
He was born Jan. 17, 1934, to Ralph and Alice Orman in Wolbach, Neb. He moved with his parents to the Dexter, Minn., area in 1937. He was confirmed in the Christian faith May 18, 1947, at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant, Minn., and graduated from Austin High School in 1952. On Oct. 26, 1956, he was united in marriage to Darlene Lee at St. John's Lutheran Church of Sargeant. He entered the U.S. Army in 1956 and was stationed in Germany serving in the 3rd Armored Division until being discharged in 1958. Upon his return home he farmed in the Dexter and Brownsdale area. In 1976 they moved to the Spring Valley area and in 1984 they moved into Spring Valley. He worked for Leo Rendahl at Rendahl & Highum Elevator and later for Cenex Harvest States.
He is survived by his wife of Spring Valley; three daughters, Susan (Steven) Horejsi of Rosemount, Minn., Janeen (Scott) Behnken of Spring Valley and Julie, at home; one son, Robert (Sharon) Orman of Spring Valley; and five grandchildren; Kate, Tony, Jennifer, Eric and Erin. He was preceded in death by an infant grandson.
The funeral was Saturday at First English Lutheran Church in Spring Valley with the Rev. Robert Burmeister officiating. Burial was in Spring Valley Cemetery.
Hindt Hutchins Funeral Home in Spring Valley was in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Otterness, 87, once of Spring Grove
Hazel A. Otterness, 87, of St. Paul and formerly of Spring Grove, died June 19, 2000, at Lyngblomsten Nursing Home in St. Paul.
She had lived independently in her home until her hospitalization in April.
Mrs. Otterness was born the fifth of seven children to Helmer and Anna (Haugstad) Stigen on Nov. 22, 1912, in Spring Grove. She was baptized Dec. 25, 1912. She graduated from Spring Grove High School and received her teaching certification from Winona Teachers College. She taught elementary school in Brownsville and was a substitute teacher in St. Paul. She especially liked to help children learn to read.
On Aug. 27, 1941, she married Olaf Otterness, who grew up on a farm in Black Hammer. Together they made their home in St. Paul, where he was an elementary teacher and principal for many years. Mrs. Otterness sang with the "Mother Singers," later the "B-Naturals" and was a Cub Scout den mother. She worked at the Golden Rule and G.C. Murphy.
She was a very active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, serving as seminary auxiliary representative for over 20 years. As sunshine chairman, she was responsible for sending cards and visiting the sick. As part of the sewing circle, she embroidered dozens of baptismal napkins. She was a member of the Lydia group, Monday morning Bible study and friendship club.
She is survived by a son, the Rev. David Otterness and his wife, Rebecca, of St. Peter; one grandson, Peter and his wife, Jennifer, of New Ulm: two sisters Lillian Lyndahl and Genevieve Danielson; her brother's wife, Viola Stigen; her husband's sister, Marjorie Gilbertson and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her siblings and spouses, Odella and Peter Clauson, Alice and Peter Clauson, Alice and Clarence Myhre, Norman and Mabel Stigen, her brother, Ove Stigen, and brother-in-laws, Herbert Lyndahl, John Danielson and Walter Gilbertson.
The funeral was held Friday at Faith Lutheran Church in Blackhammer. Roble Funeral service was in charge on local arrangements.
D. Bruce Overland, 44, formerly of Peterson
D. Bruce Overland, 44, of Stewartville, formerly of Peterson, died Friday, March 24, 2000 at his home.
He was born Dec. 3, 1955 in Lanesboro, grew up in rural Peterson and graduated from Peterson high School in 1974. He married Wendy Brown on August 2, 1975 at North Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro. He farmed for 10 years with his father in the Peterson area, then moved to Stewartville and had worked at Hormel Foods Corp. in Austin the past 14 years. He attended Elstad Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro as a child and was a longtime member of Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Peterson. He enjoyed boating, hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his wife; one son, Adam of Stewartville; one daughter, Trina Overland of Rochester; his father and stepmother, Donald and Sandy Overland of Lanesboro; two brothers, Erik of Lanesboro and Scott of Albert Lea; two sisters, Susan (Mrs. Ron) Strom of Eau Claire, Wis., and Martha (Mrs. Ron) Stensgard of Rushford. He was preceded in death by his mother.
The funeral was held Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Peterson. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Lloyd J. Overland, 88, of Mabel
Lloyd J. Overland, 88, of rural Mabel, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000, at his home.
He was born June 9, 1912, in Fillmore County to John and Lena Overland. On Nov. 22, 1937, he married Emma Mohr in Preble Township, Fillmore County. The couple lived and farmed in Preble Township for seven years and Yucatan Township of Houston County for five years before moving to Newburg Township in Fillmore County. They have resided on that same farm since 1948. Mr. Overland retired in 1974, but continued to raise some cattle until 1990. He was a member of the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Mabel, a former member of the church council and saddle club. He enjoyed horses, dart ball, reading and travel.
He is survived by his wife, Emma of Mabel; a daughter, Jan (Mrs. John) Lacher of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren, Kria and Steven (Sybil); a sister, Theresa Vigeland, of Mabel; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were held on Monday at the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mary Waudby officiating. Burial was in the Garness Cemetery.
Mengis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Rose Oyen, 81, sister of area woman
Rose Oyen, 81, of Decorah, died at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester on Tuesday, March 14, 2000.
She was born May 7, 1918, in Allamakee County, the second of five children born to Paul and Charlotte (Blegen) Moen. She was baptized and confirmed at Glenwood Lutheran Church and educated in the country schools of Allamakee County. As a young woman, she helped with housework for various families in the Glenwood area. She was active in the Luther League in Glenwood Church.
On Feb. 19, 1939, she married Burton Oyen at Glenwood Church. They moved to the Ruffridge farm just north of Locust where Burton and his brother, Sherman, farmed for 21 years. They joined St. John's Lutheran Church at Locust where they remained faithful members even after they could no longer attend services. She was active in the church circle and ladies aid.
On March 11, 1945, the couple was blessed with the birth of a son, Duane.
In 1960, the Oyens moved to the Luros farm a mile north of the Ruffridge farm and they lived there until 1990 when they moved to Decorah. In the early 1960s, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. During a lifetime struggle with M.S., she maintained an optimistic outlook and never complained about her condition. In the 1990s, she was diagnosed with leukemia.
She is survived by one son, Duane of Eau Claire, Wis.; one sister, Doris (Robert) Darrington of Spring Grove; three sisters-in-law, Corrine Thingvold and Esther Moen of Decorah and Myrtle Moen of Waukon; one brother-in-law, Sherman Oyen; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Emmons, Curtis and Austin and one daughter-in-law, Lynne Oyen.
Funeral services were Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church at Locust with the Rev. Bernie Oebser officiating. Burial was in the Locust Cemetery.
Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah was in charge of arrangements.
