Lucian Erskine, Jr., 81 
Lucian (Luke) Erskine, Jr., was born September 7, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Lucian, Sr. and Ella (Stone) Erskine. He graduated from high school in St. Louis. 
Luke lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for eight years before moving to Iowa City, his home for the next 25 years. He was employed as a salesman by the Sahara Coal Company for 35 years, retiring in 1983. 
Luke and Margaret Bowers were united in marriage at Forest City, Iowa. Since 1987 the couple made Alexandria their summer home and spent their winters in Sun Lakes, Arizona. 
In 1987 Luke was able to explore his heritage by traveling to Erskine, Scotland. He is the last surviving male member of the Erskine clan which he has traced back to the 1600s. 
Luke was known in Alexandria as the "Braun Bakery Strudel Man." He enjoyed visiting and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. 
Luke died December 15, 1997 at Bethany Home in Alexandria where he had been a resident the past 10 months. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Frank. 
Surviving him are his wife Margaret of Alexandria; four daughters: Carol J. and husband Tom Bull of Moline, IL; Holly S. and husband Steve Hirko of Iowa City, IA; Marilyn A. (Mimi) and husband Jim McCarragher of Iowa City, IA; Katherine (Katy) and husband Mike Moore of New Hope; eight grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. 
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 1997 at Bethany Home Chapel in Alexandria with Reverend Dan Christ officiating. Music was provided by Richard Osterberg, vocal soloist, Jeannie McCarragher, flute soloist and Lynn Lynch, organist. Interment was in Bellefountain Cemetery at St. Louis, Missouri. Memorials will be directed to the BethHaven Unit of Bethany Home. 
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Gordon Landeen, 65 
Gordon Raymond Landeen, 65, resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota and formerly of Eastern Township, Otter Tail County, died on December 12, 1997 at the Fairview-Riverside Hospital in Minneapolis. 
Gordon was born January 9, 1932 to John and Ethel (Johnson) Landeen in Spruce Hill Township, Douglas County, Minnesota where he was raised and attended school at District 92. At the age of 14 Gordon was stricken with polio. He farmed with his dad and in 1970 moved to Eastern Township, Otter Tail County. Gordon was united in marriage to Juanita Severson on January 25, 1985. He was self employed as an auto mechanic until 1988 when he became ill and was confined to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Minneapolis. He loved working on engines and reading books about engine mechanics. 
He is survived by sisters: Genevieve Lamm of Alexandria; Shirley (Russell) Pomerenke of Minneapolis; Gertrude (Gerald) Hoppe of Carlos; brother: John (Jeannie) Landeen Jr. of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his parents. 
Memorial services were held on December 19, 1997 at 7 p.m. at the Markham-LaMere Funeral Home, Parkers Prairie with Pastor Daniel Woodring officiating. Katie Jahnke was the organist. Interment was in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Miltona Township. 
Arrangements were with the Markham-LaMere Funeral Home, Parkers Prairie.

Harold Loomis, 61 
Harold "Red" Loomis of Nevis, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, December 17, 1997 at St. Joseph's Area Health Center in Park Rapids. 
Harold was born May 19, 1936 in Minneapolis to Harold S. and Hazel (Olson) Loomis. He graduated from Minneapolis North High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1954 until 1957 and was stationed in Hawaii for a time. Later he worked for NSP for three years. He attended Northrup Institute of Technology and obtained an A & P license. On July 10, 1962 he married Jean Erovick in Minneapolis. They moved to Redwood City, California where he was employed by United Airlines in San Francisco for four years. He was later employed by Northwest Airlines for 10 years. 
In 1976 he and Jean moved to Miltona where they purchased Hidden Valley Lodge which they owned and operated for nine years. From there they purchased L Motel which they had for five years. In October of 1994 they moved to the Nevis area. 
He is survived by his wife Jean of Nevis; daughters: Julie A. Backley of Savage; Barbara A. Loomis of Alexandria; grandson Jason E. Backley of Savage; sister Joyce Lay, Robbinsdale; and beloved friend and pet Sam (Golden Retriever). Preceding him in death were his parents. 
He was a member of the Nevis Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, American Legion Club of Akeley, and AFL-CIO, Aircraft Mechanics Union. 
Memorial services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 1997 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Nevis with Pastor Daniel Babine officiating. Organist was Barb Hanson and soloist was Gary Stennes. Military honors by All Veteran's Ceremonial Team. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Nevis Trailblazers Snowmobile Club. 
Cease Funeral Home of Park Rapids was in charge of arrangements.

Peter Marotteck, 68 
Peter Marotteck, age 68, died at Bethany Home on Monday, December 22, 1997. Funeral services will be on Friday, December 26, 1997 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria. 

Mary Marusak, 92 
On February 20, 1905, a daughter Mary Antonia, was born in Lake Mary Township to Anton and Louisa (Kalina) Zavadil. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church and attended Lake Mary School District 19. 
Mary and Wencil Marusak were united in marriage November 6, 1928, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church of Lake Reno. For most of their married life the couple farmed in Lake Mary Township where they raised their four children. Mary was a busy homemaker, and enjoyed gardening, caring for her roses, making rugs and baking kolaches. Raising chickens, ducks and geese was work she especially enjoyed. Her family was very dear to her and the time spent with her grandchildren was of special importance. 
Wencil died in 1985 and Mary became a resident of Bethany Home in June of 1994. She died there December 16, 1997 at the age of 92. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Marlene Jobe in 1993; four brothers; two sisters; and a grandson Michael Schouweiler. 
Surviving Mary are two sons: Joseph and wife Lilly Marusak of Alexandria; Frank and wife Ida Marusak of Lexington, KY; daughter: Mary Lou and husband George Schouweiler of Alexandria; two brothers: Frank and wife Simbee Zavadil of Alexandria; Hank Zavadil, a resident of Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria; a sister, Bessie Carter of Alexandria; 14 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Reverend Ken Riedermann at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Reno Township. Mary Hansen was the reader and Ann Zavadil served as organist. Interment followed in the church cemetery. 
Acting as pallbearers were Dale Marusak, Duane Marusak, David Marusak, Mark Schouweiler, Brian Schouweiler and Mike Ziebarth. Mary's other grandchildren were named honorary pallbearers. 
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Duane Olson, 67 
Duane Lynal Olson was born to Lind and Bella (Slotsve) Olson on February 10, 1930 at the family farm near Ashby in Grant County, Minnesota. Duane was raised here and graduated from Ashby High School. Following high school he began work at a foundry in Fergus Falls. 
On December 6, 1950, Duane was married to Mavis Beyer at Elbow Lake. The couple made their home on the family farm. For three years the family also lived in the Milan and Willmar areas while Duane sold insurance. 
They later moved to Alexandria where Duane became territory manager for the "New Idea" farm machinery company. In 1971 he began development of the Olson Mobile Home Park in Alexandria. Duane retired from full-time operation of the park two years ago, but continued to assist his son who took over managing the property. 
Duane was an avid hunter, fisherman and wildlife conservator., He was a former member of the Jaycees and served on the Douglas County Planning Commission for nine years. 
Duane died December 21, 1997 at Fargo, North Dakota as a result of a snowmobile accident in Grant County. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harold; and a son, Larry. 
Surviving him are his wife Mavis of Alexandria; children: Garry Olson of Alexandria; Terry and wife Kim Olson of North East, MD; Keith Olson of Mankato; Robert and wife Heidi Olson of Rock Springs, WY; Randy Olson of Alexandria; Corey Olson of Alexandria; and five grandchildren: Joshua, Casey, Randin, Blaine and Jordan Olson. 
Funeral services were held on December 23, 1997 at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Alexandria with Pastor Ron Otterson and Pastor Keith Lentz officiating. Music was provided by Diane Alveshere, organist and Karen Gladen, soloist. Interment followed in Pelican Lake Cemetery at Ashby. 
Pallbearers were Richard Woesner, Paul Jennen, Donovan Olson, Kevin Olson, Brett Olson, James Strom, James Strom, Jr., and Henry Slotsve. 
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Robert Sanborn, 80 
Robert Charles Sanborn was born March 28, 1917 at Hillman, Minnesota, to Charles H. and Ethel (Martin) Sanborn. At the age of 3 he moved with his family to Minneapolis and five years later to Fairmont where he graduated from Fairmont High School. In 1935, Robert joined the National Guard and was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. He was called to active duty in December of 1941. He received training at Fort Benning, Georgia to become a paratrooper and served in the European Theatre during the Battle of the Bulge. He returned home in 1947 and remained in the National Guard. He was activated into the regular army in 1950 and served in Korea. Robert remained in the army for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He was known as a skilled marksman and gun instructor. 
Robert and Phyllis Hammond were married May 28, 1955 at the Baptist Church in Swea City, Iowa. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army the family made their home on a farm near Kensington. Robert was later employed as administrator of the Hoffman Nursing Home, returning to farming in 1973. He also used his woodworking abilities to make cabinets and furniture. Robert and Phyllis moved into Kensington after retiring from farming. 
He was an avid fisherman, hunter and enjoyed reading and gardening. Time spent with his family and friends was important to him and he especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren. Robert was an active member of the Kensington Covenant Church and had served as chairman of the congregation and in many capacities on the church boards. 
Robert died December 14, 1997 at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis where he had been a resident for a short time. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Michael; a sister Helen Sanborn; and a brother-in-law, Harold Smith.
Surviving him are his wife Phyllis; a son Mark and wife Sylvia Sanborn of Paynesville; a daughter Carol Fahlin of Farmington; a sister Lucille Smith of Sherburn; eight grandchildren: Mathew Charles, Jon Edward, Karl Philip and Robert James Sanborn; Sarah Jeanne, Molly Ann, David Thomas and Deborah Jo Fahlin; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Funeral services were held at the Kensington Covenant Church on December 17, 1997 with Pastor David Wallin officiating. Marvin Andreasen was the organist and Pam Anderson the vocal soloist. 
Serving as pallbearers were Don Rahn, Bob Bentz, Don Ahlstedt, John Hallstrom, Robert Smith, James Smith, Mathew Sanborn, Jon Sanborn, Karl Sanborn, Robert Sanborn and Molly Ann Fahlin. 
Interment was in Pike Lake Cemetery at Kensington. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Oscar Sanders, 95 
Oscar A. Sanders was born September 14, 1902 on a farm south of Brandon, Minnesota. He was the son of Olaus and Regina (Monson) Sanders. Oscar was baptized at home by the Pastor of Chippewa Lutheran Church in Brandon where he was a life-long member. 
Oscar and his brothers lived and worked the farm near Brandon that their grandfather had homesteaded. He lived his entire life there until moving to Alexandria where he resided with his sister, Cora Nelson. Since June of 1995, he has been a resident of Crestview Manor in Evansville. 
Oscar had a love of old-time music and also enjoyed watching baseball games. 
Oscar, age 95, passed away at Crestview Manor on December 15, 1997. He is survived by two sisters Verna Bjoralt and Cora Nelson, both of Bethany Home, Alexandria. Preceding him in death were two brothers, Clarence and Vernon Sanders; sisters: Esther Sanders and Ruth Bredeson and two sets of twin siblings. 
Funeral services were held at Chippewa Lutheran Church December 18, 1997. Reverend Tony Stockman officiated at the service and music was provided by Sonja Trude, organist. Dave Fjoslien, Gerald Nelson, Arnold Bredeson and Dave Bjoralt served as pallbearers. Interment was in the Chippewa Lutheran Church Cemetery. 
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Myrtle Sherman, 94 
Myrtle Agnes Sherman was born July 1, 1903, the daughter of John and Lena Benson of rural Kensington. She and her future husband, Thomas Sherman, both attended high school in Alexandria. Following their marriage they made their home in eastern New Jersey where their son, Thomas Jr. was born. 
Myrtle and her husband later moved to Albuquerque. Thomas died in May of 1978 and Myrtle continued to reside in Albuquerque until the early 1980s. At that time she returned to Minnesota and made her home at the Knute Nelson Retirement Center. 
Myrtle died December 17, 1997 at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home. She was 94 years of age. She is survived by her son Thomas Sherman, Jr. of Michigan City, IN and a niece, LaVonne Carlson of Alexandria. 
Graveside services and interment will take place in the spring. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Robert Bennett, 84 
Retired Lowry Postmaster Robert J. Bennett, 84, died Wednesday, December 17, 1997 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Mankato, Minnesota where he had been since November 19, 1997. 
Mr. Bennett was born on December 10, 1913 to Robert G. and Ida C. (Swenson) Bennett in rural Lowry. He attended school in Lowry and graduated from Glenwood High School in 1930. He married Ruby Robieson of Lowry on December 25, 1941. 
During World War II he served in the U.S. Army as an x-ray technician stationed in a field hospital in Persia for two and a half years. He ran Lowry Pure Oil Company for many years following his return from the war. In March 1961 he was appointed Postmaster of Lowry retiring in December 1980. 
Robert was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee and treasurer. He was also a member of the Lowry Fire Department from the early 1930s to 1977, a member of the Lowry village council during the 1950s and served as commander and adjutant of the Lowry Legion. He was a charter member of the Lowry Lions Club and served as treasurer during the charter years. 
Robert is survived by his wife, Ruby, of Mankato, formerly of Lowry; four daughters and their husbands: Lynn and Bruce Davey of Kasota; Roberta and Jerry Hatalla of Oakdale; Sandra and James Gibbs of North Mankato; Rebecca and Scott Lauters of LeMars, IA; eight grandchildren; three sisters: Verona Robieson of Buffalo; Margaret Harding of Jefferson, SD; and Jeanne Robieson of Arvada, CO. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cora Nelson. 
Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22, 1997, 1 p.m. at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry with Reverend Barbara Chapman officiating. Musical selections were by Jane Dingwall. 
Pallbearers were Gerald Olson, Gurvin Femrite, Charles Thompson, Allen Dahlseng, John Dahlseng and Harry Blok. 
Interment was at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lowry. The family prefers memorials to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry or to the "Aviary Fund" at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Hwy. 169 S., Mankato, MN 56001.
Arrangements were with the Petermeier's Alexandria Funeral Home.

Priscilla Larson, 65
Priscilla Larson, 65 of Clarissa, Minnesota died on Thursday, December 18, 1997 in Mille Lacs County.
Priscilla was born December 16, 1932 in Roscoe, South Dakota to Fred and Eva (Schell) Diegel. She was united in marriage to Merle Larson on May 2, 1959. She took pride in being very organized and having a clean house. She enjoyed watching sports, bowling, traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by everyone. She was a member of Shepherd of the Valley - Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Clarissa and Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Bertha. 
She is survived by children: Kris (John) Davick-Halfen, Long Prairie; Kari (Steve) Knutson, Alexandria; Karla (Jim) Johnson, Verndale; brother: Jessie Diegel of Florida; nine grandchildren; and three step grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Rosie Penor.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 23, 1997, 10 a.m. at the Eagle Valley Elementary Gymnasium in Clarissa with Reverend John Krueger and Reverend Wes Mathre officiating. Interment was in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Clarissa.
Casket Bearers were Mike Larson, Jerry Larson, Wayne Burns, Mike Werner, Don Anderson and Mike Johnston.
Memorials preferred to Central Todd County Care Center Memorial Fund, Lions, Our Savior's Lutheran Church or Eagle Valley Sports Boosters.
Arrangements were with the Iten Funeral Home, Browerville.

Merle Larson, 71
Merle Larson, 71 of Clarissa, Minnesota died on Thursday, December 18, 1997 in Mille Lacs County.
Merle was born on April 25, 1926 in Renville, Minnesota to Oscar and Irene (Breitkreutz) Larson. He was united in marriage to Priscilla Diegel on May 2, 1959. Merle was a businessman involved in many different businesses, primarily in banking. He owned banks in Wadena, Verndale, Bertha, Eagle Bend, Clarissa, Long Prairie and Grey Eagle. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his children and their families, sports, especially fishing and basketball. He loved being at their lake home. He was often referred to as Uncle Merle because of his kind heartedness.
He was a member of Shepherd of the Valley - Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Clarissa, President of the Minnesota Bankers Association, Lions and Central Todd County Care Center Nursing Home board.
He is survived by children: Kris Davick-Halfen (John) Long Prairie; Kari Knutson (Steve) Alexandria; Karla Johnston (Jim) Verndale; brother Gale P. Larson, Erskine; nine grandchildren; and 3 step grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Roger Larson of Eagle Bend.
Funeral services were on Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 10 a.m. at the Eagle Valley Elementary Gymnasium, Clarissa with Reverend John Kruger and Reverend Wes Mathre officiating. Interment was in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Clarissa.
Casket Bearers were Dave Hinzmann, Jack Bain, Brian Johnson, Jim Hinzmann, Dale Werner and Norm Stolle.
Memorials preferred to Central Todd County Care Center Memorial Fund Lions, Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Eagle Valley Sports Boosters.
Arrangements were with the Iten Funeral Home in Browerville.

Lloyd Penrose, 82
Lloyd Penrose, age 82, of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, died on Sunday, December 28, 1997 at the Douglas County Hospital. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 31 at 11 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Interment will be at the Parkers Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 30, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Markham-LaMere Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and one hour prior to the service at the church.

John Hanson, 67
John Hanson, 67, of Alexandria, Minnesota died on Tuesday, December 30, 1997. Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 3, 1998 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Alexandria with Reverend Keith Forrester officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Alexandria. Visitation will be on Friday, January 2, from Noon to 8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Edward Woldtvedt, 83
Edward M. Woldtvedt, age 83, died Saturday at the St. Cloud Veterans Administration Medical Center. Funeral services will be on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Bethany Home in Alexandria. Visitation will be one half hour before services. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Arrangements are with the Williams Funeral Home, St. Cloud.