Eugene Edwin Hagedorn, 100
Eugene Edwin Hagedorn, age 100, formerly of rural Miltona, Minnesota, died on January 25, 2000 at Community Memorial Home in Osakis. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 29, 2000 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria with Reverend Al Ludwig officiating. Music was provided by Carol Hagan, organist and Jane Herth, soloist. The cross bearer was Jerry Keller.
Eugene Hagedorn was born on December 14, 1899 in Brandon Township, Minnesota to August and Emily (Hupfeld) Hagedorn. On May 12, 1925 Eugene was united in marriage to Lydia Koeplin.
Eugene loved to hunt, fish, dance and garden. He also loved guiding fishermen. He was a true outdoorsman. Eugene loved to reminisce, tell stories and spend time with his family and friends.
Eugene is survived by two daughters: Irma and husband Alex (Gus) Anderson of Sauk Centre; Ruth Bylund of Alexandria; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; brother: Ferdinand Hagedorn of rural Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. Eugene is preceded in death by his wife Lydia, grandson Robert Anderson, great-granddaughter Bethany Keller, great-great-granddaughter Kaitlynn Lanus and son-in-law Gerald Bylund.
Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery in Alexandria. Pallbearers included James Anderson, Charles Anderson, Bill Anderson, Marvin Lanus, Paul Vendel, Bruce Larson, Dick Kline and Alan Hagedorn. Honorary pallbearers were Lynn Lanus, Gwen Kline, Geri Larson, Devona Vendel, Cheryl Keller, Janet Anderson and John Anderson.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Irene M. Elias, 97
Irene was born on February 13, 1902, in Hayfield, Minnesota the daughter of George and Ann Marie (Hanson) Mortensen. She attended school through the 8th grade.
Irene was united in marriage to Charles Elias on March 10, 1922, in Dodge Center. The Elias' lived in Dodge Center after their marriage and in 1945 moved to Alexandria. Irene and Charles owned and operated a restaurant in Alexandria which is now known as the Coffee Pot. The couple retired in 1962.
Mrs. Elias was a member of the Rebeccas and very active in her church.
Irene died on Monday, January 24, 2000. She is survived by two daughters: Vivian Loken and Vern of Clearwater, FL; Fern Bahr of Clearwater, FL; six grandchildren: Gary Loken of Punedin, FL; Lon Loken of Severna Park, Maryland; Tom Loken of Salt Lake City, Utah; Stacy Callaghan of Fort Worth, TX; Amy Callaghan of Colorado Springs, CO; Randy Ewan of San Francisco, CA; and seven great-grandchildren.
Graveside service was held on Friday, January 28, 2000, 1 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, Minnesota with Reverend David Mead officiating.
Services were directed by Petermeier's Alexandria Funeral Home.
 
Lawrence Harlo Irgens, 70
Lawrence Harlo Irgens was born on October 14, 1929 in Alexandria to Lawrence Henry Irgens and Tomena (Lee) Irgens. He grew up in Fergus Falls and Madison, Minnesota. In 1947 he graduated from Madison Senior High School where he was class valedictorian, quarterback for his football team and captain of his basketball team. He attended Luther College and later the University of Minnesota. In 1950 he received Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University. He continued his studies at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1957, and was elected as a Graduate Fellow of the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. In 1971 Dr. Irgens completed a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota where he focused on the study of dental services in small communities.
During his 43 years of practice, Larry served the dental community in many capacities. He was a Governor Appointee to the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry for four years and served on the Regional Board of Dental Examiners for 12 years. He worked as the Director of Dental Services for the Minnesota Department of Public Health and as the President of both the West Central District of Dentistry and the University of Minnesota Dental Alumni Association. In 1986 he was elected to the Pierre Fauchard Academy of Dentistry. In 1987 and 1989 respectively, he was elected Fellow of the International College of Dentists and Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He practiced dentistry in Roros, Norway in 1971, serving as a District Dental Officer at the invitation of The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Social Affairs. He promoted the introduction and use of fluoride in the drinking water in Norway as well as Minnesota and conducted a clinic in the Alexandria area for the early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer.
On June 17, 1960, he married Patricia Marie Litsheim in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Together they lived in Moorhead, Glenwood, Roros (Norway), Minneapolis and Alexandria. Between 1961 and 1969 they had four children: Caroline, Stephen, David and Teddy. In 1972 they moved to Alexandria and Larry opened a new practice. In 1974, following a brief illness, Patricia died of breast cancer.
On February 18, 1977, Larry married Ruth (Pedersen) Anfinsen and became step-father to Peter, Mary and Jana Anfinsen. They raised their seven children in Alexandria and watched with pride and joy as each found his or her place in the world.
Larry was long active in community organizations, serving as a member of Kiwanis, Rotary International and Toastmasters. Always active in his church he taught the Bethal Bible Series at Glenwood Lutheran Church, served on several stewardship committees and served two terms on the First Lutheran Church Council. He loved sports, history, literature and the performing arts. His particular love was the symphony and he played violin in the community orchestra and at First Lutheran Church.
On January 25, 2000, Larry suffered a fatal cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife Ruth; sister Lee Ann (Irgens) Torlakson; children and step-children: Peter and Holly Anfinsen, Caroline (Irgens) and Chris Roback, Mary (Anfinsen) and Ken LeBlanc, Stephen and Sue Irgens, David Irgens, Jana (Anfinsen) and Michael Hanson and Ted Irgens; and 13 grandchildren: Andrew, Alecia, Brandon, Sara, Jonathan, Rachel, Anna, Amy, Megan, Elena, Zachary, Ian and Lee.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 29, 2000 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment was in the Kinkead Cemetery.
His family asks that any memoriums be made to either First Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Richard Oleson (Rick), 44
Richard W. Oleson (Rick) was born March 7, 1955 in Watertown, South Dakota, the son of Darrell and LaVonne (Christianson) Oleson. Rick spent the majority of his life in Owatonna, Minnesota, where he was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and in 1973 graduated from Owatonna High School. Following graduation Rick worked for National Tree Association and then Commonwealth Electric, which put him in Nebraska, then Texas.
Richard and Debra Maloney were married August 30, 1980 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria.
In 1980, with Deb and his daughter, Maigen, Rick began his employment with Ottertail Power Company as a lineman at Hallock. Angela was born there in 1981. His job transferred him to Canby where he was a service representative. Lindsey was born there in 1985. In 1988 Rick and his family moved to Dawson where they have lived for 12 years. He continued to work for Ottertail, this being his 20th year.
Rick and his family enjoyed their extended family weekend getaways at the lake. Rick enjoyed most being with friends, laughing, and his favorite activities of fishing, hunting and golf.
Rick died at his home on Friday, January 28, 2000 following an 18-month battle with cancer.
Rick is survived by his wife, Deb; daughters: Angela and Lindsey in Dawson and Maigen Oleson of Kasson; parents: Darrell and LaVonne Oleson of Owatonna; mother-in-law, Rose Ann Maloney of Alexandria; brother: Randy Oleson of Owatonna; sisters: Deb (Jurgen) Duhr of Clinton, IA; Tammy (Tom) Harber of Blooming Prairie; Lori (Brian) Markham of Medford; Jill Dahl of Owatonna; brother-in-law, Pat (Jennifer) Maloney and sister-in-law Renae (Tom) Hills of Alexandria; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and father-in-law Gene Maloney.
Rick will be remembered most for his sense of humor and his love of being with his friends. He enjoyed fishing and could never have enough fishing tackle or power tools.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2000 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson with Pastor Paul Christopher, Father Robert Goblirsch and Sister Vivian Peterson officiating. Vocal soloist was Jennifer Maloney and organist Mary Walsh accompanied the congregation singing hymns.
Members of the Dawson Fire Department were honorary casketbearers and Bob Walsh, Jeff Fish, Jim Heinrich, Wayne Johnson, Larry Stangeland, Merle Schwenzfier, Jim Hotzfield and Kirk Costin were active casketbearers. Interment was in the Dawson Cemetery.
Arrangements were with the Hanson and Dahl Funeral Home of Dawson.

Blanche Ording, 95
Blanche Kapphahn Ording, age 95, of Hibbing, Minnesota and formerly of Alexandria, Monmouth, Illinois and Moorhead died Friday, January 28, 2000 in Leisure Hills of Hibbing. She was born August 25, 1904 in Hudson Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry J. and Anne (Fisher) Kapphahn. She graduated from Alexandria High School and was married to Karl Erick Ording on July 2, 1940 in Elbow Lake.
Following their marriage Karl and Blanche moved to Moorhead where they lived for nearly 20 years. They then moved to Monmouth, Illinois and in 1967 returned to Alexandria. Blanche later moved to Hibbing where she has lived since 1986.
Blanche was a homemaker, a member of the Hibbing Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and was involved in several church circles and sewing clubs.
She is survived by her daughter Judy (Leon) Cross of Hibbing; two granddaughters; Laurie Lynne Cross of Eden Prairie; Debra Lee Cross of Waite Park; two sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Leon and Wilson; and three sisters: Lora, Marge and Ethel.
Funeral Service was on Monday, January 31, 2000 at 11 a.m. in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Hibbing with Reverend Todd Block officiating. A spring interment is planned in the Sunset Cemetery in Alexandria.
Family services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Hibbing. Memorials are preferred.

Kyle Westphal, 13
Kyle Westphal was born in Alexandria, Minnesota, on January 5, 1987, the son of Gary and Diane (Van Peursem) Westphal. He was baptized at the Faith Community Reformed Church in Alexandria and attended schools in Alexandria.
His brothers and parents remember Kyle as a good natured, energetic, strong-willed, determined and courageous boy. He was influenced by his brothers to play hockey and for the past five seasons was the goalie on the Alexandria traveling teams, currently playing for the Alexandria Pee Wee "A" team. He also played other sports including soccer, baseball and golf and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. While he loved his athletic activities, he recently confided to others that his greatest memories were of his family vacations.
Kyle died on Friday, January 28, 2000, at his home after his courageous battle against his illness.
He is survived by his parents, Gary and Diane Westphal of Alexandria; brothers: Brad Westphal and Corey Westphal both of Alexandria; grandparents: Harold and Betty Westphal of Spring Valley and Harriet Van Peursem of Pipestone. Also surviving are several aunts and uncles. Kyle was preceded in death by his grandfather Elmer Van Peursem and aunt Marlys Van Peursem.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 31, 2000 at 3:30 p.m. at the Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria. Organist was Donna Anderson. Vocalist was Kim Byrne and Deb Bouwman served as song leader. Pallbearers were Kyle's friends with interment at the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.

Warren Lorenz Oakstrom, 72
Warren Lorenz Oakstrom, 72, of Alexandria, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2000. Warren was born February 20, 1927 in Lien Township, Grant County, Minnesota to Lorenz and Mildred (Watson) Oakstrom. He was baptized and confirmed in the Barrett Covenant Church. He attended rural school District 14, graduated from Barrett High School in 1944 and attended the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus.
He worked for the Grant County D.H.I.A. for five years after which he started farming with his father. In 1967 he took over the operation of the farm. He sold Farm Bureau Insurance and was a De Kalb seed corn dealer for many years. Warren moved to Alexandria in 1994.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Alexandria. Also Warren was an active member of the Odd Fellows in Herman for many years.
Survivors include a sister Janice and husband Tallack Johnson of Detroit Lakes; a nephew Leland and wife Tracy, children: Anna and Emma Johnson of Coon Rapids; nieces: Rebecca and husband Rick, children: John and Melissa Windom of Mankato; Marie and husband Gregory Ready, Fort Walton Beach, Florida; and Wanda and husband Daniel Feela, North Pole, Alaska.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 5, 2000 at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Alexandria with Pastor William Rowen officiating. Organist was Kathleen Haining.
Pallbearers were Rick Windom, Leland Johnson, Charles Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Robert Lindblom and LeRoy Lindblom. Interment was at Barrett Covenant Cemetery.
Services were directed by Petermeier's Alexandria Funeral Home.
 
Robert A. Theriault, 77
Robert A. Theriault, age 77, passed away February 1, 2000 at his home on Fish Hook Lake near Park Rapids, Minnesota.
Bob was born December 5, 1922 to Elmar and Marie (Freiert) Theriault in Wadena. He attended Wadena Public School and graduated in the spring of 1940. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy Air Corps. In 1941 he was called up to attend flight prep school at St. Olaf College in Northfield as a Pilot Aviator. He served his country for nearly three years during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1945.
On September 3, 1950, Bob was united in marriage to Marian Jordahl in Wadena. This union was blessed with one son, Mike, and two daughters, Kathy and Connie. He was employed first as a salesman and later a manager for the Gas Company in Wadena and Alexandria. He was also employed by Investors Diversified Services for several years. He also set up and managed a plumbing business in Marshall. In 1973 Bob bought a NAPA Store in Wadena which he ran until his retirement in 1984. In November of 1985, Bob and Marian moved to the Park Rapids area and bought a home on Fish Hook Lake. Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter. Though very weak in October of 1999 he climbed up on his stand and shot a deer - his family was so glad God gave him this last great thrill.
Bob was a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 and attended Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids. Above all he dedicated his life to his family whom he loved with all his heart.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marian; three children: Michael (Sue) Theriault of Maiden Rock, WI; Kathy Hall of Wadena; Connie (Gary) Stelzer of Menahga; seven grandchildren whom he loved so much: Sara, Mandy and Jason Hall, Jill Leyh and Kayla Stelzer and Summer and Becky Theriault, as well as other dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmar and Marie, and his sister Connie Pritchett.
Services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2000 at Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids with Reverend Marty Giese and Reverend Russ Paulson officiating. The organist was Jane Wolff and the soloist, Angela Ahrendt.
Casketbearers were Wayne Kopp, Wally Mueller, Ray Achter, Mike Freeman, Tom Idso, Ted Fischer, Clarence Steffens, Dale Pritchard, Gary Tigue, Tom Nyberg, Skipp Tullgren, Jim Thompson and Russ Wilcox. Military honors were conducted by the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 of Park Rapids. Ray Vaadeland played Taps and the Naval Anthem. Interment was at the Wadena City Cemetery in Wadena.
Arrangements were with the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.

Michael Kugler, 20
Michael Eric Kugler was born on September 29, 1979, the son of Matthew and Susan (Bertram) Kugler in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The family moved to the Alexandria area when Michael was in the second grade. He was confirmed in May, 1996 at Bethesda Lutheran Church. After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1998, Michael attended North Dakota State University studying business. During the summer months, he worked with Lee's Construction for four years.
Michael's enthusiasm for sports included playing basketball, tennis, golf and later playing volleyball, softball and intramural football at college. Michael coached children at the YMCA and was a referee. Music interests included singing in the church choir and playing trombone in the high school jazz band and marching band. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Michael's dream was to finish college with a business degree and operate his own sporting goods store.
Michael's presence was known when he entered a room with his 6'6" frame and will always be remembered for his caring and compassion of others.
Michael died unexpectedly on January 30, 2000, at the age of 20, following surgery for appendicitis. Michael's family, including his aunts, uncles and cousins were important to him. He is survived by his parents and a brother, Brad, of rural Miltona; grandmothers, Lois Bertram of Elk River and Patricia Kugler of Waconia; great uncle Jerome Lyden; aunts and uncles, Sandra Bertram, Julie Wood, Greg and Janice Gramith, Thomas and Kim Bertram, David Kugler, Robert Kugler, Jeff Kugler, Terry Kugler, Karen Kugler; cousins, Meg and Shayne Simon, Eric and Jacob Bertram and Jennifer Gramith.
Michael is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Harold Bertram and Matthew G. Kugler.
A funeral service was held on February 2, 2000 at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Peter Martinson officiating. Music was provided by Carol Jacobson, organist, Sue Edwards, vocalist and the Bethesda Church Choir.
Pallbearers included Shayne Simon, Mike Swalley, Eric Salmi, Todd Ferguson, Mark Odland, Erik Halverson, Greg Thompson, Eric Vogensen, Dustin Jundt and Kevin Binger.
Interment will be private.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Louis Loeffler, 90
Louis Loeffler, age 90, of Osakis, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2000 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.
Louis Joseph Loeffler was born on August 14, 1909 in Leaf Valley to Jacob and Catherine (Gappa) Loeffler. He married Hildegard Stariha on October 25, 1932 in Millerville. They farmed near Millerville and Louis also worked as a feed grinder at the Flour Milling Company in Millerville. In 1958 they moved to Minneapolis where Louis worked for the Creosote Pole Company. He then changed jobs and went to work as a second class engineer for the Minneapolis Gas Company. On April 4, 1970 Louis married Marion Fredrick in Minneapolis. After 12 years with the gas company Louis retired and returned to Central Minnesota to live on Lake Darling in Alexandria. In 1992 he and Marion moved to the Latoka Apartments and then in 1999 they moved again to the Terrace Heights Apartments in Osakis.
Because his faith was very important to him, Louis was an active member of the church wherever he lived. He first belonged to the Seven Dolors Parish in Millerville and was a member of the choir. When they moved to Minneapolis he joined Our Lady of Victory Church. Upon returning to the Alexandria area he became a member at St. Mary's and when they made their final move to Osakis he joined the Immaculate Conception Parish. Louis was a 70 year member of the Knights of Columbus and also belonged to the Catholic Aid Association. He also had served on the District 43 school board while farming in Millerville.
Louis had many interests, first among them was his love for music and singing. He also had a green thumb and enjoyed working in his garden. He was a very social person and loved to get out bowling with his friends or just meet for a game of cards. In the summers he could be found out on the lake trying to catch some fish or home cheering for his favorite baseball team.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Marion Loeffler of Osakis; children: Austin (Darlene) Loeffler of Brooklyn Park; Harriet Sibell of Osakis; Irene (Bruce) Heath of Minneapolis; stepson: Roger Fredrick of Minneapolis; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; sister: Helen Wagner of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; first wife, Hildegard; son-in-law: Sheldon Sibell; brothers: James, Edward and George Loeffler; sisters: Mary, Anna and Elizabeth Klimek; Katherine Wagner and Mathilda Hammer.
A Mass of Resurrection was held on Saturday, February 5, 2000 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Al Ludwig officiating. Music was provided by organist, Lynn Lynch and soloist Adolf Wagner. Interment was at the Seven Dolors Cemetery in Millerville.
Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Knights of Columbus.
Active pallbearers were John and Thomas Loeffler, Kevin and Chad Heath, David Crotteau and Jeff Arkfeld.
Funeral arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis.