Lygia M. Stewart, 92
BLUE EARTH - Lygia Marie Stewart, age 92, of Southview Estates, Blue Earth, passed away Oct. 13 at her home. Funeral services were held Oct. 17, 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church. with Rev. Bonnie Roys officiating the services and burial at Riverview Cemetery in Elmore.
Lygia was born Sept. 5, 1908, in Pilot Grove Township to Charles and Mary (Carpenter) Steuer.
She was a lifetime resident of Pilot Grove Township, where she attended East Chain High School. She was married to John R. Stewart Feb. 11, 1937, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple farmed for many years in Pilot Grove Township, where Lygia continued to live until her move to Blue Earth in 1997. She enjoyed flower gardening and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Blue Earth since 1937.
She is survived by her sons: Jon C. and wife, Marilyn of Elmore; Kenneth and wife, JoAnn Stewart of Blue Earth, step- sons: Harry R. and wife Eleanor Stewart of Winnebago; Robert and wife Lorraine of Lakota, Iowa, step-daughter: Elaine (Mrs. Donald) Hoppe of Elmore, sister: Mary Belle Germann of Blue Earth, sister-in-law: Viola (Mrs. Eldean) Harpestad of Elmore. She is also survived by five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, ten step grandchildren, twenty-eight step great grandchildren and five step great great grandchildren.
Lygia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, and one sister.

Jerome S. Staloch, 78
ALBERT LEA - Funeral services for Jerome S. Staloch, 78, were Oct. 17 at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells with Father Eugene Stenzel officiating.
Mr. Staloch passed away Oct. 12 at the Albert Lea Medical Center.
He was born July 4, 1922, to Joseph A. and Mary (Maday) Staloch.
Jerome married his true love, Pairlee "Pat" Patterson April 9, 1944, in California. He was a licensed Boiler Maintenance Engineer, retired from Wilson's Meat Packaging Plant in Albert Lea. Upon his retirement, he moved to Minneapolis where he and his wife bought and operated a small grocery store, and ran a profitable real estate investment business before moving to Zimmerman, Minn., where they were the proprietors of Elk Lake Ballroom.
Later in life, Jerome and Pat spent time with their children and grandchildren in Colorado, California, Alaska, and Minnesota.
Jerome loved to fish, and enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins games. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and could always make you laugh. He will be dearly missed by all.
He is survived by his children: Dale "Dewey" Staloch; Cecelia "Joni" and husband Tony Tompkins; John and wife, Sandy Staloch; Linda Metcalfe and friend Clarke Horn; Therese Staloch-Snyder and husband, John; Barbara and husband, Keith Rakos; Peter and wife, Linda Staloch. Jerome is also survived by seventeen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two sisters: Agnes and husband, Raymond Kunz of Madelia; Frances "Fran" Herman of Albert Lea; one brother: Alex and wife, Verona Staloch of Wells; two sisters-in-law: Marlene Staloch and Loretta Staloch, both of Wells; numerous nieces and nephews.
Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pat, brothers: Tony and Donald, and one sister: Elizabeth.
His family prefers Memorials be sent to the Activities Department at St. John's Lutheran Home: 901 Luther Place, Albert Lea, MN, 56007. Cards may be sent to son, John Staloch: 5915 229th Ave., NE, Linwood, MN, 55079.

Bernice J. Simonson, 87
FOREST CITY - Bernice J. Simonson, age 87, of Forest City, IA, formerly of rural Kiester, passed away Oct. 15 in her home due to heart failure.
Services were held Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Kiester. Visitation was held Oct. 17 at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services. Reverend Dani Jo Ninke-Greaver officiated the services and interment, held at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Kiester.
Bernice was born Oct. 30, 1912, in Eden Township, Winnebago County, IA, to Peter and Marie (Stephenson) Walle. She was united in marriage to Nels J. Simonson Dec. 15, 1939, in Mason City.
Mrs. Simonson lived most of her life in rural Kiester, moving to Forest City in Oct. 1993. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its Ladies Group (WELCA). She enjoyed reading and embroidery.
She is survived by one daughter: Mary Ann and her husband, Tom Wrigley of West Des Moines, one daughter-in-law: Diane Schoenwetter of Klemme, IA, five grandchildren: Perry and his wife, E'lyn Simonson of Nashville, TN; Kitrie and her husband, Tim Patterson of Klemme, IA; Peter Simonson of Ames; Jodi and her husband Rick Heath of Ocoee, FL; Todd Amandus of Orlando, Fl., two step-grandchildren: Tom and his wife, Pat Wrigley IV of Pendleton, IN; Keile and her husband Carlos Woodward of Indialantic, FL, seven great grandchildren: Jack and Jessica Simonson; Cynthia, Jonathan, Nicole and Daphne Patterson; and Jackson Heath, four step-great grandchildren: Danielle and TJ Wrigley, and Colby and Samatha Woodward, numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1992, and one son Jon in 1984.
Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church.

William R. "Bill" Hansen, 60
BLUE EARTH - William R. "Bill" Hansen, age 60, of Blue Earth, passed away Oct. 11 at St. Luke's Lutheran Care Center. Following cremation, Memorial services were held Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m., at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father John Ozbun officiating. Burial of cremated remains were in Calvary Cemetery, Blue Earth. Patton Funeral Home handled all arrangements.
Bill was born Sept. 5, 1940, in Minneapolis to Raymond W. and Edna (Olson) Hansen.
He was raised and educated in Blue Earth where he was a 1959 graduate from Blue Earth High School. He spent most of his life in Blue Earth where he worked in the shipping department at Telex Corp. for over 25 years. He was married to Susan R. Borchard June 6, 1964, in Blue Earth and was later divorced. He was a longtime member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Bill is survived by his sons: David and wife, Amy Hansen of Ivahoe, Ill.; William L. wife, Maura Hansen of Des Moines, Iowa, mother: Edna Hansen of Blue Earth, brother: Jack and wife, Deb Hansen of Winnebago and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond on Oct.. 28, 1991.

Esther L. Ekeberg, 95
BLUE EARTH - Esther L. Ekeberg, age 95, of Blue Earth, passed away Oct. 14 at St. Luke's Lutheran Care Center. Funeral services were held Oct. 19, at 11 a.m., at St. Luke's with Rev. Stemme of Salem United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to services and burial followed services in Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth. Patton Funeral Home handled all arrangements.
Esther was born March 25, 1905, in Blue Earth to Frank and Minnie (Runkle) Henke.
She was raised and educated in Blue Earth where she graduated from Blue Earth High School in the 1920s. She received her normal training in Blue Earth and earned her teaching certificate. She taught at area country schools for approximately 10 years prior to her marriage.
In 1935, Esther married Albert Ekeberg in Blue Earth. The couple moved to Swea City, Iowa for a short time before returning permanently to Blue Earth in the late 1930s.
Mrs. Ekeberg was a longtime member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Blue Earth, where she was a member of the Ladies Aide and taught religion classes. She was also employed as head of church ground maintenance and cleaning for over 40 years.
She is survived by her daughter: Janet and husband, Lyle Gesche of Bloomington, son: Donald Ekeberg of Minnetonka, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother: Rueben "Bud" Henke.

Stephanie Teynor, 46
FORMERLY OF BLUE EARTH - Stephanie Lynn Teynor, age 46, of Prairie du Chien, Wisc. passed away Oct. 16 at the Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisc. after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born June 21, 1954 in Blue Earth to Howard and MaeJean Zierke. She graduated from Elmore High School in the class of 1972.
She married Daniel Teynor April 5, 1975 in Elmore. She managed the Quality Discount Store in Prairie du Chien and later was a child care provider in her home for 17 years. She most recently was the office manager for the Bridgeport Inn in Prairie du Chien for the past seven years.
Surviving are: her husband, Daniel, daughter, Kellee and special friend, Josh Corlett of Prairie du Chien, two sons: Kevin of St. Paul; Kyle and special friend, Brooke Post of Prairie du Chien, her parents: Howard and MaeJean Zierke of Blue Earth, two brothers: Mark Bassett and his wife, Diane of Chippewa Falls, Wisc.; Neal Zierke and his wife Denise of Gainesville, Va, one sister: Jennifer and her husband, Randy Hauth of Sleepy Eye, Minn. Also aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Craig Zierke and all her grandparents.
Services and burial were held Oct. 19 in Prairie du Chien, Wisc.

Minnie Tesch, 86
WELLS - Minnie Tesch, age 86, of Wells, formerly of Guckeen, passed away Oct. 27 at Parker Oaks Care Center in Winnebago. Funeral services were held Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, with Pastor John Otte officiating. Burial was in Verona Cemetery, Verona Township. Visitation was from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth handled the arrangements.
Minne was born March 13, 1914, in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Hans and Florence (Prusiner) Badje. As a young girl, she lived in Lincoln, Neb. until moving to Guckeen in the early 1920s. She attended Guckeen schools and later worked at the motel there.
She married Leonard Tesch Dec. 19, 1935, in Milbank, S.D. After her marriage, she began working at the Guckeen Post Office where she became the assistant postmistress. She worked in the post office for 35 years and also worked at Stokely's Processing in Winnebago and later Green Giant in Blue Earth, in addition to her postal duties.
In 1974 she moved to Blue Earth and later retired in 1980. She lived in Stewartville, Minn. for 10 years and returned to Blue Earth following her husbands death in 1990. She moved to Wells in 1994. Minne was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Earth.
She is survived by her sons: Donovan and his wife, Dorothy Tesch of Clinton; Sheldon Tesch of Granada; Michael Tesch of Granada, sister: Pearl and her husband, Lyle Bahr of Huntley, four grandchildren and nine great grand children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1990, and sister: Bessie Andrews.

Bobbie Schandel, 55
PHOENIX, AZ - Bobbie Schandel, age 55, died Oct. 30 at her home in Phoenix, AZ after a courageous battle with cancer.
Arrangements are being made for a funeral service and burial in Warsaw, NC.
Bobbie is survived by her husband, George (Jud) Schandel (formerly of Blue Earth); her mother, Katie Graham; one brother and three sisters of Warsaw, NC.
Also her mother-in-law, Margaret Schandel of Blue Earth, sisters-in-law: Gaynell Schandel of Minneapolis; Lisbeth (Mrs. Don) Peacock of St. Paul, many nieces and nephews.
Bobbie's father, Norwood, preceded her in death.

Henry F. "Hank" Rollenhagen, 94
WELLS - Henry F. 'Hank" Rollenhagen, age 94, of Wells passed away Oct. 25 at Parkview Care Center in Wells, where he had resided the past year.
Funeral services were held Oct. 28, 19:30 a.m., at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in rural Minnesota Lake. Rev. Henry Hendricks officiated the services and internment, held at St. Paul's Cemetery in Minnesota Lake Township.
Henry was born Oct. 13, 1906, in Dunbar Township in Faribault County, to William A. and Anna (Fuchs) Rollenhagen.
He was a life time resident of Dunbar Township, where he attended country school. He farmed all of this life and did custom corn shelling, threshing, and snowplowing for the county and township. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Christ. Henry enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Minnesota Twins on TV, and mowing lawn.
Henry is survived by two sisters: Alma Minse, and Adena Rollenhagen both of Wells, numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Arnold and William Jr., two sisters: Frieda Kontzelmann and Edna Rollenhagen, and two nephews.

Avis M. Jagodzinske, 81
WELCOME - Services for Avis M. Jagodzinske, age 81, of rural Welcome, were held 10 a.m. Oct. 31 at Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont with Rev. Richard Reynertson and Rev. Steve Witmer officiating. Burial was held in Emmanuel Cemetery of Fox Lake Township, rural Welcome.
Avis passed away Oct. 27 at Trimont Health Care Center in Trimont. Visitation was from 408 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Kramer Family Funeral Home in Welcome and one hour prior to services at the church.
Avis Margaret Olson was born Feb. 25, 1919, on a farm in Waverly Township, Martin County, Minnesota to Theodore and Constance (Romsdahl) Olson. They moved to a farm west of Ormsby where she went to grade school and then to Trimont High School and later attended Mankato Teacher's College. She then taught school in rural schools near Odin and Ormsby from 1938 - 1946.
On June 28, 1946, she married Rudy Jagodzinske at Long Lake Lutheran Church in St. James. After their marriage, they farmed in Fraser Township, rural Welcome. Rudy passed away Feb. 20, 1989. She continued living on the farm until moving to Maplewood Residence in 1997.
Avis was a member of the Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont where she assisted in the nursery at the church. Along with her husband, Rudy, they were very active as volunteers in the Salvation Army in Fairmont. She greatly enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren, playing piano, sewing, quilting, cooking, singing, and was known for her great sense of humor.
She is survived by her sons: Glenn Jagodzinske and his wife, Brenda of Topeka, Kan.; Victor Jagodzinske and his wife, Nola "Buck" of rural Ormsby; Garett Jagodzinske and his wife, Pam of rural Welcome; Lynn Jagodzinske and his wife, Penny of rural Welcome, daughters: Rose Marie Staife and her husband, Tim of Hot Springs, Ark.; Faye Gilland and her husband, Roger of rural Morgan, Minn; Gail Keck and her husband, Gary of rural Blue Earth, 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, her sister: Sylvia Scearcy of Pillager, Minn., her brother: Throvald Olson and his wife, Lucille of rural Ormsby, brother-in-law: Harold Jagodzinske and his wife, Greta of Welcome, sisters-in-law: Helen Jagodzinske of Alexandria; Virginia and Evelyn Schuler of Englewood, Fla., several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Avis was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Rudy Jagodzinske, brothers-in-law: George Scearcy, Vernon Schuler, mother and father-in-law: Bessie and Aaron Jagodzinske and other relatives.
Family prefers memorials to KJLY Radio and the Salvation Army.

Randy J. Henning, 48
BRICELYN - Funeral services for Randy J. Henning were held Oct. 30, 2 p.m., at South Blue Earth Lutheran Church in rural Bricelyn with Rev. Edward Nieman and Rev. Patricia Hinkie officiating. Visitation was held Oct. 29 from 3-7 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn and one hour prior to services.
Randy passed away Oct. 27 at his home in Bricelyn of natural causes.
Interment was held at South Blue Earth Lutheran Cemetery in Seely Township, Faribault County and military honors were given by the Blue Earth VFW Honor Guard and the Bricelyn American Legion Color Guard.
He was born Jan. 28, 1952 to Jule and Emmeline (Hove) Henning in Albert Lea.
Randy was a lifelong member of South Blue Earth Lutheran Church, he was baptized and confirmed there. He served in the United States Navy from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1973. While in the Navy, he was involved combat during the Vietnam War. He was his ships' boxing champion and a certified scuba diver. He studied civil engineering and electronics. He farmed most of his life in the Bricelyn area. He was a member of the Bricelyn American Legion. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his parents: Jule and Emmeline Henning of Bricelyn, brother: Michael and his wife, Diane Henning of Bricelyn, three sisters: Sheila Wigern and special friend, Duane Hoppe of Buffalo, MO; Julie and her husband, Robert Bramer of Waseca; Lori and her husband, Rick Olson of Albert Lea, many nieces and nephews.
Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents: Eddie and Annie Hove; Julius and Helena Henning.

Heiko Boekelman, 85
TITONKA, IOWA - Services for Heiko Boekelman, age 85, were held Thursday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Titonka, Iowa. Interment followed, with Rev. Timm Wilkin officiating, at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth.
Heiko passed away Oct. 30 at the Titonka Care Center, where he became a resident Oct. 9.
Mr. Boekelman was born March 11, 1915, near Titonka to John and Maggie (Rippentrop) Boekelman. He received his early education at the German Valley Country School and then graduated from the Titonka High School in 1935, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. After his schooling, Heiko farmed with his parents northeast of Titonka.
He was married March 3, 1947, to Fern Johnson at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. The couple farmed west of Titonka for two years and then moved northeast of Titonka and farmed for 30 years. In 1980, Heiko and Fern built a new home east of their former home and retired.
Heiko was an active member of the Titonka United Methodist Church where he had been Chairman of the Trustees, Chairman of the Ushers, Lay Leader, and had served on many other committees. He was a charter member of the North Iowa Wood Carvers Guild, and also belonged to the Titonka Senior Citizens. Heiko enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening, growing flowers and planting trees and shrubs. He also enjoyed playing cards, reading, and when he was younger, Heiko enjoyed playing softball, baseball and square dancing. Heiko and Fern traveled extensively after retirement, but his greatest joy in life was his family.
He is survived by his wife: Fern of rural Titonka, his children and their families: Ron Boekelman, his wife Sandi, their son Brandon, all of Albert Lea; Barbara Malinsky, her husband Don, and their daughter Julie, all of Albert Lea.
Also surviving are his brother: Robert Boekelman and his wife, Audrey, sister: Gertrude Sunken and her husband, Simon, sister-in-law: Lois Boekelman, all of Titonka.
Heiko was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Marie Boekelman and Martha Beenken, and one brother, Joe Boekelman.

Oudie R. Betels, 87
BUFFALO CENTER - Funeral services for Oudie Betels were held at 11 a.m. Oct. 28 at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Lois Abel officiating. Visitation was held Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m. at Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial was held at Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center.
Oudie passed away Oct. 24 at Mercy Health Center-North Iowa, in Mason City at the age of 87.
Oudie Ruby Betels, daughter of Allen and Anna (Heikens) Weaver, was born Sept. 4, 1913, in Woden , Iowa. She attended country schools in Woden and Buffalo Center.
Oudie was united in marriage Feb. 23, 1930, to William Betels. They farmed until retirement in 1975 and moved to Buffalo Center. Oudie worked at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center for 12 years. Oudie was a very active member of her church. She received a gold cross for 50 years of service to the women's organization of her church.
Surviving are: her four daughters and their husbands: Kathleen and Larry Gray of Oakdale, Minn; Deanna and Duane Swanson of Duluth; Linda and Dean Meier of Ventura, IA; Ellen and John Laage of Fenton, IA, fourteen grandchildren and their spouses: Larry Alan and Kim Gray; Steve and Deb Gray; Cindy and Chris Martinson; Kim and John Enright; Danny and Maggie Swanson; Dawn and Steve Bonasera; Dione Swanson; David Swanson; Sandy and Dean Miller; Robert and Kim Meier; Thomas and Lori Meier; Christian Laage; William Laage; and Elizabeth Laage.
Also surviving are 18 great grandchildren: Joshua, Matt, and Emily Gray; David, Renee, and Amanda Gray; Samantha, Savannah, and Wyatt Martinson; Kaitlyn and Chloe Enright; Nicholas, Brandon, and Caitlin Miller; Rebecca, Amanda, and Jessica Meier; and Josiah Meier.
Oudie is also survived by one brother: Burt and his wife Betty Weaver, one brother-in-law: Ted and his wife Vivian Betels, and three sisters-in-law: Bille Weaver, Dorothy Weaver, and Iva Weaver and a large number of nieces and nephews, and a host of good friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, one granddaughter Angelynn Gray, one sister, and four brothers.

Leona Swenson, 88
BUFFALO CENTER - Funeral services for Leona Swenson, age 88, of Buffalo Center, were held Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center. Rev. Mary Sacco officiated the funeral and burial, which were held at Pontoppidan Lutheran Cemetery in Lemond Township.
Leona passed away Nov. 5 at Timely Mission Nursing Home where she had being living since Jan. 2000.
Leona Antoinette Swenson was born Oct. 25, 1912, in Steele County, Minn. to George and Frieda (Johnson) Paulson. She was baptized Nov. 28, 1912.
She was united in marriage to Johann Swenson June 28, 1930, at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church Parsonage, Lemond Township, Minn. The couple farmed in Otisco Township, Waseca County until Johann's death in 1966. They raised four children: Mary Ann, Johann Jr., Paul and Dean.
Mrs. Swenson was active in the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, serving many years as organist and choir director.
She moved to Buffalo Center in 1972. She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Family members left to mourn her passing are, two sons: Johann (Swede) and his wife, Rae Swenson of Chippewa Falls, Wisc.; Dean Swenson of Buffalo Center; daughter-in-law: Arlene Swenson of Scandia, Minn.
She is also survived by two sisters: Gwendolyn Kramer of Owatonna; Jensine Roebrick and her husband, Charles of Faribault, Minn., two sisters-in-law: Harriet Paulson of Owatonna; Lorie Swenson of New Richland, Minn., seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter: Mary Ann Schaeffer, her son: Paul Swenson, three brothers and one sister.

Nancy K. Schoenrock, 70
ALEXANDRIA - Nancy Katherine Schoenrock passed away Nov. 2 at the Bethany Home at the age of 70. A memorial service was held Nov. 7 at the Bethany Home Chapel with Rev. Dan Christ officiating. The musician was Kim Byrne. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.
Nancy was born April 9, 1930, to Merle and Mertie (True) McLaughlin in Minneapolis. She later attended nursing school in St. Paul. She was employed at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota until she was united in marriage to Vernon Butler in Blue Earth. The couple moved to St. Paul where they raised their children. In 1972 her battle against multiple sclerosis forced her into a nursing home in St. Paul and later in Minneapolis. She was married to Leonard Schoenrock in St. Paul. Leonard, also a victim of multiple scleroses, preceded her in death. In 1997, she moved to Alexandria to be close to her daughter.
Nancy loved birds and cats. Her family was important to her. She held dearly the pictures of all her family.
Mrs. Schoenrock is survived by her former husband and friend, Vernon Butler, sons: David Butler and wife, Sue of Hayward, Wisc.; and Stephen Butler and wife, Cathy of St. Paul, daughters: Cynthia Butler and husband, Mike Winter of Burnett, Texas; and Marie Butler Hawkins and husband, Mike Hawkins of Houston, Texas. step-daughter: Pat Wilkenson and husband, Stan of St. Paul. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister: Peggy (Frederick) Riker of Blue Earth, foster sister: Mildred Koser.

Robert L. Russell, 75
BLUE EARTH - Robert L. Russell, age 75, of Blue Earth, passed away Nov. 6 at his home.
Funeral services were held Nov. 9 at 10:30 at First United Methodist Church in Blue Earth with Pastor Rod Stemme officiating. Burial was held in Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Visitation was Nov. 8 from 4-8 p.m. at Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth.
Robert was born July 12, 1925, at DeKalb, Ill. to Thomas A. and Florence B. (Quiggle) Russell. He was raised and educated in Blue Earth where he attended Blue Earth High School.
Robert was married to Marva Hartman Sept. 19, 1948, in Amboy. He farmed his family farm west of Blue Earth until 1969 when he moved to Blue Earth and started working for Arends Sale Yard. He was Head Yardman at the sale yard for many years until his retirement in 1987. Following his retirement he worked part-time for a few years at Central Graphics. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Blue Earth.
He is survived by his wife: Marva Russell of Blue Earth, sons: Dale and wife, Francine Russell of Blue Earth; Bobby Russell of Blue Earth, Steven and wife, Carol Russell of Waseca, daughter: Susan Immens of Sherburn, sisters: Lucille Coulter of Plainview, Neb.; Venice Grindle of Seattle, Wa.; Marcella Eckhardt of Blue Earth, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild.
Mr. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Florence Tagatz, and four brothers-in-law.
Memorial donations will be directed to the United Hands Hospice of Blue Earth or the American Kidney Association.

Everett "Dick" Prescher, 84
MAPLETON - Everett "Dick" Prescher, age 84, of Mapleton, passed away Nov. 1 at Mapleton Community Home. Funeral services were held Nov. 3 at St. John's Lutheran Church of Mapleton, Rev. Richard Salge officiated. Burial was at Union Cemetery. Visitation was held Nov. 2 from 4-8 p.m. at Olson-Tichenor Funeral Home and resumed one hour prior to services at the church.
Dick was born Dec. 1, 1915, to Julius and Martha (Martin) Prescher in rural Delavan. He was baptized Dec. 19, 1915, and on June 1, 1930, he was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Blue Earth. Dick was educated in Blue Earth and assisted on the family farm as well as helping neighboring farmers. Drafted into the U.S.Army in 1941, Dick received the Purple Heart for being shot by enemy fire in Aschen, Germany. On April 17, 1943, he married Rita Brigger in Winnebago. After his discharge in 1945, he began farming in the Mapleton area. After farming for 37 years, he retired, moving to the city of Mapleton in 1982. A member of St. John's Lutheran Church and VFW Mapleton Post 5338, Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, and playing cards.
Mr. Prescher is survived by his wife: Rita, three sons: Richard and his wife, Elizabeth of Morristown; Douglas of Waseca; and Greg and his wife, Barb of Plymouth, daughter: Gale and her husband, Thomas Morley of Redwood Falls, three brothers: Herb and his wife, Jan of Richland; Vic of Arlington; Bob and his wife, Lori of Mapleton, five sisters: Dorothy Proehl of Mapleton, Eleanor Possin of Hartland; Alice and her husband, Bob Diecher of Carthage, MO; Marion Nagel of Blue Earth; and Shirley Eckart of Mapleton, six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Adrian (who was killed in WWII), Harold and Roscoe and sister Janet Wentland.

Melvin C. Larson, 95
BLUE EARTH - Melvin (Mel) C. Larson, age 95, of Blue Earth, passed away Nov. 4 at St. Luke's Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth. Following cremation, burial will be at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date. Patton Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Mel was born in Minneapolis June 8, 1905, the son of Albert G. and Ida A. (Holtman) Larson. He was raised and educated in North Minneapolis. Mel graduated from high school and attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute. He married Helen V. Strom Aug. 29, 1931, and worked for telautograph in Minneapolis and Chicago, returning to Minneapolis in 1943 to work at Honeywell. In 1967, he retired to Balsam Lake, Wisc. from his position as Honeywell's Golden Valley Plant Manager. After his wife's death in 1981, he returned to Minneapolis until 1998 when he moved to Blue Earth, near the home of his daughter.
Mel is survived by his daughter: Linda and her husband, Andy Blum of Blue Earth, sister: Hazelle Sands of Fargo, brother: Arthur Larson of Cleveland, Ohio, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Helen, brothers: Evald and Gilbert, and sister: Ruth Larson.
No flowers please, memorials may be sent to Sharing and Caring Hands of North Minneapolis are preferred.

Sherry Ann Johnson, 52
BURT, IOWA - Sherry Ann Johnson, age 52, of Burt passed away Nov. 6 at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona after a three-year battle with cancer.
A funeral service was held Friday, Nov. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft. Father Paul D. Bormann of St. John's Catholic Church officiated. Interment was held in Burt Township Cemetery, Burt.
Her family greeted visitors at the funeral home from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 9 and also before services Friday.
Sharon was born Oct. 9, 1948, in St. Paul. She grew up in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1965. She then attended Beauty School in Mankato and worked in Blue Earth for many years.
Sherry married Ben Johnson July 12, 1985, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. They lived in Burt where she worked at Exceptional Opportunities. Sherry enjoyed doing crafts, cooking, and collecting birdhouses. She was a past member of the Blue Earth VFW Auxiliary.
Sherry is survived by her husband: Ben Johnson of Burt, her father: Florian "Hunch" Schmid of Weslaco, Texas, her brother: Joe Schmid of Lake Elmo, four sons: Chris Boettcher, Millaca, MN; Todd Boettcher of Elmore; Chad Boettcher and his wife, Carrie of Mankato; and Travis Boettcher of Faribault. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tyler of Elmore; Jordan and Kelsey of Blue Earth; Dylan and Hannah of Mankato; Anna and Katelyn of Truman; and Serenity, mother-in-law: Norma Johnson of Bancroft, four sisters-in-law: Ardis Johnson, Laurie Johnson, Connie Johnson, and Sandra Johnson- all of Brancroft, three brothers-in-law: Charles Johnson of Santa Clara, Calif.; Doug Johnson of Yorktown, Va.; and Scott Johnson of Layton, Utah, many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother: Mary Margaret "Marge" Schmid, in Aug. 2000.

Jean M. Beckmann, 71
WELLS - Jean M. Beckmann, age 71, of Wells, passed away Sunday, Nov. 5 at Albert Lea Medical Center. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Wells. Rev. Kenneth Haack officiated. Visitation was held at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells Nov. 7 from 4-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment was held at Dunbar Memorial Cemetery in Minnesota Lake Township, Faribault County.
Jean was born Dec. 28, 1928, near Waseca to Edgar and Mabel (Buschow) Bathke. She lived all her life in the Wells area and graduated from Wells High School in 1947.
She was married in February of 1948 to Gerald Beckmann in Dunbar Township. Jean was employed by Armour Swift Eckrich in Wells for 14 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wells and enjoyed gardening, flowers, baking, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mrs. Beckmann is survived by her husband: Gerald Beckmann of Wells, five children: Ruth and her husband, Bob Little of Kasota, MN; Glen and his wife, Paulette Beckmann of Ellendale, MN; Duane and his wife, Nancy Beckmann of Rochester; Vicky and her husband, John Grommersch of Good Thunder; Nancy and her fiance`, Scott Jones of Ellsworth, WI, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law: Doris Bauldus of Austin, sister: Bernice Sonnek of Wells, brother: Edgar Bathke and his wife, Carroll of Wells, two half-sisters: Caroline Jones of Clackamas, OR; Mildred Klinder of Blue Earth, numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son: David Beckmann in 1994, two brothers: Rodney Bathke and Maynard Bathke.