JIM ILLIES
Services for Jim Illies, age 71., of Spicer, who died Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the 
Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, were Monday, Oct. 30, at Our Lady of the 
Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer with Fr. Fred Fink officiating.
Interment was at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Paynesville.
Mr. Illies was born on April 9, 1929, in Elrosa the son of John and Hilda 
(Nathe) Illies. He grew up and attended school in Elrosa, graduated from 
Belgrade High School and became employed at J.C. Penny's in Glenwood. He 
received x-ray training at the St. Cloud Hospital and was employed at the 
Willmar Regional Treatment Center for over 35 years. On October 13, 1958, in 
Greenwald, he married Colette Lensing. Jim later received E.E.G. training in 
Minncapolis and traveled throughout central Minnesota working at various medical 
centers. He was active in his church, was former a member of the Knights of 
Columbus and a former parish board member. He was also a member of the Minnesota 
Radiologists Association. Jim and Colette spent the last three winters in 
Mission, Texas, where they attended the Our Lady of Guadelupe Catholic Church. 
He enjoyed his yardwork, sweepstakes, his pet bird (Birdie) and being a 
caretaker for several of his neighbors properties.
He is survived by his wife, Colette of Spicer; five children, Jeff (and Beth) 
Illies of Spicer, Gary (and. Renae) Illies of Seymour, Wis.,.Michelle (and 
Randy) Norris of Spicer, Joy (and Bill) Illies Woefel of New London and Jan (and 
David) Ellis of Blaine; and 12 grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Fr. 
Wilfred Illies of St. Cloud; two sisters, Margie (and Al) Beste of Freeport and 
Lois (and Phil) Williams of Bloomington; two step-brothers, Roman (and Millie) 
Rieland and Orville (and Bernie) Rieland; and two stepsisters, Margie (and Bob) 
Spanjes and Lilah (and Jim) Simmer, besides other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Lillian, one brother 
Donald, his stepmother, Hilda, and several stepbrothers.

LUVERN HIESERICH
Services for Luverne G. Hieserich Sr.,age 75, of Grey Eagle, who died Saturday, 
Oct. 21 at Melrose Area Hospital, were Thursday, Oct. 26 at St. Joseph's 
Catholic Church in Grey Eagle.
Rev. Bernie Gruenes officiated, with burial following in St. Mary's Cemetery in 
Melrose.
Luverne George Hieserich was born in Grove Township, Stearns County to John and 
Magdelena (Schneider) Hieserich. He farmed near Melrose. He served in the US 
Army from 1944-1946, in the African-Middle Eastern Theatre during WWII.
After his discharge, he married Betty Hoffmann on Feb. 10, 1947 at St. Mary's 
Catholic Church in Melrose. The couple farmed east of Long Prairie until 1975. 
They lived in Round Prairie for 13 years. In 1988, they moved to Grey Eagle and 
retired. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle, and the 
American Legion Post #12 in Long Prairie.
He is survived by 10 children, David Hieserich and his wife Ardie of Cottage 
Grove, Duane Hieserich of Maple Grove, Ronald Hieserich of Alexandria, Luverne 
Hieserich Jr. and his wife Gay of St. Cloud, Tim Hieserich and his wife Cili of 
St. Paul Park, Tom Hieserich of Browerville, John Hieserich and his wife Karen 
of Cambridge, Debbie
Hieserich of Grey Eagle, Patty Arbogast and her husband Chuck of Cottage Grove, 
Terry Hieserich of Maple Grove; sisters, Viola Halley of Minneapolis, Leona 
Ebeling of Bemidji, Marie Narkie of Minneapolis, Verena Novak of New Hope, 
Madeline Green of Eveleth; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty Hieserich on Feb. 9, 1999; 
infant son; brothers Arnold Hieserich and Richard Hieserich.
Serving as casket bearers were Keith, Michael, Craig, Jeff, Chris, and Tim 
Hieserich Jr. Serving as cross bearer was Cili Hieserich, and scripture bearer 
was Tim Hieserich Sr. Honorary bearers were Joshua, Jacob, Joel, and Eric 
Hieserich.

 LUELLA HUMBERT
Services for Luella E. Humbert, age 68 of New Munich, who died on Thursday, Oct. 
5 at her home, were Monday, Oct. 9 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in 
New Munich. 
Rev. Roger Klassen, OSB officiated with interment following in the parish 
cemetery. Lue Humbert was born on March 8, 1932 in St. Martin Township, Stearns 
County to Herman and Anna (Moser) Mayers. She was united in marriage to Norbert 
A. Humbert on Sept. 18, 1950 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New 
Munich. The couple farmed four miles southwest of New Munich and Lue owned and 
operated All Occasions Gifts in Melrose for several years. She has been employed 
at Midwest Screenprint, then Midwest Sportswear in Melrose for the past several 
years. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich, 
St. Anne's Christian Mothers, St. Appolonia Mission Group and Immaculate 
Conception Catholic Aid. She enjoyed ceramics, gardening, fishing and card 
playing.
She is survived by her husband, Norbert Humbert of New Munich; six children, 
Audrey Roering and her husband, LeRoy of Sauk Centre, Dieter Humbert and his 
wife, Laurie of Ranier, Jerry Humbert and his wife, Cyndi of Paynesville, Sheila 
Sheets and her husband, Shawn of New Munich, Karen Beier and her husband, Tom of 
St. Martin, Lori Tjaden and her husband, Jeff of Sunburg; 15 grandchildren; one 
great grandchild; four brothers, Erwin Mayers and his wife, Monica and Donald 
Mayers and his wife, Jeanette of Melrose, Raymon Mayers and his wife, AldaMae of 
New Munich, Sylvester Mayers of St. Paul.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Viola Scholz. 
Serving as casket bearers will be Shawn and Ryan Sheets, Tom Beier, Scott and 
Shannon Roering, and Jeff Tjaden, with Shelley Roering serving as cross bearer. 
Honorary bearers will be Mary Ann Zierden, Marilyn Schaefer, Lois Rieland, Ethel 
Middendorf, Lucy Meyer, Lucille Bertram, Doris Stalboerger, Mary Hopfer, Delores 
Frieler and Monica Rieland.

RAY JONAS
Services for Ray Jonas, 59 of Albany, who died Sept. 29 of cancer, were Tuesday, 
Oct. 3 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Albany.
Mr. Jonas was born August 21, 1941 in Farming Township to Raymond and Katherine 
(Kunstleben) Jonas Sr. He married Kathleen Koopmeiners on May 22, 1971 at 
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. 
The couple farmed south of Albany until January 1999. Ray was a rural mail 
carrier out of Avon since June 1993 He was a member of Seven Dolors Parish, an 
usher, vice president of the Rural Mail Union and a member of the St. Joseph 
Society.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, son Randy and his wife Cari and grandchildren 
Cody, Kaitlyn and Karlee of Clarissa, daughter Barb Jonas and granchdaughter 
Hailea of Avon, brother Bud Jonas of St. Martin, and sisters Mary Wehseler and 
her husband Robert of Cold Spring, Evie Hoeschen and her husband Jim of Buffalo, 
Carie Kulzer and her husband Don of Richmond and Chris Hoeschen and her husband 
Bob of Cold Spring.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Viola and granddaughter 
Britney.
Crossbearer was Cody Jonas. A bible was presented by Kaitlyn Jonas. 
Casketbearers were Mike Wehseler, Chuck Wehseler, Brenda Goerke, Jason Hoeschen, 
Brad Thelen, Brian Thelen, Mark Kulzer and Ron Janke. Lectors were Gail Rose and 
Bev Pietz. Communion ministers were Steve Fischer and Carol Braun and servers 
were Sarah Kalthoff, Emily Kunstleben and Paul Kunstleben.

SYLVESTER SCHURMAN
Sylvester "Tubby" Schurman passed away Sept. 20 at his daughter's home in 
Chandler, Arizona.
Funeral services were held Sept. 25 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church of 
Scottsdale.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara; daughter Ruth, sons Robert, Ronald, Richard 
and Randy; brother, Melvin of St. Cloud, sisters, Helen Harth of Watkins, 
Loretta Benson of Hatton, N.D. and Jeanette Kleinschmidt of Sauk Centre. He was 
preceded in death by daughter Rebecca and sister, Viola.

ALOYS DIERKHISING
Services for Aloys E. Dierkhising, 78 of New Brighton, who passed away Oct. 4, 
were held Friday, Oct 6 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, New Brighton. 
He was preceded in death by two daughters, his parents, four sisters and one 
brother. 
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Jeanette; children Patricia 
(Allen) Lennox, Robert (Janet) Dierkhising, Donna Dierkhising, Katherine 
(Timothy) Nagan, Stephen (Debra) Dierkhising; grandchildren Tammy (David) 
Kathman, Bruce Lennox (Tanya Boldenow), Justin Lennox (Crystal Martin), Jodi 
(Larry) Landers, Jefrey Dierkhising, Nicholas and Kelly Nagan; 
great-grandchildren Kayla Lennox and Totiana Landers; other relatives and 
friends.

AL WESTENDORF
Services for Al J. Westendorf, age 83, of Melrose, who died Thursday, Sept. 14 
at Melrose Area Hospital were Tuesday, Sept. 19, at St. Mary's Catholic Church 
in Melrose.
Burial was in the parish cemetery. Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated.
Al J. Westendorf was born June 21, 1917 in Melrose, to Henry and Elizabeth 
(Hinnenkamp) Westendorf. He graduated from Melrose High School and went on to 
business school in St. Cloud. For 15 years he was employed by Melrose State 
Bank. For the next 30 years he worked as Melrose City Clerk/Treasurer retiring 
in 1984. He served on Melrose Area School Board for a number of years. He was a 
member of St. Bernard's Catholic Aid, the Knights of Columbus, Council #1633 and 
the Melrose Lion's Club.
Mr. Westendorf is survived by his sister, Julia Westendorf of Melrose; brother, 
Erwin Westendorf and his wife Arlene, of Rochester, Minnesota; niece, Karen 
Westendorf of Rochester.
Serving as casket bearers were Paul Hinnenkamp, Dave Primus, Walter Hinnenkamp, 
Herman Hinnenkamp, Herman Westendorf, Craig Schiffler.
Cross bearer was Bob Ritter. Scripture bearer was Vern Enneking. Serving as 
honorary bearers were Rose Ann Inderrieden, Jane Brown, Karen Thostenson, 
Patricia Kraemer, Diane Gruber, Rose Athmann, Bernie Sieben, Martha Meyer, Henry 
Loxtercamp, John Middendorf, Urb Schulzetenberg, Hank Westerhaus, Joe 
Woebkenberg, Ray Brickweg, Norm Bohlig and Vern Jacobs.
Memorials are preferred to St. Mary's Capital Needs Fund.

DUANE MELTON
Services for Duane F. Melton, age 81 of Albany, who died Thursday, Sept. 14 at 
the St. Cloud Hospital, were Monday, Sept. 18 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in 
Farming.
Burial followed in the church cemetery. The Rev. Peter Holm officiated.
Duane Melton was born March 31, 1919 in Valentine, Neb. to Forrest A. and 
Margaret (Kinkaid) Melton. He lived and worked in Valentine until 1940 moving to 
Rawlins, Wyo., where he worked as a fireman on the Union Pacific Railroad. He 
was united in marriage to Helen M. Lenser on Aug. 27, 1942 at Valentine, Neb. 
They returned to Wyoming to work until 1946. They moved to Kepa Poha, S.D. where 
they farmed. In 1957 they bought a restaurant at Valentine, Neb. They moved to 
Melrose in 1960 where they worked and farmed. He was a member of Immanuel 
Lutheran Church.
Duane is survived by his wife, Helen Melton of Albany; son, Larry Melton and his 
wife, Roxanna of Avon; daughter, Karen Rohde of Maple Grove; and four 
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Eugene and 
Harrison Melton.
Serving as casket bearers were Forrest Melton, Jay Rohde, Eddie Zylstra, Kenny 
Zylstra, Troy Taylor, Dean Miller and Doug Larson.

HAROLD LIND
Services for Harold E. Lind, age 63 of Grey Eagle, who died Wednesday, Sept. 13 
at St. Cloud Hospital, were Saturday, Sept. 16 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 
in Grey Eagle.
Rev. Bernie Gruenes officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Harold Edward Lind was born Nov. 23, 1936 in Chicago, Ill., to Wallace and 
Melvina (Skurdanis) Lind. He worked as a mechanic for several years until 
serving in the US Air Force, where he worked as a flight mechanic. After leaving 
the Air Force, he worked as a mechanic and welder. He married Josephine Krause 
on October 22, 1960 in Chicago, Ill.. He moved to Grey Eagle in 1971, and worked 
a variety of mechanic jobs. In 1975 he opened Lind's Garage on Big Birch Lake, 
near Grey Eagle, until 1998. From 1998 to the present, he has worked part time 
at DHIA in Sauk Centre. Harold is survived by his son, Gary Lind and his wife 
Marychris, of St. Paul; brother James Lind and his wife Maryellen, of Topeka, 
Kansas; and ex-wife, Josephine Lind of Orland Park, Illinois. He was preceded in 
death by his parents.
Serving as casket bearers were Mark Heidgerken, Andy and Aron Berg, Bill Savage, 
Jim Salwasser and Ron Kuhne. Cross bearer was Juliann Lind.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in 
Grey Eagle.

CONRAD ROERICK
Services for Conrad "Rocky" H. Roerick, age 82 of Melrose, who died Saturday, 
Sept. 16 at Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, were Wednesday, Sept. 20, at St. 
Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis.
Rev. William Vouk III officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Conrad "Rocky" Roerick was born in Grey Eagle Township, Todd County, to Herman 
and Agnes (Tobroxen) Roerick. He married Anna Thell on Oct. 8, 1946 at St. 
Anthony. He was employed by REA for one year and then farmed on the family farm 
in Krain Township, Stearns County for many years. He has resided at Pine Villa 
Care Center for two years. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic 
Church, where he was an usher and a member of St. Francis Men's Society.
He is survived by his wife, Anna, of Melrose; children, Eugene Roerick and Sue 
of Champlin, and JoAnn Gomer and Norb of Chaska.; brothers and sisters, Edmund 
Roerick and Delores of Burtrum, Gilbert Roerick and Juanita of Freeport, Louise 
Thell of Upsala, and Alvina Beuning and Anthony of Avon; 4 grandchildren, Angela 
LaFrance, Jeff Roerick, Rebecca Gomer, and Matt Gomer; 2 great grandchildren, 
Steve LaFrance and Colin LaFrance. He was preceded in death by his parents; 
brothers Hubert Roerick and Henry Roerick; grandson, Jason Roerick.
Serving as casket bearers were Matt Gomer, Rebecca Gomer, Angela LaFrance, Jeff 
Roerick, Janet Elfering, Sylvester Roerick, Herman Roerick, and Richard Roerick. 
Cross bearer was Steve LaFrance, Scripture bearer was Cathy Jesok.

ROSEMARY G. JANKE
Services for Rosemary G. Janke, age 64 of Melrose, who died Monday, Sept. 18 at 
Melrose Area Hospital were Thursday, Sept. 21 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in 
Melrose.
Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Rosemary Gertrude Janke was born April 21, 1936 in St. Cloud to Mathew and Mary 
(Wehsler) Zierden. She worked for several years at the Albany Nursing Home. She 
married Anthony Janke on February 20, 1970 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in 
Melrose. The couple lived on Big Birch Lake, near Grey Eagle, until moving into 
Melrose in 1983. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony Janke of Melrose; children, Brenda 
VanBeck and her husband, Chad of Melrose, Anthony Janke Jr. and his wife, Sandy 
of Minnetonka, Steven Janke of Coon Rapids, Ronald Janke and his wife, Diane of 
Lakeville; Mary Lou Gerads and her husband, Dale of Grey Eagle; sisters, Theresa 
Rademacher and her husband, Virgil of Melrose, Delores Dierkhising and her 
husband, Herb of New Munich, Margaret Borgerding and her husband, Al of 
Freeport, Sr. Geraldine Zierden of Saint Joseph; and seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers and sister, Hubert Zierden, 
Jerome Zierden, Art Zierden, Edmund Zierden, Mathew Zierden, Lucille Fischbach, 
and Larry Zierden; grand child, Emilia Loriann Janke.
Serving as casket bearers were Chuck Kraker, Mark Zierden, Ryan Zierden, Brian 
Borgerding, Dennis Fischbach, Alvin Dierkhising. Cross bearer was Cindy 
Bertram.

PATRICK D. MCLANAHAN
Services for Patrick D. McLanahan, age 36, of Melrose, who died Saturday, Aug. 
26 at Melrose Area Hospital, were Wednesday, Aug. 30 at St. Mary's Cemetery in 
Melrose. Patrick Dale McLanahan was born Nov. 30, 1963, in Minneapolis, to 
Julian "Mick" and Alverna (Walz) McLanahan. He graduated in 1980 from Hermiston 
High School, in Hermiston, Ore. He worked as a lab technician at Lamb-Weston in 
Ore., until joining the Missouri Valley Line Constructors Apprenticeship and 
training program through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 
Local 160 in Minneapolis. He worked as a journeyman lineman for Northern States 
Power doing power line construction. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic 
Church in Melrose, Catholic Aid, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers, local 160 in Minneapolis.
He is survived by his mother, Alverna McLanahan, of Melrose; son, Mathew 
Weber-McLanahan of Savage; half brother, Tim Hatfield and his wife, Rose of 
Sault Ste Marie, Ont.,Canada; half sister, Bonnie Gugin and her husband, Dave of 
Mount Pleasant, Michigan; special friend, Pam Hayes of Plymouth; uncle, Mike 
McLanahan and his wife, Shirley of Mount Blanc, Michigan; aunts, Murial Jerdan 
and her husband, Ed of Norristown, Pennsylvania, Ann Olmscheid and her husband, 
Gene of Melrose, Bea Sieben of Aberdeen, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his father, Julian "Mick" McLanahan; grandparents, 
Beverly and Alma McLanahan, and Alphonse and Louise Walz; brother, Robert James 
McLanahan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

CECELIA E. KOCZUR
Services were Monday, Aug. 21 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Sauk 
Centre for Cecelia E. Koczur, age 90-years, nine months and seven days, who died 
Friday, Aug.18 at St. Michael's Nursing Home, Sauk Centre.
Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Holdingford.
Cecelia Koczur was born on Nov. 11, 1909 in Brockway Township to Roy Sr. and 
Stanislawa (Rudnicki) Hylla. She married Joseph M. Koczur on Oct. 16, 1934 at 
St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel.. They farmed in Elmdale Township, 
Morrison County for 40 years. They moved to Little Falls and she resided there 
for 19 years.
She lived in Upsala for three years and then moved to Sauk Centre in 1996. She 
has resided at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre since March of 1998. 
She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Sauk Centre, 
Christian Mothers and the Legion Auxiliary in Upsala.
Survivors include her six children, Eugene Koczur and his wife, Helen of 
Homosassa, Fla.; Elaine Clark and her husband, Dennis of Anoka; Renee Beddow and 
her husband, Jerome of Sauk Centre; Allan Koczur and his wife, Nancy of 
Cambridge; Jim Koczur and his wife, Mary of Upsala; and Constance Tufte of 
Grant's Pass, Ore.; brothers and sister, Frank Hylla and his wife, Florence of 
Cold Spring; Sylvester Hylla of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Roy Hylla of Holdingford; 
and Eileen Resseman and her husband, Vern of Waite Park; daughter-in-law, 
Bernice Koczur of Avon; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph on March 15, 1973; 
son, Roman on Sept. 20, 1985 and brothers, John and Alex Hylla; sister, Lucy 
Zierden, and son-in-law, Gary Tufte in 1989.
Casket bearers were Daniel, David and Jolaine Beddow, Steve Clark and Brian and 
Joseph Koczur. Cross bearer was Kara Koczur with Scripture bearer, Matthew 
Koczur. Lectors were Julie Beddow Schubert, Janelle VanErp, Katheryn Stangeland 
and Jessica Tufte.
Memorials are preferred to St. Michael's Nursing Home and EWTN.

JOSEPH G. LOXTERCAMP
Services for Joseph G. Loxtercamp, 87 of Greenwald, who died Sunday, Aug. 20 at 
Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose were Wednesday, Aug. 23 at St. Andrew's 
Catholic Church, Greenwald with Frs. Ken Popp and Daniel Ohmann officiating.
Interment followed in the parish cemetery.
Joseph Loxtercamp was born on May 26, 1913 in Meire Grove to George and Mary 
(Kampsen) Loxtercamp. He married Alberta M. Schleper on May 19, 1960 at St. 
Andrew's Catholic Church, Greenwald. They farmed near Greenwald until retiring 
in 1990. Joseph has lived in Pine Haven at PineVilla Care Center since December 
of 1999. He was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church, St. Michael's Men's 
Society and Lake Henry American Legion Post 612.
Survivors include his wife, Alberta Loxtercamp of Greenwald; children, Nicholas 
Backes and his wife, Mary of Sauk Centre; Margaret Theilman and her husband, 
Robert of Avon; Gary Backes and his wife, Lila of St. Cloud; David Backes of 
Greenwald; Dennis Backes and his wife, Rebecca of Dayton and Paul Loxtercamp and 
his wife, Julie of Bemidji; sisters and brothers, Sister Georgetta Loxtercamp of 
St. Paul Priory, St. Paul; Henry Loxtercamp and his wife, Rita of Melrose; Leo 
Loxtercamp and Beata Frieler of Melrose; Fred Loxteramp of St. Paul; Rose Uphoff 
of Greenwald; Tony Loxtercamp and his wife, Louise of Swanville and Ray 
Loxtercamp and his wife, Ermenia of Lake Henry; 10 grandchildren, four 
great-grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Al, Ben, Herman and Otto 
Loxtercamp.
Casket bearers were his children: Nicholas Backes, Margaret Theilman, Gary 
Backes, David Backes, Dennis Backes, and Paul Loxtercamp. Cross bearer was 
Katherine Loxtercamp. Scripture bearer was Kristina Backes.
Memorials are preferred.

HELEN PLUTH
Services for Helen Pluth, age 98 of Grey Eagle, who died Thursday, Aug. 17 at 
North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, were Tuesday, Aug. 22 with Rev. 
Bernard Gruenes officiating.
Burial followed in the parish cemetery.
Helen Pluth was born January 29, 1902 in Sleepy Eye to Wenzel and Catherine 
Schneider (Merth), She was united in marriage to Edward M. Pluth on June 23, 
1936 in Sleepy Eye. The couple lived on a farm near Grey Eagle and Helen taught 
English at Grey Eagle High School. She was the church organist at St. Joseph's 
Catholic Church, Grey Eagle. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church 
and of the Grey Eagle Christian Mothers. After she retired from teaching, she 
was active in the Todd County Council on Aging and the Grey Eagle Senior Center.
She is survived by her children Ed Pluth and Kathie of Delano, Virginia Egan and 
Joseph of Cedar; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded 
in death by her husband who died Jan. 18, 1961, her son, Tom, two sister and 
five brothers.
Casket bearers were Edward, David, Thomas and Tim Pluth, and Michael, Jack and 
Jim Egan. Serving as honorary bearers were Tanya Pluth, Cindy Potvin, Cara Nagel 
and Molly Egan.

DAVID SCHMIESING
Services for David G. Schmiesing, age 43, of Tampa, Florida, who died suddenly 
on Sunday, Aug. 20, will be held at Tampa.
He is survived by his parents, Al and Hilda Schmiesing of Meire Grove; sister 
Jan Wingate of Melrose, twin sister Diane Johnson of Smyrna, Tennessee, and 
brother Mark Schmiesing of Meire Grove.
He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews. 

LILLIE BUMGARDNER
Graveside services were held Saturday, Aug. 19 at Lincoln, Memorial Park 
Cemetery, Lincoln, Neb., for Lillie O. Bumgardner, 84 who died Thursday, Aug. 17 
at the Pine Villa Care Center Melrose.
Lillie O. Bumgardner was born February 12, 1916 in Fillmore County, Neb., near 
Sutton, Neb., to Walter and Anna (Johnson) Kreachbaum She went to country school 
there until the 10th grade. She was united in marriage to William Henry 
Bumgardner on Feb. 12, 1936 at York, Neb. She was employed by Western Electric 
in Lincoln, Neb. and later at Millard, Neb. Her husband died March 4, 1964. She 
moved to Omaha and was employed as a baker in an Omaha school. In July 1974 she 
moved to Minneapolis and was employed at Tonka Toys until the close of the plant 
in Minnesota. From 1978 to 1980 she lived with her daugher Arlene in Missouri In 
1980 she moved back to Litchfield and worked at the school there until 1983. She 
lived with her daughter in Ohio from 1983 where she cared for her great-grandson 
until moving back to Minnesota in 1985. She stayed with a daughter until March 
4, 1986 when she moved into Village View Apartments in Grey Eagle. She has 
resided at Pine Villa Center in Melrose for 11 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Darlene Shimko of Cleveland, Ohio; Arlene 
LeMar, St. Louis, Mo.; Kathlene Ahlbrecht and her husband Roger of Grey Eagle; 
brother Leonard of Geneva, Neb.; sisters: Beulah Mau, Alexandria, Neb; Pearl 
Traut of Lincoln, Neb.; Delores Shoemaker, and her husband Glen of Courtland, 
Neb.; 12 grandchildrend, and 19 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Lester Kreachbaum.

JAMES SCHREIFELS
James M. Schreifels, age 50, of Melrose, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Melrose 
Area Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at 
St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. Rev. Vincent Lieser will officiate, with 
burial following in the parish cemetery.
James Marcellus Schreifels was born August 22, 1950 in Melrose to Victor and 
Lorraine (Barthel) Schreifels. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1968. He 
worked at Bohlig Cleaners in Melrose while attending school. He worked at Kraft 
Foods in Melrose for 22 years, retiring in 1991.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. He loved fishing, 
gardening and music.
He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Schreifels of Melrose. He was preceded in 
death by his father, Victor N. Schreifels on February 1, 2000.
Serving as casket bearers are Dean and Scott Gieske, Bruce Hiltner, Russel 
Middendorf, Gary Schreifels, and Randy Moening. Cross bearer will be Deborah 
Olmschenk.

ANN MICHELS
Services for Ann J. Michels, 89 of Grand Rapids, who died Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 
her daughter's home in Blaine, were Saturday, Sept 2 at St. Joseph's Catholic 
Church, Grand Rapids.
Fr. Thomas Radaich officiated with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Sauk Centre.
Ann J. Michels was born Nov. 19, 1919 to Michael and Ellen (Andersen) Hanauer. 
She graduated from Osakis High School in 1928 and was united in marriage to 
Louis M. Michels in 1941. She had lived in Grand Rapids since 1941 working many 
years as a clerk at J.C. Penney Company and as a clerk at Dairyland Electric 
Cooperative. She was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where she 
was involved in their mission projects.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Louis (1988), daughter 
Judy (1945) and six brothers.
She is survived by: a daughter, Barbara (Jack) Weingartner of Blaine; sons: 
James (Darlene) Michels of Camarillo, Calif.; Michael Michels of Posen, Mich.; 
John (Joni) Michels of Grand Rapids; 10 grandchildren and two 
great-grandchildren.

JEROME BROMEN
Services for Jerome Lambert Bromen, age 72 of Elk River who died Thursday, Aug. 
31, were Monday, Sept. 4 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Elk River.
Fr. Jeff Ethen, Fr. Frank Ebner and Deacon Fred St. Jean officiated. Interment 
was at St. Andrew's Cemetery, Elk River.
Mr. Bromen died peacefully at his home with his family by his side after 
courageously battling leukemia. He was born Nov. 10, 1927 in Sauk Centre.
He was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Rose Bromenshenkel; sister 
Marcella Pastor; brothers: Clarence Bromen, Ray Bromen, Al Bromen, and Francis 
(Bud) Bromen; brothers-in-law: Pete Pastor and Ray Berscheit.
He is survivied by his loving wife of 49 years Delores (Sunderman); children, 
Nancy and John (Sue); grandchildren: Teresea and Brian Miller (Nancy), Samuel, 
Rachel and Jenna Bromen (John); sisters: Margaret Berscheit and Marian (Robert) 
Pappenfus; brothers: Oscar (Louise) Broman; sisters-in-law: Lillian Bromen, Rose 
Bromen, Alice Bromen and Doris Bromen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and 
friends.

MARION WIEHOFF
Graveside memorial services for Marion Wiehoff of Palo Alto, Calif., and 
formerly of Melrose, will be Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's 
Cemetery, Melrose. Friends and family are welcome.
Marion Wiehoff was born Nov. 23, 1917 in Minot, N.D. to John and Amelia 
Gensburg. She was united in marriage to Jerome Wiehoff on Sept. 19, 1937 in 
Jamestown, N.D. She was a member and past-president of the Melrose VFW 
Auxiliary, the Retail Clerks Union and the "Little House" Retirement Center 
where she taught sewing and embroidery to residents. She passed away Oct. 15, 
1999 in Palo Alto, Calif.
She is survived by her husband, a daughter Kathy Gaul-Montgomery of California; 
sisters: Millie Sicard of California, Betty Apple of Tennessee, Tillie Anderson 
of North Dakota and Dorothy Schubert of Washington; grandchildren Theresa 
Johnson and Kenneth Farrell and great-grandchildren, Kimberly Johnson and Wendy 
Farrell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, John, Bart and Eddie 
Gensburg; and sisters Kate Bergstrom, Virginia Saatzer and Pat Schrankel.
 
LUCILLE KUEHNE
Services for Lucille Huldina Kuehne, 82 of the Long Prairie Memorial Nursing 
Home and formerly of Burtrum, were held Sunday, March 26 at St. John's Lutheran 
Church, Grey Eagle with Rev. Ron Tibbitts officiating.
Mrs. Kuehne died Thursday, March 23 at Long Prairie. She was born on Dec. 9, 
1917 in Round Prairie Township, Todd County, to John and Sena (Strassburg) 
Pagel.
Mrs. Kuehne grew up in Todd County and attended Pople Grove Country School. 
After schooling she help on the family farm until she married. She married Hugo 
Adolph William Kuehne at Emanuel Lutheran Church Oct. 25, 1938.
The couple farmed seven years in Todd County then moved several times before 
settling down on the north end of Long Lake where they spend the last 32 years. 
She enjoyed bowling, collecting rocks, dolls and antiques as well as painting 
and drawing.
She belonged to St. John's Lutheran Church of Grey Eagle.
Mrs. Kuehne is survived by her husband, Hugo Kuehne of Burtrum; Children: Robert 
(Faye) Kuehne of Mesa, Ariz.; Janet (Tony) Schinske of Burtrum; Ron (Midge) 
Kuehne of Grey Eagle; Linda (Roger) Gates of Burtrum; brothers and sisters: 
Eileen Patten of Keizer, Ore.; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Sena; sisters: Sena Fortmann 
and Laura Neuman; brothers: Frederick and John Pagel in infancy; and grandson: 
Chad Kuehne.
Casket bearers were: Tom Kuehne, Herman Kuehne, Richard Notch, Larry Shutter, 
Marion Menge and Mark Buchholz.

MARY ANN KENT (WORMS)
Services for Mary Ann Kent (Worms), age 67 of Plymouth, who died at her 
residence Thursday, March 23, were celebrated Monday, March 27 at the Church of 
St. Anne, Hamel.
Burial was at Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope,.
Mary Ann Kent was born May 6, 1933 in Melrose to Fred and Theresia (Hiltner) 
Middendorf. She was married to Leonard Worms who preceded her in death, and then 
John Kent, who also preceded her in death. She was a member of the Church of St. 
Anne in Hamel.
Survivors include daughters: Kathy Schaefer, San Francisco, Calif.; Mary Kent of 
Connecticut, Cheryl Krieger of Minnetonka, Joan Boreen of Plymouth, Martha 
Salzman of Minneapolis, Carolyn Serrano of St. Paul; sons: Len Worms of 
Owatonna, Paul Worms of Inver Grove Heights, Patrick Worms of Clear Lake and 
James Kent of Richfield; sisters Selestine Korte Power of Sauk Centre, 
Bernadette Korte of Sauk Centre, Helen Jacobs of Melrose and Donna Tieman of St. 
Paul; brothers John Middendorf of Melrose and Eugene Middendorf of Melrose; and 
11 grandchildren.

LAURA A. STALBERGER
Services for Laura A. Stalberger, age 88 of Melrose, who died Friday, March 17 
at Melrose Area Hospital, were held Monday, March 19 at Sts. Peter and Paul's 
Catholic Church in Elrosa. Rev LeRoy Scheirel officiated, with burial following 
in the parish cemetery.
Laura Stalberger was born in Elrosa to Joseph and Elizabeth (Pogatchnick) 
Scholtz. She married Edwin Stalberger on Nov. 24, 1928, in Minneapolis. She has 
lived in the Elrosa area all of her life. For the last seven years, she has 
resided at Parkview Center in Melrose. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul 
Catholic Church in Elrosa, the Christian Mothers and the Legion of Mary. She 
loved sewing, quilting, and fancy-work.
Mrs. Stalberger is survived by her two sons, Roger Stalberger and his wife Kathy 
of Lindstrom, and Charles Stalberger and his wife Gerri of Plymouth; sisters 
Alma Stalberger of Chaska, and Rita Pound of Van Nuys, Calif; five 
grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her 
husband on Aug. 4, 1990; sisters and brothers, Eleanore Gludt, Loretta Braun, 
Helen Williams, Bernice Moede, Virginia Gailbraith, Julius (Jule), Edwin (Bud), 
and Virgil Scholtz.
Casket bearers were Tom Seifermann, Math Breitbach Jr., Sylvester Seifermann, 
Jeff D. Stalberger, Jr., Jeff A. Stalberger, and Mark Breitbach. Cross bearer 
was Janine Stalberger. Honorary pall bearers were Luella Seifermann, Marie Korf, 
Clara Kochmann, Cecelia Loxtercamp, Bernice Schmidt, Alice Breitbach, and Beata 
Frieler.

ROSE O'CONNER
Services for Rose Ann O'Connor, RN., nee Luetmer, of Normal, Ill and formerly of 
Meire Grove, who passed away on Friday March 24, in Normal, at the age of 83, 
were held Tuesday, March 28 at Queen of All Saints Basilica, Chicago.
Burial was in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Chicago, Ill.
Mrs. O'Conner was the mother of Eileen (John) Kaser, Mary Joan (Steve) Fechner, 
Patty (Tony) Garrison, and the late Donald Jr.; Grandmother of Glenn and Leah 
Weraarchakul, Carrie and Erin Kaser, sister to Lidwina (the late Milton) Stacy, 
Henry (Val) Luetmer, Colette (the late John) Gates, Marie Luetmer, Al (Maureen) 
Luetmer, Mary Lou (Robert) Harris, Valerian (Joann) Luetmer, and the late Sister 
Nora Luetmer, O.S.B.; Mother-in-law to Witoon Weraarchakul.
She graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, in 1935 and received 
nurses' training at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. She settled in Chicago and 
took a medical post with American Airlines. She later moved to Passavant 
Hospital before marrying and starting a family. After raising her family, Rose 
returned to work briefly, but found she wanted to spend more time with her 
disabled granddaughter, Leah, now 19. In order to do so, she needed to travel to 
Bloomington, Ill., which she did every time the chance arose.
Rose Ann O'Connor was a very caring person who specialized in doing things for 
other people. Her family and friends will sadly miss her.

KATHERINE FULLER
Services for Katherine E. Fuller, age 91, of Melrose, formerly of Grey Eagle, 
who died Monday, March 27 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, were Friday, 
March 31 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle.
Rev. Bernard Gruenes officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Mrs. Fuller was born Nov. 13, 1908 in St. Rosa, to Andrew and Anna (Schmidt) 
Schreier. She was united in marriage to Kenneth R. Fuller on Aug. 1, 1952 at St. 
Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle. The couple owned and operated the 
National Brand Grocery Store in Grey Eagle until retiring in 1990. Katherine 
moved to Woeste's Foster Home in Foley in 1997 and had been a resident of Pine 
Villa Care Center in Melrose since May of 1998. She was a member of St. Joseph's 
Catholic Church in Grey Eagle.
She is survived by her step-daughters, Betty Rosenow and her husband, Marland, 
of Edina and Charlotte Turner and her husband, Irving, of Tucson, Ariz.; sister, 
Mary Ann Schreier, of Minneapolis; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. She 
was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth, who died Aug. 21, 1990, 
sisters, Julia Loehlein, Frances Lehner and Rose Herzog; and one granddaughter.

MARY ELFERING
Services for Mary K. Elfering, age 64, of Melrose, who died Tuesday, March 28 at 
the St. Cloud Hospital were Friday, March 31 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in 
Melrose.
Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Mary Kay Elfering was born Aug. 15, 1935 in Gifu City, Japan, to Takao and Tsune 
Wada. She was united in marriage to Harry J. Elfering on Oct. 31, 1957 in 
Nagoya, Japan. The couple moved to the United States in 1958 where they were 
stationed in different areas until moving to St. Rosa in 1963. They moved to 
Melrose in 1967 and Mary was employed by the Melrose Public School District, the 
Melrose Hospital and for 14 years by Jennie-O Foods of Melrose. She was a member 
of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Melrose Christian Mothers.
She is survived by her husband, Harry, of Melrose; son Greg Elfering, of 
Bloomington; daughter, Sheila Elfering and her fiancé, Kevin Kampa, of Melrose; 
brothers, Miyao and Takeshi Wada, of Japan; sisters, Hisako Hirose, Hiroko 
Egami, Fumiko Wada, Miyoko Nakajima and Taeko Goto, of Japan; and grandchildren, 
Mitchell Elfering, Nevik and Ethan Kampa, of Melrose. She was preceded in death 
by her parents.
Casket bearers were Scott and Jason Kerfeld, Jeff and Dan Borgerding, Stephanie 
Bussman and Shauna Elfering. Cross bearer was Mitchell Elfering, scripture 
bearer was Amber Kerfeld and serving as honorary bearers were Harry and Marys 
neighbors.

Raymond Althaus
Services for Raymond M. Althaus, age 81 of Melrose, who died Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 
the Melrose Area Hospital , were Friday, Feb. 25 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Rev. Ken Thielmann officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Raymond Michael Althaus was born March 7, 1918 in Melrose, to Henry and Mary 
(Zitur) Althaus. He was a lifetime resident of Melrose. He was united in 
marriage in Celina Braegelmann on April 30, 1946 at St. Boniface Catholic Church 
in Melrose. The couple farmed for many years, and Ray worked for Meyer Brothers 
Lumber from 1948 to 1966. He was employed as a supervisor for the Melrose Street 
Department until retiring in 1983. He loved boxing, card playing, baseball 
(especially the Minnesota Twins), and hunting with his sons and grandsons. He 
was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.
He is survived by his wife, Celina, of Melrose; children, Dave and Diane 
Althaus, of Melrose, Ron and Mary Althaus, of Melrose and Mary Kaye and Tim 
Garvey, of White Bear Lake; sisters, Frances Moening and Thresa Nathe, of 
Melrose; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in 
death by his parents, son, Ken and sister, Kate Gieske.
Casket bearers were his grandchildren, Chad, Scott, Jason and Kurt Althaus and 
Katie and Christopher Garvey. Serving as cross bearer was JoAnn Jasicki; lectors 
were Russ Braegelmann and Christopher Garvey.

Henry Theisen
Services for Henry M. Theisen, age 85 of Burtrum, who died on Saturday, Feb. 19 
at the Long Prairie Memorial Nursing Home, Long Prairie, were held Tuesday, Feb. 
22 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle.
Rev. Bernard Gruenes officiated with interment following in the parish cemetery.
Henry Theisen was born on Sept. 21, 1914 in Meire Grove to Michael and Katie 
(Heidgertken) Theisen. He was employed at General Electric in Cleveland, Ohio. 
He was united in marriage to Bertha Wessel on July 3, 1944 at St. Paul's 
Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. In 1945 he moved to a farm near Burtrum, which 
he farmed until retiring in 1976. For the past three years he had resided at 
Long Prairie Memorial Nursing Home in Long Prairie. He was a member of St. 
Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle and St. Joseph's Society.
Survivors include his wife, Bertha Theisen of Burtrum; five children, Leroy 
Theisen and his wife, Mary Lou of Burtrum, Eugene Theisen and his wife, Marilyn 
of Burtrum, Rita Erickson and her husband, Jesse of Ottertail, Edward Theisen of 
Burtrum, Karen Sauer and her husband, David of Walcott, North Dakota; ten 
grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Esther Rademacher and her 
husband, Leo of St. Paul; brother, Alphonse Theisen and his wife, Nettie of Pine 
City. He was preceded in death by daughter, Marcella Schloegl; three 
grandchildren; sisters, Lydia Lyons, Alice Klassen and Rosemary Stout; brothers, 
George, Hubert, Alvin and Julius Theisen.
Serving as casket bearers were Jason, David, Michael, Jeremy and Matthew Theisen 
and Doug Friese with Julie Sauer as cross bearer.

Alfred Luebke
Services Alfred W. Luebke, age 89 of Grey Eagle, who died on Friday, Feb. 18 at 
his home, were Monday, Feb. 21 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey 
Eagle. Rev. Ron Tibbetts officiated with interment following in Lakeview 
Cemetery, Grey Eagle.
Alfred Luebke was born on Oct. 13, 1910 in Grey Eagle to Albert and Ida (Goebel) 
Luebke. He was united in marriage to Lorraine Nunn on Jan. 21, 1936 in Grey 
Eagle and was a life long resident of Grey Eagle. He farmed for a few years and 
then was a carpenter in the Grey Eagle area. He was a member of St. John's 
Evangelical Lutheran Church and Grey Eagle Senior Citizens.
Survivors include one daughter, Elaine Burg and her husband, Lewis of 
Alexandria; four grandchildren, John Sell, Cindy Norwood and her husband, Greg, 
Bridget Hvezda and her husband, Howard, Brad Burg and his wife, Renae; three 
great grandchildren, Christina Sell, Ashley and Brandon Hvezda. He was preceded 
in death by his parents; infant sister, Mabel Luebke; and his wife, Lorraine on 
June 23, 1993.
Serving as casket bearers were Ron Grove, Gene Lahr, Joe Arnzen, Bill Pohlmann, 
Harland Bruns and John Stuckel.

EDWIN HILTNER
Services for Edwin G. Hiltner, age 80 of Hawick who died Tuesday, Feb. 22 at his 
home, were Friday, Feb. 25 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Regal with Fr. Fred 
Fink officiating.
Burial will be in the St. Anthony Parish Cemetery, Regal.
Edwin Hiltner was born Sept. 24, 1919 in Melrose to John and Agnes (Dickhaus) 
Hiltner. He married Clara Wolbeck on April 24, 1946 in New Munich. They farmed 
in the St. Rose and Albany areas before moving to a turkey farm at Georgeville 
where he was a farm manager until 1979. They moved to Hawick where he was 
employed by E.B.O. Farms until his retirement in 1984. He worked part-time at 
E.B.O. farms until present. He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in 
Regal. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and being with his family.
Mr. Hiltner is survived by his sons Jim (Jeannie), Eden Valley; Jerome (Anna), 
Wadena; Sylvester (Linda), Belgrade; David (Alice) Hawick; and Gary (Sara), Eden 
Valley; daughters: Marlene (Ken) Burg, New York Mills; and Bernice (Marten), 
VanDorsten, Hawick; daughter-in-law Helen Hiltner, Paynesville; 25 grandchildren 
and five great-grandchildren; siblings: Martha Butkowski, New Munich; Juletta 
Kunstleben-Wolbeck, Freeport; Raymond (Alice), Waite Park; Melvin (Irene), 
Burtrum; Lidwina (Lawrence), Wolbeck, Grey Eagle; Alphonse, Melrose; Leander 
(Linda) Scandia; Clarrissa (Eldred), Barthel, Grey Eagle; Anna Mae (Donald) 
Speldrich, Belgrade; and Cyril (Carolyn), Belgrade.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Clara (Nov. 10, 1998), son Linus 
(Nov. 30, 1985), three grandchildren, brother Edward, sisters Leona Wolbeck, and 
Alvina Hiltner; brothers-in-laws: John Wolbeck, Florian "Bud" Butkowski, Henry 
Kunstleben and sister-in-law Donna Hiltner.

LUCILLE SCHAEFER
Services for Lucille Schaefer, 83 of Belgrade who died Thursday, Feb 10 at the 
Belgrade Nursing Home, will be held Saturday, Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. 
Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Belgrade, with Fr. LeRoy Scheierl officiating. 
There will be a visitation period from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home, 
Belgrade. 
Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Lucille (Gysberg) was born Dec. 7, 1916 in Belgrade to August and Mary (Stern) 
Gysberg. She graduated from Belgrade High School in 1934. Immediately following 
she worked as a waitress in The Ideal Cafe. In 1940 she started working at 
Maher's Department Store in Belgrade. On Nov. 6, 1945 she was married to John 
Schaefer. They farmed in Colfax Township until 1956 when they bought a farm west 
of Spring Hill. In 1965 they bought a farm east of Belgrade. At that time John 
Schafer took over the Belgrade Livestock Auction Market and Lucille worked as a 
full-time secretary and bookkeeper for the business for many years. John 
Schaefer died April 5, 1977. In April 1998 she made her home at Belgrade Nursing 
Home until the time of her death. She was a member St. Francis de Sales Catholic 
Church.
Lucille Schaefer had a great sense of humor and she enjoyed being a storyteller. 
She will be remembered by her grandchildren for her donuts, her homemade soup, 
grilled cheese sandwiches and dunking her licorice in coffee. Her children will 
remember her chicken chow mein at Christmas time, her pecan pie, and fresh baked 
caramel rolls. She enjoyed visiting with her friends and family. The coffee pot 
was always on at her home. She was a wonderful, loving and caring mother, 
grandmother and friend to everyone. She will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Schaefer is survived by her sons: John (and Ruby) of Las Vegas, Nev., Tom 
of Willmar, and Mark (and Mary Lou) of Cambridge; daughters: Patty (and Steve) 
Weiner of Milbank, S.D., Sue (and Don) Leukam of Belgrade and Mary (and Dave) 
Schmitz of Belgrade; grandchildren: Sara (and Nathan) Hess, Jaclyn, Jina and 
Jessica Schaefer, Elizabeth (and Jason) Grabow, Rebecca and Jonathon Wiener, 
Tracy and Robbie Leukam, Emily and Mathew Schaefer, and Ryan and Melanie 
Schmitz; brother: Bill Gysberg of Belgrade; sister-in-law Irene Schaefer of St. 
Cloud and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters: Ardella, Laura and 
Rose Gysberg and Josephine Klemmer; sister-in-law Dorothy Gysberg; and 
brother-in-law Joseph Klemmer.

DONALD KASKI
Services were held Monday, Feb. 7 at the Freeport Community Center for Donald R. 
Kaski, 69, of Freeport who died Thursday, Feb. 3 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Rev. Giles Echola officiated.
Donald Kaski was born in Iron River, Mich., to Eino and Edith (Lind) Kaski. He 
graduated from high school at Crystal Falls High School and attended Michigan 
State University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in dairy science. 
He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He married Sandra Traver on June 10, 
1956 in East Lansing, Mich. They farmed throughout the Midwest until moving to 
Freeport in 1982. He operated Kaski's cow baby-sitting service from 1982 to 
1992. He owned and operated Kaski's Kones from 1992 to the present along with a 
lawn care business, Freeport Bargains and Consignments and the Lucky Rose 
Limousine Service. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albany. He 
was also a member and past president of the Freeport Lion's Club.
Mr. Kaski is survived by his children: Eino and Linda Kaski of Lewiston, Minn., 
Victor and Chelli Kaski of Princeton, Minn., and Annette and Brian Miller of 
Wassau, Wis., brother and sister: Marvin and Barbara Kaski of Escanaba, Mich. 
and Geraldine Jansen of Ogallala, Neb.; nine grandchildren and one 
great-grandchild. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Sandra (Sept. 3, 1993).
Serving as honorary bearers were his grandchildren: Eric, Matt, Marc, Tanner, 
Tyler, Toni and Jaeme Kaski, and Stewart and Elita Miller.
 
Helen Eichers
Services for Helen Eichers, age 79, of Melrose, who passed away on Thursday, 
Feb. 3 at the Melrose Area Hospital, were Monday, Feb. 7 at St. Mary's Catholic 
Church in Melrose. 
Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery. 
Helen Rose Eichers was born March 6, 1920 in Freeport, to Herman and Theresia 
(Benolken) Rose. She married Lawrence Budde on May 10, 1938 at Sacred Heart 
Catholic Church in Freeport. The couple lived in Melrose and Lawrence died on 
Dec.30, 1957. She married Ervin Eichers on Nov. 23, 1968 at St. Bernard's 
Catholic Church in Ward Springs. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, 
the Melrose Christian Mothers and Senior Citizens, the National Society of 
Catholic Foresters, the Melrose Hospital Auxiliary and the Melrose VFW Post 
Auxiliary. 
She is survived by her three children, Sheldon Budde and Joan, of Grey Eagle, 
Pat Carstens and Richard, of Tempe, Ariz.; and Mark Budde, of New York City; 
brother, Jack Rose and Christine, of Freeport; sister, Rita Hiltner and Ed, of 
Freeport; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence Budde on Dec. 30, 1957; 
her second husband, Ervin Eichers on Oct. 11, 1997; brothers Frank and Sylvester 
Rose; and sisters, Hilda Rose, Elsie Schmidt and Amanda Zirbes. 
Casket bearers were Tim and Eric Lieser, Tom, Kathy and Jodi Budde and Kristen 
Erkkila. Cross bearer was Teresa Fernandez, scripture bearer was Judy Lieser and 
serving as honorary bearers were June Hinnenkamp, Agnes Maus, Sophia Loehr, 
Lydia Schulzetenberg, Julia Westendorf, Monica Schmidt, Marie Frie, Lorraine 
Bierschbach, Harriet Salzmann, Eleanor Schwieters, Flo Roelike and Dorothy 
Welle. 
 
Wilfred J. Welle
Services for Wilfred J. Welle, age 84, of Meire Grove, who passed away Saturday, 
Feb. 5 at his home, were Wednesday, Feb. 9 at St. John's Catholic Church in 
Meire Grove. 
Rev. Ken Popp officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery. 
Wilfred Joseph Welle was born Feb. 9, 1915 in Grove Township, Stearns County, to 
Joseph and Anna (Schoenberg) Welle. He was united in marriage to Ledvina Berns 
on Oct. 25, 1938 at St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove. The couple farmed 
in Getty Township, Stearns County until retiring in 1978 and moving to Meire 
Grove. Wilfred was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church, the Holy Rosary 
Society, the St. Joseph's Sodality and the Poor Souls Society. He loved 
woodworking, crafts, gardening and ice fishing. 
He is survived by his eight children, Ken Welle and Terry of Meire Grove, Allan 
Welle of Avon, Tom Welle and Marge of Sauk Centre, Diane Moritz and Robert of 
Waite Park, Roger Welle and Joyce of Greenwald, Grace Carlson and Richard of 
Albany, David Welle and Jan of Rockville, and Mark Welle and Lola of Sauk 
Centre; sister, Anna Marie Imdieke and Elmer of Meire Grove; 35 grandchildren 
and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, 
Ledvina, who died April 3, 1999; son, Mark; brothers, Joseph, Adelbert, Martin, 
Leo, Henry, Anthony and Ervin Welle; and sisters, Elizabeth Ellering, Mary 
Rieland, Loretta Welle and Catherine Singsank. 
Casket bearers were Abe, Scott, John, Jamie, Todd and Eric Welle, Peter and Paul 
Carlson. Cross bearer was Luke Welle and scripture bearer was Laurel Welle. 
 
HELEN M. EIDEN-BURCKHARD
Services for Helen M. Eiden-Burckhard, age 95, of Melrose, who died Thursday, 
Jan. 27 at Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose were celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on 
Saturday, Jan. 29 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Helen Mildred Eiden-Burckhard was born Oct. 17, 1904 in Donaldson to Owen and 
Katherine (Darcy) Mulvey. As a teenager, she taught school in North Dakota. She 
moved to Little Falls and worked there as a telephone operator. She was united 
in marriage to Albert Eiden on October 15, 1929 in Warren, Minnesota. The couple 
lived in St. Peter and then in Holdingford from 1930 to 1938 when they moved to 
Sauk Centre. They moved to Melrose in 1939. Albert died in 1958 and Helen worked 
as a bookkeeper for Arvig Telephone Company in Melrose for over 20 years. She 
married Anton Burckhard on May 7, 1977 in St. Anthony, North Dakota. She was a 
member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.
She is survived by nine children: Gene Eiden and Fran of Rochester, Donna Fink 
of Ely, Les Eiden and Arlene of Osseo, Darrell Eiden and Irene of Coon Rapids, 
Arliss Liebel and Robert of Grand Rapids, Neil Eiden and Janice of Braham, Merle 
John of Muncie, Ind., Thomas Eiden and Teresa of Bellingham, Wash., and Gerald 
Eiden and Irene of Roseville; 37 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren. She 
was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Albert Eiden in 1958 and Anton 
Burckhard in 1990, son David, son-in-law, Victor Fink, four sisters, two 
brothers and grandson, Daniel Fink.
Casket bearers were Michelle Deutsch, Mary Bergley, Susan and Debbie Eiden, 
Paula Benson, Carol Stortz, Ruth Leoni and Anne Boeckman. Cross bearer was Kay 
Kangas.

HENRY DICKHAUS
Services for Henry J. Dickhaus, age 74, of Melrose, who died Saturday, Jan. 29 
at the Melrose Area Hospital were Tuesday, Feb. 1 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. 
Rev. Vince Lieser officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Henry Joseph Dickhaus was born April 10, 1925 in Millwood Township, Stearns 
County, to Fred and Bertha (Herzog) Dickhaus. He was united in marriage to Rosie 
Klaphake on August 26, 1953 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osakis. 
He worked as an independent truck hauler for 20 years. He was elected Stearns 
County Commissioner in 1974 and served until 1999. He worked part-time as a 
postal carrier until July of 1999. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic 
Church, the Melrose Lions and various other local and county organizations. His 
passions were baseball, fishing and playing cards.
Mr. Dickhaus is survived by his wife, Rosie of Melrose; five children, Stephen 
Dickhaus of Vadnais Heights, Randy Dickhaus and Kris of Rosemount, Brenda 
Dickhaus of Shoreview, Melissa Churlonis and Ray of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and 
Mary Beth Kemper and Shannon of Melrose; brothers and sisters, Helen Blommel and 
Al of Melrose, Marie Hinnenkamp and Herbie of Melrose, Irene Poepping of St. 
Rosa, Monica Ahrens and Ralph of Sauk Centre, Al Dickhaus and LouAnn of Melrose, 
Vernon Dickhaus and Betty of Melrose, Karen Callahan and John of Anoka, Corrine 
Shay and James of Grand Rapids and Alma Frieler and Bernard of Upsala; and eight 
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Barbara Dickhaus.
Casket bearers were Al and Vernon Dickhaus, Ron Jeske, John Middendorf, Ron 
Hinnenkamp and Dale Melin. Cross bearer was Wesley Kemper and Scripture bearer 
was Bob Ritter. Serving as honorary bearers were Rose Arnold, Roger VanHeel, Lee 
Lenzmeier, Bob Gambrino, Mark Sakry, Clarence Kremer and Henry Kohorst.

EVELYN EICKHOFF
Services for Evelyn M. Eickhoff, age 80 of Sauk Centre, formerly of Melrose, who 
died Monday, Jan. 31 at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre. Mass of 
Christian Burial were held Thursday, Feb. 3 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated, with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Evelyn Marie Eickhoff was born Dec. 24, 1919 in Albany, to Frand and Gertrude 
(Thull) Eickhoff. She grew up in the New Munich area. She moved to Melrose in 
1952. She has been a resident of St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre for 
the last six years. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.
Survivors include sisters and brothers, Marie Euteneuer and Regina Meemken and 
her husband Archie of Melrose, Norbert and Ray Eickhoff and his wife Clotilda of 
Albany, Lorraine Hoppe and her husband Ben,and Melvin Eickhoff and his wife 
Norma of New Munich, Dorothy Buermann and her husband Robert of Paynesville, 
Juletta Frericks of Sauk Centre, and Al Eickhoff and his wife Marian of Anoka. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; sibling Valerian Eickhoff.
Casketbearers were David, Ralph, Rich, Roger and Kenny Eickhoff, Rich Meemken, 
Joe Frerichs, Rich Buermann, and Norman Euteneuer. Cross bearer was Diane Tamm. 
Mass servers were Kevin and Tiffany Gruber. Reader was Karen Neis.

LAWRENCE NOTCH
Services for Lawrence A. Notch, age 90, of New Munich, formerly of Freeport, who 
died Sunday, Jan. 30 at the Golden Home in New Munich were held Feb. 2 at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Roger Klassen, OSB officiating.
Burial followed in the parish cemetery.
Mr. Notch was born Aug. 12, 1909 in Millwood Township, to John and Elizabeth 
(Korte) Notch. He was united in marriage to Hilda Kerfeld on Oct. 8, 1935 at St. 
Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Saint Rosa. The couple farmed in Millwood 
Township until 1963 when they moved to Freeport. Lawrence worked for Hennen 
Lumber in Freeport from 1963 to 1968. He then worked independently as a 
carpenter until retiring in 1982. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church in Freeport, the Freeport Senior Citizens, the Catholic Aid Society and 
served on the board of directors of the Freeport Coop Creamery.
He is survived by his sons, Alcuin and Dolores of Freeport, and Jim and Arliss 
of Albany; sisters, Agnes Van Heel and Monica Kerfeld of Sauk Centre, Della 
Thell of Albany and Sister Ann Notch, OSB, of Lacey, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, 11 
great-grandchildren and three step-greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, brothers and sisters, Katherine VanHeel, 
Mary McKenney, Dorothy Frevel, Elizabeth Warneke, Sr. Mary Neil, Herman, Joseph, 
Alphonse, Edwin, Maurice, John and Theodore.
Casket bearers were Steve, Joe, David, Tom, and Paul Notch, Mike Gill. Cross 
bearer was Christopher Notch.

VICTOR SCHREIFELS,
Services for Victor N. "Vic" Schreifels, age 77, of Melrose, who died Tuesday, 
Feb. 1 at the Melrose Area Hospital. were Friday, Feb. 4 at St. Mary's Catholic 
Church in Melrose. Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated, with burial following in the 
parish cemetery.
Victor Schreifels was born Oct. 26, 1922 in Richmond to John and Frances (Kron) 
Schreifels. He was united in marriage to Lorraine Barthel on November 23, 1948 
at the Church of Seven Dolors in Albany. The couple lived in Melrose where Vic 
was employed as a maintenance engineer with Kraft Foods in Melrose until 
retiring in 1985. He enjoyed woodworking and fishing and also made baskets and 
played the guitar and accordian. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church 
in Melrose.
Mr. Schreifels is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Melrose; son James of 
Melrose; and brothers and sisters, Celesta "Les" Denne of Bismark, N.D., Cyril 
and Val Schreifels, of Melrose Ellen Primus of Hawley, Esther and Henry 
Steinemann of Freeport, Delpine "Del" and Bob Gieske of Paynesville, Alice and 
Jack Moening of Melrose, Howie and Pat Schreifels of Coon Rapids and Iris and 
Jerry Hiltner of Melrose.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Marcellus and sister, Julia.
Casket bearers were Randy Barthel, Russel Gieske, Russel Middendorf, Rick 
Moening, Roger Primus and Dale Schreifels; and serving as cross bearer was 
Victors Godson, Gary Schreifels.