Norman L. Christianson, 86
Norman L. Christianson, 86, of River Falls died Friday, May 15, 1998
at the Christian Community Home in Hudson.
He was born Dec. 31, 1911, in Minneapolis to Johan and Anna (Apsahl)
Christianson. As a young boy, he and his family moved to the Bay City area.
He graduated from Red Wing High School and then attended St. Olaf College
in Northfield, Minn. He later graduated from UW-River Falls with a bachelor's
degree.
On Aug. 13, 1938, he married Marion Scheide. They made their home in
Prescott, where he taught at the high school in 1942. Later that year he
was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, taking his training at Dartmouth College
in Hanover, N.H.
He began his rank as Lt. J.G. and advanced to the rank of Lt. Commander.
He served as an instructor of Naval cadets in Corpus Christi, Texas, before
being assigned to a naval air station in North Africa. With the ending
of the war, he was assigned to the FDR aircraft carrier as an administrative
officer on the carrier air group 75 in the Pacific.
After the war he purchased and operated a farm in the town of Kinnickinnic,
raised Angus cattle and grew hybrid seed corn for the State of Wisconsin
for more than 30 years. Being civic minded, he served many organizations
over the years.
He was on the River Falls School Board for 14 years, and was president
from 1958-1967. He was director and chairman of the board of the Central
Livestock Association in St. Paul from 1962-1980. He was a member of the
National Livestock and Meat Board. He was a longtime member of the Wisconsin
Farm Bureau.
In 1965, he was appointed by Gov. Warren Knowles to the University
of Wisconsin Board of Regents, serving until 1972. He was a member of the
United Methodist Church in River Falls, and the Masonic Lodge #109.
For his interest and dedication to the various organizations, he received
many recognitions and honors. Among them were: River Falls Mason of the
Year in 1965, Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau
in 1967; listed in Who's Who in Wisconsin Agriculture; Distinguished Service
Award from the College of Agriculture in the University of Wisconsin System,
and Distinguished Alumnus Award by UW-River Falls.
After retiring he lived in River Falls. He and Marion spent much time
traveling. He was especially proud of his Norwegian heritage, and made
many trips to Norway. He was a kind, gentle and understanding man who had
great love of home, family, friends, relatives and his country.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Stanley and
John.
He is survived by his wife, Marion; two sons: Terry of St. Louis Park,
Minn., and Tom and Karen of Woodbury, Minn.; two grandsons: Kipp and Chad
Christianson, both of Woodbury; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral was Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in River Falls with
the Rev. Don Stannard officiating. Harriet Christianson was the organist
and James Scheide was the soloist.
Pallbearers were: Michael Norman, James Scheide, Peter Scheide, Kipp
Christianson, Chad Christianson and Lee Christianson.
Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Nelson-Murphy Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Mary M. Jenkins, 70
Mary Martha Jenkins, 70, a life-long resident of River Falls, died
at her home on Sunday, May 17, 1998.
She was born Feb. 22, 1928, to Joseph and Martha (Krejicie) Kordosky
in Cherma. She graduated from River Falls High School in 1946. After graduation,
she worked as a waitress at the Temple Cafe and then as a secretary for
the River Falls School District. After taking time off to raise six children,
she then owned and operated Mary's Cafe in downtown River Falls for 20
years. She retired April 1, 1996, when Fred and Ann Dravis took over ownership
of Mary's Cafe.
She married Edward Jenkins on June 10, 1950, at St. Bridget Catholic
Church in River Falls.
She was an avid supporter of many different activities, but especially
enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in various
sporting activities. She was a long-time and active member of St. Bridget
Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Martha; and two
brothers: Joe and Stan Kordosky.
She is survived by her husband, Edward Jenkins; her children: Steve
and Lynn Jenkins, Mike and Ann Jenkins, Mark and Sandy Jenkins, Todd and
Lois Jenkins, Pam and Steve Wunrow, and Tom and Jennifer Jenkins; 15 grandchildren:
Nick, Jessica, Emmy, Joe, Tony, Dan, Elizabeth, Sam, Zach, Tanner, Jack,
Alex, Eric, Brittni and Luke; one sister, Annie and Clair Janish; four
sisters-in-law: Sally and Lois Kordosky, Eloise and Loyal Creswell, Cathy
Jenkins; and one brother-in-law, Doug and Rita Jenkins.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 20, at St.
Bridget Catholic Church with the Rev. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation
was Tuesday at Cashman Mortuary.
Burial was at St. Bridget's Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were her
sons: Steve, Mike, Mark, Todd and Tom, and daughter, Pam Wunrow.
Cashman Mortuary handled arrangements.
Margaret Luberg, 98
Margaret Luberg, 98, died on Sunday, May 17, 1998 at The Lutheran Home.
She was born on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1899, the daughter of Louis and Margaret
Bellum. Except for 10 years when the family lived in Louisiana, River Falls
had been her home.
On March 15, 1923, she married Harry Luberg, a building contractor
in River Falls. They had one daughter.
From 1939-1972, she opened her home to college students who needed
a room. She maintained contact with many of them until she died. She spent
her life as a homemaker and assisted her husband in the management of their
family-owned business.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her granddaughter,
Nancy; her grandson, James; her son-in-law, Donald Black; her parents,
Louis and Margaret; a sister and four brothers.
She is survived by her daughter, Audrey and Tom Alton; two grandsons:
Gerry Black and daughters Allison, Emily and Sara, and David and Mary Black
and their children Stephanie, Kevin, Tony and Amy; granddaughter-in-law
Julie Kolasinski and sons Joe and Brian Black; brother Cliff Bellum of
Sarasota, Fla.; a lifelong friend, Laura Ostness, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral was Tuesday, May 19, at the First Congregational United Church
of Christ with the Rev. Delbert Permann officiating. Harriet Christianson
was organist and Jan Hansen was soloist.
Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Jerry, David,
Joseph, Kevin, Tony and Brian Black.
Nelson-Murphy Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Mary M. Whitman, 52
Mary M. (Zeeveld) Whitman, 52, of Hastings, Minn., a professional seamstress,
died unexpectedly on Monday, May 11, 1998 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital
in Minneapolis.
She was born Sept. 25, 1945, in Red Wing, Minn., the daughter of John
D. and Alice (Brenner) Graetz. She graduated from Prescott High School
in 1963.
She married Robert Whitman on Dec. 10, 1992, in Hastings. She was employed
by Unitog Rental Services in Eagan. Her hobbies included photography, decorating
her home, puttering around her yard and caring for her cat, Micie. She
was also an organ donor.
She was preceded in death by her father, John.
She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children: Karen (Zeeveld)
and Mark Feldkamp of Lake Elmo, Minn., Dianne (Zeeveld) and Jeffrey Dick
of Minnetonka, Minn., Susan (Zeeveld) and Christopher Ricker of North St.
Paul, Minn., and Michael and Lisa Zeeveld of Rosemount, Minn.; her mother,
Alice, of River Falls; a brother, Roger and Judy Graetz of River Falls;
and her grandchildren: Madison and Micaela Dick and Rachael Feldkamp.
Funeral was Wednesday, May 13, at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home with private
interment in Stillwater, Minn. The Rev. Landelin Robling, OSB, officiated.
Ruth E. Lee, 92
Ruth Elvira Lee, 92, of River Falls, died Wednesday, May 6 at the Lutheran
Home in River Falls where she resided.
She was born Jan. 11, 1906, in the town of Kinnickinnic, the daughter
of pioneers, Charles and Emma (Boberg) Nelson.
She attended schools in River Falls and received a teaching certificate
from River Falls State Teachers College (now University of Wisconsin-River
Falls). She taught school for one year and then became a homemaker.
On April 5, 1935, she was married in Stillwater to Palmer Edwin Lee.
Her main interests were reading and caring for her flower garden.
Surviving are two sisters, Edna Meyer and Selma Baird, both of River
Falls.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Palmer Lee, in June 1992;
a brother, Stanley Nelson and a sister, Verna Smith.
Funeral services at 1 p.m., Friday, May 8 at the Lutheran Home in River
Falls, with Pastor Bill Montgomery officiating. Annette Connett was the
organist and Sally Halvorson, vocal soloist.
Burial was in Willow River Cemetery in Hudson with a nephew and nieces
serving as pallbearers. A visitation was one half hour prior to the service
at the Lutheran Home.
The O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson was in charge of arrangements.
Jacqueline L. Olson, 73
Jacqueline Loretta "Jackie" Olson, 73, a long-time resident of Hudson,
died Tuesday, May 5, 1998 at the Hudson Medical Center Hospital in Hudson.
She was born on April 26, 1925, in Minneapolis, the daughter of Glenn
and Esther (Hanley) Morgan. She attended St. Patrick's Grade School and
graduated from Hudson High School in 1943.
After graduation from high school, she worked at various jobs in the
Midwest, including Chicago, for the United States government. She worked
in South Dakota and Hudson for the Wisconsin Telephone Company, Erickson
Diversified and was a secretary for many lawyers including: C.A. Richards,
Ardell Skow, John Fetzner and R. Wall.
After retiring from her secretarial duties, she took part-time employment
with the Hudson Star Observer.
She married Norval "Peewee" Olson on April 17, 1947 at St. Patrick's
Rectory in Hudson by the late Msgr. John Owens.
She had a friendly attitude and smile. She made many friends and looked
forward to golfing and bowling. During the holidays, she enjoyed decorating
her home, especially on St. Patrick's Day. It was a real treat for her,
family and friends to participate in her celebration of the holidays.
Having a stroke limited her sports and taking care of her flower garden.
However, she persisted, and was able to make a comeback for many of the
lighter activities she enjoyed.
She was a lifelong, active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church,
Hudson.
She is survived by her husband, Norval "Peewee" Olson; a son, James
and Carolyn Olson of Hudson; a daughter, Lynn and Mike Simon of River Falls;
a sister, Beverly and Jack Sherin of Stillwater, Minn.; six grandchildren
and three great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, May 8, at St. Patrick's Catholic
Church with Fr. Peter Szleszinski officiating at the Celebrant and Fr.
James Dabruzzi assisting as the Con-celebrant. Elsie Sandquist was the
organist, and the Hope Choir sang.
Burial was in Willow River Cemetery, Hudson. Pallbearers were: Brad
Olson, Robert Simon, Jane Jensen, Robert Lyksett, Kris Bertelson and Timothy
Sherin.
Memorials are preferred.
Steve L. Ostby, 53
Steve L. Ostby, 53, of Hudson died at his home on Thursday, May 7,
1998.
He was born on Oct. 3, 1944, in River Falls, the son of J. Kenneth
and Violet "Toby" Taylor Ostby.
He graduated from Hudson High School in 1962. He attended UW-Eau Claire
for 2 years. After college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
He was employed as a sales representative for construction equipment for
the Carlson Equipment Company in Roseville, Minn., until leaving for medical
reasons.
He was previously married and divorced. He was later married to Karen
Schoenoff at the St. Croix Valley United Methodist Church in Lakeland,
Minn., on June 9, 1990.
He enjoyed football. Most of all, he loved the St. Croix River and
all aspects of boating. He cherished his time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, J. Kenneth Ostby; and a brother-in-law,
Ted Hinzman.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons Jason Ostby of Orlando, Fla.,
and Josh Ostby of Hudson; daughters Julie and Joel Marvin of Fredericksburg,
Va., and Jesseka Ostby of Marietta, Ga.; his mother, Violet "Toby" Ostby
of Hudson; his sister, Kay Hinzman; four grandchildren: Gabriel Marvin,
Braden Marvin, Brooklyn Ostby, and Hannah Eads; his step-children: Jenni
Sahnow and Joe Sahnow.
Funeral was Tuesday, May 12, at St. Croix Valley United Methodist Church
in Lakeland. Pastor John Morris officiated, and Sue Christian was organist,
with congregational singing. Private family services were held Monday at
the St. Croix Valley United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Willow
River Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jason and Josh Ostby, Joel Marvin, Joe Sahnow, Dave
Sandberg and Jim Doll. Honorary pallbearers were Ben Hinzman, Joe Meulemans,
Dave Anderson, Randy Schoenoff, John Hannan, Tom Bacon and Dave Schwartzbauer.
Memorials are preferred.
Andrew J. Kahler, 26
Andrew J. Kahler, 26, of New Richmond, died Friday, May 22, as a result
of a vehicle accident.
He was born Jan. 27, 1972, in New Richmond, the son of James and Gloria
(Schug) Kahler and graduated from Glenwood City High School in May, 1990,
after which he attended vocational school for auto body/mechanics in Rice
Lake.
On April 7, 1998, in Hudson, he was married to Ruth Ann Miller.
He worked as an auto body repairman at Kirk's Auto Body in Star Prairie.
He enjoyed working with cars and dreamed that some day he would own his
own business.
Preceding him in death were his father, James Kahler, and his maternal
grandfather, Francis Schug.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth Ann Kahler of New Richmond; a daughter,
Abigail of New Richmond; three stepdaughters, Amanda, Jenna and Michelle
all of New Richmond; his mother, Gloria Kahler of Emerald; a brother, James
Kahler Jr. of New Richmond; two sisters, Karen and Kevin Harmon of River
Falls and Donna and Tim McGee of Emerald; paternal grandparents, Walter
and Eva Kahler of Emerald; maternal grandmother, Rosella Schug of Glenwood
City; a niece and three nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, at St.
John's Catholic Church in Glenwood City with the Rev. Leonard Fraher officiating.
Burial was in the church cemetery.
Clifford Larson, 84
Clifford Bennett Leo Larson, 84, a lifelong resident of Woodville,
died Friday evening, May 22, 1998 at the Parkview Nursing Home in Woodville.
He was admitted to Parkview two weeks ago after being discharged from
the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Minneapolis with cancer.
He was born May 10, 1914, in the town of Hanska, Minn., the son of
Andrew and Louise (Olson) Larson. He attended school in Knapp after the
family moved there in 1919. He worked as a brickmaker for Menomonie Brick
Company, and hauled milk for Claude McGee of Wilson.
He also worked at his family farm. Most recently he worked as a custodian
for the former LaBon's Truck Stop in Hudson, prior to retiring in 1977.
He enlisted in the armed forces and served in World War II as an infantryman
in the European theater.
He married Lois Villman and they had one child, Clifford Jr. This marriage
ended in divorce. He later married Thea Joyce. They had eight children
and one died as an infant. This marriage also ended in divorce.
On Sept. 9, 1978, he married Delores Evelyn Fredrick at the First Reformed
Church in Baldwin.
He enjoyed visiting at auctions and collecting items like key rings,
chains and matchbooks. He especially enjoyed giving these items to his
grandchildren and other children.
He was always present at the Syttende Mai celebration in Woodville,
especially the parade.
Clifford and Delores liked to travel. Their favorite spot was Nashville,
Tenn. He took great pride in his involvement in the armed forces and his
country.
He was a member of the River Falls American Legion and a past member
of Wilson's American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Louise; an infant
son, Russell, and brothers Marlo and Alfred.
He is survived by his wife, Delores, of Woodville; his children: Clifford
and Jeannine Larson Jr. of Woodville, David and LeeAnn Larson of Roberts,
William Larson of Baldwin, Barbara Jean and Gregory Nelson of Spring Valley,
Dennis and Gerilyn Larson of Woodville, Robert and Renee Larson of Hudson,
Larry Larson of Wilson, Jerome Larson of Canada and his special friend,
Rick Minnis; step-children: Glen and Elizabeth VanSomeran of River Falls,
Janice and Scott Donkersgoed of Rosendale; a sister, Linda and Norris Ashelson
of Downing; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral was Tuesday, May 26, at the First Baptist Church in Woodville,
with the Rev. Dean FitzSimmons officiating. Alice Trahms was organist and
Lucille Lund was the soloist.
Pallbearers were his children and honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren.
Interment was in Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Woodville. Full military
honors were given by the Woodville American Legion Post #301.
Memorials are preferred.
Marie Parslow, 93
Marie Parslow, 93, died peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday
May 24, 1998 at the Kinnic Long Term Care facility.
She was born April 5, 1905, in Iowa County, the daughter of John and
Amanda (Kosharek) Haugh. She married John F. Parslow June 10, 1929.
She graduated from the River Falls Normal School in 1924, and she taught
school in Amery, where she met her husband. They lived in Barron before
moving to River Falls.
She farmed with her husband in Mann Valley from 1933-65.
She taught at St. Bridget Parish School and was a certified nursing
assistant at St. Joseph's Home and Hospital. She was active in the Catholic
Knights Society, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, St. Bridget's Guild
and the UW-River Falls Alumni Association.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; a son, John; her parents,
John and Amanda; and a sister, Elizabeth.
She is survived by her children: Mary and David Smith of Hudson, Thomas
and Rose Ann Parslow of Madison, and James and Marlene Parslow of River
Falls; a brother, Francis Haugh of Madison; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, May, 26, at St.
Bridget Catholic Church with the Rev. Gerald Harris officiating. Interment
was in St. Bridget Cemetery.
Her grandchildren served as pallbearers and music and liturgy ministers.
Cashman Mortuary handled arrangements.
Kimberly M. Wahlberg, 34
Kimberly M. Wahlberg, 34, of North Hudson died suddenly on Wednesday,
May 20, 1998, at the Hudson Hospital emergency room after being taken there
by ambulance.
She was born Sept. 1, 1963, in River Falls, the daughter of Allan F.
and Marlyce (Nestrud) Huppert. She attended elementary school and graduated
from Prescott High School.
She was employed at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) in the
COBRA center (Total Compensation Resource Center.)
She married Glenn Wahlberg on Sept. 21, 1985, in River Falls. She enjoyed
volleyball, swimming and landscape design and planting. She was often taking
care of other needs before her own. She also enjoyed spending free time
with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Glenn; her children: Nicholas and Ashley
of North Hudson; her parents, Allan F. and Marlyce Huppert of Prescott;
her sister, Kathy and Kris Kullmann of North Hudson; her grandmother, Carmen
Huppert of Ellsworth; her in-laws Gus and Gerry Wahlberg of Hudson; her
brother-in-law Greg and Melody Wahlberg of Hudson; her sister-in-law Gwen
and Dan Christensen of Pittsburg, Calif.
Funeral was Saturday, May 23, at the United Methodist Church in Hudson,
with the Rev. Thomas Nustad officiating. Jodell Krause was the organist
with congregational singing.
Pallbearers were: Dan Jansen, Pat Cleveland, Todd Paulson, Jody Smith,
Randy Smith and Bob Swenson.
Interment was at Willow River Cemetery.
Charles W. Bradham, 71
Charles "Chuck" W. Bradham, 71, of North Hudson died of cancer on Sunday,
May 31, 1998 at his home.
He was born on July 27, 1926 at Helena, Mont., the son of Aubrauth
and Frances (Heller) Bradham. He completed his elementary and high school
education, graduating from Helena High School in 1944. He then went to
Carroll College for 2 years, and transferred to the University of Montana
at Missoula, where he graduated with a degree in business administration.
In 1943 he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves and was called to active
duty in the Air Corps, serving in the Pacific war zone and also with the
occupational troops in Japan.
He married Margaret Marie Wirth on Aug. 27, 1948, in Helena. He was
employed by Western Life Insurance Company in Helena and in 1960, when
the company was purchased by St. Paul Companies, he was transferred to
St. Paul and lived in North Hudson.
The company had changed ownership to AMEV Company and then to the present
Fortis Company. He retired in 1988 as an executive in the company's marketing
department.
He had been involved in scouting and fishing as a member of the Kiap-TU-Wish,
the Trout Unlimited Chapter in the Hudson area. When not fishing in his
favorite spots, he could be found flying his model airplanes, which he
enjoyed very much.
He was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church since he moved to
Hudson. He did volunteer work for the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson,
having been in charge of the mailings. Once a month he would make a trip
to St. Paul and have breakfast with the Western Old Timers Breakfast Club
of retired people from the Western Insurance Company who held their meetings
at the St. Paul Airport restaurant.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, on July 4, 1991.
He is survived by his daughter, Deborah and Greg Gillis of Hammond;
a son, Robert and Jacki Bradham of Hudson; a sister, Elizabeth Brenner
of Tacoma, Wash.; his step-mother, Bernice Bradham of Asherville, N.C.;
his grandchildren, Christy, Charlie and Cindy Gillis, Dan and Jean Bradham.
Memorial services are at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 4, at Bethel Lutheran
Church in Hudson, with the Rev. Dennis Nelson officiating. Laura Wirth
is the soloist.
Interment will be in Helena.
Seymour Kermit Dahm, 86
Seymour Kermit Dahm, 86, of River Falls, died May 26, 1998 at the Kinnic
Long Term Care Center, where he had been residing for the past seven months.
Seymour was born on Dec. 18, 1911, the son of Nettie (Tretsven) and
Thomas Dahm on a farm west of Milltown. He married Agnes Wasson on Sept.
12, 1934.
He worked on the Alaskan Highway during World War II, building hospitals
and bridges. After he returned home, he started his own construction crew
in Roberts. In the fall of 1950, the Dahm family moved to River Falls where
he continued his construction business. He was appointed to fill in an
unexpired term on the St. Croix County Board and was reelected to this
position for 23 years.
During these years he continued managing his construction business.
He enjoyed many fishing trips to Northern Canada with his friends.
He also enjoyed hunting in Montana and Wisconsin.
He built a cottage on North Sand Lake near Webster and for over 40
years it had been his pride and joy.
He was a member of the River Falls Masonic Lodge, #109, the Zor Shrine,
the Moose Lodge, a 50-year member of the IOOF and a member of the First
Congregational United Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes, on Nov. 4, 1991; his parents,
Nettie and Thomas; his brothers: Howard, Harry, Elmer and Chester; and
his sisters: Doris Dahm and Evelyn Orvold.
He is survived by his three children: Lucille and Charles Ramshaw of
Mt. Horeb, Leslie and Patricia Dahm of White Bear Lake, Minn., and Howard
and Wendy Dahm of Osakis, Minn.; six grandchildren; a sister, Ethel Carlson
of Spooner; and two sisters-in-law: Myrtle Dahm of Hudson and Marge Dahm
of Albuquerque, N.M.
Funeral was Friday, May 29, at the First Congregational United Church
of Christ, with the Rev. Delbert Permann officiating. Organist was Harriet
Christianson and Lucille Ramshaw was pianist.
Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, where the Masonic Lodge conducted
graveside services.
Pallbearers were: Darl Hoffman, John Howard, Dave Knott, Dan Lenehan,
Jack Sandberg and Charles E. White.
Nelson-Murphy Funeral Home provided arrangements.
Barbara A. Everson, 37
Barabara A. Everson, 37, of River Falls, died Tuesday, June 2, 1998,
at United Hospital.
Funeral services are pending at O'Connell Funeral Home in Hudson.
Angela Seekamp, 32
Angela Seekamp, 32, of River Falls died Tuesday, May 26, 1998.
She was born in River Falls on March 9, 1966, the daughter of Robert
Seekamp and Yvonne Vick. She was working as a hotel maid in Hudson at the
time of her death. She attended River Falls High School as a sophomore
in 1981-82.
She is survived by her mother, Yvonne and Curtis Vick of River Falls;
her father, Robert Seekamp of River Falls; her sister, Robin, of River
Falls; her brother, Steve Seekamp; and her foster family, the Lawrence
Pechacek family.
Funeral was Saturday, May 30, at Cashman Mortuary, with the Rev. Tinka
Bloedow officiating.
Pallbearers were: Randy Matthews, Steve Seekamp, Peter Pechacek, Gary
Carston, Lawrence Pechacek and Charles Pechacek.
Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Cashman Mortuary handled arrangements.
Barbara A. Everson, 37
Barbara Ann 'Bobbi' Everson, 37, of River Falls, died Tuesday, June
2, 1998 at United Hospital in St. Paul after battling cancer.
She was born Feb. 25, 1961, in Lincoln, Neb., the daughter of Patrick
and Mary Jane (Dixon) Brooks. After Barbara was born, the family moved
to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she attended grade school. They later moved
to Platteville, where she graduated from high school in 1979.
She graduated from UW-La Crosse in 1984. At the time of her death she
was employed as a campus staff worker in Madison for the Intervarsity Christian
Fellowship group.
She married Fred Everson on Oct. 19, 1991, in Madison. She enjoyed
hiking, camping, cooking and guitar music.
She loved cross-cultural training, traveling and relationships that
she developed. She loved her family and friends. They were a very important
part of her life.
She is survived by her husband, Fred; her daughter, Jarena Brooke;
her parents, Patrick and Mary Jane Brooks; her grandmother, Hannah Ditts,
all of Mankato, Minn.; her sister, Teresa and Bill Emerson of Morrison,
Colo.; her brother, Benjamin Brooks of Chicago; her in-laws: Donald and
Frances Everson of Highland; her sisters-in-law: Mary Everson of Madison
and Jean and Doug Kovars of Maplewood, Minn.
Private services were held at the Hilltop Methodist Church in Mankato
on Saturday, June 6. Public services were Monday, June 8, at Faith Community
Church in Hudson. Another public service will be held Friday, June 12,
at 6:30 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Highpoint Church in Madison.
There will be a private family burial. Memorials are preferred.
John C. Filkins, 82
John C. "Jack" Filkins, 82, died Thursday, June 4, 1998 at the St.
Croix Care Center in Prescott.
He was born in Pierce County in the town of Clifton on March 29, 1916,
the son of Frank and Maude (Williamson) Filkins. He attended Pierce Valley
and Angel Hill School. He helped his parents on the farm and went to Alaska
to help build the Alaskan Highway and install telephone and telegraph wires.
He married Evelyn Johnson, daughter of Nicolai and Amanda Johnson,
on June 12, 1937 at Rush River Lutheran Church in rural River Falls. Together
they owned and operated Jack's Eat Shop in River Falls on N. Main Street
(now known as Mary's Cafe).
After selling the cafe, he purchased a farm in the town of Clifton.
He was a livestock trucker and was later employed by Swift & Company.
In 1965 he moved to Prescott and served as a councilman for several years.
During retirement he moved back to River Falls.
His hobbies included gardening, hunting, fishing and playing cards.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, in 1979; his father,
Frank, in 1947; his mother, Maude, in 1986; his stepfather, Louis Russell,
in 1966; and one brother, Richard (Dick), in 1985.
He is survived by his two daughters: Janice and Gerald Seifert of rural
Ellsworth, Karen and Patrick Dunn of Fort Madison, Iowa; one son, Thomas
and Janice Filkins of rural River Falls; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren:
Jill and Zane Brainard and their children: Jay, John, and Laura of Harrison,
Ark., Laurie and Thomas Magee and their children: Ryan and Ashley of River
Falls, Phil and Diane Seifert and their children: Travis, Coulton and Nikita
of Prescott, Paul and Linda Seifert and their children: Gary, Cory and
Clay of Prescott, Luita Seifert of Prescott, Nancy and Ted Meierotto and
their children: Danielle, Tyson, Nicole and Kristen of Fort Madison, Iowa,
Dan and Debbie Dunn and their children: Michelle and Matthew of Fort Madison,
Iowa, Kristie and Mark Alexander and their children: Amber and Shane of
Littleton, Colo., John and Debbie Dunn and their children: Jackson and
Nolan of Des Moines, Iowa, Thomas and Ann Dunn of Fort Madison, Iowa, and
Jacob and Katelyn Filkins of River Falls; his sisters: Florence Larsen
and Elizabeth Young; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral was Tuesday, June 9, at United Church of Christ in Prescott,
with the Rev. Keith Trembath officiating. His grandsons were pallbearers.
Thomas Magee said the eulogy.
Burial was in Pine Glen Cemetery.
Cashman Mortuary, River Falls, handled arrangements.
Vera Moss, 98
Vera Moss, 98, a resident of the Kinnic Long Term Care facility since
1992, died on Tuesday, June 2, 1998.
She was born on Oct. 26, 1899 and her life spanned the 20th Century.
She came to River Falls in September of 1932. She had taught more than
a decade in high school and had received her A.B. degree from Western Michigan
State College in 1930 and her master's degree from the University of Michigan
in 1932.
About 40 people were on the faculty at UW-River Falls when she became
the fourth member of the English department. She began by teaching freshman
English, pursuing further studies at the University of Minnesota and spending
one summer studying at Oxford University in England.
She taught American literature and developed her own sophomore course,
"Great Ideas."
Her course "Great Ideas in Humanities" was a year-long study of ideas
from Plato to John Stuart Mill. It was part of a general education requirement.
During the middle third of the century, she was an active participant
in that gathering of teacher-scholars and administrators who brought the
school from a state teacher's college to the university it is today. Some
have been commemorated by having buildings named for them: Prucha Hall,
Stratton Hall, Kleinpell Fine Arts, May Hall and Karges Physical Education.
She was among a noteworthy group of distinguished women who served
at the university: Catherine Lieneman and Virginia Akins in the physical
sciences, Blanche Davis in theater and speech, Lillian Gough in mathematics
and Marion Hawkins in English. They brought seriousness to their classrooms
and contributed to the depth and breadth of their disciplines in the arts
and sciences. They also helped lay the foundation for future UW-RF instructors
and students.
Akins developed a "Great Ideas" course for the physical sciences and
Walker Wyman did likewise for the social sciences. These courses, along
with Vera's humanities course, preserved what was called "The Harvard Curriculum."
The courses were met with much discussion, but are still visible in
the UW-RF general education requirements. Every graduate of UW-RF shares
these classroom experiences that require they step outside of imagined
boundaries into a larger world. During the time that Vera taught at UW-RF,
guest speakers included: Margaret Bourke-White, Indira Ghandi and Eleanor
Roosevelt.
Vera was one of the earliest recipients of the Distinguished Teacher
of the Year at UW-RF. She earned the title in 1968. She characteristically
returned the monetary award for a student scholarship fund.
Though in earlier years she had traveled much in Europe and Latin America,
after her retirement in 1970, Vera lived in a nursing home in River Falls.
At her request, there was no funeral.
Gregory T. Schaefer, 49
Gregory Thomas Schaefer, 49, of River Falls, died Thursday, June 4,
1998 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis.
He was born March 10, 1949, in Minneapolis, to Thomas and Yvonne (Severson)
Schaefer.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Kinnickinnic
chapter of Pheasants Forever.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas, and his grandparents.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; two sons: Jeremy and Sonia Schaefer
of Blaine, Minn., and Troy Schaefer of St. Cloud, Minn.; one daughter,
Holly Schaefer of Peoria, Ariz.; his mother, Yvonne Schaefer of Sun City,
Ariz.; four sisters: Jackie and Alan Havlick of Two Harbors, Gail Melton
of Montgomery, Minn., Cindy and Dana Lawson of Montgomery, Minn., Donna
and Sam Stovall of Copperaus Cove, Texas; four grandchildren: Leah, Thomas,
Christopher and Garrett; several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were Sunday, June 7, at the Nelson-Murphy Funeral
Home, with the Rev. Don Stannard officiating. Lori Magne was soloist.
Interment will be at a later date.
Nelson-Murphy Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Mark R. Stockwell, 83
Mark R. Stockwell, 83, of Ellsworth died on Friday, June 5, 1998 at
the River Falls Area Hospital.
He was born on March 27, 1915, in Pierce County, the son of Fred J.
and Katherine (Crain) Stockwell. He attended Hill and Dale School.
He married Nell Ethel O'Conner on Dec. 15, 1936. He farmed most of
his life and worked as a custodian for Sunnyside School for many years.
He also delivered meals to the rural schools.
He was an active volunteer with the Pierce County Senior Citizen and
Commodities program.
He was a member of the Bible Center Church in Maiden Rock.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nell; one grandson, Bruce; one
sister, Gladys; and one brother, Warren.
Survivors include one son, Douglas Stockwell of Beldenville; two daughters:
Linda and Melford Nelson of Beldenville, and Sharon and John Perry of River
Falls; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers: Robert
Stockwell of Hager City, and Milton and Beverly Stockwell of Bay City;
three sisters: Bernice Finstad of Ellsworth, Joyce and Bill Froisland of
Red Wing, Minn., and Doris Scheide of Madison; and a friend, Stella Johnson
of Ellsworth.
Funeral was Tuesday, June 9, at the Bible Center Church with the Rev.
Donald Shilts officiating. Burial was in the Beldenville Cemetery in the
town of Trimbelle.
Russell G. Stockwell, 82
Russell G. Stockwell, 82, of Ellsworth, died on Saturday, June 6, 1998
at his home.
He was born on Dec. 2, 1915, in Pierce County, the son of Leland and
Ellen (Crain) Stockwell.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Asiatic/Pacific
Theater. He married Virgie Bolin in January of 1946, she died in 1949.
He later married Lila Bowen in July of 1950. She died in 1967.
He later married Ethel Myerson on Nov. 26, 1969.
He farmed most of his life in the towns of Hartland and Salem. Russell
also worked for the Pierce County Highway Department for many years.
He loved attending auctions, flea markets and traveling. He and Ethel
spent 14 winters in Texas.
He was a member of the Bible Center Church and Kinne-Engelhart American
Legion Post #204 in Ellsworth.
He was preceded in death by his first two wives, Virgie (Bolin) Stockwell
and Lila (Bowen) Stockwell.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel Stockwell of Ellsworth; two daughters:
Pat and Tom Dietzler of Ellsworth, and JoAnn and Mike Farrell of Bay City;
three sons: Larry and Sherry Stockwell of Richfield, Minn., Sam and Lana
Stockwell of Ellsworth and Dan and Natalie Stockwell of Ellsworth; and
eight grandchildren.
Funeral was to be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, at the Bible Center
Church in Maiden Rock, with the Rev. Donald Shilts officiating.
Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth.
Wilmer L. Younggren, 87
Wilmer "Bill" L. Younggren, 87, a lifelong resident of River Falls,
died Friday, June 5, 1998. He had been living at The Lutheran Home: River
Falls for the past 2 years.
He was born March 22, 1911, on his Mann Valley Farm. He was the son
of Mildred and Fred Younggren. He attended the old Mann Valley Stone School
House for 8 years, then graduated from River Falls High School in 1930.
He attended college at the River Falls Normal School for 1 year.
He started out farming with his father and his Uncle Art, but soon
joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1934. After his release
from the CCC he purchased a dump truck and hauled lime sand and gravel
for about 6 years. In 1940 he returned to the family farm, building and
expanding it into a modernized dairy operation until selling the farm in
1956.
On May 17, 1941, he married Delores Devenport at "The Little Church
in the Vale" in Nashua, Iowa.
In 1961, he purchased the Sinclair bulk oil/gas truck business from
Glen Kotts. He operated this business for about 10 years. During this same
time he bought the old locker plant and converted it to apartments and
a take-out restaurant "B.Y.'s Chicken Shack," where the current River's
Edge bar and restaurant is located.
He was also involved in a small local corporation buying, remodeling
and renting houses in the city. In 1971, he sold the oil business but continued
with the remodeling and renting business until 1981.
In 1978, Bill and his family built their own log home from logs milled
at the Harnisch lumber mill in Connersville.
Bill loved his fishing trips, visiting with friends _ young and old
_ attending and watching sports and playing with his three grandsons.
He was a member of the River Falls Masonic Lodge, an honorary lifetime
member of the Moose Lodge and a member of the First Congregational United
Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Delores; twin sisters: Lois
Neperud of Litchfield, Minn., and Lorraine Marcinek of New Preston, Conn.;
sons, William, of River Falls, and Mike and Mary Shannon Early and their
three boys, Luke, Michael and Jack of Wausau.
A memorial service was to be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, at
the First Congregational United Church of Christ with the Rev. Delbert
Permann officiating. The organist is Harriet Christianson and the vocalist
is Jan Hansen.
Pallbearers are: Joe Boles, Tom Carroll, Pauly Cudd, Dan Filkins, Tom
Rasmussen and William Younggren.
Interment was to be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Cashman Mortuary is handling arrangements. |
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