Alcuin J. Leukam

Alcuin Joseph Leukam, 87, of Melrose died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, at the CentraCare Health Hospital in Melrose. 

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Alcuin was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove. Rev. Ken Thielman officiated with Rev. Marvin Enneking and Rev. Mark Willenbring concelebrating. Deacon Jim Schulzetenberg and Deacon Ernie Kociemba assisted. Burial followed in the parish cemetery.

Alcuin Joseph Leukam was born March 14, 1928, in Grove Township, Stearns County, to George and Rose (Berling) Leukam. He married Alice Bertram on May 28, 1951, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. The couple farmed together and raised their family north of Meire Grove. Upon retirement in 1982, Alcuin and Alice moved to Melrose, and he worked part-time providing custodial care at St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic grade school in Meire Grove. Later, he worked part-time at Ernie’s Family Foods in Melrose.

Alcuin was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Society and Knights of Columbus Council #1633. 

Alcuin enjoyed Koinonia Retreats, playing cards, square dancing, snowmobiling, carpentry, gardening, fish fries and telling jokes.

Alcuin is survived by his children: Jim (Mary Kay) Leukam, Meire Grove; Gerry (Ann) Leukam, Maple Grove; Bonnie (Jim) Schulzetenberg, Greenwald; Laurie (Bruce) Engle, Sauk Centre; Char (Dan) Meyer, Meire Grove; Bob (Jan) Leukam, Melrose, his sister, Juliana Kettler, and by 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Alice in 1990; infant daughter Mary Alice in 1952; sister Eleanor Meyer; granddaughter Sarah Harkins; and great-granddaughter Cecilia Harkins.

Serving as casket bearers were Gary Meyer, Marvin Leukam, Allen Meyer, Maynard Kettler, Roman Meyer and Mike Pung. Cross bearer was Jessica Rothmeyer and scripture bearer was Ryan Meyer. Gift bearers were Julie Schulzetenberg, Ashley Nelson, Danielle Waltzing and Mike Leukam. Reader was Char Meyer. Eucharistic Minister was Dan Meyer. Honorary bearers were the St. Joseph’s Society.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

Edwin H. Zastrow
Sauk Centre, Minnesota
Born:          June 01, 1933
Died:        August 13, 2015
Visitation 
Date:    August 16, 2015
Time:    4-8 pm
Location:    Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie, Minnesota
Funeral Service 
Date:    August 17, 2015
Time:    11:00 a.m.
Location:    Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie, Minnesota
Cemetery 
Date:    August 17, 2015
Time:    12:00 noon
Location:    Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Long Prairie, Minnesota

Funeral Services will be held at 11 am, Monday, August 17, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie for Edwin H. Zastrow, age 82, of Sauk Centre, formerly of Long Prairie. Rev. Noah Wehrspann will officiate and burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-8 pm Sunday and one hour prior to services on Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home-Stein Chapel, Long Prairie.
Edwin was born June 1, 1933 in Long Prairie, Minnesota the son of Edwin, Sr. and Meta (Todly) Zastrow. After graduating from Long Prairie High School in 1951, he worked at home and married Bernice Koester in 1952 and farmed east of Long Prairie until 1999. Although saddened by the passing of Bernice in May of 1998, he was blessed by meeting Ruth Ann Meyer and was married on November 26, 1999 in Sauk Centre.
Edwin was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie. He also served as Township assessor, and many boards, FFA, Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie Creamery, DHIA, Todd County Extension, Todd County FSA and Lake Country Bank. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, dancing, and biking.
Edwin is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, Sauk Centre; daughter, Lorie (Wally) Miller, Long Prairie; son Larry, Moose Lake; step-children, Cindy (Mike) Sunderman, Sauk Centre; Jim (Sue) Meyer, Cold Spring; Rick (Cindy) Meyer, Sauk Centre; and Pam (Jay) Caswell, Elk River; grandchildren, Leslie (Ryan Jobe), Jodi, Lisa, and Jenna; step-grandchildren, Nicholas (Sheena) Sunderman, Christopher Sunderman, Adam Meyer, Nathan Meyer, Eric (Jessie) Decker, Sarah Decker, Riley Meyer, Logan Meyer, Alex Caswell, and Becky Caswell; great-granddaughter Alivia; step-great grandchildren, Lauren and Kendall; siblings, Marvin (Marlys) Zastrow, St. Cloud; Madella (Bob) Bous, Inver Grove Heights; Ardis Forer, Hibbing; and Gary (Diane) Zastrow, Long Prairie; sister-in-law, Marilyn Zastrow, Long Prairie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Bernice, sister Norma Kitzman and brother Donald Zastrow, brothers-in-law, Ivan Kitzman and Gordon Forer.
Obituary and on-line guestbook available at www.williamsdingmann.com.

James H. Johnson

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. (visitation 9:30 a.m.) Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015 at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 N. Victoria, Shoreview. 

Born March 19, 1927, in Sauk Centre and born into eternal life Aug. 17, 2015, in his Shoreview home. Jim was a proud WWII Navy Veteran and his life work was in the hospitality industry. He enjoyed 42 years of lake life at Big Birch Lake in Grey Eagle. Family, fishing, hunting, golf and a good game of gin were his favorite pastimes. 

Survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann, of 62 years. Cherished by his children: Kathy (Bill) Spitzmueller, Bill Johnson, Nancy Calderon and Betsy Hartmann. Adored by his grandchildren: Natalia (Brad) Hofman and Nathan Calderon; Jill and Amy Spitzmueller; Lauren and Jack Hartmann; Cotana, Kyatt, Keton and Canyon Johnson; sister, Romie Brisbane and by his many other loving family, friends and business partners. 

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Manuel Calderon. Jim’s playful spirit and zest for life will be tremendously missed. 

Memorials may be given to: St. Odilia Building Fund or Big Birch Lake Association.

Edwin H. Zastrow

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie for Edwin H. Zastrow, age 82, of Sauk Centre, formerly of Long Prairie. Rev. Noah Wehrspann officiated and burial was in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home-Stein Chapel, Long Prairie.

Edwin was born June 1, 1933, in Long Prairie, the son of Edwin, Sr., and Meta (Todly) Zastrow. After graduating from Long Prairie High School in 1951, he worked at home and married Bernice Koester in 1952 and farmed east of Long Prairie until 1999. Although saddened by the passing of Bernice in May of 1998, he was blessed by meeting Ruth Ann Meyer and was married on Nov. 26, 1999, in Sauk Centre.

Edwin was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie. He also served as Township assessor, and on many boards, FFA, Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Prairie Creamery, DHIA, Todd County Extension, Todd County FSA and Lake Country Bank. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, dancing and biking.

Edwin is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, Sauk Centre; daughter, Lorie (Wally) Miller, Long Prairie; son Larry, Moose Lake; step-children, Cindy (Mike) Sunderman, Sauk Centre; Jim (Sue) Meyer, Cold Spring; Rick (Cindy) Meyer, Sauk Centre; and Pam (Jay) Caswell, Elk River; grandchildren, Leslie (Ryan Jobe), Jodi, Lisa, and Jenna; step-grandchildren, Nicholas (Sheena) Sunderman, Christopher Sunderman, Adam Meyer, Nathan Meyer, Eric (Jessie) Decker, Sarah Decker, Riley Meyer, Logan Meyer, Alex Caswell and Becky Caswell; great-granddaughter Alivia; step-great-grandchildren, Lauren and Kendall; siblings, Marvin (Marlys) Zastrow, St. Cloud; Madella (Bob) Bous, Inver Grove Heights; Ardis Forer, Hibbing; and Gary (Diane) Zastrow, Long Prairie; sister-in-law, Marilyn Zastrow, Long Prairie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Bernice; sister, Norma Kitzman and brother, Donald Zastrow; brothers-in-law, Ivan Kitzman and Gordon Forer.

Obituary and online guestbook available at www.williamsdingmann.com.

Catherine “Katie” D. Bromen

Catherine “Katie” D. Bromen, age 95 of Sauk Centre, died peacefully surrounded by her family Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, at CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.

A funeral service was held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Sauk Centre with The Rev. Roger Phillips presiding. Interment followed in Greenwood Cemetery.  

Catherine Dahlem was born on July 4, 1920, at home in Sauk Centre, the daughter of August and Meta (Andersen) Dahlem. She lived in the same home and slept in the same bedroom for 84 years. On April 18, 1945, she traveled to New York, N.Y., and was united in marriage to Alex L. Bromen in St. John’s Cathedral. The couple lived in the Dahlem home in Sauk Centre and raised their family of five children. Katie had a 35-year career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, beginning as an operator and later working as a customer service representative. She was very proud to be the last surviving grandchild of Albert Dahlem, a pioneer who came to Sauk Centre in 1868. 

Katie was very involved in Sauk Centre. She was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, Sinclair Lewis Foundation, Sauk Centre Area Historical Society, Sauk Centre Area Chamber of Commerce; the American Legion Post 67 and Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853 Auxiliaries, as well as the Telephone Pioneers. 

Survivors include her children, Alex R. “Bob” Bromen (Mary Winkler) of Olympia, Wash., Don (Pam) Bromen of Stillwater, Bill Bromen of Sauk Centre, Cathy (Rick) Arendt of Seattle, Wash., and Joann “Joni” (Tom) Maleska of Melrose; six grandchildren, Beth (Tom) Lemen, Matt (Colleen) Bromen, Nick Bromen, Paul Bromen, Paige Bromen (fiancé, Adam McCullough) and Brian Arendt; four great-grandchildren, Luke Lemen, Will Lemen, Claire Bromen and Charley Bromen. 

Katie was preceded in death by husband, Alex on Oct. 13, 2003; parents, August and Meta Dahlem; and her brother, Willis Dahlem.

Serving as casket bearers were Matt Bromen, Paul Bromen, Paige Bromen, Adam McCullough, Brian Arendt and Tom Maleska.

Memorials may be directed to her church.

Victor J. Traut

Victor J. Traut, age 84 of Sauk Centre, died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015, at CentraCare Health Hospital in Sauk Centre.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Greg Paffel will officiate with Rev. Ken Riedemann and Rev. Todd Schneider concelebrating. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Sauk Centre.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be held at 5 p.m. followed by Knights of Columbus rosary at 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand guard from 6 to 8 p.m. during the visitation Thursday evening. 

Vic Traut was born on Jan. 5, 1931, in LeSauk Township, Stearns County,  to Martin and Susan (Weyer) Traut. He received his high school diploma from Cathedral High School and went on to St. Cloud State University, majoring in science and mathematics.

He worked at St. Regis paper mill in Sartell prior to serving four years in the Air Force. He married Lorrayne Warzecka on May 30, 1955, and spent the next 32 years as a teacher in Chokio and Sauk Centre.

Along with his teaching career, Vic was known as “Trapper Traut,” having spent many hours trapping critters, many of which were a nuisance to the landowner. He also instructed young folks in the art of trapping, setting traps skillfully and efficiently. He was a lifetime member of the National Trappers Association and the National Rifle Association.

Vic earned a private pilot’s license and served as secretary/treasurer of the Long Prairie Flying Club. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He received the Paul Harris award from Rotary and was a member of the Sauk River Watershed Board.

Vic was active in supporting Life as a member of the National Right to Life, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life and Pro-Life America. His membership in the American Legion was on-going.

Vic was very proud of his Catholic faith. He was committed to his role on the parish council and the finance committee and faithfully served as Eucharistic minister. He and Lorrayne prepared engaged couples for marriage through their Sponsor Couple training. He was a member of BeFriender ministry as he continued to befriend persons until the time of his death. His involvement in the Knights of Columbus was a high priority as he held the offices of Grand Knight and Navigator and was installed as Scribe for the Fourth Degree Knights the evening before his death.

He was a regular visitor to S.N.A.P. Fitness to get his daily exercise and to visit with his friends. In his younger years, he participated in 5Ks and 10Ks and usually came in first or second place in his age group. He and Lorrayne enjoyed traveling in and out of the country. They especially enjoyed their trips to the Holy Land and their many cruises. 

Vic is survived by his wife, Lorrayne: children: Teresa (Donovan) Elavsky of Akeley; Terence (Cathy) of Merrimack, N.H.; Kristi (Rob) Streff of Wyoming, Minn.; grandchildren: Lucas and Andrew Winkler, Katie Carbone and Peggy Traut, Sam and Leah Streff; step-grandchildren, John and Jordan Elavsky; and great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Jasmine Winkler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Greg Winkler; siblings Al, Melvin, Marvin and Valeria Jefferson; and many in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family School, 231 Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Melvin K. Jackson

Melvin K. Jackson, 76, of Sauk Centre passed into the spirit world Aug. 18, 2015, at the CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud; he had an ongoing battle with liver and kidney failure.

A celebration of life for Mel will be at Diamond Point on Sauk Lake, Sept. 13. Visitation starting at 12 p.m., traditional outdoor service at 2 p.m., followed by a feast. Please bring your Mel stories and jokes.

Mel, Walking Eagle, Chief, Z, full of fun, good humor, mischief and daring, was the “Kokopelli” of his tribe. He had been an escort for “Tony’s Tours” keeping the casino runners entertained. His farewell on each trip was “Tony thanks you, and I thank you for the new moccasins for all my children.” According to Mel, there were three B’s: beer, brandy and Bingo. Ever a charmer, Mel believed in replenishing the tribe, he had four wives and 17 children. 

Mel Anaquat (Cloud) was born April 6, 1939, in White Earth. Having lost his mother at age 5, he was sent to American Indian Boarding schools in Wahpeton, N.D., and Pipestone. Here he was immersed in European-American culture and forced to abandon his Native American identity, culture and language - this made him all the more rebellious. He eventually turned his energy into creativity, producing beautiful dream catchers, snuff drums, earrings, drawings and key chains; all of Ojibwe color and nature. Attending Pow-Wows, he would tear up at every entry, so proud of his Native American people. Mel, true to his heritage, was a natural at hunting and fishing, gardening, cloud visions and communing with the animals.

Mel graduated from Akeley High School, the Greer Tech Institute in Chicago and White Bear Community College. During his working years, he had been employed as a landscaper, truck driver, auto mechanic and a free-lance handy man. A “Jack-of-All-Trades” he could repair most anything. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Iona and sister, Leona. 

Mel is survived by his sister, Betty Price; brother, Elmer, Jr.; children, Jackie T., Debbie, Melvin, Jr., Jeremy, Matthew, Klye, Margarita, Audrey, Leona, as well as other children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Patricia “Pattie Cakes” A. Anderson, 61 
Rice 
Dec. 27, 1953 – Sept. 2, 2015 

           Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rice for Patricia A. Anderson, age 61, who passed away Wednesday at her home. Rev. Thomas Becker will officiate and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home in Sauk Rapids.

           Patricia was born Dec. 27, 1953 in Sauk Centre to John & Agnes (Barcklay) Claude. She married Einar Anderson on Dec. 16, 1972. She lived in the Rice area most of her life and worked at the St. Cloud Hospital for over 30 years. Patricia volunteered with many HELPS International trips to Guatemala. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, softball, camping, cards, traveling, watching the Twins and Vikings, and going to the casino. Above all, Patricia loved spending time with her family and friends.

           Survivors include her husband, Einar of Rice; children, Stacie (Jack) Rau of Rice, Kimberly (Steve) Seitz of Nowthen, Betsie (Kevin) Lenzen of St. Cloud, Julie (Marc) Mrozek of Sauk Rapids, Richard (Tina) Anderson of Rice, and Katie Anderson of Sauk Rapids; sisters and brother, Sue Colgrove of Foley, Diane (Greg) Duchene of Sauk Centre, John “Fred” (Linda) Claude of St. Cloud and Catherine Claude of St. Cloud; brother-in-law, Kenny Inderrieden of Rice; and 16 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Edwin “Eddie”; sister, Carole Inderrieden; brother, Carl Claude; niece, Katie Inderrieden; and nephews, Jeremy Claude and Patrick Duchene.

           Memorials are preferred to ALS Association of MN, ND, SD Chapter.

           Obituary, Guest Book and video tribute available online at: www.williamsdingmann.com

Lucille Eldred
    Lucille Eldred, age 88, entered into her new life on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, from the CentraCare nursing home in Long Prairie.
    Services for Lucille were held on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie with Rev. Noah Wehrspann officiating. Musicians were Mary Collins and Jim Flan. Interment was at the Trinity Cemetery in Long Prairie with all of her grandchildren as honorary pallbearers.
    Lucille Ida Titzke was born on Sept. 25, 1926, in Long Prairie to Arthur and Anna (Scheve) Titzke. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended school there and later Long Prairie High School. On Nov. 6, 1943, in Long Prairie, Lucille married her sweetheart and life-long companion, Robert Eldred. They had seven children.
    Besides working together raising a family, Bob and Lucille tackled many various business ventures together. They started out farming in 1947, then they ran an auctioneering business known as Eldred’s Auction Service. During those forty-two years until retirement, they handled over 8,000 auction sales. As the years went by, they purchased the Long Prairie Sales Barn and the Prairie Lanes bowling alley. They were also owners of Long Prairie Machinery and Long Prairie Tractor Supply.  Since Lucille was so good with numbers, she did all of the bookkeeping for their various businesses. Before retiring, Bob and Lucille also built and managed the Eldred Apartments in Long Prairie and the Cactus Trailer Park in Prescott, Ariz.
    She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and belonged to the Dorcus Circle.
    Lucille had many hobbies and interests. She loved to play cards and was an accomplished Bridge player who enjoyed the game throughout her life. She also liked to golf and occasionally tried her luck at the casino. Bob and Lucille had a cabin on Lake Osakis for over 30 years. Lucille loved the lake and her favorite sport, fishing. She ice fished in the winter (before leaving for Arizona) and fished off their dock many days in the summer. It was a prime fishing spot. She entertained friends and family at their lake cabin for many years. She also enjoyed the winter months with family and friends in Mesa, Ariz. She felt so fortunate that they were able to go to Arizona for 35 years. She loved her home there and enjoyed the trips they took in their motor home, caravanning with friends from Arizona to Mexico, Las Vegas and California.
    Lucille was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. She was a smart, witty and multi-talented wife, mother, grandma and sister who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
    Left to mourn her passing are her children, Diane (Jim) Cherry of Long Prairie/Mesa Ariz., Ron (Darlene) Eldred, Pam (Gary) Schneekloth, Glenda (Jerry) Lucas, Chuck (Nancy) Eldred, all of Long Prairie and Kim (Cheryree) Eldred of Louisberg, Kan.; 13 grandchildren, Sean Cherry, Robert Cherry, Grant Eldred, Jill Peterson, Kelly Magnuson, Amy Ahrens, Jennifer Carlson, Candy Host, Jeff Lucas, Wendy Larson, Rob Lucas, Angela Eldred and Nick Eldred; 24 great-grandchildren; a brother, Allen Rogers of Arizona; a sister, Eleanor Titzke of Joplin, Mo.; brother-in-law, Dennis Nordberg of Arizona; many nieces and nephews.
    Waiting to welcome her is her husband, Robert “Bob” Eldred (who died in 2002); a daughter, Candice Eldred; a brother, Helmer Titzke; and four sisters, Mildred Perish, Alice Palmer, Irma Nordberg and Mae Ann Titzke.
    Arrangements by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis.
 

John W. Kessler
    John William Kessler, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 4, 2015, following a two-year struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.  John was born March 25, 1920, in Lewiston, to John F. Kessler and Anna Ernst Kessler. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1937 where he played basketball and baseball. He began his trade of carpentry and painting after high school, working for a crew that specialized in building “round” barns and residential houses in southeastern Minnesota.
     He entered the U.S. Army in January 1942 assigned to the Coastal Artillery at Camp Callan in San Diego, Calif. His assignment as a drill Instructor then took him to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was assigned to the 575th Anti-Aircraft Artillery SP as a platoon sergeant. The unit was attached to the 11th Armored Division and sent overseas. Attached to General Patton’s 3rd Army, he was involved with three major battles: Ardennes (the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, Army Good Conduct medal, European Theater of Operations with three battle stars and the Army of Occupation Germany.
    Upon returning to Minnesota, John resumed his occupation. In 1950, he moved to Sauk Centre to begin his 32-year career with the Minnesota Correctional Facility as a painter, retiring in 1982. He was proud to state last spring that “he had 32 years of retirement too!”
    On April 15, 1960, John married Henrietta (Hank) Miller.
    John was an avid golfer, bowler, deer hunter, fisherman and furniture maker.  He enjoyed wagering bets at the horse races, playing cards, watching Twins baseball, amateur baseball, high school sports and youth sports. He was always there to give a tip or “how to” at game time, which was greatly appreciated by all who were involved. He thoroughly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities.
    He was a lifetime member of Paul F. Donart VFW Post #2853 and the American Legion Post #67 in Sauk Centre.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Russell and an infant brother.
    John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Hank (Henrietta) of Sauk Centre; and children John (Reneé) Kessler of Duluth and Jessie (George) Jacobson of Willmar; five grandchildren, Jena, Sara and John (Jack) Kessler and George III and Kelsey Jacobson.
    John preferred cremation arranged by the Cremation Society of Minnesota with a private memorial service and interment in Lewiston to be held at a later date.
 

Mabel M. Ebensteiner

Mabel M. Ebensteiner, age 101 of Sauk Centre, died Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, at CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Jeremy Theis officiated with interment following in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Mabel Mary Miller was born Aug. 3, 1914, in Sauk Centre to George and Sylvia (Morgan) Miller. Mabel married John Haskamp in August 1944 in Melrose. The couple resided in Osakis and Carlos. For several years she worked as an occupational therapist at the Knute Nelson Home in Alexandria and Community Memorial Home in Osakis. Following John’s death in 1977 she married Edwin Ebensteiner on Aug. 6, 1977, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, where the couple made their home. They enjoyed taking bus tours across the United States and traveling to Europe.

Mabel enjoyed volunteering at St. Michael’s Nursing Home and with organizations for seniors in Sauk Centre. She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Christian Mothers and Sauk Centre Seniors.

Mabel is survived by her two sons, Joel Haskamp of Carlos and David Haskamp of Warrens, Wis.; three step-children, Norbert (Shirley) Ebensteiner of Sauk Centre, Dorothy (Howard) Rajdl of Park Rapids and Marcella “Marcie” (Gary) Seguin of Brainerd; two grandsons, Brandon (and his daughters, Ella and Alyssa) and Scott Haskamp; twelve step-grandchildren; and 16 step-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husbands, John Haskamp in 1977 and Edwin Ebensteiner in 1991; granddaughter, Michelle Lee Haskamp; step-grandson, Thomas Ebensteiner; daughter-in-law, Jane Haskamp; and step-daughter, Marion Hedquist.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Mary Catherine Monkman

Mary delivered her last piece of mail on Aug. 22, 2015, which was addressed to God. 

Mary was born July 1, 1930, in Sauk Rapids to Anton and Margaret Nierman. She married Don Monkman Sr. 

Mary was predeceased by her daughter, Dianne, husband, Don Sr. and her brother, Ted, in 2011.

She is survived by her four loving sons Don Jr., John, Ron, Tom and their families, who she all dearly loved; Emma (Vern) Halverson of La Porte, Frank (Arlene) Niermann of St. Augusta and Rita (Frank) Hittle of Sauk Centre. 

It was her husband’s career in harness racing that took Mary and her family all throughout North America before settling down in Ladner in the late 50s where she raised her four boys.

Mary was among the first female letter carriers to work for the post office in Ladner in the late 60s. Through rain, sleet, snow, good and bad she was a special lady who showed all those around her not to judge but to live life with love, strength, courage and perseverance. 

Mary’s passions included fishing and a good game of cards with family and friends. She spent the last eight years living at Augustine House, where she made many new friends and memories. Mary will be missed by all those she touched in life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Delta Hospital Foundation or the Irene Thomas Hospice in Mary’s memory. No service by request.

Joseph M. Ruter

Joseph Michael Ruter, age 36 of Sauk Centre, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. 

A funeral service was held Friday, Sept. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville with Pastor Kevin Zellers officiating. 

Joseph Michael Ruter was born on April 10, 1979, in Granite Falls to Theodore Ruter and Denise Schillinger. He attended school in Long Prairie, Browerville and Little Falls. He then settled in Sauk Centre working at the Thread Shed second hand store.

Joseph had many hobbies and interests, including watching movies, bowling, shopping, animals and playing cards. He cared greatly for and loved spending time with his large family and many friends. 

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Denise (William) Schillinger of Swanville; father Ted (Michelle) Ruter of Hot Springs, S.D.; siblings, Daniel Schillinger of Minneapolis, Jeffery Schillinger of Little Falls, Dillon Ruter of Alexandria and Kayle Ruter of Alexandria; step-brother, Ricky Gettel of Bertha and step-sister, Angela (Eric) Bertram of Bertha.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Shawn Ruter in 1995.

Arrangements were with Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls.

Vera M. Olson

Vera M. Olson, age 91 of Sauk Centre, died peacefully Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, at the CentraCare Nursing Home in Sauk Centre. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at Little Sauk - Long Bridge Lutheran Church in rural Sauk Centre with Rev. Steve Hilde officiating. Interment will follow in Long Bridge Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church in rural Sauk Centre. 

Vera Mae George was born May 10, 1924, in Chicago, Ill., to Arthur and Emma (Larson) George. On July 27, 1945, she married Wilford Olson in Lucan. The couple lived in Paynesville until 1948, when they moved to Sauk Centre. She was employed at Fingerhut in Sauk Centre for many years. Vera was a member of Little Sauk - Long Bridge Lutheran Church and the Little Sauk American Legion Post 417 Auxiliary. 

She enjoyed watching TV, crossword puzzles and word finds. 

 Vera is survived by her children, Randy Olson of Sauk Centre, Clifford (Carol) Olson of Westminister, Calif., LeRoy Olson of Long Prairie, Edith Mayers of Sauk Centre, George (Susan) Olson of Long Prairie and Debra (Ken) Olson of Hemet, Calif.; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Doris (Wayne) Sexton of Bloomington, Ind. 

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilford Olson on Aug. 18, 1989; sons, Richard Olson on July 10, 1967, and Thomas Olson on Feb. 20, 1988; and sister, Frances Warner.

Serving as casket bearers will be Albert Koppen, Bruce  Barlou, Jeffery Olson, Keith Olson, Kevin Olson and Dan Olson. 

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Russell D. Blue

Russell D. Blue, age 81, member of Faith Baptist Church, Sauk Centre, passed away Sept. 16, 2015.  

Married 61 years to Edith Westlund; seven children, 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.

White Funeral Home   Apple Valley   952-432-2001, www.whitefuneralhomes.com.

Thelma D. Marthaler

Thelma D. Marthaler, age 91, of Sauk Centre, died peacefully Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Greg Paffel will officiate with Rev. Andrew Marthaler concelebrating. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre. 

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be at 5:15 p.m. Thursday evening. 

Thelma Mikkelson Marthaler was born to Mikkal and Olga Johnson Mikkelson on Oct. 17, 1923, in Gordon Township, Todd County, near Osakis and was baptized in Salem Lutheran Church. She attended County School District #63 through eighth grade and then Osakis High School, graduating in 1942. In high school, she worked at Robinson Grocery Store; after high school, at the Osakis Variety Store. In the fall of 1943, she moved to Portland, Ore., and worked in the Kaiser Shipyards as a welder until the war ended in 1945. 

Moving back to Osakis, she married Alois Marthaler in August of 1946 at Saint Alexius Catholic Church in West Union. They moved to Montevideo in 1949. Tim was born in November 1951. In 1955, the family moved to Sauk Centre and Roger was born in October 1956. Al owned and operated Marthaler Plumbing and Heating while Thelma was the bookkeeper. Roger passed away in May 1970; Al died in January, 1971. Thelma then went to work at the Sauk Centre High School lunch room from 1971 to 1973. In 1973, she was hired as a bookkeeper and cashier at Lampert Lumber Company, where she worked until she retired in 1982. She married Vince Grossman in January 1979. He passed away in June 2000.

Thelma belonged to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853 and American Legion Post 67 Auxiliaries, St. Paul’s Christian Mothers, and Daughters of Isabella. She was also active in her knitting group, helped in the lunch room at Holy Family School, and volunteered at St. Michael’s Hospital Gift Shop.

Thelma will be deeply missed by her son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Nancy Marthaler of Roseville;  step-sons, John (Suzanne) Grossman of Hastings and Bruce (Jeannie) Grossman and family of Seattle, Wash.; twin grandsons, David Marthaler of Roseville and Jonathan (Lisa) Marthaler of Roseville; sisters, Arlene (Kenneth) Sorenson of Osakis, Charlotte Schultz of Osakis, and Marian Brynjulfson of Sauk Centre; sister-in-law, Shirley Gillan of Sauk Centre and other family members. 

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Alois Marthaler; second husband, Vincent Grossman; son, Roger Marthaler; brothers and sisters, Merlin Mikkelson, Kate Marthaler, Harry Mikkelson, Raymond Mikkelson, and Lela Sax.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. 

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Ronald W. Engelmeyer

Ronald W. “Ron” Engelmeyer, age 72 of St. Rosa, died after complications from a stroke on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating and Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. concelebrating.  Interment was in the parish cemetery with military honors provided by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Ronald William Engelmeyer was born April 7, 1943, in St. Rosa to Christ and Bertha (Herzog) Engelmeyer. He graduated from Melrose High School and from St. Cloud State University. Ron served with the Army National Guard where he completed his service obligation. On May 3, 1980, he married Mary Kay Schiffler at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Ron founded Engelmeyer Land Surveying in Melrose in 1982. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa where he served on the church council. Ron was a founding member of the St. Rosa Lions Club where he served as president in 1988, 1989, 2006 and 2007, and also received the Melvin Jones award in 2005. He was a member of the American Legion Post 101 in Melrose and the Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors. 

Ron would start his mornings at the St. Rosa Store for coffee with his friends. He enjoyed golfing, watching the Minnesota Gophers, Vikings, Twins and St. John’s Johnnies football. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed taking trips with his friends around the U.S. visiting different baseball stadiums. He enjoyed fishing at the lake, using his John Deere equipment, and loved spending time with his family and friends, especially with his wife and sons. 

Survivors include his three sons, David Engelmeyer of St. Rosa, Christopher Engelmeyer of St. Rosa and Peter Engelmeyer of Wayzata; brothers and sisters, Roger (MaryAnn) Engelmeyer of St. Rosa, Alice McKinney of St. Louis Park, Caroline Engelmeyer of St. Cloud, Gloriann (Jerry) Thomes of Little Falls and Mary Jane (John) Klaphake of St. Rosa; sister-in-law, Marge Engelmeyer of St. Rosa.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kay Engelmeyer on February 28, 2012; parents; and brother, Art Engelmeyer. 

Serving as casket bearers were David Engelmeyer, Chris Engelmeyer, Peter Engelmeyer, Jay Engelmeyer, Michael Klaphake and Glen Engelmeyer. Cross bearer was Paula Weber and scripture bearer was Karen Gruber.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

Louis J. Bokinskie

Louis J. “Louie” “Bud” Bokinskie of Foley, formerly of Sebeka, died peacefully Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, after a long illness at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Camp Ripley Chapel, 1500 Highway 15 Little Falls. 

Louie was raised in Sauk Centre. After graduation he entered the U.S. Army. His proudest achievement was entering U.S. Army Airborne School (Jump School), where he achieved Senior Parachutist and Jump Master. Louie also was a proficient marksman who trained in Special Operations in the 11th and 82nd Airborne, in conjunction with his duties as a paratrooper. Louie obtained a final rank of Staff Sergeant when honorably discharged in 1957.

 He met Frances Corbett and they were married in Sauk Centre. Louie and Frances raised four children in Long Prairie. 

 Upon discharge, Louie attended St. Cloud Teachers College (St. Cloud State University) where he obtained an English degree and began teaching at Long Prairie High School in Long Prairie. Louie taught there for over 30 years, but that is not all he occupied himself with, daily.

 Louie was a man of many outdoor-related trades.  In 1972, he built, owned and operated Heartland Sports Center in Long Prairie, which was a hunting and fishing store housed with guns, archery, fishing tackle, live bait, licenses and a variety of other goods to furnish an outdoors lifestyle. Louie was also a very accomplished taxidermist who, during the course of a year, would mount over 100 deer heads, fish, waterfowl and any other game loyal customers would send back from hunting excursions from the East Coast to the West Coast, and sometimes, other countries. While mounting trophy deer, he was also a certified Boone and Crockett/ Pope and Young official score recorder, and would be trusted to score several potential state record antlers throughout the state of Minnesota-so proficient, he would be able to accurately measure the score of antlers within a few points from just a glance. On his property in Long Prairie in the mid 1970s, the Long Prairie Sportsman’s Club (LPSC) established the permanent home of the rifle and pistol range, along with a complete trap range, where tens of thousands of rounds have been fired and is still in operation today.  Also, for several years the LPSC had pheasant pens on the property, which were reared and released into the wild with help from the DNR, increasing the pheasant population in Central Minnesota. Possessing a game farm license, Louie always had animals that were brought to him from DNR conservation officers, which he raised or brought to healthy conditions and released back into the wild; it was pretty common to see young Raccoons running around with the dogs and cats at the bait shop! At his game farm, Louie raised hundreds of Whitetail Deer and ultimately had multiple acres of pens for the deer he raised, which he traded or sold for breeding with other individuals who raised deer. 

 Louie was a voracious reader—he would read anything he could get his hands on- even up to the time of his death he had read virtually the entire library of books at Foley Nursing Center, among other books or magazines friends, family, and staff would bring him from their personal library.

Survivors include his children, Curt Johnson of Rochester, Pam of Minneapolis, Laura Walsh of Minneapolis and Katherine of Pasco, Wash., Dan of St. Cloud; sisters, Dorothy “Dottie” Stehno of Torrance, Calif., and Louise (Ron) Burton of Deephaven; former spouse, Frances and six grandchildren, Melanie, Abbie, Garrett, Grant, Trevor and Connor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Donna, Alvina (Fritz), and infant son, James.

Ann M. Borgmann

Age 77 of Bloomington. 

Ann was born Oct. 28, 1937, in St. Cloud to parents Edward F. and Renee Sauer Borgmann. She graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1955, moving to Minneapolis for college. She worked for many years for the Minneapolis School System as a teacher’s aide.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 12 Noon Friday, Oct. 2, at the Basilica of St. Mary, 16th and Hennepin Ave S., Minneapolis. 

Ann is survived by her children; Duane “Skip” Gunderson, Minneapolis, Diane R. Hernon, Bloomington, David (Terri) Gunderson, Brooklyn Park, Jennifer (Carson) Abbott, St. Paul; grandchildren Megan, Colin, Steven, Noah and Cooper; brother John (Ann) Borgmann; Preceded in death by parents Edward and Renee Sauer Borgmann; brother Thomas Borgmann and husbands Philip Gunderson and James Selby.

Lorraine A. Wenker

Lorraine A. Wenker, age 86, of Melrose, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at home with her husband, Ray, nearby.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Lorraine Adeline Klasen was born Aug. 4, 1929, in Millwood Township, Stearns County, to Ben and Theresa (Engelmeyer) Klasen. On Aug. 20, 1951, she married Raymond “Ray” Wenker at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. Lorraine and Ray farmed near Westport in Ashley Township for 56 years. They were members of the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua and Lorraine was a member of the Christian Mothers Association throughout her time with the parish.

Lorraine enjoyed spending as much time outdoors as possible. She was the happiest when she was outside and especially enjoyed helping with the daily tasks of farm life: fieldwork, chores, operating farm equipment, and caring for her vegetable and flower gardens. She always made unexpected guests feel welcome and could prepare a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. She enjoyed reading and would often read recipe books for fun. 

In her earlier years, she sewed most of the clothing for her growing children. Lorraine learned how to knit and crochet. Crocheting soon became her specialty. In addition to bedspreads, draperies, tablecloths, afghans and doilies, she crocheted Baptismal gowns and Holy Communion gowns for grandchildren, and even a business suit for a daughter. Thinking ahead, she also crocheted a bridal gown for any future weddings. Over the years, she generously gifted hundreds of handcrafted items to her family and friends. 

After retirement, the couple moved to Melrose and became members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. During her retirement and up until the day she passed, she watched televised daily Mass, continued her crocheting projects, cooked and preserved food for herself and Ray, and learned to use an iPad. She was thrilled to use it to play a game of cards whenever she liked. She especially enjoyed visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A highlight of the visits would usually include playing a few rounds of the Sequence board game.

Throughout Lorraine’s life, she was a hard-working person of strong faith and perseverance. Despite her physical hardships, she remained self-disciplined and diligent in maintaining the health and well-being of herself and her family.

Lorraine will be missed by all those whose lives she touched but will always be near because of the love we have for her. We are proud of her for completing her life’s journey and receiving her prize. 

Loved ones left behind include her husband, Ray Wenker of Melrose. Children: Wayne Wenker of Eden Prairie; Judy (Jon) Jakubov of Maize, Kan.; Rose (David) Merten of Manitowoc, Wis.; Myrina (Don) Kleinschmidt of Orono; and Ted (Liliana Hidalgo) Wenker of Wexford, Ireland. Ten grandchildren: Ryan, Mathew, Angela, Jordan, Benjamin, Jacob, Samuel, Isaac, Michaela and Sarah. Three great-grandchildren: Ava, Ryder and Ethan. Sisters: Janet (Marvin) Notch of Melrose and Mildred “Millie” (Virgil) Beuning of Key Stone Heights, Fla. 

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John Klasen and Richard Klasen; and sister, Irene Kerfeld.

Serving as urn bearer was Ryan Jakubov. Cross bearer was Sarah Kleinschmidt and scripture bearer was Angela Dolan. Honorary bearers were Ben Merten Sam Merten, Isaac Merten, Jordan Jakubov and Mathew Jakubov. The eulogy was read by Chad Dolan and gift bearers were Ben Merten, Sam Merten and Isaac Merten. Serving as lector was Mathew Jakubov and reading the petitions was Jordan Jakubov. 

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.