Geneieve J. “Gen” Hannaman, age 81 of Melrose, passed away peacefully and was surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.
A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 11, at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Melrose with Rev. David Mommens officiating. Inurnment will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Melrose.
Geneieve Jean Schmidtke was born Feb. 20, 1935, in Pineville, Mo., to William and Jennie (Atwell) Schmidtke. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Fairmont through the eighth grade and earned her GED through the public school in Fairmont. She was united in marriage to Gordon Hannaman on Nov. 20, 1953, in Seattle, Wash. Gen worked at the Fairmont Canning Company and 3M Manufacturing in Fairmont. She also worked at Kraft Foods in New Ulm and Jennie-O Foods in Melrose. Gen retired at age 40 to take care of her grandchildren in her home in rural Melrose.
She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Melrose where she taught Sunday school when her children were young. Gen also served in the kitchen at church for Bible school and was part of the ladies aide group at church. She was also a member of the American Legion Unit 101 Auxiliary in Melrose. Gen enjoyed quilting, bowling, canning her garden produce and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Gordon “Gordy” Hannaman of Melrose; loving children, Larry Hannaman of St. Cloud, Jennie (Michael Schaab) Schmidtke of Melrose and Kim Schwieters of Waco, Texas; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Florence Kehr and Dorothy Arndt.
Gen was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Arthur, Bill and Sam Schmidtke; and sisters, Sandra Asmus, Henrietta Davenport and Rozella Millsaps.
Serving as casket bearers were Shawn Williams, Shannon Williams, Sheena Hoeschen, Sherri Verdon, Aaron Schwieters and Connor Hannaman. Honorary bearers were Jessica Schwieters, Jon Schaab, Lynnea Schwieters, Rae Ann Gallatti and Kiana Hannaman.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

Gladys Grove
Gladys Grove, age 102 of Osakis, well known musically as the “Prairie Sweetheart” entered into her new life on Thursday, April 7, 2016, from the Galeon in Osakis.
On April 29, 1913, a baby girl was born to Palmer and Lillie (Coons) Olson in Osakis. They named her Gladys Lenore and she was one of a family of five children. Gladys attended country school near Nelson until moving with her family to live in Alberta, Canada. There she met and married Warren Everett Stimson on Oct. 26, 1931, in Wainwright, Alberta. They returned to Minnesota and lived in Osakis raising four children. Throughout her many years she also lived in Staples, Hoffman and Sauk Centre. For several years Gladys worked as a bartender at the Tic Toc Bar in Sauk Centre and then at Sidewalks in West Union. On Sept. 20, 1969, Gladys was married to Elwood Grove in Osakis.
For years Gladys and her sister Lorraine had a band known as the Prairie Sweethearts. Gladys sang and played accordion with Lorraine on guitar. They performed all over the Midwest at dance halls in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. They even opened for Gene Autry and did concerts at the Paramont Theatre in St. Cloud in addition to performing on a Wadena radio program. Music was an integral part of her life and brought her many friends and memories.
Due to her longevity, Gladys was proud at the age of 101 to be able to pose for a six generation photo with her daughter and granddaughters that was published in local papers. That same year she was also named “Prom Queen” at the Galeon. Gladys was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Osakis.
Gladys had many interests and was so proud of her ninety-plus years of accordion playing. She was a natural ‘people person’ who enjoyed visiting and sharing stories with whomever she met. She was faithful about keeping a daily journal to record her many adventures. She loved to travel and went to area dances and also enjoyed playing in weekly card clubs. In the summers, Gladys liked working out in her flower garden and enjoyed the birds and animals.
She is survived by her husband, Elwood Grove of Osakis; children, Audrey Douvier of Sauk Centre, Gerald (Jackie) Stimson of Fort Wayne, Ind., Janetta (Freelyn) Wenzel of Parkers Prairie; daughter-in-law, Bernie Stimson of Stillwater; 14 grandchildren and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; a brother, Virden (Mary Mae) Olson and a sister, Myrtle Judes, all of Sauk Centre; many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; her first husband, Warren Everett Stimson; a son, Warren Wayne Stimson; son-in-law, Harold Douvier; sisters, Geraldine Olson and Lorraine McQuery.
Memorial services for Gladys will be held on Friday, April 15, at 2 p.m. at the Osakis Lutheran Church in Osakis with Rev. Jim Walburg officiating. Organist is Pam Wenzel. Visitation begins at 12 noon at the church. Inurnment is at Lakeside Cemetery in Osakis with bearers Laurie Borgerding, Pam Lyons, Erik Wenzel and Lisa Michael.
Arrangements by Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, www.royhetland.com.

Gladys M. Steinhofer
Gladys M. (Zirbes) Steinhofer, age 89 of Glenwood, died Friday, April 8, 2016, at the Glenwood Village Care Center in Glenwood surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, April 13, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood, with Fr. Joe Vandeberg officiating. Interment was in St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Sauk Centre. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.
Margaret Gladys Zirbes was born on Dec. 25, 1926, in Lake George Township, Stearns County, to Ambrose and Bernadine (Deters) Zirbes. She grew up in that area and in Greenwald where she went to school through the 8th grade. After school, she worked at the telephone office.
On April 10, 1945, Gladys was united in marriage to John Peter Steinhofer, Sr., at Immaculate Conception Church in New Munch. To this union, 12 children were born and one miscarriage of a baby boy.
John was employed as a union bricklayer for 62 years and the nature of his work made it necessary for the family to relocate from time to time. They enjoyed many different homes and towns over the years including Greenwald, New Munich, Maple Lake, St. Cloud and Grove Lake. They loved lake life and lived on Grove Lake two different times. The pair also really enjoyed living in Silver Bay when John’s job took them there. They often spoke of the fun times they’d had during those years smelting, blueberry picking and watching the bears at the dump. Grove Lake was their last home prior to moving into the nursing home in 2010.
Gladys enjoyed her children so much she made them her hobby. She was a great baker, making wonderful pies, cakes, bread dough donuts and homemade bread, which she made 12 loaves at a time twice a week. She made a stuffing for the holidays that everyone enjoyed, especially her granddaughter, Kelly. She always had a huge vegetable garden and canned the produce she harvested. Her family recalls that they never knew what junk food was until Banquet chicken came out in the stores. From that time forward when Gladys felt she deserved a break from cooking from scratch she would serve Banquet chicken. She also had flowers beds everywhere, including in an old toilet outside next to the outhouse.
Gladys is survived by her children, sons, John Steinhofer, Jr., of Grove Lake, Tim Steinhofer (special friend Cindy) of Brooten, David Steinhofer of Sedan, Donald (Stefanie) Steinhofer of Brooten, Jim Steinhofer of Brooten and Chad Steinhofer of Glenwood; daughters, Darlene Fadness of Sedan, Janice (Alan) Karasch of St. Cloud, Kathy (David) Van Vickle of Glenwood and LaDonna Steinhofer of Glenwood; 43 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; dear sisters, Shirley Steinhofer of New Munich and Jean Fuchs of Melrose; a sister-in-law, Karen Zirbes; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ambrose and Bernadine Zirbes; her husband, John Peter Steinhofer, Sr., in 2012; beloved sons, Daniel Steinhofer and Peter Steinhofer; a son-in-law, Dale Fadness; and brother, Roger Zirbes.
To send online condolences to the family visit www.hoplinfuneralhome.com.

Harold V. Halverson
Harold V. Halverson, age 94 of Sauk Centre died peacefully at home on Friday, April 8, 2016, in Sauk Centre.
A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Wed., April 13th at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre.
Harol Vernon Halverson was born Dec. 17, 1921, in Hackensack, to Gilbert and Avis (Forrest) Halverson. His family moved to the Sauk Centre area when he was just a young boy making their home on a farm south of town. Following his education he drove a truck for Gebeke Transport. Thereafter he then opened his own mechanic shop “Harold’s Repair”. After servicing equipment for Kane Transport, he was offered a job, first driving a truck for the company, then becoming a mechanic for all of Kane Transport Equipment and later the shop manager until his retirement at age 87. After his retirement from Kane’s, he would still do odd jobs for them and would often bring donuts or come for a visit just to be involved at the garage. Harold was united in marriage to Donna Mae Penn on Nov. 2, 1942, in Morris. Harold was a self-taught musician playing the guitar, the accordion, several horns, and had a true passion for the harmonica. He always had a harmonica in his pocket was able to replicate most songs “playing by ear”. In his retirement Harold became an avid woodworker and enjoyed making unique pieces of accent furniture for Donna and the family. Harold’s motto was always “Don’t put off to tomorrow what can be done today.” He would often work into the wee hours of the morning until a project was completed. Harold was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent time hunting with his sons and other family members until his 90th birthday. When he felt he was too old to hunt, he would still go to out to the hunting land to enjoy lunch with everyone.
Harold was a member of First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre.
Survivors include his daughter and sons, Susan Craft (Armando Vera) of Sauk Centre, Larry (Linda) Halverson of Buffalo, and Kenneth (Nancy) Halverson of St. Cloud; seven grandchildren Donna, Katey, Adam, Jennifer, Shane, Dayna and Ryan; thirteen great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren and one great great grandchild expected to arrive into the world in October, brother, Vernon (Emma) Halverson and some nieces and nephews.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Donna M. Halverson on October 16, 1995; his grandson, Chad Halverson; parents, Gilbert and Avis Halverson; and two sisters, Alva Weigers and Alice Haven.
Serving as casket bearers: Adam Halverson, Peter Gerard, Ryan Halverson, Armando Vera and Carl Olson.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Valeria Butkowski
The Mass of Christian Burial for Valeria Butkowski of Parkers Prairie will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bertha with Father Matthew Crane as celebrant. Visitation was held on Wednesday at the Domian-Anderson Chapel in Bertha. Valeria Butkowski of Woodside Township, rural Parkers Prairie, entered into eternal peace after her courageous fight with breast cancer at CentraCare Health in Long Prairie on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the age of 78.
Valeria was born at her parents’ home, May 12, 1937, to Alois and Cecelia (Skudlarek) Lahr in St. Joseph, Stearns County, Minn. One of five children, Valeria grew up on a farm in St. Joseph. Valeria attended District 11 Country School through the eighth grade.
Growing up on the farm in St. Joseph was an adventure. Valeria loved the farm animals and spending time training her two pet collies, Grubby and Sporty. She trained them with harnesses and taught them how to pull a sled. Valeria also enjoyed riding horses on the farm so much so she even trained a dairy cow for riding. When she was old enough to work outside of the home she became a nursing assistant and thoroughly enjoyed the work of taking care of the elderly. There was always music in the Lahr home and Valeria taught herself to play the guitar, harmonica and accordion in addition to being a talented yodeler.
Valeria was united in marriage with Claude Warzecha on May 14, 1956, at St. Stevens Catholic Church. Claude and Valeria built their home in West Port and had a large dairy operation. They were blessed with eight children.
After the death of her first husband, Claude, Valeria married Harold Butkowski on Feb. 14, 1972. They sold the farm in West Port and relocated their family to a farm in Baudette. Valeria gave birth to two beautiful daughters and balanced out her family with five boys and five girls. Valeria and Harold farmed and raised their family in Baudette until 1980, when they sold their farm and retired to a small hobby farm in central Minnesota.
Throughout Valeria’s life her passions included baking, photography, gardening, picking blueberries, traveling, fishing, feeding her birds, trying her luck at casinos, spending time with family and most important priority being prayer and her faith in the Lord. Valeria enjoyed baking everyone’s favorite pie or “Granny Cake” for family events or as a way to say thank you to someone special. At family picnics, Valeria was always found photographing her family. She loved her children unconditionally and was very proud of the “large” gatherings she was responsible for creating. During the summer months she spent much of her time in her vegetable and flower gardens and would often be found dropping by your home with a bag of her prized produce as a gift of thanks.
After the passing of both of their husbands, Valeria and her sister Bridget leaned on each other for friendship and support. Over the past ten years Valeria was able to enjoy many travel adventures, so much laughter and new friendships with her sister and best friend, Bridget.
Valeria was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Cecelia Lahr; spouses, Claude Warzecha and Harold Butkowski; brother, Sidney Lahr; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Warzecha.
She is survived by sons, Ralph Warzecha of Eagle Bend, Ronald Warzecha of Sauk Rapids, Raoul (Theresa) Warzecha of Becker, Ernie (Julie) Warzecha of Wheatridge, Colo., Alois Warzecha of Princeton; daughters, Cecelia (Steve) Knutson of Elk River, Mary (David) Phillipe of Fergus Falls, Theresa (Mike) Dorman of Browerville, Kimberly (Todd) Martin of Staples and Dawn (Sebastian) Scepurek of Randall; brother, Jim Lahr of Blackduck; sister, Bridget Dobmeier of Blackduck; brother, Jerry Lahr of St. Joseph, 20 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.
Honorary Pallbearers will be grandsons, Joseph Hedtke, Jimmy Warzecha, Alexander Phillipe, Orion Butkowski, Colton Zins and Tucker Dorman.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Claude Warzecha, Wayne Warzecha, Bradley Warzecha, Clinton Warzecha, Spencer Warzecha and William Hedtke.
Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bertha, immediately following the service.
Valeria’s family wishes to express gratitude to the medical staff at CentraCare Health in Long Prairie and the Central Todd County Care Center for the loving care received during her stay at each of the healthcare facilities.
Arrangements are with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes’ Domian-Anderson Chapel, Bertha, MN. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)
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Esther E. Weirens
Esther E. Weirens, age 87 of Sauk Centre, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, April 18, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church with Rev. Jeremy Theis presiding. Interment took place in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre.
Esther Elizabeth Leukam was born Aug. 11, 1928, in Meire Grove, to Tony and Hilda (Lieser) Leukam. Esther went to country school until the eighth grade and then continued to help out her family on the farm. She married Leander Weirens on June 11, 1951, at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Meire Grove. After their marriage the couple moved to Sauk Centre and began raising their family together. Esther volunteered at Holy Family School for 26 years. Esther enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, cooking and growing flowers for her flower garden.
Esther was a member of Christian Mothers, Catholic United Financial and St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre.
Survivors include her spouse, Leander Weirens of Sauk Centre; children, Joan (Steve) Dehn of St. Cloud, Dan (Annette) Weirens of St. Cloud and Duane Weirens of Sauk Centre; sisters, Alice (Tony) Klaphake of Melrose,and Luella (Joe) Middendorf of Sauk Centre.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother and sister, Ralph Leukam and Delma Gruber.
Serving as casket bearers were Mark Leukam, Dale Leukam, Karl Klaphake, David Klaphake, Glen Middendorf and Paul Middendorf. Serving as cross bearer was Carol Reilly. Gift bearers were Luella Middendorf and Alice Klaphake.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Janet “Jan” Wolf, age 77 of West Union and formerly of Bloomington, died peacefully on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Galeon Community Memorial Home in Osakis.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 27 at St. Alexius Catholic Church with Father Andrew Marthaler presiding.
Janet Mary Reining was born Sept. 12, 1938, the daughter of Albert and Odelia (Deutsch) Reining in Olney Township, Noble County. Jan attended Adrian Parochial School and graduated from Belgrade High School. After graduation, she attended St. Bens and graduated from Moorhead State University with a teaching degree. Prior to her marriage, she taught at Long Prairie for one year. On June 22, 1963, Jan was united in marriage to Eugene Henry Wolf in St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church and made their home in Bloomington. Jan chose to stay home to raise their three sons. When their sons were midway through their teenage years, Janet began working for McDonald’s Restaurants - first working the breakfast shift and then working in Public Relations. She worked for McDonald’s for 20 years before retiring as a Public Relations Manager. For the last 15 years, Jan and her husband, Gene, had resided at their farm place near West Union. She enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking, genealogy, spending time with family and friends and loved to travel most of the United States with her husband.
Jan was a member of St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union, Christian Mothers, Catholic Aid Association where she received an award for 50 years of service, Sauk Centre Senior Citizen Society and a life member of the VFW Post 1296 Ladies Auxiliary in Bloomington.
Survivors include her husband, Gene; sons and daughters-in-law, James and JoAnne Wolf of Chanhassen and Thomas and Tracie Wolf of New Prague; daughter-in-law, Debra Wolf of Dayton; grandchildren, Matthew (Michelle) Wolf, Michael Wolf, Jenna Wolf and Jacob Wolf; great grandson, John Wolf; siblings, Elaine (Richard) Newstrom of Crystal, Werner (Myra) Reining of Spicer, Clem (Laverne) Reining of Brooten and Irene (Benedict) Spelrick of Mounds View; other relatives and friends.
Jan was preceded in death by her son, John Wolf; parents, Albert and Odelia (Deutsch) Reining; and brother, Richard Reining.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Mary Kay Bick, age 69 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at her home in Sauk Centre.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion in Sauk Centre on Saturday, May 7. To honor Kay’s wishes, this celebration will be a casual open house from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kay was born Feb. 26, 1947, in Melrose to Earle and MaryAnn (DuBois) Fox. She grew up in Sauk Centre and went to Sauk Centre Public Schools. She graduated in 1965 and moved to Casper, Wyo., to pursue a degree in nursing. Upon earning her degree, she lived and worked there before returning home to Sauk Centre. She married Robert Bick on March 25, 1972, in St. Cloud. In 1979, Kay began a career that would span more than three decades as the school nurse at the Sauk Centre Public Schools. She loved working with all the students every day until her retirement in 2010.
Kay enjoyed being outdoors and all of nature’s masterpieces. She loved reading, horses and her dogs. She had a green thumb and could make anything grow. It was evident in the beautiful flower and vegetable gardens she created. She loved to cook and bake and will be remembered for her one of a kind chocolate chip cookies.
Kay adored her family and was passionate about her grandchildren. She enjoyed being involved in their lives, especially attending their many sporting events and activities.
Survivors include her spouse, Bob Bick of Sauk Centre; son, Mike (Theresa) Bick of Sauk Centre; grandchildren, Andrew, Brenna, Zachary and Addison Bick; sister Patty (Ken) Dirkes of Sauk Centre; sister-in-law, Bonnie Fox of Albany; nieces and nephews; Erin (Jamie) Hatlestad of Sauk Rapids, Amy (Pat) O’Malley of Prior Lake, Ben (Kerri) Dirkes of Sartell, Peter (Jess) Dirkes of Sauk Centre, Katie (Ryan) Quade of Moorhead and Jessica (Matt) Fox Ostendorf of Albany; stepdaughters Katie Olson of Albertville, Connie (Chuck) Miller of Anoka, Lori Phipps of Andover and Lynda Pelletier of Brooklyn Park.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Tom Fox.
The family requests no flowers. Any memorials will be donated to a charity of the family’s choice in Kay’s name.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Diana L. Bjelland Thomas Paszek
Memorial Services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Williams Dingmann Stein Chapel, Long Prairie for Diana Lee Paszek, age 69, who passed away Sunday at CentraCare Health Systems-Long Prairie. Rev. David Greaver will officiate. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Thursday.
Diana Lee Bjelland was born Nov. 24, 1946, in Stearns County, the daughter of John and Clara (Hall) Bjelland. She grew up in West Union and attended school in Sauk Centre graduating in 1964. Diana married Roland Thomas in November of 1967, they later divorced. She worked for Fingerhut in Sauk Centre until it closed. She married Gary Paszek on May 21, 1988, in Long Prairie. She ran a daycare in Long Prairie until she retired.
Diana loved to watch TV, playing games, spending time with her family and making sure her opinions were known.
Diana is survived by her sons, Scott (Paula Randall) Thomas of Long Prairie; Steven (Amy) Thomas, Long Prairie; and Codi (Nikki Schaffer) Paszek, St. Cloud; seven grandchildren, Robert Thomas, Ryan Krupa, Ashley Heinz, Nicole Riggs, Tristan Thomas, Josh Thomas and Tyler Fletcher; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gary, sister Carol, brother John, and great-grandson, Christopher.
Obituary and online guest book available at www.williamsdingmann.com.

Geraldine Elfering
Geraldine Elfering, age 72 of Wyoming, Minn., formerly of Freeport, Melrose and Sauk Centre, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at United Hospital in St. Paul.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 6, at Sacred Heart Church in Freeport.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. and one hour before the Mass on Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The family invites people to join them for lunch following Mass.

Tony Raile
There will be a celebration of life held for Tony Raile. We will be holding this get together on May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Diamond Point, otherwise known as Captain Tony’s. All Tony’s friends and family are welcome. The meal will be served around 2 or 2:30 p.m.
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Ed Heinze
Ed Heinze, age 80 of Sauk Centre, passed away Friday, April 29, 2016, surrounded by his family at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Jeremy Theis officiating. Interment was at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls following the lunch.
Edmund Joseph Heinze was born Jan. 6, 1936, in Lake George Township, Stearns County, to Paul and Theresia (Vorderbrueggen) Heinze. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959; serving in the 101st and 82nd Airbourne Division. After the service, Ed began farming in the Elrosa area. He married Kathy Sonnen on Oct. 19, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. The couple continued farming until retiring in 1999 when they moved to Sauk Centre. During retirement, Ed worked at the Paynesville Elevator, Cenex in Elrosa and was caretaker at the Catholic Charities Apartments in Sauk Centre. Ed enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, reading and was known as a master joke teller to many.
Ed was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Order of Foresters, president of North Fork Insurance in Belgrade for several years, secretary for Padua Conservation Club for many years and a firearm gun safety instructor in Padua for 30 years.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Heinze of Sauk Centre; children, Craig (Kristie) Heinze of Melrose, Kim (Mike) Austin of Long Prairie, Jay (Beth) Heinze of Grey Eagle and Daryl (Ann) Heinze of Montrose; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Aaron, Kelsey, Courtney, Kayla, Reece, Pierce, Coen and Madalyn; two step-grandchildren, Shane and Kerry (Lynnae); and six step great-grandchildren; sister, Pauline (Clarence) Rothstein of Richmond; and brother, Jerome (Clara) Heinze of Elrosa.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Theresia Heinze; sisters, Theresia Ostendorf and Marion Lund; infant brother and sister, Richard and Rosemary Heinze.
Serving as casket bearers were Gary Meyer, Chad Ritter, John Heinze, Wayne Heinze, Raymond Ostendorf and Albert Rothstein. Cross bearer was Courtney Heinze and scripture bearer was Coen Heinze. Pall bearers were Ryan Deschene, Aaron Deschene, Kelsey Heinze and Madalyn Heinze. Gift bearers were Reece Heinze, Pierce Heinze and Kayla Heinze. Readers were Tami Gerding and Jenny Dold. Eucharistic Ministers were LuVerne and Jean Ritter. The eulogy was read by Art Heinze.

Ann Marie Wright
Ann Marie Wright, age 45 of Browerville, passed away on April 18, 2016, in St. Cloud after a long battle with diabetes and congestive heart failure.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 8, at 2 p.m. at the Sauk Centre Senior Center, 321 N. 4th Street, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
She will be dearly missed by family and friends.
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Eleanor A. “Tootie” Engle
Eleanor A. “Tootie” Engle, age 88 of Sauk Centre, died Sunday, May 1, 2016, surrounded by her family at the CentraCare Health Hospital in Melrose.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Jeremy Theis officiating. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 5 p.m. Christian Mothers will pray a rosary at 7 p.m.
Eleanor Ann Beste was born Sept. 4, 1927, in Osakis, to Joseph and Mildred (Frederick) Beste. On Oct. 9, 1945, she married Lester Engle at St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union. The couple farmed near Osakis, Westport and Albany and moved to Sauk Centre in 1951. She was a homemaker all her life, raising their ten children. She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers.
Tootie enjoyed gardening, quilting, painting ceramics and most of all, taking care of her family.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Mick (companion, Pat Tonn) Engle of Sauk Centre, Joe Engle of Sauk Centre, Paulette “Polly” (Emil) Tabatt of St. Cloud, Lynn (Janet) Engle of Sauk Centre, Perry (Molly) Engle of St. Paul, Bonnie Tiemann of Sauk Centre, Dan (Kim) Engle of Little Sauk, Paul (Arlene) Engle of Sauk Centre, Bruce (Laurie) Engle of Sauk Centre and Roger (Carol) Engle of West Union; 27 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; brother, Howard (Geri) Beste of Sauk Centre; and sister-in-law, Mae Beste of Sauk Centre.
Tootie was preceded in death by her husband, Lester H. Engle on Feb. 22, 2005; her parents; grandsons, Jamie and Todd Engle; sisters, Dorothy Mager and Mary Hamilton; brothers, Norbert Beste and Harland Beste; sister-in-law, Pearl Beste; and brother-in-law, Glenn Hamilton.
The family would like to give a big thank you to Dr. Beretta and the staff at the Melrose Hospital for the excellent care they gave Eleanor.
Serving as casket bearers will be Dustin Engle, Eric Engle, Rob Tabatt, Tim Engle, Noel Tiemann, Corey Engle, Taran Engle and Keith Engle. Cross bearer will be Brian Tiemann and scripture bearer will be Ashley Nelson. Pall bearers will be Brian Tiemann and Noel Tiemann. Gift bearers will be Jonathan Pelach and Nick Pelach. Honorary bearers will be her grandchildren, Michael Engle, Brent Engle, Tara Zehrer, Holly Engle, Nicole Pelach, Chris Engle, Jerry Engle, Jennifer Engle, Jodi Mouratis, Sara Hoffman, Seth Engle, Amber Engle, Krystal Engle, Heidi Engle, Ken Engle, Cari Blonigen and Chelsy Engle.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services in Sauk Centre.

Erwin H. Hiltner
Erwin H. “Erv” Hiltner, age 80 of Sauk Centre, formerly of Elk River, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sauk Centre.
Erwin Henry Hiltner was born July 3, 1935, in Melrose, to Joseph and Josepha (Middendorf) Hiltner. Erv grew up in New Munich and went to Catholic school there and remained on the farm until marriage. He married Margaret “Marge” Messer on Sept. 20, 1955, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osakis. After ten years of marriage, the couple moved to Elk River to raise their family. He worked at Crown Iron Works and had his own furniture refinishing business. After retirement, Erv continued with his furniture refinishing business. The couple lived in Elk River for 50 years before returning to the Sauk Centre area. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre and was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3264. Erv enjoyed fishing, gardening, dancing and playing cards.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Marge” Hiltner of Sauk Centre; children, Bob Hiltner of Nowthen, Jerry Hiltner of Osakis and Michael (Suzanne) Hiltner of Clear Lake; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Louis (Rita) Hiltner of Sauk Centre, Doris (Eddie) Schneider of Cold Spring, Vernon (Carol) Hiltner of Coon Rapids, John (Eileen) Hiltner of New York and Jane (Virgil) Fuchs of Belgrade; and sister-in-law, Patty (Allan) Ehlert of St. Joseph.
Erv was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe Hiltner, Jr., and George Hiltner; and sisters, Edna Cherne, Marie Voss,and Louise Loxtercamp.
Serving as casket bearers were Craig Hiltner, Bryan Messer, Jamie Hiltner, Joe Frank, Tyler Johnson, and Tim Thornbloom. Cross bearer was Logan Frank and scripture bearer was Emma Frank.
Arrangements were made by Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Daniel Thomas Sedgeman
Daniel Thomas Sedgeman, age 30 of Minneapolis, formerly of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully at the adult care unit of Gillette Children’s Hospital from heart disease caused by Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy on Thursday, April 28, 2016.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, with visitation that began at 10 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis with Pastor Laurie A. Eaton and Pastor Martha Schwehn Bardwell officiating.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Pastor Rebecca Thomas officiating. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre.
Dan was born Jan. 31, 1986, in Sauk Centre, to Thomas and Joyce (Barte) Sedgeman. Dan grew up in Sauk Centre and was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School active in band, choir, speech, student government and baseball scorekeeping. Dan received his BA degree in exercise science at Southwest State University, Marshall, and his MA degree in clinical exercise physiology cardiac rehab at Mankato State University, Mankato. He was employed at Health Fitness, Minneapolis as a health advisor/coach until his death. He was recently featured in the national MDA Quest Magazine for career accomplishments. Dan donated his time and talent as a tutor at the English Learning Center in Minneapolis for immigrants preparing for their citizenship test. Dan was very active in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and had a strong faith in God. He will be dearly missed by all.
Dan is survived by his parents, Tom and Joyce Sedgeman; sister, Lynnette (Ray) Arens; brother Carl (Leslie Roteta) Sedgeman; one niece and four nephews; grandparents, Bill and Joan Barte; and all that he has touched throughout his life.
Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Helen Sedgeman.
Serving as casket bearers will be Joel Abrahamson, Ray Arens, Bruce Brown, Sam Bardwell, Brett Glirbas, A.J. Krieg, Scott Russell, Carl Sedgeman, Brian Warner, and Jim Weinhold.
Serving as honorary bearers were his care providers that assisted him over the years; Provident Home Health Care, Golden Home Health Care, and The Caring Company.
A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Gillette Children’s Hospital and Gillette Lifetime.

John “Jack” Tegels
John “Jack” Tegels, age 71, a lifetime resident of Sauk Centre, died peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Getty Street Assisted Living in Sauk Centre.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 10, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Sauk Centre.
John Alex Tegels was born on Dec. 15, 1944, the son of John Joseph and Cecilia Barbara (Bromenshenkel) Tegels in Alexandria. “Jack” attended school and graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1962. Following high school, he worked on the family farm and later worked at Kraft Plant in Melrose and Standard Iron in Sauk Centre for a short time. Then, Jack attended Alexandria Technical School for truck driving. After his training, he began driving over-the-road for 20 years. He worked with MCT and Hedge LLR Trucking in Sioux Falls, S.D., with his last run being to Texas in 2013.
Jack enjoyed car racing, both as a participant and as a spectator – especially Saturday night races in Alexandria. Riding motorcycles and snowmobiling were some of his favorite activities. Reading books and magazines especially about history, cars and airplanes were of great interest to him. In his later years, he loved to watch Sauk Centre High School sports and could often be found at girls’ volleyball matches and high school basketball games. His last activity was attending the community concert “Piano Man” on Monday evening in Sauk Centre.
Jack was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, a retired member of the Army National Guard and a long-time member of American Legion Post #67.
Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Richard “Dick” and Joan Tegels; nephews and nieces, Jason (Holly) Tegels, Angie (Kevin) Massey, Gary (Ashley) Tegels, Neva (Jason) Volkman and Eric (Amanda) Tegels; 13 great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cecilia Tegels.
Serving as casket bearers as well as pall bearers were Jason Tegels, Gary Tegels, Eric Tegels, Neva Volkman, Jason Volkman and Kevin Massey. Participants in the Mass included: Josiah Tegels as cross bearer, Angie Massey as lecturer, Amanda Tegels, Holly Tegels and Ashley Tegels as gift bearers and Holly Tegels presented the Words of Remembrance. Interment with military honors by Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard was held in the St. Paul’s Cemetery, Sauk Centre.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the “Cecilia Tegels Endowment Fund” at Holy Family School in Sauk Centre.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Geraldine Elfering
It is with great sadness that the Elfering family announces that Geraldine “Gerri” Anne Elfering passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2016, after a week-long battle with complications from diabetes, kidney and heart failure.
Gerri was born on May 24, 1943, in Melrose, to Julitta and Joseph Riley. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1961 and was
united in marriage to Ervin Elfering on Aug. 31, 1963, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. They raised their three boys on the farm in Freeport, later moving to Melrose, Sauk Centre and finally Wyoming.
Gerri enjoyed her family. She enjoyed family gatherings, she loved her kids and grandkids and was always interested in what was new with them. She enjoyed driving around looking at the countryside with Ervie, stopping to fish (he fished, she watched), look at little shops and sit by the lake to watch the ducks and other birds. She was creative and went through a painting phase in the 80s leaving us with some art to treasure. Later in life she painted piggy banks for all her grandchildren; she had beautiful handwriting.
She is survived by her husband, Ervin Elfering; their three sons: Keith and his wife, Jean, and their three children, Nick (fiancé Co-Co), Luke and Kaylin of Burnsville; Kyle and his wife, Amy, and their two children, Paige and Heather of Lindstrom; Kelly and his wife, Lori, and their two children, Drew and Jenna of Pequot Lakes; sister Gladys Metzger of New Munich; and Brother Val Riley and his wife Joan of Eden Valley; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Julitta and Joseph Riley; her stepfather Bill Goebel; her brother, Virgil Riley; and her sister, Angie Olberding.
A celebration of her life was held on Friday, May 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity. The family is hoping to use the memorial money towards a memorial in the Sacred Heart cemetery. We may not be able to thank everyone personally, but please know your love and support is appreciated. If you would like to send a memorial please send it to
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Freeport in memory of Gerri Elfering. May God Bless Gerri Elfering.
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Russell E. Froemming
Russell E. “Russ” Froemming, age 68 of Sauk Centre, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 8, 2016, at his home in Sauk Centre.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 13, at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.
Russell Emil Froemming was born Jan. 15, 1948, in Alexandria, to Bernhardt and Zinnola (Melzer) Froemming. He graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in Alexandria and went on to graduate from Alexandria Technical College with an emphasis in carpentry. On Aug. 31, 1968, he was united in marriage to Donna Tordsen in Fergus Falls. Russ was the assistant manager at Lampert Building Center in Sauk Centre for ten years. He then began working as a rural mail carrier for the United States Post Office where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 2014.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Russ enjoyed playing cards with his family and his friends. His favorite games to play were cribbage, whist and 500. Russ loved going camping and has camped in nearly every state south and west of Minnesota. He also enjoyed vacationing with his friends.
Survivors include his loving wife, Donna Froemming of Sauk Centre; children, Karen (Scott Strong) Walz of Royalton, Shawn (Tina) Froemming of Blaine and Ben (Lorraine) Froemming of Wausau, Wis.; five grandchildren, Brittany, Trevor, Evan, Avery and Ellie; and sister, Charlotte Grundei of Woodbury.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents; and three half-brothers, Duane, Roland and Gene Froemming.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to CentraCare Health Hospice.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Frances J. Housen
Frances J. Housen, age 90 of Sauk Centre, died peacefully on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 12, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Jeremy Theis officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Osakis.
Visitation will be held 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Frances Johanna Walter was born July 18, 1925, in West Union, to Bernard and Sophia (Heimann) Walter. On Nov. 4, 1947, she was united in marriage to Marvin Housen. The couple farmed near Osakis until 1975 when they moved to Osakis. Frances moved to Sauk Centre in January of 1996. She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre and the Christian Mothers. Frances enjoyed gardening, quilting, playing cards, square dancing and bowling. Frances was an enthusiastic Scrabble player and could add up her score in her head so quickly! Baking “Grandma’s Sugar Cookies,” caramel rolls and homemade klatches were some favorites her family enjoyed eating. Frances also volunteered her time in the lunch room at Holy Family School in Sauk Centre.
Survivors include her seven children, Linda (Jim) Rudolph of St. Cloud, Michael (Kathi) Housen of Minneapolis, Sylvia (Wayne) Rudolph of St. Cloud, Nancy (Paul) Walesheck of Austin, Texas, Faye (Al) Kobilansky of Willmar, Wanda Housen (Gary Herr) of St. Cloud and Joyce (Jack) Nolan of Maple Grove; 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Housen on May 14, 1991; granddaughter-in-law, Jackie Rudolph; great-grandson, Ethan Rudolph; parents, Bernard and Sophia Walter; brothers and sisters, Joseph Walter, Hubert Walter, Victor Walter, Roman Walter, Mary “Mayme” Walter, Mathilda “Tillie” Michel, Theresa “Tracy” Winter and Dorothy Ohotto.
Serving as casket bearers will be Michael Housen, Jim Rudolph, Wayne Rudolph, Paul Walesheck, Al Kobilansky and Jack Nolan.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.