Obituaries 2012

December 2012

Walter F. Zumwalde, age 83
Richmond
February 16, 1929 – December 27, 2012

Walter F. Zumwalde, 83 died Thursday, December 27, 2012 after a brief stay at Assumption Home in Cold Spring.

Wally was born on February 16, 1929, in Richmond, MN, the son of Mathias and Mary (Bolfing) Zumwalde.  For many years he worked with his father, and later his brother, at Zumwalde Construction before and after a stint in the U.S. Army Signal Corp from 1951-1953.  On September 29, 1954, Wally married Dorothy Spanier at St. Catherine’s Church in Farming, after which they made a good life together in Richmond.  In addition to his woodworking craftsmanship, Wally was a Rural Letter Carrier, retiring in 1989.  An avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, Wally also enjoyed playing cards and put together many puzzles.  He loved to fish, enjoyed old time music, and was known far and wide for his sweet tooth.  Wally was an active member of AA and his family was proud of his 32 years of sobriety.  He was also a member of the American Legion, Catholic Order of Foresters, Catholic United Financial, a retired member of the Richmond Fire Department, and past board member of the Rich Spring Golf Course.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Stephanie (Tom) Davis, Matt (Brenda) Zumwalde, Tony (Mindy) Zumwalde, and Hallie (Josh) Washnieski; grandchildren, Julie, Amanda, Neil, Angela, Rachel, Sarah, Daniel, Lisa, Quinn, Bodin and Jude; five great-grandchildren; and his brother Ralph (Linda) Zumwalde.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mathias and Mary, as well as sisters Alvina and Alma.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, on Monday, December 31, at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the church prior to mass.  Interment will be in the Richmond cemetery.  Arrangements by Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.

Mathilda “Toots” Brix, age 97
Cold Spring
September 10, 1915 – December 20, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 28, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Mathilda “Toots” Brix, age 97, who died Thursday at Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Friday morning in the St. Boniface Narthex. 

Toots was born in Cold Spring, MN to George and Anna (Beaver) Ergen.  She married Albert Brix in 1933 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Cold Spring.  She worked at Fox Drug Store for many years.  Toots was a member of St. John’s Circle, Christian Women, St. Julian’s Mission Group, and St. Boniface Parish.
 
Survivors include her son, David (Doris); grandchildren, Darren (Jenny), Dan, De Ann (Tim) Schreifels, and Debbie (Jason) Stang; great-grandchildren, Ben, Emily, Alex, Erin, Jacob, and Ellie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert (1964); son, Wayne (1996); 6 brothers, and 3 sisters.

A special thank you to the entire staff at Assumption Home and Heartland Hospice, for the exceptional care and love given to Mathilda and her family.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Patrick R. O’Keefe, age 92
St. Cloud
December 22, 1919 – December 17, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2012 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Marty, MN for Patrick R. O’Keefe, age 92, who died Monday at the St. Cloud V.A. Medical Center.  Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to mass.   

Pat was born in Eden Valley to James and Rose (Schneider) O’Keefe.  He married Mary Theisen on November 24, 1949 in St. Phillip’s Catholic Church, Litchfield.  Pat served in U.S. Navy during WWII from 1941 – 1947 on U.S.S. Pensacola.  He owned and operated O’Keefe Petroleum Equipment for 30 years.  Pat loved living at Grand Lake, being outside in his garden and caring for his lawn.  He especially enjoyed his time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Terry (Deborah), Timothy, Mark (Cheryl), Mary K. (Steve) Radunz, Shawn (Simonne); 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by 13 siblings. 

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.

Diane M. Schmid, age 64
Cold Spring
May 19, 1948 – December 16, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 20, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Diane M. Schmid, age 64, who died Sunday surrounded by her family.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring and will continue from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Thursday morning at the funeral home.  Parish Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. 

Diane was born in Cashton, WI to Argyle and Arlene (Bertling) Blihovde.  She married Steve Schmid on May 19, 1979 in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, St. Cloud.  Diane worked in various sales positions, and was a licensed beautician.  She enjoyed time with family, sailing, bird watching, reading, cooking, knitting, gardening, and music.  Diane was a member of St. Boniface Parish, The Red Hats, and the Lions.
 
Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Steve; children, Wayde (Shari) Peterson, Shelley (Victor) Gonzalez, Brian (Lynne) Schmid, Brittany (Chartagan) Bowser; mother, Arlene; siblings, Theresa (Stan) Gossard, Rene (Elvin) Bishop, David (Diane) Blihovde, Phyllis (Mike) John, and 13 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Argyle, and her grandparents.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.

Kirby A. Dahl, age 65
Cold Spring
1947-2012

Kirby A. Dahl, age 65 and long-time resident of Cold Spring, MN, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, in Phoenix, AZ.  Preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Jane (Skaar) Dahl, his parents-in-law Frederick (Fred) and Jean (Hinschberger) Grawe, his brother Manvil (Manny) Dahl and his sister-in-law Paula (Grawe) Nelson.  Survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Grawe Dahl, with whom he spent more than 50 years of life; daughter Amy Dahl and her husband, Monte Schmaltz, of Minneapolis, MN; son Gabriel Dahl and his wife, Stacey (Horter) Dahl, of Grand Forks, ND; sister Sharon (Dahl) Eilers and her husband, Ron Eilers, of Tualatin, OR; brother Bruce Dahl, and his wife Margaret (Friez) Dahl, of Rapid City, SD; sister-in-law Linda (Prochazka) Dahl of North Canton, OH; and nieces and nephews.  Graduate of Williston (North Dakota) High School (1965), The University of North Dakota (1969) and The University of North Dakota School of Law (1972).

Trusted and skilled legal advisor to all of the cherished clients of his law practice in Cold Spring.  Generous throughout his life with his time and resources, including his support of The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux baseball program, the Rocori Booster Club, Rocori wrestling and other sports programs.  Quick-witted, caring and kind.  BBQ fanatic and cowboy at heart.  Inspiration and hero to his children and many others.

The Dahl family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert Kyle (retired) and Dr. Angela Dispenzieri of The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, for the superior healthcare provided to him throughout his life.

A public Celebration of Life will be held at Willenbring, Dahl, Wocken & Zimmermann, PLLC, 318 Main Street, Cold Spring, MN, on Saturday, January 12, 2013, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers please, to The Kirby A. Dahl Fighting Sioux Memorial Scholarship Endowment, The University of North Dakota Foundation, 3501 University Ave., Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.

Hildegard R. Mehr, age 90
Farming
January 6, 1922 – December 5, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 10, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for Hildegard R. Mehr, age 90, who died at home surrounded by her loving family.  Burial will be in the St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Farming.

A visitation for Hildegard will be from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.   Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Christian Women and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Monday morning at the funeral home. 

Hildegard was born in Farming, Minnesota to Herman and Mary (Dingmann) Schleper.  She married Jacob Mehr on November 8, 1948 in St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Farming, Minnesota.  Hildegard was a homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; who enjoyed quilting, playing bingo, making bread and playing cards.  She was a member of St. Martin Parish and formerly a member of St. Catherine’s in Farming, St. Catherine’s Christian Women, and Catholic United Financial.

Survivors include her children, Mary Ann (Rog) Lutgen of Minneapolis, Susie (Reinhard) Ebnet of Hopkins, Margie (Gary) Ehresmann of New Ulm, Vernon (Joann) Mehr of Farming, Dorothy (Rich) Schlangen of Marty, Barb (Greg) Resendez of Richfield; Sisters-in-law, Rosie Schleper, Leona Schleper, Rose Marie Schleper, Esther and Marlyn Libbesmeier; 20 grandchildren; 3-step-grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob; sister, Leona Schaefer; brothers, Raymond, Albert, Urban, Paul, Edmund, Elmer and Joseph Schleper; great-grandchildren, Makenna Marquardt, Francis and Eleanor Fitzpatrick.

November 2012

Thomas “Tommy” Decker, age 31
Cold Spring
November 2, 1981 – November 29, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at St. John’s Abbey and University Church in Collegeville, MN for Thomas “Tommy” Decker, age 31, who died Thursday in Cold Spring. Burial will be in the St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery, St. Nicholas.

A visitation for Tommy will be after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring.  Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Tommy was born in St. Cloud to John and Rosella (Stein) Decker.  He married Alicia Glynn on October 22, 2011 in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Cold Spring.  Tommy was a wonderful father, and loving husband.  He was a son that his parents were always able to be proud of.  Tommy was a brother, uncle, and a friend to many.  He enjoyed fishing, traveling, hunting, and playing games.  He designed several police patches and was an avid patch collector.   Tommy taught religion for many years at the church in St. Nicholas.  He loved spending time with his wife and children – wrestling in the living room or dancing in the kitchen.  Tommy was a man who was a remarkable communicator who showed respect and compassion regardless of their individual circumstances.  He loved his wife Alicia and his children.  They were the sparkle in his eye.

Tommy was a police officer for the Cold Spring/Richmond Police Department; who was killed in the line of duty.  He served as a police officer for 10 years, serving in the communities of Isle, Watkins, Kimball, and then for the Cold Spring/Richmond Police Department.  During his years of service Tommy was a firearms instructor, CornerHouse Certified, received five Letters of Appreciation, and one Special Commendation (the Departments 2nd highest award, involving heroism). 
 
Survivors include his wife, Alicia; children, Kelly, Jade, Justin, and Devon; parents; siblings, Eddie (Becky), Larry (Judy), Terry, Billy, Shelly, and Joey; in-laws, Tom Hinze and Peggy Glynn-Hinze; brother-in-law, Anthony Glynn.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Susie; grandparents, Ernest and Mary Decker, Clare and Tony Stein.

Memorials are preferred to the Tom Decker Memorial Fund at 1st National Bank in Cold Spring, State Bank of Cold Spring, Central MN Federal Credit Union in Cold Spring, or any Wells Fargo location.

James C. Kahlert, age 72
Boulder Creek, CA
November 30, 1940 – November 27, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for James C. Kahlert, age 72, who died Tuesday evening at his home in Boulder Creek, CA.   Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Monday morning in the St. Boniface Narthex.  Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.
Jim was born in St. Cloud, MN to Isidore and Gladys (Hesselroth) Kahlert.  He married Sharon A. Ohmann on September 21, 1963 in St. Andrews Church, Greenwald, MN.  Jim retired after 40+ years from Lockheed Martin as a “computer engineer”. He served with Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association for 30 years, actively involved at numerous Tournament of Roses Parades and Football Games as a “white suiter”. His favorite volunteer positions included assisting with the Equestfest exhibits and working front lines on parade routes.  Jim was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with friends and family. He enjoyed field trials with his Black Labs and was a member of the Foster City Rod and Gun Club and Hills Ferry Hunting Retriever Club. Jim loved being in a duck blind, or fishing boat with his family including AKC Black Labs Jack, Duke, and Lady.

Survivors include his sons, Jason (Elaine) of Denver, CO, Greg (Susan) of Redwood City, CA; his daughter, Deanna (Casey) Tierney of Gardnerville, NV; brother, John (Marie), and 5 grandchildren, Zachary, Trevor, Anya, Sean, and Eli.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Isidore and Gladys Kahlert; sisters, Mary Lou Thull and Dorothy Eveslage, and faithful companion and beloved black lab, “Jack”.

Memorials are preferred to Guiding Eyes for The Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, www.guidingeyes.org.

Rosina “Rose” Schwegel, age 88
Sartell, formerly of Jacobs Prairie
July 23, 1924 – November 25, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Country Manor Chapel in Sartell, MN for Rosina “Rose” Schwegel, age 88, who died Sunday at Country Manor in Sartell.  Fr. Al Stangl will officiate.   Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Thursday, at Country Manor Chapel. 

Rose was born in Jacobs Prairie to John and Mary (Sand) Hansen.  She married Clarence Schwegel on February 21, 1946 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Cold Spring.  Rose was a homemaker all her life and loved being with her family.  She was a member of St. Boniface Parish.
 
Survivors include her children, Dorothy (Roger) Wilson, Diane (Donald) VanNevel, Darlene Ehresmann (Tom Engfer), and Donald (Sue) Schwegel; brother, Lawrence (Marie) Hansen; sisters-in-law, Margaret Hansen and Donna Hansen; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence (1989); parents; siblings, Edward, Roman, Luella Menke, Leo, Andrew, Bernard, Oliva Lardy, Viola Simon, Wilfred, Ervin, Nicholas, Clarence and Mary Ann Terwey, and special memories for Delores Hansen.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Edward “Ward” Blaschko, age 47
Cold Spring
May 14, 1965 – November 24, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Edward “Ward” Blaschko, age 47, who died Saturday at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by family.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 27th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m., Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Ward was born in Le Center to Jerry and Beverly (Strand) Blaschko.  He married Gail Eikmeier, the love of his life on November 6, 2004 in Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville.  Ward was a graduate of Le Center High and St. John’s University.  He was the owner of EMR/Process Pro Software.  He enjoyed music and playing the piano.  Ward loved sports, particularly hockey, golf, and driving the Ranger/four wheelers with his kids on his property.   He traveled frequently for work; his favorite part of his travels was to come home to his wife and children.
 
Survivors include his loving wife, Gail; children, Katelynn, Bradey, Isaac, and Tyanna; parents, Jerry and Beverly Blaschko of Burnsville; siblings, Cindy (Greg) Hromatka of Chanhassen, Diane Blaschko of Chaska, Tamara Blaschko of Minneapolis, Ronan Blaschko (Dana Bjorkman) of Lake Elmo, and Brad Blaschko (Pauline) of Plymouth; father and mother in law, Ron and Mary Eikmeier of St. Cloud; brothers and sisters in law, Scott and Stephanie Eikmeier of St. Michael, Rick and Tracey Eikmeier of St. Cloud, and Angela Eikmeier of St. Cloud; 13 nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Pearl Strand and Edward and Evelyn Blaschko.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.

Rose Marie “Rose Mary” Minnerath, age 80
Cold Spring
June 7, 1932 – November 9, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 17, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Rose Mary Minnerath, age 80, who died Friday at her home.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 16th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 7:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Rose Mary was born in Richmond, MN to Anton and Theresa (Mackedanz) Huschle.
She married Alfred P. Minnerath on December 29, 1955 in St. Paul's Catholic Church, St. Cloud.  Rose Mary was a homemaker, raising 12 children, and later in life, she was employed as a nursing assistant at Assumption Nursing Home in Cold Spring.  She was a woman with profound faith in God and a dedication to the teachings of the Catholic Church.  She was a longstanding volunteer at St. Boniface Church, was an active member of St. Boniface Befrienders, the Christian Women, and Rural Stearns Faith in Action, and was a strong supporter of Common Hope to help children in Guatemala.  Rose Mary had boundless energy and was passionate about gardening, quilting, fishing, and providing service to others.  She found great joy while working in her yard or helping those in need.  She was admired for her strong work ethic and her determination to successfully complete any task that she encountered.  Her family cherished her for her sewing skills, her home-preserved foods (pickles, corn, and apple pies), and her renowned holiday feasts (turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes with gravy).  Through her actions, Rose Mary profoundly impacted more lives than she ever knew, and because of this, she shall be dearly missed.
 
Survivors include her children, Kevin (Barb), Stephen (Kirsten), Michael (Elena), Marcia (Mark) O’Neill, Joseph (Dee), Jeanne Minnerath (Paul Brietzke), James (Deb), Brian (Jody), John (Renee), Allan (Jean), and Amy Minnerath-Peterson (Eric Peterson); sisters, Martha Gertken, Mary Ann Ruprecht, and Lorraine (Harold) Jungels; 34 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle (1961–1962); parents, and brother, Ferdinand (1929-1936).

Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.

Leona Catherine Hemmesch, age 83
Richmond
March 20, 1929 – November 7, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m, Saturday,  November 10, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Leona Hemmesch, age 83, who died Wednesday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Friday, November 9th at the Wenner Funeral Home, 151 Oakwood Ave SE, Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. following with a rosary to be led by the Christian Women and the Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Leona was born in rural Richmond to Clara Ruegemer and Jacob Kotchevar and was raised by her grandparents Martin and Anna Ruegemer.  She married Harold Hemmesch  on September 6, 1948 in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  Leona was a lifelong resident of Richmond.  Leona was a wonderful woman who adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was strong in her faith, playing cards, quilting, gardening and volunteering with Harold in the community.  She took a very active role in the Knights of Columbus #8303 Auxiliary and 4th Degree Fr Pierz Auxiliary, Catholic United Financial, Christian Women, St. Wendelin Mission Group, St. Rose of Lima Mission Group, American Legion Auxiliary Post #292, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Post #14, Koinonia and Richmond Senior Citizens.

Survivors include her children, Jerome of St Cloud V.A., Margee (Walt) Keller of Crookston, Janet (Nick) Keller of Richmond, Thomas (Renae) of Richmond, Ann Lucas of Wichita Falls, Texas, Barbara (Mathew) Walz of Cold Spring, George (Joni) of Richmond, Sue (Pete) Dingmann of St Martin, Victor (Beth) of Richmond, Linda (Robert) Schmitz of Cold Spring, Joyce (Jim) Backes of Cold Spring, and James (Sheila) of Richmond;  Brothers, Donald Jungles (Lorraine) and Ralph (Mary Jane) Jungles; brothers-in-law, Alex (Frances) and Cyril (Esther) Hemmesch; 34 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold in 2011; sons, Michael in 1952, Elmer in 1956; her parents; sons-in-law Robert Lucas and David Stang.

Artificial flowers and memorials are preferred.

Helen Schleper, age 91
Richmond
July 19, 1921 – November 4, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Helen Schleper, age 91, who died Sunday at Arlington Place.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Thursday morning at the funeral home.

Helen was born in Lake Henry Township to Mathias and Elizabeth (Meyer) Hemmesch.  She married Albert Schleper on May 23, 1944 in St. Margaret Catholic Church in Lake Henry.  Helen was a wonderful homemaker.  She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, quilting and watching her sons play ball and the MN Twins.  She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and Christian Women.  Helen and Albert were inducted into the Farming Flames Hall of Fame in 2004. 

Survivors include her children, Virgil of St. Martin, Betty (Richard) Hansen of St. Cloud, Judy Vogt of Melrose, Herman (Terri) of Avon, Gene of Richmond, Marie (Robert) Zimmer of St. Cloud, Mark (Gretchen) of Upsala, Thomas (Ruth) of St. Joseph, Roy (Jeanie) of St. Joseph; sister, Frances Kollman; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; daughter-in-law, Patricia Schleper; brothers, Peter, Henry, Nicholas, Paul, and Joseph; sisters, Matilda Miller and Theresa Miller.

Special thanks to the staff at Arlington Place and Heartland Hospice for the loving care of mom.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, MN.

Jeanette DeRose, age 58
Richmond
December 29, 1953 – November 1, 2012

Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2012 at Hope Covenant Church, 336 4th Ave. So. in St. Cloud, MN for Jeanette DeRose, age 58, who died Thursday at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.  Burial will be in the North Star Cemetery in St. Cloud.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 4th at the Wenner Funeral Home, 151 Oakwood Ave. S.E. in Richmond.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service Monday morning at the church.

Jeanette was born in St. Cloud to Arthur and R. Evelyn (Bell) Kurtz.  She graduated from Eden Valley-Watkins High School in 1972 and Mounds-Midway School of Nursing in 1975.  She married Jim DeRose on May 22, 1976 in St. Cloud.  Jeanette and her husband owned Riverside Resort in Richmond, Riverside Inn in Cold Spring and Riverside Aloha in Hawaii.  Her motto was “give roses to the living.”  Jeanette was a fun-loving woman of God who modeled unwavering faith, kindness, generosity, and hospitality to all who knew her.  Jeanette enjoyed traveling, and she cherished every moment with her family. 

Survivors include the love of her life of 36 years, her husband, Jim; daughters, Jennifer (Larry) Aue, Jessica (Brian) Monsen; son, Joseph (Christina); brother, Glenn (Shannon) Kurtz; sisters, Elaine (Ron) Holmer, Florence (Tom) Threet; grandchildren, Caleb, David and Tyler.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials are preferred.

October 2012

Jeffery J. Schutz, age 30
Rockville
February 12, 1982 – October 21, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2012 at Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville, MN for Jeffery J. Schutz, age 30, who died October 21, 2012.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery in Rockville.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Visitation will continue from 9: 00 – 10:15 a.m. Friday morning at the funeral home.

Jeff was born in Paynesville, MN to Edward and Sandra (Court) Schutz.  He married Mandy Johnson on July 13, 2001 in Buffalo, MN.  Jeff worked as an Auto Dismantler at A.P.S. in Rockville.  He loved cats, vintage snowmobiles, ‘73 – ‘79 Ford Trucks, hit and miss engines, building obscure machines, and anything with old engines.  Jeff was a member of Vintage Snowmobile Show Club, Classic Snowmobile Club, Antique Snowmobile Club and Rocky Riders Saddle Club.

Survivors include his wife, Mandy; daughter, Breanna; parents, Ed and Sandra Schutz; parents-in-law, Brian Johnson and Jean Johnson; grandparents, Jerry and Irene Court.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Math & Marie Schutz. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Breanna Schutz Education Trust Fund, C/O 1st National Bank, P.O. Box 1, Rockville, MN  56369.

Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.

James “Jim” Dockendorf, age 76
Cold Spring
July 13, 1936 – October 30, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for James “Jim” Dockendorf, age 76, who died Tuesday at the John Paul Apartments in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday evening at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 6:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Monday morning at the funeral home.

Jim was born in Cold Spring, MN to Paul, Sr. and Ann (Faber) Dockendorf.  He married Jean Wilcox on April 4, 1959 in Paynesville, MN.  Jim enjoyed meeting with people at the John Paul Apartments, he was the “Official” greeter to many.  He worked for Cold Spring Granite Company for 35 years.  Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, socializing, dancing, and telling jokes.  He was a member of St. Boniface parish and Catholic United Financial.
 
Survivors include his children, Deb (Tim Eisenschenk), Sandy (Bart) Sanquist, Steve (Chris), Timothy (Jean), Jenny, David (Angel); brothers, Paul, Jr. (Jane), Vernon (Arlene); sister, Margaret Froehling; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean (2008); brother, Roman; 1 great-grandchild.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Virginia Mae Moselle, age 90
Cold Spring
November 20, 1921 – October 30, 2011

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring, MN for Virginia Mae Moselle, age 90, who died Tuesday at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring. Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Virginia was born in Ironwood, MI to Joseph and Mildred (Ellis) Richards.  She married Myron J. Moselle on February 4, 1943 in Milwaukee.  Virginia was a homemaker and worked as a paraprofessional at Cold Spring Elementary for many years.  She enjoyed playing bridge, and being with family and friends.  Virginia especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church in St. Cloud.

Survivors include her children, Kathie (Gary) Phillips of Brainerd, Shirl (John) Currie of Faribault, Rick Moselle of Cold Spring; sister, Shirley (George) Cisewski of Ironwood, MI; brother, Jack (Patricia) Richards of Barron, WI; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Myron; 1 sister and 4 brothers. 

Patricia L. Rieffer, age 73
Cold Spring
May 23, 1939 – October 28, 2012

Patricia L. (Kindstrom) Rieffer, age 73, passed away October 28, 2012.  There will be a gathering of friends and relatives at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring, MN from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 1, 2012.

Patricia married her childhood sweetheart, Jacob Rieffer in 1956.  Two sons were born to this union; Jeffrey of Cold Spring and Joel of Swanville.  Pat was a stay at home mom until her children were grown.  She then worked as an assistant post master in Swanville and later a bindery worker at Hart Press in Long Prairie, until she was awarded her child development associate degree in child care. She stayed in this profession for over 10 years. 
 
Pat is survived by her husband, Jacob “Jay”; two sons; five grandchildren, and one sister, JoAnn Farrell. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; sister, Marge Werner, and brother, Charlie Duane Kindstrom.

Mathias “Snuffy” Smith, age 91
Rockville
May 12, 1921 – October 27, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville, MN for Mathias Smith, age 91, who died Saturday at the V.A. Medical Center in St. Cloud.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Church in Rockville.  Arrangements were entrusted with the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.

Mathias was born in Pearl Lake to Stanley and Louisa (George) Smith.  He married Doris Mae Schneider on July 15, 1950 at the Naval Chapel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Mathias served in the Navy from 1942 -1963.  He was the Postmaster in Rockville for 20 years.  Mathias enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling.  Mathias loved his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; Children, Matthew of WA, Kim (Al) Schneider of St. Cloud, Kelly (Don) Schneider of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Matthew, Jr. and Lauren Smith, Eric and Hillary Schneider and Kate Schneider.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Stanley; sisters, Leona, Catherine, and Dorothy.

The family would like to thank the staff at the V.A. Medical Center for the care they extended to Mathias and his family.

Othmar Koetter, age 86
Richmond
October 3, 1926 – October 21, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Othmar Koetter, age 86, who died Sunday at Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by a rosary with Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Othmar was born in Roscoe, MN to Herman and Caroline (Meyer) Koetter.  He served in the U.S. Army from October 1953 – October 1955.  Othmar was a farmer all of his life.  He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and Catholic United Financial for 70 years.

Survivors include his siblings, Irene Rausch, Herbert Koetter, Veronica Jenssen, and John Koetter

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Luella Seifermann, Ervin Koetter, Roman Koetter; brothers-in-law, Sylvester Seifermann, Michael Rausch, Valarian Janssen.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.

Fr. Elmer Torborg, age 83
Cold Spring
December 30, 1928 – October 17, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 22, 2012 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud for Fr. Elmer Torborg, age 83, who died Wednesday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery in Richmond.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 21st at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue Monday at St. Mary’s Cathedral beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.

Fr. Elmer was born in Richmond to Joseph and Mary (Schlangen) Torborg.  He graduated from St. John’s Prep School, St. John’s University and St. John’s Seminary.  Fr. Elmer was ordained June 4, 1955 at St. Mary’s Cathedral and celebrated his First Mass June 5, 1955 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond.  His assignments in the Diocese of Saint Cloud include: associate pastor, Our Lady of Victory Church, June 1955-June 1960 and Chaplain of the State Hospital in Fergus Falls, June 1955-March 1958; pastor, Holy Angels, Saint Cloud, July 1967-July 1970; Saint Paul’s, Sauk Centre, July 1970-July 1982; Saint Mary Help of Christians, Saint Augusta, July 1982-July 1990; Saint Lawrence, Duelm, July 1990-September 2000; Saint Patrick, Minden, April 1993-September 2000.  Father Elmer retired September 30, 2000.  After retirement he moved to Assumption Court in Cold Spring where he assisted with the chaplain duties and led many prayer groups.  Fr. Elmer enjoyed playing piano and guitar.  He loved to take part in sing-a-longs at family gatherings and with the residents at Assumption Campus.
 
Survivors include brothers; Lee (Mary) of St. Cloud, Harold (Jane) of St. Cloud, Ralph (LaVerne) of Minnetonka, and Melvin (Betty) of Richmond; 24 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Fr. Lawrence Torborg.

Memorials preferred.

Barbara Ann Schmitt, age 64
Cold Spring
April 11, 1948 – October 16, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pearl Lake (Marty), MN for Barbara Ann Schmitt, age 64, who died Tuesday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Barbara will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.   The Holy Cross Christian Women will pray a rosary at 4:00 p.m.  Parish prayers will be at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Barbara was born in St. Cloud, MN to Martin and Irene (Steinhoff) Schmitt.  She married Jerry Schmitt on June 6, 1985 in Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pearl Lake, MN.  Barbara was a cook at the John-Clark Elementary school in Rockville.  She loved baking, ice fishing, gardening, and her time with the students during the school year.  She was a member of Holy Cross Parish and Christian Women.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry; son, Michael (his friend, Heather Otte); sisters, Arlene Barthel, and Mary (David) Sand, and 6 nieces and nephews.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jim Decker, and brother-in-law, Don Barthel.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Herbert Peter Windschitl, age 82
Cold Spring
May 21, 1930 – October 14, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 19, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Herbert “Herb” Windschitl, age 82, who died peacefully Sunday at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring due to complications of a stroke.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 19th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with the Knights of Columbus.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Friday morning at the funeral home.

Herbert Peter Windschitl was born on a 120 acre farm in Comfrey, MN on May 21, 1930 to Florian and Anna (Moldan) Windschitl.  He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye, after which he attended St. John’s University.

His studies at St. John’s were interrupted when he joined the Army Corps of Engineers in August 1951.  He spent 13 months in Pusan, Korea during the Korean War.  He was discharged August 1953.  He then returned to St. John’s University where he graduated in 1956 with a social science and history degree.  Five days later he married the love of his life, Bernetta (Bernie) Meidl, at St. Raphael’s church in Springfield, MN.

Herb taught high school in Jordan, MN, Souix Valley, MN, Gibbon, MN, New Ulm, MN, and Cold Spring, MN.  He directed 15 class plays, coached various sports, and was a boy scout leader.   Herb was active in the local teacher organization, and served as president and secretary-treasurer at various times.

Herb’s Catholic faith was very important to him.  In 1961 he joined the Oblates of St. Benedict at St. John’s under Abbott Baldwin.  He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1958.  He believed strongly in sharing his faith with young people, and spent 23 years along with his wife Bernie teaching CCD in Gibbon and Cold Spring.  He and Bernie started the Faith Formation program in Cold Spring when the public high school (Rocori) opened.  He was the very first lay lector at St. Boniface Parish in Cold Spring, a calling that lasted 45 years.  Most of all, Herb lived his faith daily.  He was a very caring and patient person, who was always praying for other people.  His guidance and steadfast presence will be sorely missed by all.

After full time teaching for many years, Herb began selling World Book and Childcraft.  He felt the real challenge of education began in the home.  During his career he sold over 2,000 sets of World Book, won many accolades, and as a District Manager he hired over 200 representatives.  In 1974 he started a side business with Success Motivation Institute where he sold goal-setting materials and motivational talks on cassette tapes to individuals, homes, and schools.  In keeping with his passion for education, Herb was a substitute teacher up until age 79.

In 2003 Herb realized a long time dream of publishing a book when he wrote “1001 Affirmations:  Open a Life, Come Alive”.  He was very proud of this book, and often said “If there’s only one thing in there that helps someone, it has done some good”. 

Herb believed in ‘recycle, reduce, and reuse’ long before it was fashionable.  He loved gadgets and loved to tinker with things.  He could fix just about anything, a skill that came in handy when raising six children.  As he taught each of his children to drive and they subsequently bought their first cars, Herb’s mechanical abilities were a lifesaver.  Photography was a life-long hobby, and Herb never left the house without his camera.  He was a member of the American Legion since 1955, Catholic United Financial since 1995, and the VFW.  He enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping (as evidenced by many slide trays of family trips around the country), visiting relatives, and genealogy research.

Herb was a devoted husband to Bernie for 56 years, and often credited her for the good things in his life.  They were blessed with 8 children.  Herb is survived by his wife Bernie; children:  Michael (Rosemary) of Cold Spring, Francis (Julie) of Northfield, MN, Brian (Kim) of Buffalo, NY, Jane (Jonathan) of Anchorage, AK, Patrick (Candy) of Manteca, CA, Gary (Julie), of Afton, MN;  19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren;  brother & in-laws:  Peter (Lois) Windschitl,  Marlene Windschitl and Mel Cook.

Herb was preceded in death by his daughter Mary and son Paul; parents & in-laws:  Florian and Anna Windschitl, Albert and Leona Meidl; brothers:  Leonard (Delores) Windschitl, Leo Windschitl, Gilbert Windschitl; sister:  Marie Cook.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Alfred “Al” Wolbeck, age 77
Richmond
December 9, 1934 – October 13, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Alfred Wolbeck, age 77, who died Saturday at Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Al was born in Spring Hill, MN to Bernard and Mary (Hiltner) Wolbeck.  He married Erma Mugg on June 6, 1961 in St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud, MN.  Al worked at Starry Construction, Franklin, and DeZurik until his retirement in 2004.  Al enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, gardening with his daughter, and working at his son’s hobby farm.  He also had fun entertaining his wife’s daycare children after his retirement. Al was well known for his beautiful eyes and smiles.  His greatest accomplishment and enjoyment though were his grandchildren.  Each of them have a relationship with him that will never be broken or ever forgotten.  He taught them the true meaning of being a “grandpa”.  His life truly revolved around them.

Survivors include loving wife of 51 years, Erma; children, Keith Wolbeck (Carla), and Kristine (Richard) Ruegemer; brother, Martin Wolbeck; sisters-in-law, Sandy Wolbeck, Bernice Wolbeck; brother-in-law, Joseph Schneider, and grandchildren, Amanda (Jay) Eggert, Kim (Dave) Wiechman, Rachelle Ruegemer, and Derek Ruegemer.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Albert, Leo, Edwin, Leonard, Hubert, Bernard, Veronica, Theresa, Frances, Christine, Gertrude, Marie, Rose, and Appolonia.   

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.

Andrew “Andy” Stang, age 85
Richmond
August 10, 1927 – October 13, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in St. Nicholas, MN for Andrew Stang, age 85, who died Saturday at his home in Richmond.  Burial will be in the St. Nicholas Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Andy will be after 4:00 p.m. Monday (TODAY) at Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.   There will be a rosary at 4:00 with Men’s Society, Catholic United Financial, Knights of Columbus, and Senior Citizens.  Parish prayers will be at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning at the church. 

Andy was born in St. Martin to Mathias and Amalia (Lieser) Stang.  He married Edith Winkelman on June 25, 1952 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids.  Andy enjoyed farming, dancing, and playing cards.  He was a member of Knights of Columbus and Catholic United Financial.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Edith; children, Karen (Dennis) Rausch, Marlene (Dave) Molitor, Lori (Jamie) Hiemer, Stacie, Sr. Perpetua, O.P., Steve (Sandra), Michael, Fr. Mark, and Jeffrey (Jamie); son-in-law, Ken; sisters, MaryAnn Albers, Sr. Bernie, O.S.B., and Kathy Olmscheid, brothers, Br. Dan, O.S.C., Emanual, Conrad, Harold, James, and Donald; 20 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jean Malone; brother, Matthew; sisters, Joanne Torborg, and Marilyn Stalboerger; grandchild, Paul.

Memorials will go towards religious vocations.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.

Norma June Cordt, age 81
Cold Spring
February 2, 1931 – October 11, 2012

Norma June Cordt, age 81, died Thursday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Services will be private.  Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Norma was born in Coshocton, OH to Charles and Mable (Willis) Addy. 

Survivors include her husband, George Cordt; children, James (Deb) VanVoorhis, Clearwater, Jennifer (Gary) Heinrich, AZ, Jeffrey (Pam) VanVoorhis, Browerville; stepchildren, Becky (Dan) Ouimette, IN, Karen (Larry) Huhn, Darwin, Debra Rokala, Dassel; sister, Jane Mayer, IL; brother, W.D. Addy, CA; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul VanVoorhis; son-in-law, Rick Kedrowski; stepchild, G. Tom Cordt; sister, Bonnie Mauro; brothers-in-law, Lester Aveiro, Frank Mauro, Charles Mayer, and niece, Marilyn.

Darby E. Brown, age 50
St. Joseph, MN
January 22, 1962 – October 10, 2012

Darby E. Brown passed away on October 10, 2012, at home surrounded by the love of his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Visitation will be Friday, October 12, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning at St. John’s Abbey Church in Collegeville, Minnesota.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 13, 2012 with concelebrants, Fr. Nathanael Hauser O.S.B. and Fr. Jerome Tupa, O.S.B.

Darby was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  His father was in the Army so Darby’s first years were spent in Germany.  His family later lived in Seattle, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska, where he graduated from East High School in 1980.  He was the oldest of five children.  He met his wife, Linda Jonas-Brown, in Fairbanks, Alaska and they married in Anchorage, Alaska on December 31, 1987.  Darby’s most proud accomplishment was raising his 4 boys.  DJ and Dexter were born in Alaska.  Darby and Linda later moved to Hawaii where their third son, Dreston was born.  In 2000, they moved back to Minnesota as Linda is from this area.  In 2005, they welcomed son #4, Dana.  Darby was a wonderful family man, always putting Linda and his boys first and above all.  He tried to give his boys all the life tools they need to succeed.  His dedication to his wife and boys governed his every breath, never leaving a moment that wasn’t fully and emotionally vested in their welfare.  Darby never complained about his own pain or put his needs above another’s.

He was most recently employed at Knife River as a contract manager.  He loved his job, co-workers, math, numbers, and work were just another of Darby’s many passions.

Darby loved sports, but baseball was his favorite.  He played on many baseball and softball teams and loved coaching DJ and Dexter’s little league teams when they lived on Oahu and Lanai, Hawaii.  Darby never missed a baseball game of DJ and Dexter’s and drove to Illinois and Florida numerous times to watch Dexter play college football and baseball.  If Darby wasn’t participating in sports or watching his boys play sports, he was watching them on television with great zest and enthusiasm.  He also loved golf and bowling and played on weekly leagues until recently.

Those left to honor Darby’s fantastic, fun, selflessness, full and enjoyable life are his loving wife, Linda Jonas-Brown; 4 sons, DJ and Dexter in Waite Park, Dreston and Dana at home; his parents, Ann and Ned Brown of Sun Lakes, Arizona and Tacoma, Washington; siblings, Susan Martinson of California, Patrick (Gloriane) Brown of Vermont, Dori (Derek) Brown of Tucson, Arizona, Penny (Brent) Sweeting of Oregon; nieces and nephews.  He was also survived by his mother-in-law, Rose Jonas; in-laws, Carol (Sam) Tschida, Paul (Shelley) Jonas, Pete (Tina) Jonas, Larry Jonas, Mary Jonas (Paul Sandell), Therese (Steve) Todd, and Judy (Mark) Spies.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/darbybrown
Arrangements by Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Anthony “Tony” Drontle, age 76
Cold Spring
June 13, 1936 – October 2, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Anthony “Tony” Drontle, age 76, who died Tuesday at Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 5th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 7:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Tony was born in Richmond to Peter and Ida (Braegelmann) Drontle.  He served in the U.S. Army for two years.  Tony enjoyed farming, fishing, playing cards, and watching the MN Twins and Vikings.  He especially loved spending time with family.  Tony was a member of St. Boniface Parish and Cold Spring American Legion Post 455. 

Survivors include brothers and sisters, Marcella Mueller, Bernice (Ted) Kremers, Marie (Lawrence) Hansen, Martha (Bob) Salzer, Peter, Jenny (Jerry) Buerman, Terri Brunner, Liz (Jim) Loecken, Ray, Ralph (Sue), and Margaret (Fred) Imdieke, and many nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clarence; sister-in-law, Lorraine Drontle, and brothers-in-law, Erwin Mueller, and DuWayne Brunner.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

September 2012

Susan Kuechle, age 53
Cold Spring
September 16, 1959 – September 28, 2012

A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring, MN for Susan Kuechle, age 53, who died peacefully Friday at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by family and good friend, Margerie.  Inurnment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery, Cold Spring.

There will be a gathering of relatives and friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring prior to the memorial service. 

Sue was born in Minneapolis, MN to Charles Fehling and Janice (Dieckheisen) Fehling.  She married Steve Kuechle on October 1st 1983 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Cold Spring.  Susan ran a daycare in her home and was a nurse’s aid at John Paul Apartments, Cold Spring.  She enjoyed baking, cooking, flowers, and camping.  Sue was a member of St. Boniface Parish.

Survivors include her parents; husband, Steve; children, Daniel (Jen) of St. Cloud, Brandon (Andrea) of St. Joe, Aaron of St. Cloud, and Kelsey of Cold Spring; step-children, Allison (Joe), Jesse (Danielle); brothers, David and Ed; sister-in-law, Jill; 1 grandchild, and 5 step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

David S. Reisinger, age 80
Cold Spring
September 20, 1932 – September 24, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 28, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for David S. Reisinger, age 80, who was called home to Jesus after a courageous battle with Cancer.  Inurnment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. Friday morning at the St. Boniface Church Narthex.  Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Dave was born in Collegeville to Rupert and Agnes (Wagner) Reisinger.  He married Colletta Kellner on August 9, 1958 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Cold Spring.  He served in the U.S. Army for two years.  Dave was a draftsman for the Cold Spring Granite Company for 13 years and started Reisinger Construction, building homes in the Cold Spring area.  He later owned and operated Reisinger Cabinets for many years.  Dave loved his family and always put others needs above his own.  He was a member of St. Boniface Parish, Catholic United Financial and Central MN Builders Association.
 
Survivors include his best friend and loving wife of 54 years, Colletta; children, Mary (Pete) Tomsche of Collegeville, Jean (Dale) Schmitz of Andover, Julie (John) Kippley of Corcoran; sister, Joan (Jerry) Menke; and 8 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; baby sister, Esther; and his brother, Rev. Jerome Reisinger.

Lenora Schroeder, age 84
Cold Spring
April 29, 1928 – September 18, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Marty (Pearl Lake), MN for Lenora Schroeder, age 84, who died peacefully Tuesday at her home surrounded by her family.  Burial will be in the Holy Cross Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Christian Women of Holy Cross and St. Boniface parishes will pray a rosary at 4:30 p.m.  Parish Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m., Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Lenora was born in Eden Valley to Math and Barbara (May) Thielen.  She married Ralph Krippner on June 12, 1950 at Assumption Church in Eden Valley.  Ralph died May 17, 1967.  Lenora married John Schroeder in April 1971 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pearl Lake.  John died August 23, 1989.  Lenora enjoyed all family gatherings, playing cards, quilting, and volunteering at the Assumption Home.  She was a member of Christian Women at Holy Cross and St. Boniface parishes.
 
Survivors include her children, Margie (Terry) Stueve of St. Cloud, Larry (Helen) Krippner of Pearl Lake, Barb (Rob) Held of St. Francis, Diane (Jeff) McKenzie of Watertown, Deb (Ken) Hansen of Cold Spring, and Jerry (Mary) Krippner of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Tim, Catie, Kristi, Kevin, Kurt, Jessi, Robinson, Deidre, Andy, Jenni, Melissa, Mitchell, Jacob, Lizzy, and Ben; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Alphonse (Marie) Thielen of Eden Valley; brother and sister-in-law, Arnie (Irene) Krippner.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Ralph Krippner and John Schroeder; parents; son, Johnnie Krippner; brothers, Gilbert, Raymond, and Edmund Thielen; sisters, Stacia Arnold and Evelyn Lahr, and brother-in-law, Joe Krippner.

Special thank you to the St. Cloud Hospital Hospice staff for the wonderful care of our mother.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Mary Gertken, age 85
Richmond
June 18, 1927 – September 11, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 14, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Mary Gertken, age 85, who died Tuesday at Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday (TODAY) at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Christian Women and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Friday morning at the funeral home.

Mary was born in Cold Spring, MN to Leo and Hedwig (Leither) Eichers. She married Sylvester Gertken on September 27, 1950 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, MN.  Mary was a homemaker all her life.  She was phenomenal at cooking and baking. Mary enjoyed making rosaries, puzzles, playing solitaire and bingo, and MN Twins and Richmond Royals baseball.  She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Catholic United Financial, and Christian Women.
 
Survivors include children, Mary (David) Hentges, Jim, Leo (Jolene), Irene (Pat) Backes, Ron (Maureen), Jeanie (Michael) Breitbach, Connie (Paul) Magedanz, Sharon Braegelmann, Gary (Jackie), Jackie (Craig) Saathoff, and Ruthie (Greg) Allen; daughter-in-law, Cathy Gertken; brothers, Virgil Eichers and Danny (Alice) Eichers; sister, Florence Rausch; sisters-in-law, Alice Eichers, Katherine Eichers, Martha Gertken, Bernelda Gertken, and Thecla Gertken; 27 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester (1990); son Denis (1990); granddaughter, Serena (1990); daughter-in-law, Shirley Gertken (1983); brothers, Harold Eichers, Elmer Eichers, and Teddy Eichers, and sister, Leone Theisen. 

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, MN.

Charles R. Westerberg, age 19
Cold Spring
February 25, 1993 – September 9, 2012

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 23845 County Road 40, Albany, MN for Charles Ralph Westerberg, age 19, who died Sunday at his home.  Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.  

Relatives and friends may call from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.  Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Charles was born in St. Cloud to Roger and Luanne (Sager) Westerberg.  He was a web design student at St. Cloud Technical & Community College.  Charles was a caring, gentle spirit who loved computer games and playing D and D with his very close friends.

Survivors include his mother, Luanne Sager-Westerberg; father, Roger Westerberg; sister Andrea Westerberg; grandparents, Lorraine Sager, Florence & Arnie Westerberg; Aunts & Uncles, Sharon O’Geay, Gary & Caea Sager, Ralph & Betty Westerberg, Randy & Pat Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ralph Sager. 

Eugenia Butala, age 79
Richmond
February 14, 1933 – September 8, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Eugenia Butala, age 79, who died Saturday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.

Eugenia was born in Richmond, MN to Barney and Katherine (Kohorst) Heying. She married Mathias J. Butala on November 6, 1954 in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Richmond.  Eugenia was a house wife and queen of the garage sale.  She enjoyed gardening, canning and baking.  Her greatest pride came from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish.

Survivors include children, Russ (Sandy) Butala of Richmond, Sandy Gertken of Richmond, and Mathias J. (Carmen) Butala of Cold Spring; brothers and sisters, Linus Heying, Henry Heying, LaVerne Heying, and Celestine Heying; grandchildren, Kimberly (Mark) Craig, Vickie (Chris) Demuth, Sherry Kollmann, Christopher Butala, Zachary Butala, and Mathias Butala IV; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Brandan Craig, and Courtney, Christopher, Brock, and Adrian Demuth.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mathias J. Butala (1996); brother, Barney Butala; son-in-law, Roman Gertken, and 9 half brothers and sisters.   

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, MN.

Thomas Sievert, age 71
St. Cloud
December 4, 1940 – September 5, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Cloud, MN for Thomas Sievert, age 71, who died Wednesday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Rev. Thomas Knobloch will officiate.  Burial will be in the St. Martin Parish Cemetery in St. Martin, MN.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 10th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond (151 Oakwood Ave. S.E.).  Parish Prayers will be at 5:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue Tuesday morning at the church one hour prior to services.

Tom was born in Manitowoc, WI.  He married Gertrude Thelen in St. Martin Catholic Church in 1967.  Tom owned T & G Janitorial in St. Cloud.  He loved visiting with family, playing cards and the Green Bay Packers.

Survivors include his loving wife, Gertrude, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, MN.

Renee Irene (Oster) Willenbring, age 92
Cold Spring
May 31, 1920 – September 3, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Renee Irene (Oster) Willenbring, age 92, who died Monday at the Assumption Nursing Home. Entombment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Monday morning at the funeral home.
 
Renee was born on May 31, 1920 in Cold Spring, MN to Daniel and Emma (Ellenbecker) Oster.  She married Joseph Willenbring on June 16, 1947 in St. Boniface Church, Cold Spring.  Renee graduated from St. Boniface High School in Cold Spring in 1937 and attended St. Cloud Business College.  She was one of the first women to work for the Cold Spring Granite Company from 1937 until she married in 1947.

Renee and Joe celebrated 63 years of marriage together and raised four children.  She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  Renee will be missed dearly by all who knew her kindness and gentle spirit. 

Renee loved life and felt blessed to have her family and friends.  Renee and Joe were long time members of couples’ bridge club.  They belonged to the Ball and Chain Club.  She was an avid bowler in her youth.  Renee also had a passion for learning about her heritage and was a dedicated member of the local (St. Cloud) Genealogy Chapter. 

Renee enjoyed her unusual collection of buttons and met with the Button Club for years.  She was a long time member and leader of the American Girl Scout Association.  Renee volunteered for Birth Right and the Great River Regional Library for many years.

Renee is survived by her children, Bede (Vonnie) of New Hope, Catherine (Brian) Schmucker of Cold Spring, Michael (Joan) of Jacobs Prairie, Thomas of St. Cloud.  Grandma Renee will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Andrew (Rebecca), Joseph (Jessi) and Rosemary; Aaron (Betsy) Schmucker, Nicole (Dallas) Apold, Kathryn and Amy Schmucker; James (Janet), Robert (Amanda), Jessica, Cheryl, Noah, John, Thomas, and Baylee. Great-grandchildren: Megan and Chelsea; Soren, Hanna, and Sander Apold; Adam and Evan Schmucker; James and John; Abigail; Sol Wilder.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph John; brother, Jack Oster; sisters, Rosemary Koop, Yvonne Haffley and Delores Lang, infant twins, Michael and Emma Oster; great-grandson, Isaac.

Renee was the last of her immediate family to die.  She had fond memories of her parents, who died at a relatively young age.  Renee treasured her time with each of her siblings.  She spoke often of them in her later years.

A special thank you to the staff at Assumption Court and Nursing Home in Cold Spring and Heartland Hospice for their loving care of Renee.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, Minnesota.

August 2012

Daniel Piechocki, age 86
Richmond
October 24, 1925 – August 27, 2012

Funeral service will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, August 31, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church in Cold Spring, MN for Daniel Piechocki, age 86, who died Monday at Cherrywood Advanced Living in Richmond, MN.  Inurnment will be in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Friday at the church prior to the service. 

Dan was born in South Bend, Indiana.  He married Laverne Hennessy on September 25, 1948 in Church of Peace, St. Cloud.  Dan served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 as Staff Sergeant of the 970th Engineering Maintenance Company.  He worked as Parts Manager for GM and was the owner of Browns Lake Resort.  Dan was a member of the American Legion Post 381, and Lions Club of Eden Valley, and a Charter Member of Peace Lutheran Church of Cold Spring.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Laverne; 2 children, Ken (Diane), and Dave (Hayley); 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene, and sister-in-law, Evelyn.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Peace Lutheran Church.

Arrangements were entrusted with the Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.

Rolland A. “Rollie” Ramler, age 74
Richmond
January 29, 1938 – August 18, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Rolland A. Ramler, age 74, who died Saturday at his home surrounded by his family.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Knights of Columbus, Catholic United Financial, and Catholic Order of Foresters.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning at the funeral home.

Rollie was born in Farming, MN to George and Loretta (Wieber) Ramler. He married Donna Salzl on November 7, 1959 in St. Martin Catholic Church, St. Martin, MN.  Rollie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.  He was a police officer in St. Cloud for 27 years.  Rollie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and farming.   He loved spending time with his family, cheering his grandchildren on in their sporting events, and especially hanging out with them at the lake.  He was a member of Knights of Columbus #8303, Catholic United Financial, Catholic Order of Foresters, MN Peace & Police Officers Association, St. Cloud Retirees, and Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Donna; children, Cindee (Ron) Cooke, Randy Ramler, Tim (Cindy Loesch) Ramler, and Kerry (Gary) Ward; siblings, Larry Ramler, Linus Ramler, Julie Noll, Romelda Kascht, and Cora Williams; 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sylvia Gertken; brother, Vern Ramler, and brother-in-law, Don Noll.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, MN.

Joyce F. Sha, age 86
Cold Spring
October 6, 1925 – August 11, 2012

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Cold Spring, MN for Joyce F. Sha, age 86, who died Saturday at her home.  Inurnment will be in the MN State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, MN.

Friends and Relatives may call after 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at the Church.

Joyce F. Sha was born in Fergus Falls, MN to Melvin and Marie (Thompson) Hysjulien.  She married Henry J. Sha on August 5, 1945 in Fergus Falls, MN.  Joyce enjoyed fishing as well as her fish pond, bird watching, gardening, bowling, playing cribbage, telling stories, and spending time with friends and family.  She was very active in the Senior Center, the POW Auxiliary, as well as an avid collector of cobalt blue glass.  Joyce was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Cold Spring, MN.

Survivors include her children, Sharon (Steve) Jensen, Teri (David) Reed, Kristi Sha, Pauline (Bob) Wilson, Julie Sobell; siblings, Milton (Nellie) Hysjulien, Geneal (Warren) Luebke; 8 Grandchildren; 13 Great-grandchildren; 2 Great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry J. Sha; sister, Patricia Sneva. 

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Cloud Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Joyce.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Paul Hiltner, age 52
Richmond
November 6, 1959 – August 9, 2012

There will be a gathering of relatives and friends from 2 – 5 pm , Sunday, August 12, 2012 at the Wenner Funeral Home, 151 Oakwood Ave. SE in Richmond, MN.  Services will be private.

Paul was born in Melrose, MN to Larry and Rose Marie (Moening) Hiltner.  He married Amy Schneider on July 6, 1985.  Paul owned and operated Hardtails in St. Cloud.  He enjoyed fishing, riding his bike, Cold Spring Bakery peanut donuts, his dog Kobi, ice cream, expensive rootbeer and Ray Ban glasses, watching movies, The Doors, the Rolling Stones, and date night with his ladies at Perkins .  Paul considered himself his mothers’ favorite child.  He enjoyed family time with his 3 ladies.

Survivors include his wife, Amy; daughters, Abby and Samantha; mother, Rose Marie Hiltner; brothers and sisters, John (Terry) Hiltner, Judy (Dave) Stueve, Bob (Marlene) Hiltner, Katie (Steve) Peschel, Louie Hiltner, Darlene (Dennis) Gruenke, Tom (Pat) Hiltner and sister-in-law, Rita Hiltner.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry and brother Dan. 

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, Minnesota.

Alfred G. “Porky” Backes, age 82
Cold Spring
October 25, 1929 – August 9, 2012

Funeral services celebrating the life of Alfred George “Porky” Backes, age 82 will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 13, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN.  Porky passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 12th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m., followed by a rosary with the Catholic Order of Foresters.  Visitation will continue from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Monday morning in the St. Boniface Church Narthex.

He was born at the family farm in Cold Spring, MN to Joseph and Secunda Backes.  Porky married Donat Elizabeth Dold on June 1, 1953 in Richmond, MN.  He was a dedicated, hard working farmer and continued to reside at the farm, just outside of town until his death.  Porky also was an agent and board member for Wakefield /Mid Minnesota Mutual Insurance Company and a board member for the Re -Insurance Association of Minnesota until his retirement.  He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict with the military police.  Porky was proud of his service to our country and the many children and grandchildren who chose to follow in his footsteps by serving in the military. He was a member of the American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, serving as an officer for many years, the Korean Last Man’s Club, the Catholic Order of Foresters and Sportsman’s Club.  An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding and watching the wildlife out his back window and above all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by Donat, his loving wife of 59 years; children, Michelle (Jon), Mark (Peggy), Gary (LeeAnn), Diane (Chip), and Nic (Missy); grandchildren, Mike, Nic, Chad, Amanda, Nicole, Teresa, Jon, Evan, Emily, Ben, Maddie, and Abby; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Sayles; brothers, Dave and Joe.

Porky lived a full and rich life, committed to God, family and country.  He will be remembered by his wife, children and grandchildren as a loving, gentle and kind husband, father and granddad.  Like so many of his generation, he was a hard-working, generous, dedicated, “great guy”, who went about his responsibilities, caring for and supporting his family, friends and community. He believed in the strength of family and showed his love for them until his final day.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Pierre, Carl, Jim and Bob.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Walter Henry Willenbring
Park Rapids/Two Inlets, MN
March 25, 1916 – August 7, 2012

Walter Henry Willenbring, age 96, a long time Park Rapids/Two Inlets, MN resident, peacefully entered eternity on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN. 

Walter was born on March 25, 1916 in Richmond, MN to Frank and Mary (Boeckermann) Willenbring.  He attended Catholic School in Richmond where he grew into manhood.  At the age of 19, Walter’s family purchased a farm near Two Inlets in Northwestern MN.  Later, he purchased his own farm nearby.  Walter worked hard in transforming the rugged land into a productive farm. For the first 30 plus years of his life, Walter farmed with work horses, something he loved.  He bought his first Farmall tractor in 1948, and with a heavy heart, sold his last team of work horses, Pat and Dan in 1950. Walter raised up a fine herd of sows and gilts and bred and farrowed hogs for many years.  On October 10, 1939, Walter was united in marriage to Barbara Waldorf at St. Marys Catholic Church in Two Inlets.  This union was blessed with four children:  Ralph, Gerald, Rosanne and Jim.  In addition to farming, Walter was well known for his carpentry skills and performed many construction projects off the farm.  In 1972, Walter’s youngest son, Jim joined him in the farming enterprise.  They built a new dairy barn with logs they themselves harvested and sawed and ambitiously built one of the largest holstein dairy herds in the area.  In 1989, Walter’s life was deeply saddened by the death of his precious wife, Barbara and in January of 2000 Walter also grieved the death of his son, Gerald. In 1993, Walter married Irene Brumbaugh at St. Peters Catholic Church in Park Rapids.  At that time Walter sold the farm to Jim and he and Irene made their home in Park Rapids.  Throughout his life time, Walter remained engaged in his community. He was a man of faith and had been a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Two Inlets since the age of 19.  He was a charter member of the St. Marys Knights of Columbus and in addition was a life time member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and recently received his 75 year membership award.  He served as a member of the District 303 School Board for many years.  Walter also served as the Two Inlets Township Clerk and Assessor for many years.  He had a deep appreciation of music and enjoyed singing in the church choir throughout most of his adult life.  When Walter had some rare spare time, he enjoyed spearing in his dark house on Two Inlets Lake.

He will be lovingly remembered by his much loved wife, Irene; his three children:  Ralph (Judy) of Coon Rapids, MN, Rosanne (David) Haupert of Cottage Grove, MN and Jim (Leann) of Park Rapids; his daughter-in-law, Bert Willenbring of Coon Rapids; ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren; his three step-children: Jerry Brumbaugh of Park Rapids, Carole Palmer of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Debra (David) Hacker of Menahga, MN; his sister, Rosemary Cooney of Park Rapids; his brother, Tim (Marilyn) Willenbring of Ponsford, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara; son, Gerald; step-son, Gene Brumbaugh; one brother, Ray and two sisters: Alice and Esther.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Saturday, August 11, 2012 at St. Marys Catholic Church with Father Thomas Friedl celebrating.  The music will be led by the St. Marys Choir and Mary Schmitz will serve as the organist. The active casket bearers will be grandsons: Curt Willenbring, Dane Willenbring, Daren Willenbring, Steve Willenbring, William Willenbring and Mike Haupert.  The honorary casket bearers will be granddaughters: Laura Landes, Sara Boyea, Ann Cahoon and Cora Willenbring.  Interment will be made in the Willenbring family plot located in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.  A luncheon will be hosted by St. Marys Catholic Church following the service. Visitation will be held beginning 2 hours prior to the service at the church on Saturday. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com

Martin H. Ashfeld, Sr., age 97
Watkins
August 2, 1915 ~ August 7, 2012

Martin H. Ashfeld, Sr passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins.  Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm and Saturday after 9 am at the Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins.  Interment will in the St. Anthony Cemetery.  Fr. John Brunner and Fr. Richard Gross will officiate.  Senior Citizens will pray the rosary at 4 pm on Friday at the funeral home followed by parish prayers at 6 pm.  Casket bearers will be Kevin Merten, Brandon Ashfeld, Nathan Ashfeld, Troy Ashfeld, John Blaisdell, Natasha Ashfeld, Shannon Ruegemer and Nikki Paulk.

Martin was born on August 2, 1915 at Watkins to Leonard and Katherine (Ophoven) Ashfeld.  He married Viola Rausch on October 17, 1944 at St. Nicholas.  They farmed at Watkins until retirement in 1984.  Viola passed away on February 9, 1987 and Martin continued to reside on the farm until 2006.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.  He enjoyed dancing, gardening, fishing, playing cards and playing the accordion.
Survivors include his children, Georgiann (Eugene) Merten of Pearl Lake, Elaine Ruegemer of St. Cloud, Vernon (Rosie) Ashfeld of Rockville, Darrel (Wendy) Ashfeld of St. Cloud, David (Loraine) Ashfeld of Cold Spring, Susie (Frank) Horvat of Medina, OH, Martin Jr.”Butch” (Diane) Ashfeld of Sauk Rapids; son-in-law, James Blaisdell of Pierz; 18 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Viola; daughter, Arlene Blaisdell; son-in-law, Earl Ruegemer; grandchildren, Shawn Ruegemer, Kim Blaisdell, Timothy and Thomas Ashfeld.

The family would like to thank everyone at St. Anthony Manor for the excellent care given to Martin over the past years.

Dr. Richard P. Cook, age 88
Cold Spring, formerly of St. Cloud
October 15, 1923 – August 6, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 9, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Dr. Richard “Dick” Cook, age 88, who passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family.  Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, St. Cloud, MN.

Relatives and friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., (TODAY) Wednesday, August 8th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 7:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Boniface Church Narthex.

Dick was born on October 15, 1923 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Evelyn and Dr. Michael Cook.  He lived all his life in St. Cloud and attended Cathedral High School, St. John’s University and University of Minnesota Dental School.  Dick helped defend our Country in WWII as a member of the Army Air Corps, while stationed in Bombay, India.  Dick was a tail gunner in a B-24 where he earned a purple heart.  He returned to Minnesota when the war was over and graduated from U of M Dental School and began practicing with his brother Dr. Fredrick “Fritz” Cook.  Dick met the love of his life, Patricia Ann McEnaney on a blind date and was married on December 28, 1957.  Dick and Pat had a life full of happiness and adventure.  They have 7 children, Mary (Bob) Klein of St. Cloud, Gia (Reinold) Plate of Owatonna, Joe (Kathi) Cook of Chanhassen, Shannon (Jeff) Pederson of Cheyenne, WY, Amy Cook of Hudson, WI, Molly Cook of Jackson, WY, Erin Cook of Shorewood.  Dick will be remembered by his family as a patient, kind and gentle man.

Survivors include his loving wife, Pat, 7 children, 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and sister-in law, Adlynn Cook.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dr. Michael and Evelyn Cook; 3 brothers, Dr. Donald Cook, Weldon “Wally” Cook and Dr. Fredrick “Fritz” Cook.

A special thank you to the staff of St. Cloud Hospital Hospice, Assumption Home and Dr. Steven Reichl for the care and compassion they showed to our husband and father.  Memorials preferred to the Poor Clares of Sauk Rapids or Assumption Home.

Arrangements with the Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, Minnesota.

July 2012

James “Jim” Spoden, age 75
Cold Spring
January 2, 1937 – July 30, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 3, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for James “Jim” Spoden, age 75, who died Monday at Assumption Home.  Inurnment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery at a later date.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Friday morning at the funeral home.

Jim was born in Cold Spring to Steve and Marie (Fink) Spoden.  He married Marilyn (Larson) on September 27, 1958 in Holy Angels Catholic Church in St. Cloud, MN.  Jim owned and operated Spoden Plumbing and Heating for over 40 years.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching the MN Twins.  He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Marilyn; children, Jeff, Curt (Marcia), Keith (Gail), Jill (Jay) Zierden, and Chris (Melinda), brothers and sisters, MaryJane (Don), Roger (Mary), Rita (Jack), Ruth (Jerry), Tim (Penny), Gary, David (Gary), and Chuck (Mary), and 13 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Matthew J. Theisen, age 23
Foley
January 27, 1989 – July 27, 2012

Prayer services will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2012 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Rockville, MN for Matthew J. Theisen, age 23, who died Friday at the St. Cloud Hospital as a result of injuries from a motorcycle accident. Burial will be in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday at Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Matthew was born in St. Cloud, MN to Mark and Susan (Lind) Theisen. He worked at GATR Truck Center as a body technician.  He was a Mass server for many years with Fr. Maurice Landwehr.  Matt was half man and half amazing “MattAmazing”.

In Matt’s words from one of his writings:  “Hi, my name is Matt Theisen.  You know what I like?  I’m gonna tell you what I like.  I like motorcycles and I like Mustangs and I like big ole jacked up trucks and I like small screamin’ V8’s and I like big torquey V8’s.  But you know what I love?  My family and friends.” 

Survivors include his parents; siblings, Virginia “Gini” (Scott) Bondhus, Shane (Cami), Theresa (Randy) Borgerding, Tina, Katie (Bret) Althoff, Daniel (Bonnie), Vonnie (Brett) Krell, Luke, MaryAnn, and Chris; many nieces and nephews, and grandmother, Evelyn Theisen.

Matt’s family would like to thank everyone of the St. Cloud Hospital staff for their wonderful care of Matt and his family and friends.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Raymond E. Stewart, age 86
Cold Spring
December 19, 1925 – July 26, 2012

Funeral services will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 29, 2012 at Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring, MN for Raymond E. Stewart who died Thursday at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by his family.  There will be a gathering of relatives and friends from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.   Inurnment will be in the Minnesota States Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Ray was born in Clearwater, MN to Clarance “Hap” and Jessie “Mabel” (Miller) Stewart.  He married Delrose Theisen on October 6, 1949 in St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Clearwater, MN.  He served as a signalman in the U.S. Navy from 1943 – 1947.  Ray was an Electrician and was with IBEW for over 35 years.  He was an avid fisherman and he loved to spend time with his family at Red Rock Lake.  He liked to winter in Weslaco, TX for the last 20 years.  Ray was a member of Waite Park American Legion Post 428.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Delrose; children, Michael (Linda) of Richmond, Bob (Joyce) of Cold Spring, Jeff of Cold Spring, and Brenda (Jim) Dockendorf of Richmond; sister, Lois (John) Barron of St. Cloud; 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
 
He was preceded in death by his son, James; parents; sister, Helen Baird, and brother, Clarance Stewart Jr.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Joseph M. Stang Jr., age 81
Cold Spring
December 20, 1930 – July 22, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Joseph M. Stang Jr., age 81, who died Sunday at Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 24th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday morning in the St. Boniface Church Narthex.

Joe was born near Grand Lake in Rockville Township to Joseph Sr. and Ida (Dietman) Stang.  He married Laura Tautges on August 29, 1953 in St. Mathias Catholic Church, St. Mathias, MN.  He worked at the Cold Spring Granite Company for 37 years and in his retirement delivered auto parts for Carquest Auto Parts in Cold Spring.  Joe enjoyed being with his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He took great pride in his lawn and he loved playing cards, fishing, and hunting.  He was a member of St. Boniface Parish.

Survivors include his sons, Ken (Kitty), Steve (Debbie), Ron (Josie), Jeff (Janet), Doug (Carol), and Gary (Merrilee); 16 grandchildren and 5 ½ great-grandchildren; siblings, Viola Odegard, Iris Philippi, Irvin (LuVerne), Florence Weirens, and Ida Mae (Gene) Rossman, and sister-in-law, Mary Stang.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Louis, and infant brother, and brothers-in-law, Carl Odegard, Al Weirens, and Sylvan Philippi.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Elmer Math Zirbes, age 85
Cold Spring, formerly of Rockville
October 21, 1926 – July 16, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville, MN for Elmer Math Zirbes, age 85, who died Monday at Assumption Court in Cold Spring. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Rockville.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m., Wednesday (TODAY), July 18th at Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 8:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m., Thursday morning at the funeral home.
 
Elmer was born in Lake Henry to Peter and Josephine (Lehnen) Zirbes.  He married Catherine Scheierl on May 1, 1951 in St. Louis Catholic Church, Paynesville, MN.  He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  Elmer was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed camping, cutting trails, walking through the woods, and especially spending time outdoors with his grandchildren.  He was a member of American Vets, Catholic Order of Foresters, Catholic United Financial, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion, Lake Henry.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Catherine; children, Judith (Zirbes) Leatherwood, Linda Zirbes (James Novak), and Larry Zirbes (Luann Lenzen); brothers and sisters, Alvin (Florence) Zirbes, Lorraine (Norman) Johnson, Norman (Mary) Zirbes, and Mary Ann (Dale) Parkhurst; 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerome and Gerald, and sister-in-law, Lorraine Welle Zirbes.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Richard “Rich” Steil, age 65
Cold Spring
March 25, 1947 – July 13, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Richard Steil, age 65, who died Friday at his home surrounded by his family.  Inurnment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m., Monday, July 16th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday morning at the funeral home.

Rich was born in Cold Spring to Ralph and Dolores (Johannes) Steil.  He married Beverly Brunn on September 9, 1972 in St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Duelm, MN.  Rich served in the U.S. Army from 1968 – 1970.  He worked at Cold Spring Granite Co. for 35 years and later with C&D Granite until his retirement.  Rich was a Befriender at St. Boniface Parish.   He loved to play golf with his friends and he especially enjoyed being with friends and family at the cabin.  Rich loved fishing and hunting and was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a great friend to many. 

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Bev; children, Sherri (Jeff) Schmitz, Krissy (Ryan) Monnens; grandchildren, Patrick Schmitz, Olivia Monnens; brothers, Duane (Judy), Tom (Carol), Curt (Deb) and Bill.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank St. Cloud Hospital Hospice for the care they extended to Rich during his illness.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Randall “Randy” Fischer, age 58
Cold Spring
March 2, 1954 – July 5, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 9, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Randall “Randy” Fischer, age 58, who died Thursday at his home surrounded by his wife and three children after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.  Entombment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Mausoleum.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m., Sunday, July 8th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 8:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Monday morning at the funeral home.

Randy was born in Richmond to Henry and Lorraine (Ressemann) Fischer.  He married Terri Svihel on January 8, 1977 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Cold Spring.  Randy worked for Burlington Northern Railroad and then for Cold Spring Granite Company for 30 years.  Randy was an avid hunter and fisherman; his greatest passion in life was spending time with his wife, who is and will always be his best friend.  Many joys in life came with being a part of his children’s lives and that of his grandson, Landon, and their adventures to the park.  He found pleasure in classic cars, snowmobiling, and taking day trips with those he loved.  Above all else, he will be remembered for being a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, grandpa, and loyal friend to many.
 
Survivors include his loving wife, Terri; children, Brad (Melissa), Ryan, Kelsey and her significant other Eli; mother, Lorraine; sisters, Sharon Brown, Janel (Mark) Roettger; brothers and sisters-in law, Jerry (Lorraine) Svihel, Kathy (Ken) Sandquist, Nancy (Don) Wood, Jane (Brian) Benda, Jean (Denis) Schmitz, Carol (Jeff) Hommerding, Ann (Stan) Benda, Randy (Jill) Svihel, Gail (Dale) Marleau, Shannon (Ryan) Lozon; grandchildren, Landon, and baby to be; mother and father-in-law, Adeline and Frank Svihel, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry; his sister, Jane, and his brother, David.

A special thank you to Coborn Cancer Center, Dr. Jurgens, Amy Stolt, and the entire infusion staff for their care, compassion, and support.  As well as St. Cloud Hospital Hospice and Randy’s hospice nurse, Wanda.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

June 2012

Catherine Schoenberg, age 83
Cold Spring
August 24, 1928 – June 14, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Catherine Schoenberg, age 83, who died June 14th at Assumption Home.  Burial for Bill and Catie will be in the St. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Elrosa, MN at 2:00 p.m.   

Relatives and friends may call from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., June 29th in the Narthex of St. Boniface Church, Cold Spring.

Catherine was born in St. Cloud to Peter and Catherine (Ritter) Thome.  She married Wilfred Schoenberg on June 16, 1951 in Seven Dolors Church, Albany.  Catherine graduated from the St. Cloud Hospital Nursing program on Sept. 6, 1949.
 
Survivors include her children, Jim (Sue) of Edina, Steve (Cindy) of Elrosa, Mary (Rich) Daniels of Chaska, Pat (Peter) Taft of Cold Spring, and Bonnie (Mike) Bieringer of Buffalo;  sister, Loretta Hofman; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred (2010); brothers, Aloys and Albert; sisters, Hildegard Dierkes, Marcella Schneider, and Marie Lauer.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Harold W. “Butch” Jammes, age 58
Richmond
March 5, 1954 – June 15, 2012

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, MN for Harold W. Jammes, age 58, who died Friday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Cold Spring.
 
Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, and from 9:00 – 10:45 Thursday morning at the funeral home.
 
Harold W. “Butch” was born in Mayville N.D. to Harold M. “Smokey” and Louise (Johnson) Jammes.  He married Sandi M. McIlvaine on July 21, 1984 in Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley, MN.  Butch was an Independent Owner Operator, with more than 35 years of over the road trucking.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, playing cribbage, and watching Nascar, football, and baseball.  His greatest joys were spending time with his grandchildren and noisy, family Sunday dinners.

Survivors include his wife, Sandi; daughters, J.J. (Bob) Larson of Albany, Libby of Skagway, AK, Sarah of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Emma Lyn and Easton Gary Larson; father, Harold “Smokey” Jammes; sister, Susan Jammes, and beloved pets, Aiden and boat buddy, Kenworth.
 
He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Jammes; step-mother, Gladys Jammes, and father-in-law, Donald E. McIlvaine of St. Louis, MO.

Mathilda Wachmann, age 98
St. Martin
February 26, 1914 – June 12, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for Mathilda Wachmann, age 98, who died Tuesday at Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

A visitation for Mathilda will be after 4:00 p.m. Thursday (TODAY) at the St Martin Parish Hall in St. Martin.   Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with St. Ann’s Society, St. Benedict Rosary Society, St. Agnes Mission Circle, St. Paul’s Circle Our Lady of Fatima, and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 -10:30 a.m. on Friday in the parish hall.

Mathilda was born in New Munich, MN to Anton and Elizabeth (Herbes) Niehoff.   She married Henry Wachmann in New Munich. Mathilda loved baking homemade bread, cooking, playing cards with the mission groups, gardening, quilting, embroidery, and visiting with her family.

Survivors include her sons, Alvin (Marilyn) of Richmond and Norman (Pat) of St. Cloud; 5 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great- grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Eleanor Niehoff.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; daughter-in-law, Bernice; granddaughter, Judy Pauls; great-granddaughter, Courtney Schmitz, and 7 siblings.

Edward Martin Hemmesch, age 91
Richmond
October 2, 1920 – June 8, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Edward Martin Hemmesch, age 91, who died Friday at Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home, 151 Oakwood Ave. SE in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4 p.m., followed by a rosary with Catholic Order of Foresters and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Edward was born in Richmond, MN to Henry and Margaret (Fienhage) Hemmesch.  He married Leona Rothstein on April 24, 1946 in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Richmond, MN.  Edward farmed Northwest of Richmond.  He was an avid Twins fan.  Edward loved gardening, baking apple pies and angel food cakes.  His favorite pastime was playing cards with friends and family.  Edward’s grandchildren will remember him for playing games and fixing puzzles.

Survivors include children, Nicholas (Nettie), Jerry (Kathy), Eileen (Dave) Schwindel all of Richmond, Rosie (Daryl) Steil of Rockville, Alma (Rick) Hansen of Avon, Pauline (Joe) Hutton of St. Cloud, and daughter-in-law, Glenda Ruegemer of Richmond; brothers, Alex (Frances) Hemmesch, Cyril (Esther) Hemmesch all of Richmond; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Evelyn), Clarence (Pauline), Marcellus and Nicholas (Margie) Rothstein all of Richmond; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Margaret Hemmesch; wife, Leona (Rothstein) in 1976; son, Robert in 1977; great-grandson, Darrien Hansen in 2003; brothers, Erwin, Harold and Norbert Hemmesch; sister, Loretta Klehr.

Duane R. Dingmann, age 58
Albany
December 17, 1953 – June 6, 2012

Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, MN for Duane R. Dingmann age 58 who died suddenly in Montana of natural causes.  Relatives and friends may call from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Ellsworth Cemetery, Darwin, MN.

Duane was born in Richmond and grew up in Farming, the son of Leonard and Leona (Ramler) Dingman.  He graduated from Albany High School.  “Shaggy” married DiAnne Coleman on September 23, 1989 but later divorced.  Duane was one of the fortunate ones who always loved his job, driving semi.  He especially loved his road trips with his son, Tyler and his two dogs, Freddie and Lexi.  In Duane’s spare time he enjoyed spending time with his best friend, Dennis Nordmann, motorcycling and camping.  When not driving semi he took pride in driving one of his many Pontiac Firebirds. 

Survivors include his son, Tyler; brothers and sisters, Allen (Athleen) Dingman of Freeport, RoseAnn (Duane) Bauer of Waite Park, MaryJane (Craig) Treat of Mpls, MaryLou Wallis of Mpls, Marlin (Rita) Dingman of St. Joseph, and many nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Memorials preferred.

Irene A. Stein, age 99
Cold Spring
January 8, 1913 – June 6, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Irene A. Stein, age 99, who died Wednesday at the Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Irene will be from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Monday morning in the St. Boniface Church Narthex. 

Irene was born in Cold Spring, MN to Andrew and Clara (Maehren) Schneider.  She married Veach Stein on July 31, 1934 in St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring.  Irene was a homemaker who loved sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting and playing cards.  She was a member of St. Boniface Church, Christian Women, St. Julian Mission Group and the Cold Spring American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her children, Janet Benson of St. Cloud, Robert (Joan) of Cold Spring, Susan (Mike) Hammer of Cold Spring, Ralph (Mary) of Richfield, Linda “Liz” (Chuck) Unterberger of Watkins; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Veach; 3 infant children; 4 brothers and 1 sister.

Memorials preferred to Assumption Home.  Arrangements by Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Adrian Schmit, age 80
Cold Spring
July 22, 1931 – June 3, 2012

A funeral service will be 12:00 noon Friday, June 8, 2012 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, MN for Adrian Schmit, age 80, who died Sunday at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring.

Relatives and friends may call 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.

Adrian was born in Cold Spring, MN to Michael and Christine (Palmersheim) Schmit.  He attended St. Boniface High School and served in the U.S. Army.  Adrian was a Golden Glove Boxer and Minnesota State Heavy Weight Champion.  He was a carpenter by trade living in St. Paul, MN, Chicago, IL, Kalispell, MT, Tucson, AZ and then returned to Cold Spring.  Adrian was a colorful character who lived life to the fullest and loved his family and friends deeply.

Survivors include his daughters, Helen Schmit Cusack (Woody) of Cold Spring, Vicki Meyer (Chas) of Richmond; grandchildren, Kyle and Connor Cusack, Aaron, Paul, and Emily Meyer; his dog , Tiger IV; brothers and sisters, Geraldine Benson-Zimmer (Werner) of St. Cloud, Roger (Barb) of Northbrook, IL, Joe (Marilyn) of Hopkins, MN, Fran (Mary) of St. Louis Park, Mary Ann Hermanutz (Notch) of Rockville, and Chuck of Santa Cruz, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his dogs, Tiger I, II, III; two nephews and one niece.

May 2012

Suzanne Marie Wilhelm, age 67
Richmond
July 31, 1944 – May 31, 2012

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Services will be private in accordance with Suzanne’s wishes.

Suzanne was born in Red Wing, MN to Harold and Armaline (Bourgeois) Rothfork.  She married Adolf Wilhelm on June 25, 1971 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell, MN.  Suzanne loved life and her family; she will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her husband, Adolf; sons, Chris (Nita), Ryan, and Shane; grandson Brandon; siblings, Mary Rothfork, Judy Rothfork, Bill (Alice) Rothfork, Michaeline (Dave) Hollander, Pete (Patti) Rothfork, and MaryAnn (Kurt) Larios.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and 2 brothers, James and Thomas Rothfork.

Memorials preferred.

Ida M. Schaefer, age 99
St. Martin
April 1, 1913 – May 28, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for Ida Schaefer, age 99, who died Monday at Assumption Nursing Home.  Burial will be in the St. Martin Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Ida will be after 4:00 p.m. Friday at the St Martin Parish Hall in St. Martin.   Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with St. Martin Christian Women and Rosary Society.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the St. Martin Parish Hall. 

Ida was born in St. Martin, Minnesota to Michael and Anna (Schmitz) Mehr.  She married Henry Schaefer on June 1, 1936 in St. Martin Catholic Church.  Ida was a hard worker and was known for her great work ethic.  She loved quilting and gardening.  Ida will be remembered for her cooking and baking, especially her apple strudel and home baked bread.  She was a member of St. Martin Parish, Christian Women, and Rosary Society.

Survivors include her children, Cyrilla Nohner of Eden Valley, Lucy (Allan) Hess of Cold Spring, Gloria Boie (Arnie Wolf) of Paynesville, Julie (Norbert) Waldorf of Spring Hill, Jeanette (Kenneth) Lahr of St. Nicholas, LeRoy (Alice) Schaefer of St. Cloud, and Marcia (Darwin) Kulzer of Loretto; son-in-law, Clarence Schwieters; sister, Esther (Marlyn) Libbesmeier); brother, Frank Mehr, and sister-in-law, Hildegard Mehr.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Henry (May 26, 1984); daughter, Iverna Schwieters; son, Mark Schaefer; daughter-in-law, Doris Schaefer; sons-in-law, Adrian Nohner and Glen Boie; brothers, John, Jacob, Mathias, and Bernard; sisters, Helen Wieber and Anna Mae Huppert, and grandchildren, Bruce Nohner and Mary Lahr.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff and caregivers of Assumption Home for the great care and friendship they provided Ida. 

Donald “Don” Ruprecht, age 85
Cold Spring
July 2, 1926 – May 26, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Donald M. Ruprecht, age 85, who died Saturday at Hilltop Care Center.  Entombment will be in the St. Anne’s Parish Cemetery, Kimball.

A visitation for Don will be after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Kimball Knight’s of Columbus and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Wednesday morning in the St. Boniface Narthex. 

Don was born in Eden Valley, MN to Paul and Rose (Schmit) Ruprecht.  He married Rosina Stommes on June 2, 1949 in Holy Angels Catholic Church in St. Cloud.  Don farmed in Watkins until his retirement.  He loved gardening, fishing, and playing cards.  He was a member of Catholic United Financial, Kimball Knights of Columbus, and Rocori Senior Center.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Rosina; children, Alan (Mary Pat), Sue, Kevin (Nancy), Charles, Dennis (Kim), Margaret (Bob) Pearson, Sharon Rose, Kimberly (Josh) Hanan; 14 grandchildren; 1 step-grandson, and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawrence, Arthur, Roman, and Paul Jr.

Vera A. Theisen, age 85
Annandale
September 17, 1926 – May 25, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Vera Theisen, age 85, who died Friday at the Annandale Care Center, where she has resided since 2007.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Vera will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 3:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with the VFW and American Legion Auxiliary.  Visitation will continue from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Thursday morning in the St. Boniface Narthex. 

Vera was born in Kimball, MN to Arthur and Grace (Mayer) Gulso.  She graduated from Kimball High School in 1944, and married Leander Theisen in 1946.  They resided in St. Paul and West St. Paul for 40 years, where Vera worked for the State of MN Dept of Transportation for 27 years.  Leander passed away in 1986, and Vera moved to Cold Spring in 1997.  With her health failing, she moved to Annandale to be closer to Patricia, their only child.  Vera was a member of Cold Spring VFW and American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by her daughter Pat (Chuck) Stoppelman; grandchildren, Bryan, and Lisa (Daniel) Weck, both of Maple Grove, MN; half-sister, Mavis Magnuson; half-brother, Irven Magnuson; sisters-in-law, Loretta Schreifels and Sally Maile; brother-in-law, Al (Carol) Theisen; several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; brother, Wayne Gulso; sister, Elnora Newman; half-brothers, Darrell and John Magnuson, and sisters-in-law, Eileen Theisen, Vonnie Magnuson, and Virginia Magnuson.

Eldred Paul Schlangen, age 64
Richmond
February 3, 1948 – May 20, 2012

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 23, 2012 for Eldred Paul Schlangen who died of heart failure Sunday, May 20, 2012.  Mass will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery.  There will be a gathering of relatives and friends one hour prior to mass at the church.

Eldred “Eldy” was born to Raymond and Irene (Hommerding) Schlangen on February 3, 1948 in Richmond, MN.  He was employed at various times by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, an Iowa farm, Cold Spring Granite Company, and Manion's in St Joseph, MN.  He was retired for the past three years.  Eldred was a member of the Catholic Aid Association and served in the Air Force for four years.  His greatest joys were his nieces and nephews and his great nieces and nephews.
 
Eldred is survived by his mother, Irene of Richmond; siblings, Donna Zierden, Al (Suz), Pat (Marlys), and Rosemary, all of Richmond, Dale (Janelle), and Ken (Laura) of Watkins, Sharon (Jim) Opatz of Kimball, and Julie (Dave) Nordvik of Royalton; in-laws, Ben Witte of Brainerd and Carolyn Schlangen of Newton, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by children, Heather, Jason, Jimmy, and Dale of Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Raymond; sister, Bernadine Witte (2005); brother-in-law, Don Zierden (2002), and brother, Vernon (2010).

Veronica Minnerath, age 85
Jacobs Prairie
November 10, 1926 – May 18, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church in Jacobs Prairie, MN for Veronica Minnerath, age 85, who died Friday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 7:00 p.m., followed by a rosary with the St. Boniface Christian Women.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home.  

Veronica was born in Frazee, MN to Clemens and Helen (Bovy) Markfort.  She married Daniel Minnerath on October 15, 1951 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph, MN.  Veronica was a homemaker who loved crocheting, knitting, gardening and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of St. James Parish.

 Survivors include her children, Dave (Ruth), Karen and Janis all of Cold Spring; grandchildren, Glen (Aimee) Minnerath and Angie (Rob) Spitzley; great-grandchildren, Grady, Sawyer and Lainey Minnerath, Nora and Sydney Spitzley, step-brothers, Elmer (Rosie) Hechtel and Norbert (Louella) Hechtel; sisters-in-law, Isabel Markfort, Frances Minnerath, Betty Zwack, Rose Mary Minnerath, Renee Ressemann; brother-in-law, Alfred Minnerath.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel; parents; step-father, Nick Hechtel; siblings, Sr. Theresa Markfort, O.S.F., Leo, Tony (Evelyn) and Al Markfort.

Verina K. Hennen, age 82
Rockville
April 10, 1930 – May 17, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2012 at Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville, MN for Verina K. Hennen, age 82, who died Thursday at her home.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Mary of Immaculate Conception Christian Women.  Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home.

Verina was born in Collegeville to John and Catherine (Jansen) Ressemann.  She married Oliver Hennen on July 16, 1949 at St. John’s in Collegeville.  Verina was a cook for several restaurants in the area.  She loved to knit and was a member of Mary of Immaculate Conception Parish and the Christian Women.

Survivors include her husband, Oliver; sons, Oliver Jr. (Mary) of Pine Tree Grove, IL, John (Liz) of St. Cloud, Mark (Betty) of St. Cloud, Alois (Becky) of Elsmore, KS, Luke of St. Cloud, Mathew of Rice, William (Karen) of Avon; daughters, Margaret Smith of Cold Spring, Ann (Craig) Nelson of Monticello, Mabel (Ken) Schmitz of St. Augusta, Eileen (Rich) Rebella of St. Augusta; sister, Lucille Neu; sisters-in-law, Renee Ressemann, Jackie Ressemann; 41 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers; 6 sisters; grandson, Cory Hennen. 

John M. Kolb, age 72
St. Martin
October 10, 1939 – May 6, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for John Kolb, age 72, who died Sunday at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.  Burial will be in the St. Martin Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for John will be after 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the St Martin Parish Hall in St. Martin.   Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with St. Joseph’s Society and Knights of Columbus.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Friday morning at the St. Martin Parish Hall. 

John Kolb was born on October 10, 1939 to Michael and Margaret (Arceneau) Kolb in the old Richmond City Hospital.  He attended Paynesville High School and St. Cloud State College until he started farming on the century farm homesteaded by his great grandfather in 1861.  He married Theresa Schmit on July 16, 1966 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minden Township.  He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society, and Knights of Columbus since 1958.  John and Theresa worked together on the family farm.  Their children in 4-H showed their cattle at the State Fair and World Dairy Expo.  John was president of the Irrigator Association of Minnesota for sometime and on the board of directors until he retired.  He was presented the Minnesota State Irrigator of the year award.  He also received a plaque and was recognized by Who’s Who Among American Farmers.  He served on the Munson Township Planning Board until he retired because of poor health.  John was a member of the St. Martin City Band for over 50 years and belonged to the Musician Union until his retirement.  He played in various small bands and enjoyed playing at large ballroom dances with the Merry Makers Band.  He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Theresa; children, Bernice (Nathan) Gerstner of Greenfield, Michael (Tanya) of Paynesville, Dale (Noreen) of West St. Paul, Alan of Richmond, David (Nicole) of Paynesville, Cheryl (Mark) McKee of St. Paul, Leon (Kimberly) of Richmond, Janell (Curt) Duppong of Dickinson, ND, Leanne (Brian) Anderson of Maple Heights, OH, Melissa (Stephen) Stang of Belgrade, Jason of Richmond; sister, Valeria (Herb) Hoppe of St. Cloud; brother in-law, Richard Nahan of St. Cloud, and 17 grandchildren.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy, Ursula Nahan, and brother, Elmer.

April 2012

Denis H. Doll, age 80
Richmond
July 30, 1931 – May 7, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Denis Doll, age 80, who died Monday at Hilltop Care Center.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by a rosary with the Richmond Fire Department, Richmond Lions, and Catholic Order of Foresters.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Denis was born in Richmond, MN to Joseph and Elizabeth (Mehr) Doll.  He married Carolinda Walz on August 16, 1952 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Cold Spring, MN.  He served in the Armed Forces from 1952 – 1954 as a Corporal.  Denis worked at the State Bank of Richmond his entire life.  He loved the outdoors, especially his purple martens.  He was an avid collector.  Denis was a member of the Richmond Fire Dept., Richmond Lions, Chamber of Commerce, and Catholic Order of Foresters.
 
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Carol; sons, David, Richard, Robert (Anita Schneider), Daniel (Terisa Buttweiler); daughter, Sandra (Ronald Christenson); 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Alex Didier, and daughter-in-law, Diane (Ruprecht) Doll.   

Lawrence Gregory Willenbring, age 91
Cold Spring
March 11, 1921 – May 3, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Lawrence G. Willenbring, age 91, who died Thursday at his home in the comfort of his family.  Fr. Cletus Connors and Fr. Elmer Torborg will concelebrate the services at St. Boniface Catholic Church.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Lawrence will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Monday morning at the funeral home. 

Lawrence was born to Henry and Margaret (Koetter) Willenbring on March 11, 1921 in Richmond, MN.  He served in the U.S. Army in Germany October 2, 1944 - August 13, 1946 as an interpreter and officer’s escort, delivering court subpoenas.  He married Monica Schramel on September 7, 1948 in Cold Spring, MN.  He was employed for 34 years by the Cold Spring Granite Company and retired in 1983.  Lawrence received his honorary high school diploma in 2000 at the age of 78. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Monica; 4 daughters, Beverly (Charles) Konz, Connie Leathers, Marcia (Shawn) Weber, and Faye Leither; 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Lawrence was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic United Financial (Richmond, MN), Cold Spring American Legion, and the World War II Last Man’s Club of Cold Spring, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 18 brothers and sisters, and 1 grandchild, Nadine Konz.

Military honors will be provided by the Cold Spring Legion members, Frank Kray Post #455.

Geraldine H. (Ehresmann) Lis
Cold Spring
August 2, 1923 – October 19, 2011

Graveside services for Geraldine H. (Ehresmann) Lis will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery in Cold Spring.  Geraldine was born in August 2, 1923 in St. Joseph, MN, the fifth of fifteen children born to Peter and Miriam (Kear-Zieglmeier) Ehresmann.  She died October 19, 2011 in Columbia, South Carolina  surrounded by her family and dear friends.

Survivors include her children, Robert L. (Theresa) Baxter and Deborah M. (Joseph) Pounder; her grandchildren, Daniel J. (Nell) Pounder, Kenneth A. Baxter; great-grandchild Leah Grace Pounder; and her brother Richard Ehresmann.

Arrangements with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.

Michael “Mike” Kuhl, age 57
St. Cloud
June 22, 1954 – April 15, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Michael Kuhl, age 57, who died Sunday at Quiet Oaks Hospice.  Inurnment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Mike will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning in the St. Boniface Narthex. 

Mike was born in St. Martin, MN to Odo and Bernelda (Noll) Kuhl.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1972 until 1974.  Mike retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2010, after 30+ years of service.  He was an avid reader and loved playing cribbage and solving crossword puzzles.  Mike was a boy scout and a die hard Twins fan.

Survivors include his mother, Bernelda of Cold Spring; siblings, Judi Mertens of St. Cloud, Mari of Denver, CO, Linda (Don Warner) of Eden Prairie, and Ron (Shannon) of Sartell; four nieces and nephews, and three great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Odo; brother-in-law, John Mertens, and niece Angela Warner.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hauge and the entire Oncology staff at the St. Cloud Hospital along with the staff at Quiet Oaks Hospice for the exceptional care given to Mike.

Gloria P. Meyer, age 51
Cold Spring, formerly of St. Joseph
May 8, 1960 – April 13, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Gloria Meyer, age 51, who died Friday at Assumption Home, Cold Spring.  Entombment will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by a rosary with the Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Gloria was born in Richmond, MN to Leander and Regina (Theis) Meyer.  Gloria worked for the Cold Spring Granite Company, American Express, Bankers Systems, and Stearns County National Bank, St. Cloud.  She also worked as a Veterinarian Tech.  She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and Catholic United Financial.

Survivors include her brothers, Lawrence (Kathy) of Richmond, Fredrick (Diane) of WA, Maynard (Chicky) of St. Joseph, Dave (Linda) of AZ, and Tom of St. Martin; sisters, Maxine (Leonard) Nowacki of Brooklyn Park, Jan Schneider of Waite Park, Ione (Bunny Sand) of Cold Spring, Grace (Bob) Klaphake of Albany, and Terri (Gerald) Schmit of Avon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leander and Regina Meyer; nephew, Danny Meyer; niece, Amy Goerger, and great-nephew, Henry Meyer.   

Richard Douvier, age 75
Farming
December 4, 1936 – April 12, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 16, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for Richard Douvier, age 75, who died Thursday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the St. Catherine’s Parish Cemetery in Farming.

A visitation for Richard will be after 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the St Martin Parish Hall in St. Martin.   Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Monday morning at the St. Martin Parish Hall. 

Richard was born in Farming, Minnesota to Richard and Mary (Woebkenberg) Douvier.  He married Marcella Jonas on October 14, 1964 in St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin.  Richard enjoyed farming and playing cards. He also loved to fix things in his shed and could fix anything from curling irons to farm equipment, which earned him the title of “Master Tinkerer”.  He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Marcella; children, Doreen of St. Cloud, Ron (Sheri) of St. Joseph, Gary of St. Cloud, Linda of Melrose, Julie (Matt) Nienaber of Sartell, Brian of St. Cloud, and Jason (Amanda) of Farming; brother, Val (Olga) of Farming; sister, Martha (Art) Miller of Albany, and Adeline Cox of Lafayette, MN; grandchildren, Cole, Tyler, Kyle, Tristan, Devin, Logan, Zachary, and Makayla.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen (1985); parents, Richard and Mary; sisters, Theresa Christen and Christine Bloch; brothers, Bernard, Gregor, Lawrence, Leonard, William, and John.

Maxine “Max” Gruenke, age 80
Cold Spring
February 13, 1932 – April 5, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Maxine Gruenke, age 80, who died Thursday at the home of her daughter’s family, Michelle and Dieter Pape.    Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Maxine will be after 4:00 p.m. Friday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring. 

Maxine was born in Ladysmith, WI to Raymond and Lucille (Moreau) Jacques.  She married Pirmin Gruenke on April 19, 1952 in Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Ladysmith, WI.  Maxine worked as an executive assistant and in office/administrative positions.  She loved her family and kept busy with her home, yard, and friends.

Survivors include her children, Steven R. (Maureen) Gruenke, Michelle M. (Dieter) Pape, and three grand-children, Garrett, Mariah, and Dawson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pirmin and her parents.

Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society.

Mary Ann Schmitt, age 76
Richmond
January 17, 1936 – April 2, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Mary Ann Schmitt, age 76, who died Monday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4 p.m. Monday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by a rosary with the St. Josephs Mission Group, St. Gerard Mission Group, Christian Women and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home.

Mary Ann was born in Richmond, MN to William and Anna (Gertken) Schneider.  She married Raymond Alois Schmitt on October 2, 1956 in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Richmond, MN.  She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, St. Gerard Mission Group, Catholic United Financial, and Christian Women.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond, children, Tom (Kathy), Vern (Sheri), Bruce (Shirley), Lou Ann Adams (Vern Ahles), Denise (Scott) Wolfe, Dean (Jodi Kinn), Lori (Tim) Primus; siblings, Valeria (Othmar) Braegelmann, Evarista (Ben) Ruegemer, Florentine (Anselm) Schefers; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Randy; brothers, Norbert, Raymond, Robert; sister, Velma

Donald M. Lipinski, age 82
Superior
November 8, 1929 ~ April 1, 2012

Donald was born in Cold Spring, MN on November 8, 1929 to Paul and Emma (Schug) Lipinski. He attended and graduated from St. Boniface High School in 1947 and soon after enlisted in the US Army. After serving his country, Don moved to San Francisco where he worked in the mailroom of Retail Credit Company which is now known as Equifax. Through his tenacity he rose through the ranks of the company where he eventually headed up a large regional division. In 1952 he was united in marriage to Margaret Pearl Patrick. The family relocated to Duluth in 1969 where Donald continued working for the company. During this period he bought the Lake Nebagamon Dairy Queen. In 1972 he purchased Bridgeman's in Pike Lake. Throughout the years this location served as many businesses including a restaurant and bar. In 1977 Don built the Superior, WI Dairy Queen and soon after purchased the Dairy Queen in Pike Lake. In 1985 he retired from Equifax to focus more on his thriving businesses. Don relished life and his interests and passions were countless. He was the epitome of the self made man. His generosity, kindness, love for family and friends, honesty and leadership will be forever remembered and cherished. From his children: "Dad we worship the ground you walk on. We love you."

He is preceded in death by his parents; son Michael Young and his two brothers Loren and Paul Jr.

Donald is survived by his wife Margaret; children, Christopher (Yoko) Young of Anchorage, AK, Tom (Peggy) Lipinski of Hermantown, Joseph (Sharon) Lipinski of Stillwater, MN, Mary (Dr. James III) Deegan of Superior, WI; grandchildren,  Michael, Kevin, David, Chris Jr. Janie, Neica, Daniel, Joshua, Lindsay, Elizabeth, Steven, Meghan, Ine, Sean, Matthew, Caitlin, Bridget and Michael; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Charlotte and Django; brothers, Dale and William; sister Sheila (Chuck) Lord as well as many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 2316 E. 4th St. Superior with Fr. James Tobolski presiding. Inurnment will be at Sunrise Cemetery in Hermantown. 

March 2012

Roger J. Dingmann, 56
St. Cloud
July 1, 1955 ~ March 23, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in St. Cloud, for Roger J. Dingmann, age 56, of St. Cloud, who passed away at his home surrounded by his family and friends on Friday, March 23, 2012. Reverend Timothy Baltes will officiate. Burial will take place in Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday and after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Roger was born July 1, 1955 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Arnold and Dorothy (Buerman) Dingmann. He graduated from Rocori High School in 1973. Roger married Mary Kinzer on August 2, 1975 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in St. Nicholas. Roger worked as a Division Manager for First Choice Food & Beverage Solutions. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

Roger loved his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and hunting. Roger also enjoyed spending time in his garage and wood working.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary; beloved children, Tony (Meghan), Ashley (fiancé Matt Ruter) both of Sartell; granddaughter, Sophia; mother, Dorothy of Cold Spring; brothers and sisters, Judi (Ralph) Schreiner, Karen (Keith) Anderson, Dave (Karen) Dingmann, Ruth (Roger) Eickhoff, Charlie (Michelle) Dingmann, Steve (Theresa) Dingmann, Ione (Gary) Leither; father and mother-in-law, Sylvester and Olga Kinzer; sister-in-laws, Eileen (Joe) Hansen and Diane (Joe) Streit; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold; and nephew, Nicholas; and grandparents.

Roger's entire family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who has extended their love and support during this difficult time

Roger M. Kuechle, age 58
Eden Prairie, formerly of Cold Spring
January 16, 1954 – March 23, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in St. Nicholas, MN for Roger Kuechle, age 58, who died Friday at his home after a valiant 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

A visitation for Roger will be after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.   Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Wednesday morning at the church. 

Roger was born in St. Cloud, MN to Alois and Teresa (Blasius) Kuechle.  He married Carol Kerzman on August 22, 1981 in Assumption Church in Eden Valley, MN.  He graduated from Rocori High School and attended Dunwoody Institute for brick masonry work.  He served in the army reserves and worked as a home builder.  Roger was an outdoorsy guy who enjoyed fishing, camping, and snowmobiling.  He was a sincere and kind person with a great sense of humor, and a very devoted family man.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; children, Justin (Jessica Miano), and Ashley; grandson, Robby; brothers and sisters, Valerian (Carolyn), Victoria (Henry) Kohorst, Beatrice (Bernard) Imholte, Kevin, Michael (Shirley), and Harold (Kathleen).

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Margie Kerzman, and sister, Patricia Kuechle.

Phillip Joseph Dockendorf, infant
Cold Spring

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville for Phillip Dockendorf who was born into eternal life March 20, 2012 at the St. Cloud Hospital.  A visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. Saturday morning at the church.  Burial will be in the St. John the Baptist Parish Cemetery, Collegeville.

Phillip is the son of Kevin and Lynn Dockendorf and brother of Ryan, Emily, Thomas, Rachel, Luke, and Anne. His grandparents are Elaine Eiynck of Collegeville and Rita and John Mehr of Greenwald; aunts and uncles, Darryl (Heidi) Eiynck of Avon, Marvin (Amy) Eiynck of Avon, Neil (Peggy) Eiynck of Albany, Lora (Matt) Fourre of Albany, Gary (Mary Kay) Eiynck of St. Anna, Greg (Jamie Dee) Eiynck of Collegeville, Kristi (Matt) Pullins of Avon, Sue (Luke) Rushmeyer of Albany, Jamie (Chad) Soennecker of Albany, Rich (Cindy) of Champlin, Alvin of Greenwald, Karen (Mike) Gavin of Cold Spring, Connie (Randy) Hansen of Brooklyn Park, John (Kristy) of Melrose, Kathy (Steve) Gilk of Greenwald, Joe Wenker of Minneapolis, Steve (Ann) Wenker of Royalton, Sharon (Rich) Gaebel of Albany, Mark Wenker of Sauk Centre, Mary Wenker of Sartell, Barb Kennedy of Sartell, Jim (Michelle) Wenker of East Bethel, Theresia (Paul) Berglund of St. Paul, and many cousins.

Phillip is preceded in death by his grandpas, Eugene Eiynck, Ervin Dockendorf, and Herbert Wenker, and four siblings.

Father Hugh Witzmann OSB, 84
Collegeville
March 15, 1928 – March 17, 2012

Father Hugh Reuben Witzmann, OSB, died on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the Saint John’s Abbey Retirement Center.
Reuben Aloysius Witzmann was born on a farm near Cold Spring, Minnesota, on March 15, 1928, the second of seven children of Benedict and Philomena (Diel) Witzmann. He went to country school near Cold Spring until his eighth grade when he attended Saint Boniface grade school. Reuben entered the novitiate of Saint John’s Abbey in 1948, receiving the religious name, Hugh, and professed vows as a Benedictine monk on July 11, 1949. In 1951, Hugh received a BA degree in philosophy and mathematics from Saint John’s University, and was ordained a priest on June 4, 1955.
After ordination he taught in the Saint John’s Preparatory School and in Saint John’s University mathematics department. Father Hugh developed a desire for studying art and enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he earned an MFA degree in 1963.

Father Hugh became an instructor of art history, sculpture, photography, and design at Saint John’s University from 1961-1997. Father Hugh also provided pastoral ministry on weekends in many local parishes and in the Twin Cities.
Father Hugh is survived by brothers, Otto and Bernard; sisters Julia Piechowski, and Sister Clare, OSB, of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, Saint Joseph; nephews and nieces, and the community at Saint John’s Abbey. He was preceded in death by his brother Milton and sister Josephine.
The Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, March 23, 3:30 p.m., at Saint John's Abbey Church with interment in the abbey cemetery. Memorials in honor of Father Hugh may be directed to Saint John’s Abbey Health and Retirement Fund.

Larry Klassen, age 59
St. Cloud
March 9, 1953 – March 16, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for Larry Klassen, age 59, who died Friday at the Talahi Care Center, St. Cloud.  A visitation for Larry will be from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the church.  Burial will be in the St. Martin Parish Cemetery.

Larry was born in St. Cloud to Alois and Marie (Moscho) Klassen.  He liked to listen to music and have books read to him.  Larry loved outings, going to Camp Friendship, and being with family, friends, and caregivers at REM Fernwood.  His outstanding personality was infectious to all who met him.  He was a member of St. Martin Parish and Catholic United Financial.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Veneel (Roger) Mehr of Twin Falls, Idaho, Athleen (Allen) Dingman of Freeport, Robert Klassen of Albany, Jean (Gene) Haider of Elrosa, Mary Kay Klassen of Little Falls, and Tom (Sue) Klassen of Maple Lake; 9 nephews; 6 nieces; 17 great-nephews, and 9 great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; sister, Linda Klassen, and niece, Sandra Haider.

Helen Luella Moe “Grandma Honey”, age 85
Bemidji
March 7, 1927 – March 16, 2012

Helen was born at home on March 7, 1927 in Cayuga, North Dakota to Harry and Marie (Fust) Silverthorn.  As a young girl the family moved to Bemidji where she attended country school and worked hard on the farm.  She was an excellent seamstress and worked for Munsingwear and JC Penney.  She married Arnold Moe on March 28, 1947.  They had two children, Diane and William, and foster children, Kathy, Joy, and Randy.  Together they purchased and operated Dewey Funiture until their divorce in 1983.  Helen loved spending time with family and friends to whom she was loving, generous, loyal and honest.  Her grandchildren and great-grandsons would light up her face.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh, dance, play cards, sing and yodel, garden, feed and watch birds, crochet, and sew.  Helen was a great cook and was always busy keeping her home and yard immaculate.  She married Don Pritchett November 18, 1995.  Together they traveled and spent winters in Texas where she enjoyed tending her roses.  They divorced in 2009 after she had a bout with cancer.  She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Women of the Moose, American Legion Auxiliary, and a Charter Member of the Eagles Auxiliary. 

She is survived by her children, Diane (Duane) Lodermeier of St. Cloud, and William (Merri Barrett) of Bemidji; grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Hansen of Cold Spring, Blaise (Stacie) Lodermeier of Roberts, Montana, and Billy Lodermeier of St. Cloud; great-grandsons, Braken Boden, and Tryg Hansen of Cold Spring; brother, Virgil (Faye) Silverthorn of Bemidji; sisters, Mabel Dewey of Bagley, Ardella (Clarence) Lindseth of Bemidji, Luella (Neal) Lindseth of Bemidji, Virginia (Al) Williamson of Silver Bay, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Arnold Moe; brother and sister-in-law, Lester (Ann) Silverthorn; sister and brother-in-law, Verna (Luther) Sheets, Sisters, Irene Sellin, Elaine Silverthorn, and infant sister, Carol Jean.

Following her wishes, a memorial service for family will be at a later date.  She will live forever in our hearts.  

Arrangements were entrusted with Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.

Wilfred “Willie” W. Hansen, age 94
Cold Spring
September 8, 1917 – March 12, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Wilfred Hansen, age 94, who died Monday at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Burial will be in the Little Falls Veterans Cemetery.

A visitation for Wilfred will be after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning at the funeral home. 

Willie was born in Jacobs Prairie, MN to John and Mary (Sand) Hansen.  He married Margaret Korn on February 1, 1949 in St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring.  Willie served in the Army from 1941 – 1945 in the European Theater.  He worked at The Wenner Co. as a plumber for 19 years.  In 1964 he started Hansen Plumbing & Heating, until his retirement in 1979.  Willie was Key Master of St. Boniface church for 20 years.  He loved playing cards, bowling, baseball, and collecting cans.  Willie also enjoyed snowblowing, mowing lawns, and gopher trapping.  He was a member of St. Boniface parish, Catholic United Financial, and the Cold Spring American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Margaret; children, Robert of Cold Spring, Betty (Mark) Philippi of St. Cloud, Mary Lou (John) Klaers of Willmar, Rosie (Bob) McClenahan of Cold Spring, Alen (Patricia Sundland) of St. Cloud, Michael of Cold Spring, Lorraine (Gabe) Schmitz of Cold Spring, Bernice (Kurt) Kunkel of Luxemburg; sisters, Rosina, and Mary Ann, and brother, Lawrence; 22 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and 11 brothers and sisters.

Pastor Astor Gary R. Clayton
Cole Camp, MO formerly Cold Spring & Austin, MN
March 6, 1937 ~ March 11, 2012

Pastor Gary R. Clayton, of Cole Camp, MO died Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Cole Camp following a brief residence there. 

He was born on March 6, 1937 in Austin, MN to Richard and Henrietta (nee Fick) Clayton and grew up on the family farm outside Brownsdale, MN.  He was received into God’s family as he was washed in Holy Baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit on April 4, 1937 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, MN with Pastor W. F. Milbrath officiating.  His baptismal sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fick.  He was Confirmed in his baptismal gifts and prepared to receive the Lord’s Supper through his Confirmation, which took place on June 17, 1951 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, MN with Pastor P. L. Friedrich officiating. His confirmation verse was 2 Timothy 3:14.

Pastor Gary Clayton was united in Holy Matrimony to Marilyn Sue (nee Meyer) on October 25, 1971 at Trinity Lutheran Church.  This marriage was blessed with four children:  Rev. Kirk (and Lori) Clayton of Mascoutah, IL; Becky (and Eric) Hipple of Collinsville, IL; Richard (and Jennifer) Clayton of Concordia, MO; and Rachel (and Todd) Martens of Concordia, MO.  He was further blessed with 11 grandchildren:  Johnathan, Mathew, Nathaniel, Abigail, and Isaiah Clayton of Mascoutah, IL; Peter, Anna, and Benjamin Hipple of Collinsville, IL; Jaxson Clayton of Concordia, MO; and Shilah and Claira Martens of Concordia, MO.  His wife, children, and grandchildren all survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers—Donald (in infancy) and Robert Clayton, and one sister—Pauline Clayton.  He is survived by one brother—David (and Judy) Clayton and two sisters—Dorothy Meyer and Garda (and Jesse Kunkel) of Concordia, MO, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

He served as a teacher and principal of Trinity Lutheran School in Winfield, KS from 1960 until 1967 when he enrolled in Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, IL.  Following a vicarage at Concordia Lutheran Church in Wilmington, DE, he was ordained as a Pastor in the Office of the Holy Ministry at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, MN on June 20, 1971.  He then served as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, MO from 1971 through 1978.  He then moved to Cold Spring, MN to serve as pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church until 1981 when he was called to serve as pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Fulda, MN.  In 1989 he accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Concordia MO.  In 2002 at the age of 65 Pastor Clayton “refocused” his service in the ministry to become the Assistant Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp MO, where he continued serving actively until the time of his death.  In addition to his service to congregations, Pastor Clayton also served the church in three terms as a Vice President of the Missouri District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod from 2000 until 2009.  He was an accomplished musician who loved to sing and play piano and organ.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 in the sanctuary of Trinity Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, MO from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Following the visitation a prayer service will be held at the church.  A second visitation will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Concordia, MO from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The funeral service celebrating the victory of Jesus Christ over death and the joy of the resurrection will then be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Concordia, MO at 3:00 p.m. on March 17, followed by burial at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Concordia, MO.  Participating in the service will be Rev. Dr. Ray Mirly, President of the Missouri District of the LCMS, Rev. Dr. James Kahltoff, President Emeritus of the Missouri District of the LCMS, Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan of Concordia, MO and  Rev. Michael Boothby, Rev. Allen Braun, and Rev. Todd Kollbaum of Cole Camp, MO.  Pallbearers will be David Clayton, Greg Kunkel, Jeff Kunkel, Brad Kunkel, Kent Kunkel, Jesse Kunkel, and Paul Brandt.  All attending clergy will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Fox Funeral Home in Cole Camp, MO.  Memorial donations are suggested for: The Endowment Fund of Trinity Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, MO; The Endowment Fund of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Concordia, MO; St. Paul’s Lutheran High School; or The Lutheran Hour. 

In this time of grieving, the family takes great comfort in the words of Jesus Christ recorded in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”

Loraine Ludivig, age 94
Cold Spring
July 10, 1917 – March 10, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Loraine Ludivig, age 94, who died Saturday at Cherrywood Advanced Living, Richmond.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Loraine will be after 4:00 p.m. Friday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 10:00 – 10:40 a.m. Friday morning in the St. Boniface Narthex. 

Loraine was born in St. Martin, MN to Edward and Katherine (Schleper) Kollmann.  She married Ray Ludivig on September 12, 1938 in St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring.  She was a wonderful homemaker, seamstress, and pie maker.  Loraine loved fishing, camping, and entertaining.  She was an adventurer and dedicated care giver.

Survivors include her sons, Robert of Albany (fiancée, Mary Wolf), John (Marsha Trobec) of Arvada Co.; 6 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; special friend, Nick Johannes; sister, Mary Ann; brothers, Art, and Jerry, and daughter-in-law, Joyce.

Susan G. Olmscheid, age 94
St. Martin, formerly Shoreview
March 10, 1917 – March 9, 2012

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for Susan G. Olmscheid who died Friday at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Susan will be from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Monday at the St Martin Catholic Church. 

Susan was born in St. Martin, Minnesota to Joseph and Mary (Hageman) Burg.  She married Anton Olmscheid on November 19, 1949.  Susan worked for the Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Paul.  She was a member of the Church of St. Odilia of Shoreview, MN.

Survivors include sister-in-law Olivia Burg and 24 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Anton; brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Clara Burg; brother and sister-in-law, Alois and Marion Burg; brother and sister-in-law John and Adeline Burg; brother Anton Burg; and niece Judith Hoppe.

Rose C. Stommes, age 91
Cold Spring
December 13, 1920 – March 4, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Rose C. Stommes, age 91, who died Sunday at her home surrounded by her family.  Entombment will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Rose will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Catholic United Financial, Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Boniface Christian Women and St. Julian Mission Group will pray a rosary at 4:30 p.m. Parish prayers will be at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue in the St. Boniface Church Narthex one hour prior to mass on Thursday.

Rose was born in Richmond, MN to Henry C. and Elisabeth (Vogt) Geers.  She married Alois G. Stommes on June 28, 1949 in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond.  Rose loved to crochet, quilt, craft, garden, read, bake and cook for her family.  She was a wonderful artist, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Rose was active with the St. Boniface Catholic Church helping where and whenever she could.  She was a member of St. Boniface Parish, Catholic United Financial, American Legion Auxiliary, Catholic Order of Foresters, Christian Women and St. Julian Mission Group.

Survivors include her husband, Alois “Al”; children, Ken (Mary), Wally (Diane), Cathy (John) Clapp, Marguerite “Peggy” (Jerry) Losinski, David, Anita Noska; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward, Frank, Bernard, Alois, Joseph, Henry G., Raymond; sister, Veronica Manuel and granddaughter Tamara Noska.

Feburary 2012

Rogaria Mary Mehr, age 89
St. Martin
September 18, 1922 – February 28, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2012 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, MN for Rogaria Mehr, age 89, who died Tuesday at the Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Rogaria will be after 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the St Martin Parish Hall in St. Martin.   Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  The St. Ann’s Society, Catholic United Financial, the St. Martin Mary of Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony Christian Women will pray a rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Monday morning at the St. Martin Parish Hall. 

Rogaria was born in St. Rosa, Minnesota to John and Frances (Fisher) Bueckers.  She married  Robert P. Mehr on May 29, 1944.  Robert died on April 17, 1999.  Rogaria was a farmer’s wife and a homemaker all her life.  She loved to listen to Polka music, go to old time dances, play cards and listen to Cliff Mitchell on KASM Radio Station.  Rogaria was a member of St. Ann’s Society, a 50 year member of Catholic United Financial, a 50 year member of St. Martin Christian Women, a lifetime member of Mary of Immaculate Conception Christian Women of Rockville, and Christian Women of St. Anthony.
 
Survivors include her children, Arlene (James) Faber, Diana (Thomas) Goebel, Matthew (Rosemary) Mehr; sisters, Leona Kleinfhen, Bernice Marthaler; 17 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Frances; children, Rose Mary Mehr, Rodney Frank Mehr; siblings, Margaret Bueckers, Adeline Atkinson, Erma Gerads, Clemens Bueckers, Walburga Rakotz, Alfrieda Gerads, Mathias Maurice Bueckers, and Leroy Bueckers.

Donna Jane Peterson, age 83
Cold Spring, formerly of Duluth, MN
December 10, 1928 – March 1, 2012

Memorial services will be private at Peace Lutheran Church in Cold Spring for Donna Jane Peterson, age 83, who died Thursday at Assumption Home.

Donna Jane was born in Lennox, SD to Fred and Beaulah (Helm) Petersen.  She was a loving Mother and Grandmother who loved doing crafts and singing.

Survivors include her children, Jeffrey (Judi) Babcock of Lake Oswego, OR, Judith (Dan) Stauty of Cold Spring, Lincoln (Sarah) Bjorkman of Westport, CT; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Judith (David) Jerde.

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Harold W. Rosenow, age 85
Waite Park
April 24, 1926 – February 25, 2012

Memorial services will be 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church in Cold Spring, MN for Harold W. Rosenow, age 85, who died Saturday at home surrounded by his family.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church prior to the services.  Arrangements were entrusted with the Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.

Harold was born in Forest City township in Litchfield, MN to Otto J. and Adelhaid (Ramthun).  He married Eunice Jacobson in November, 1944.  Harold was inducted into the Army, spending 18 months in Japan.  After returning from service he started in the trades as a plumber.  He moved to St. Cloud and was employed by Weidner Plumbing and Heating for 35 years.  Harold also worked for 10 years as a custodian for Peace Lutheran Church until his retirement in 2010.

Harold was a lifetime member of the St. Cloud Moose and Eastside VFW #1847.  He was also a member of the Waite Park American Legion, a charter member of the Rockville Sportsmen’s Club and a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Cold Spring.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice; 3 children, Judy (Jerome) Miller, Janelle (Mark) Eveslage, and Kevan (Joyce) Rosenow; sisters, Gloriette Wimmer of Litchfield, Elda Krupke of Paynesville, Rosetta Strohm of Palm Springs, CA, and Ardis Rogers of Henderson NV; brothers, Henry of Richmond, and Richard of Tracy, CA; 6 grandchildren, Aaron, Jason and Vanida Miller, Travis and Heather Eveslage, and Kaleb Rosenow; 7 great-grandchildren, Landon, Kristin, Kendra, Emilie, Ethan, Nolan and Callan Miller.  Harold is also survived by his beloved cat Squeakie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pearl, and an infant son, Dennis.

Thank you from the family to Dr. Stephen Reichl and his nurse Joan and the wonder Hospice staff.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. 

Kathryn Portilla-Trettel, age 46
Coon Rapids, formerly of Cold Spring and Chicago, IL
April 23, 1965 – February 23, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 p.m. Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Church of St. Stephen, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka, MN for Kathryn Portilla-Trettel, age 46, who died Thursday at her home.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery, Cold Spring, MN.  

A visitation for Kathy will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish prayers will be at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Monday morning at the Church of St. Stephen, Anoka, MN. 

Kathy was born in Evergreen Park, IL to the late James and Dolores (Scherer) Trettel.  She married Miguel Portilla on July 31, 2010 in the Church of St. Stephen in Anoka, MN.  She graduated from College of St. Benedict in 1988.  Kathy was an art teacher, most recently as a substitute teacher for Anoka – Hennipen school district.  She was a member of Anoka American Legion Auxiliary Post 102.

Survivors include her husband, Miguel; sisters, Mary Beth, Carol (Joe Koziolczyk), Jean (Pat) Kilcoyne; nephews and nieces, Patrick (Gina) III, Christopher, Jillian, and Megan Kilcoyne; godson, Stephen Knecht, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was proceded in death by her parents.

Shirley Ann Harris, age 80
Cold Spring
October 2, 1931 – February 22, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Shirley Ann Harris, age 80, who died Wednesday at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Shirley will be after 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  St. Boniface Christian Women will pray a rosary at 5:00 p.m. followed by parish prayers.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Monday morning at the funeral home. 

Shirley was born in St. Cloud, MN to Charles and Mary (Condon) Eisenreich.  She married Bob Harris on May 19, 1951 in St. Cloud.  Shirley graduated from Cathedral High School and the College of St. Benedict with a degree in Music Education.  She and Bob taught music in Cold Spring for over 40 years.  Shirley was the director of the senior musicals at St. Boniface and Rocori High School from 1961-1993.  She loved singing and camping.  She was a member of St. Boniface Parish and the Cold Spring Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her children, Lisa (James) Simpson of Roberta, GA, Scott of Cold Spring; grandchildren, Nicole McDonald, Samantha Simpson, Patrick, Danielle, Timothy, and Zachery Harris; sister, Kae Vandeputte of Eagan, MN. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; brothers, Leonard, William, Leo, Clifford; and an infant sister.

Frank Alexander, age 49
Eagan, formerly of Cold Spring
March 22, 1962 – February 18, 2012

Frank Patrick Alexander 49, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by father Charles Alexander, and survived by mother Lois (Richard) Patch, siblings Mike Alexander, Diane (George Schieferdecker) Alexander, Peter (Julie) Alexander, nieces Katie and Ann Alexander, Eloise Schieferdecker and nephew Alexander Schieferdecker.

Frank enjoyed sailing, fishing and hunting, and loved spending time at Big Birch and Leech Lake. Dogs were his treasured companions. His many friends enriched his all-too-short life.

Special thanks to Dr. Dien and the Fairview Hospice Team, who provided treatment and comfort during Frank's last days. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: Fairview Hospice Fund, c/o Fairview Foundation, 2344 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN, 55108.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Saturday, February 25th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at Wenner Funeral Home, 600 Red River Avenue South, Cold Spring, MN.  There will be a reception at the Blue Heron Restaurant immediately following the memorial service.

Agnes Rothstein, age 84
Richmond
January 21, 1928 – February 12, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Agnes Rothstein, age 84, who died Sunday at Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  The Sts. Peter and Paul Christian Women will pray a rosary at 4 p.m.  Parish Prayers will be at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Agnes was born in Spring Hill, MN to Christopher and Anna Mary (Rausch) Blonigen. She married Richard H. Rothstein on September 13, 1949 in St. Martin Catholic Church, St. Martin, MN.  Agnes was a lifetime homemaker and partner with her husband on their family farm.  She was also well known for her angel food cakes, large strawberry patch, hand crocheted rugs, noodles, pickles and apple pies.  Agnes was always busy but never too busy to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Christian Women, Catholic United Financial, St. Isadore Mission Group, and Crosier Apostolate.

Survivors include children, Delroy (Donna) of Sauk Rapids, Michael (Mary) of Bovey, Isidore “Chip” (Teri) of St. Augusta, Mary Jo (Leo) Hemmesch of Lake Henry, Joseph (Lonnie) of Bovey, Rich (Carol) of Albany, Laura (Elmer) Lembeck of St. Cloud, Anthony (Joan) of Richmond, Stephen (Amy) of Ramsey; son-in-law, Charles (Jane) Torborg of Richmond; 29 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters and brother, Sr. Mary Adella Blonigen O.S.F., Catherine Hommerding, Marcella Gondringer, Christopher Blonigen; sister-in-law, Erma Blonigen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. (2004); daughter, Anna Mae Torborg (1986); sister, Mary Becker; brothers, Leo, Clodoald, Joseph, and Aloysius. 

Mary Margaret Wiese, Age 59
Richmond
October 2, 1952 - February 11, 2012

Mary Margaret Wiese passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Mary Wiese, will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 713 12th St. SW in Willmar.  A merry fest with tasty food, lively conversation, laughter, and fun will follow the service.  Arrangements are handled by Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Mary was born October 2, 1952 in Willmar, Minnesota to Walter and Ernestine (Merkel) Kokesch. Mary was raised in Willmar, graduated from Willmar High School, and earned a degree from Concordia College in St. Paul, MN.  She married Thomas Wiese at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willmar on September 8, 1973.

Mary and Tom owned Daisyfields Floral in Willmar prior to her employment with Northwestern Bell and AT&T in St. Cloud. Mary then became a Career Counselor for Stearns-Benton Employment and Training Council, a job she held until her recent retirement.

A creative expert with a sewing machine, Mary enjoyed completing many projects for her friends and family. As a member of “La Table,” she used her talents to help raise funds to benefit the Minnesota chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Mary was also a member of Laureate Omicron, a St. Cloud chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International. A devoted wife and loving mother, Mary also cherished her role as a hockey mom.

Survivors include her husband, Tom Wiese of Richmond, MN; son, Andrew Wiese of Minneapolis, MN; mother, Ernestine Kokesch of Willmar, MN; sister, Karen Hanson (Don) Hanson of Rice, MN; brother, Paul of Danube, MN; mother-in-law, Nettie Wiese of Hancock, MN; sister-in-laws, Sandy Pahl (Delven) of Hancock, MN and Susan (Lyle) Gregerson of Starbuck, MN and many other relatives and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Walter Kokesch of Willmar, MN and father-in-law, Joseph Wiese of Hancock, MN.

The family of Mary Weise would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud Hospital Hospice, and Assumption Home in Cold Spring for their compassionate care of Mary.

In life, Mary was not one of those people you met once and forgot.  So while she is no longer here with us on earth, we ask that her radiant persona, kind nature, and fun loving ways be not forgotten.  May her spirit and sparkle live on!

The family requests memorials to The Mary Wiese Fund of Visual Arts Minnesota.  Contributions can be made at the funeral or sent to: 10405 Ferry Point Place NW, Rice, MN 56367.  Mary was pleased to know a memorial would be established in her honor to support programs she had enjoyed in life. These programs will encourage women to continue exploring and expressing their creativity.  Visual Arts Minnesota is a 501.c3 organization

Eugene Kron, age 86
Richmond
February 18, 1925 – February 6, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Eugene Kron, age 86, who died Monday at Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Friday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Parish Prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by a rosary with the Catholic Order of Foresters.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Eugene was born in Richmond, MN to Jacob and Mary (Braegelmann) Kron.  He married Mabel Koenig on October 27, 1959 in St. Mary’s Help of Christian Church, St. Augusta, MN.  Eugene and Mabel were married 41 years.  He was a farmer and enjoyed Ice Fishing, Spearing and playing cards.  Eugene was a member of Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include his daughter Doreen (Charles) Chirhart; grandchildren, Nicholas and Amanda; sister-in-law, Frances Kron and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel (2001); grandson, Christopher; brothers and sisters, Nick, Elizabeth, Helen, Rose, Agnes, Gertrude, Claude, Leo and Othmar.

Memorials are preferred to Sts. Peter and Paul Education Endowment Fund. 

Cecelia Kohorst, age 93
Farming
January 22, 1918 – February 4, 2011

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Farming, MN for Cecelia Kohorst, age 93, who died Friday at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany. Burial will be in the St. Catherine’s Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Monday and from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond (151 Oakwood Ave. S.E.).  Parish Prayers will be at 7 PM followed by a rosary with the Christian Women, Catholic Aid Association and St. Francis Xavier Mission Group Monday evening at the Wenner Funeral Home.

Cecelia Christine was born in Farming, MN to Joseph and Anna (Lodermeier) Rausch. She married Leo Joseph Kohorst on October 2, 1940 in St. Catherine’s Church, Farming, MN.  Cecelia worked as a dietary aide at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home and was an avid quilter, card player and gardener.  She was a member of St. Catherine’s Parish, Catholic Aid Association, Christian Women, St. Francis Xavier Mission Group and Crosier Apostolate.

Survivors include her children, Henry (Vicky) of St. Cloud, Liola (Jim) Dold of Richmond, Mary Ann (Ken) Buttweiler of Avon, Beatrice (Greg) Vasterling of Cottage Grove, Ronald (Joyce) of St. Michael, Arnold (Jill Haffley) of Richmond, and Daniel (Barb) of Farming; sisters, Leona Statz of Richmond and Theresa Loecken of Melrose; 25 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; son, Harvey; parents; grandson, Leo “Lee” Kohorst; sisters, Mary, Elizabeth “Liz”, Catherine, and Margaret; brothers, Edmund, Alphonse, and Leander. 

Teresa M. Dingmann, age 85
Cold Spring
September 27, 1926 – February 4, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Teresa Dingmann, age 85, who died peacefully Saturday at home surrounded by her family.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery Richmond.

A visitation for Teresa will be after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be 8:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with the St. Boniface Christian Women.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home. 

Teresa was born September 27, 1926 in St. Martin, MN to Peter and Catherine (Lieser) Mandernach.  She married Albert Dingmann on June 2, 1947 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin.  After living in Richmond for several years, they moved to Wayzata, MN for 25 years and later moved back to Cold Spring, MN.  She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Boniface Christian Women and St. Julian’s Mission Group.  Her greatest joys were spending time with her family, playing cards, and quilting.  Her apple strudel and turkey dressing will be missed by many.
 
She is survived by her children, Patt (Larry) Froemming, Linda Dillman, Ken (Deb), Ivan (Diane), Rosie, Nick (Kim), Earl (Cindi), Harry (Deb Clark), Dianne (Lynn Spelman), Janice (Bill) Schloss, Kathy (Paul) Eidem, Paul (Julie), and Rob (Brian Miller); siblings, Br. Michael Mandernach, CSPX, Sr. Leonore Mandernach, OSB, Sr. Margaret Mandernach, OSB, Sr. Mary Mandernach, OSB, Br. Robert Mandernach, OSC, Cyril, Lillian Smith, and John (Dianne); sisters-in-law, Irene Schneider, Mildred Dingmann, Viola Dingmann, and Eileen Dingmann; 23 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. 

Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, Albert in 2002; sons, Jim, and infant son, grandson, Jacob; brothers, Joe, and Albert; sisters, Laverne and infant girl.

A special thank you to St. Cloud Hospital Hospice for their wonderful care given to Teresa for the past 6 months, with special thanks to Wanda, RN and Pat, PCA.

Catherine Tamble, age 85
Cold Spring
February 11, 1926 – February 2, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN for Catherine Tamble, age 85, who died Thursday at the Assumption Home.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery.

A visitation for Catherine will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home. 

Catherine was born in St. Martin, MN to John and Rose (Schaefer) Ehresmann.  She married Alfred Tamble on May 21, 1949 in St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin.  Catherine was a wonderful mom.  She loved being with her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Catherine was a member of St. Boniface Parish and Christian Women.

Survivors include her children, Janice of Duluth, Sandy (Gary) Vogt of St. Joseph, Jack (Mary Jo) of Monticello, Jim (Cindy) of Waite Park, Gordon (Patty) of Cold Spring, and Barb (Scott) Bell of Cold Spring; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Joan) Ehresmann, and sister, Dorothy Dold . 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred (1989); brothers, Romauld, and Donny, and sister, Juletta.

January 2012

Edmund “Ed” Plantenberg, age 82
Richmond
May 5, 1929 – January 27, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Edmund “Ed” Plantenberg, age 82, who died Friday at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Monday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with the Catholic Order of Foresters.  Visitation will continue from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home.

Ed was born in Richmond, MN to Edmund T. Sr. and Irene (Zumwalde) Plantenberg. He married Irene Backes on September 6, 1950 in St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Farming, MN.  Ed was co-owner of Plantenberg’s in Richmond until his retirement in 1991.  He enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, trapshooting, snowmobiling, golfing and anything outdoors.  Ed dearly loved his family and grandchildren.  He served 29 years with the Richmond Fire Dept. and was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years Irene; children, Tom (Cathy), Pam Murphy, Gene (Ute); 4 grandchildren, Megan, Brian, Jennifer and Emily, and 5 great-grandsons.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Joan Worm.

Memorials preferred.

Peter Molitor, age 91
Richmond
April 29, 1920 – January 26, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Peter Molitor, age 91, who died Thursday at the Assumption Nursing Home, Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m followed by a rosary with the Richmond Knights of Columbus and Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Peter was born in Rockville, MN to George and Elizabeth (Theis) Molitor. He married Hildegard Zimmerman on October 15, 1946 in Assumption Parish, Eden Valley, MN.  Peter loved to tell stories about the past and was an avid gardener, especially growing herbs to make his own seasonings “Pete’s mixture”.  He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, canning, cooking, and watching All Star Wrestling. 
 
Survivors include his children, Melvin (Linda) Molitor of Coon Rapids, David Molitor of Orondo, WA, Janice Molitor of St. Cloud, Kathy Dietman of Kimball, Allen (Lisa) of Clearwater, Linda (Bill) Phillips of Cold Spring, Lisa Hansen of Cold Spring; 15 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth (Theis) Molitor; wife of 65 years, Hildegard; son, Duane; siblings, Elizabeth Molitor, Genevieve Mumm, Michael Molitor, and Joseph Molitor. 

Ethelyn “Lynn” Engel, age 85
Cold Spring
January 4, 1927 – January 24, 2012

Mass will be held Saturday January 29th at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring at 10:30 a.m.  Relatives and friends may call Friday evening from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Wenner Funeral Home, 600 Red River Ave. S., Cold Spring.  After battling cancer fiercely for over a year, Lynn died peacefully surrounded by her family.

Lynn Engel was born Ethelyn Carol Johnson in St. John, North Dakota to Irene and Al Johnson. She  attended Valley City teacher’s college and became a school teacher at Kindred, ND elementary school where she met and married Angelo John “Jay” Engel on April 23, 1949.   They moved to Cold Spring, MN to be near St. John's University and The College of  St. Benedict and to  teach together at St. Boniface High School – Lynn, Phy Ed and Jay, Music and Band.

Lynn and Jay raised seven happy successful children. They instilled the values of education in all of their children; Lynn's philosophy for raising children relied on love and humor (and iodine); she was never one to use harsh discipline.  Lynn and Jay then retired to spend summers at the Lafayette Resort and winters in Hemet, CA.  After Jay’s death, Lynn spent winters in Mesa, AZ near several of her brothers. 

Lynn was an avid golfer and was a founding member of Rich-Spring Golf Club. She had a love for singing, was an excellent card player and a fearless chaser of bullies. She believed in fairness with a vengeance.  Lynn played in the same bridge club for 50+ years and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #455 Cold Spring, and St. Boniface Christian Women.  She never wanted to be the center of attention but could not be ignored.

In 1969, Lynn and her nine siblings established the Lafayette Resort on Big Birch Lake, MN. The resort remains the summer family gathering place for four generations, which includes hundreds of Lynn’s and her siblings' descendents.

Lynn is survived by nine siblings; Elaine (Gordy) Caldis, Duane "Bud" (Ann) Johnson, Ray (Caryl) Johnson, Ben (Marilyn) Johnson, Lee (Betty) Johnson, Larry (Marilyn) Johnson, Brian (Susan) Johnson, Marna (Brad) Keith, and Brad Johnson and Larry Chaput.  She is also survived by her seven children; Virginia (Robert) Becker, John (Carol), Valerie "Puddy" (Greg) Hamilton, Kay Taylor, Kurt (Terri), Greg (Susan), and Shelley (Kyle) Torvinen; 17 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, with a ninth on the way.

Lynn is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Jay on December 24th 1993.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society in the name of Lynn Engel.

Irmund Willenbring, age 93
Richmond
June 22, 1918 – January 23, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2011 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Irmund Willenbring, age 93, who died Monday at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.  Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with Catholic United Financial.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Friday morning at the funeral home.

Irmund was born in Richmond, MN to Henry and Margaret (Koetter) Willenbring.  He married Amanda Brinker on April 29, 1946 in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  Irmund farmed north of Richmond and worked at the Cold Spring Granite Company for 27 years.  He enjoyed farming, woodworking, fishing, tinkering, find a word puzzles, playing cards, reading and being with his family.  Irmund was a member of Catholic United Financial.

Survivors include his children, Steven (Barb) of Spanaway, WA, Wanda (Marvin) Frie of Upsala, Nancy (Roger) Elfering of Albany, Alan (Joan) of Richmond, Karen (Bill) Hennen of Avon; son-in-law, Math Schmitz of Belgrade; 26 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brother, Lawrence.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Amanda; daughter, Linda; 4 grandchildren; 17 brothers and sisters. 

Nelda M. Moser
Cold Spring
December 7, 1912 - January 22, 2012

Services celebrating the life of Nelda Moser, age 99 of Cold Spring, will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 28 at the First Presbyterian Church, 373 4th Ave S. St Cloud. Burial will be in North Star Cemetery. Nelda died Sunday at the St. Benedicts Senior Center in St. Cloud. There will be a visitation from 4-8:00 PM Friday at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud and again after 10:00 AM Saturday at the church in St. Cloud.

Nelda was born December 7, 1912 in St. Cloud to Wilhelm and Helma (Abbe) Miller. She graduated from high school and married Willibald (Bill) Moser on October 14, 1932. The couple lived in St. Cloud until moving to Cold Spring in 1962. Nelda was a homemaker raising her daughter. Nelda loved to garden and fish and she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in St. Cloud.

Nelda is survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband on June 8, 1994; her daughter, Doris Mae Mendel on May 17, 2007; her great-grandson, Rhett Reiter, and her brothers and sisters, Leona Miller, Albert Miller and John Miller.

Carla Susan Meyer, age 58
St. Cloud
June 11, 1953 – January 22, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, MN for Carla Susan Meyer, age 58, who died Sunday at Talahi Care Center.  Burial will be in the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may call from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond.

Carla was born in Richmond, MN to Albert and Darlene (Ganzer) Feldhege.  Carla loved being a mother and grandmother.  Her hobbies included bingo, card playing, and shopping.  Carla will be most remembered by her “warm smile” that greeted all.
 
Survivors include her son, Chet Meyer; daughter, Stacy Meyer; grandchildren, Nathan Meyer, Mariah Serwa, CJ Meyer, and Malika Meyer; brothers, Dave Feldhege and Tom (Linda) Feldhege; sisters, Cheryl (Dave) Kammermeier, Beth (Alvin) Decker, and Lori (Denny) Mueller, and sister-in-law, Cyndi Feldhege.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Feldhege and sister-in-law, Pat Feldhege. 

Harold “George” Hickman, age 74
Watkins
November 26, 1937 – January 20, 2012

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Cold Spring, MN for Harold “George” Hickman, age 74, who died Friday at his home from cancer surrounded by his family.  

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Visitation will continue 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning at the funeral home.  

George was born in Lester Prairie, MN to Millard and Alice (Clark) Hickman.  He married Esther Brutger on November 26, 1960 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Eden Valley, MN.  George was a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for many construction companies throughout Minnesota and North and South Dakota.  He was a member of Local Union 49 Operating Engineers.

Survivors include his wife, Esther; children, Millard “Buck” (Jane), Warren “Pale” (Sandy), Dwayne “Hink” (Heather), Shannon “Mop Squeezer” (Brian) Dobbick; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 14 brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers and 1 sister. 

Alfred “Fritz” J. Kraemer, age 93
Cold Spring and formerly of St. Cloud
July 24th, 1918 ~ January 19, 2012

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Alfred “Fritz” J. Kraemer, age 93, of Cold Spring and formerly of St. Cloud, who passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at Assumption Court in Cold Spring. Reverend Thomas Knoblach will officiate. Burial will take place in Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud.

Family and friends may call after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Church in St. Cloud.

Fritz was born on July 24, 1918 in Luxemburg Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Adam and Mary (Stein) Kraemer. He served honorably in the United States Air Force during WWII. Fritz married Lorraine Corrigan on October 14, 1954 in Deulm, Minnesota. He worked for Franklin Manufacturing the majority of his life. Fritz was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

He enjoyed spending time at the Whitney Senior Center and wood working.

Fritz is survived by his brothers and sisters, Edwin, Sylvester, Othmar, Jerome, Bernadette Schreifels, Al, Judy (Don) DeWenter, Carol Kraemer, Bernard Kaiser, Math Kaiser, and Sylvester Kaiser; many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lorraine in 1990; brothers and sisters, Gebbard, Romuald, Sally, Alcuin, Marie, Cyril, and Mary.

Memorials are preferred.

Ervin V. Schmitz, Age 83
St. Paul, MN
May 15, 1928 – January 17, 2012

Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa
Great-Grandpa and Friend

Preceded in death by son Kevin, parents Ben and Cecilia Schmitz, brother George and sister Marie. Survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lorraine (Frank); children Steve (Kathy), Sheila (Mike) Peters, Mike (Cindy), Joe, Greg (Tracy), and Jim (Laura); grandchildren Lisa, Lindsay, Janessa, Ashley, Amanda, Lia, Nicole, Nathan, Michelle, and Calen; great grandchildren Aydin and Emma. Also survived by 5 brothers, 3 sisters, nieces, nephews and many other loving extended family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (Randolph at Albert Ave’s, St. Paul). Visitation 4-8 PM Sunday at O’Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home (575 S. Snelling Ave, St. Paul) 651-698-0796 and one hour prior to Mass at church Monday. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or donor’s choice.

Abbey Lucille Holthaus, infant
Cold Spring

Abbey Lucille Holthaus was born into eternal life January 10, 2012 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Abbey is the daughter of Ryan and Amanda Holthaus and sister of Bryce and Brayden. Her grandparents are Louie and Jane Schaefer of Cold Spring and Jerry and Linda Holthaus of Waite Park, aunts and uncles, Stacey and Andy Canfield, Louie Schaefer Jr., Darrin and Barb Holthaus, Shannon and Jim Aleshire, Tammy and Travis Welle, Amanda Holthaus and fiancé Eric Halland and seven cousins.

Services will be private.

Edmund “Ed” Massmann, age 87
Rockville
May 3, 1924 – January 1, 2012

Edmund A. Massmann, beloved husband and cherished father, passed from this world on New Years Day.  Despite suffering from cancer for the past 8 years, Ed remained a steady presence in his family home, up to the end showing the warmth and humor that characterized his life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rockville, MN.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday and from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning at Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.  Parish prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary with the Knights of Columbus.

Ed was born on May 3, 1924, in New Munich, Minnesota, to Henry Massmann and Mary (Eickhoff) Massmann, the third of eleven brothers and sisters.  He married Bernadine (Haider) on November 19, 1966, at St Margaret’s Church, in Lake Henry, Minnesota.

Ed was a dedicated and hard-working farmer his entire life, growing various crops over the years, as well as raising dairy cows on their farm in Rockville.  He was a proud member of Knights of Columbus and the Legion of Mary Auxiliary, as well as a parishioner at Mary of the Immaculate Conception, in Rockville.

He is survived by his wife Bernadine, his four children, Henry (Kathryn) Massmann, Ronald (Kathleen) Massmann, Mark (Mary) Massmann, and Julie (Scott) Reberg.  In addition, Ed was blessed with twelve grandchildren.  Three of them, Abraham, Bridget, and Jacob, greeted him when he left this world.  He leaves behind Amber, Katlyn, Edmund, Tiffany, Lawrence, Patrick, Alexandra, Samuel, and Kathrine.  He is also survived by four brothers and two sisters, as well as an abundant number of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. 

Ed lived a full and rich life of 87 years, committed to God, family, and country, and will be remembered by his bride and his children as a loving husband and father.  He was, like so many of his generation, a hard-working and dedicated godly man, who went about his responsibilities, caring for and supporting his family, raising them deeply in the Roman Catholic faith and loving them until his final day.