Mother > Paulette SCHULZ Podratz 10.23.2015

Dolores E. Schulz age 89 died on Friday, October 23, 2015 at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie, MN following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11AM at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley, MN. Visitation will be from 4-7PM on Wednesday at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Dolores Elda (Huwe) Schulz, 89, died October 23, 2015 at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s.

Dolores was born March 23, 1926 on the family farm in Effington Township, Ottertail County, the oldest of six offspring of Louis and Elda (Zimmerman) Huwe. She was baptized on April 18, 1926 at South Effington Church by Pastor Raedeke. Her sponsors were her grandparents Wilhelmine Zimmerman and Gustav Huwe. On July 2, 1939, she was confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church by Pastor H.L. Sprengeler. She attended country school through 8th grade at District 23, Leaf Valley Township. She attended her first year of high school in Parkers Prairie but finished her last three years of high school in Alexandria, graduating in 1944.

Dolores was married to Melvin Schulz at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Leaf Valley, October 15, 1944, by Pastor H.L. Sprengeler. She remained a member of Ebenezer throughout her life, serving as a Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher, a member of the Ladies Aid and a member of the choir.

Dolores was a stay at home mom, taking care of the two children while helping Melvin with the farm work. She also loved working in her huge garden and tending all her flowers planted around their house. In the late 1960s with her children grown, Dolores went to work in the Douglas County Sheriff’s office and remained there into the 1990s. Following her retirement, she continued planting and tending a huge garden and her many flowers. Dolores spent her entire married life living on the same farm site in Ida Township with Melvin until they entered St. Williams Living Center in 2005.

She is survived by son, Lynn (Sheila) Schulz of Morris; daughter, Paulette (Jerry) Podratz of Maple Plain; 6 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, George (Virginia) Ketter of Alexandria; sister-in-law, Mary Huwe of Alexandria, step-sisters Ann Louise (JB) Olmstead and Mary Wayne Dahl, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Melvin, her parents, daughter-in-law Diane Schulz, two brothers, three sisters, two brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law and step-brother Winston Darkow.

A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley with the Reverend Dennis Angland officiating. Kristi Wussow played the organ and Timothy Huwe was the soloist. Interment was at Ebenezer Cemetery in Leaf Valley. Pallbearers were Scott Schulz, Scott Persoon, Derick Podratz, Erik Terwey, Kevin Davis, Tim Huwe, and Kristopher Huwe. Honorary Pallbearers were Jeff Hagen, Marlene Froemming, Derose Froemming, and Harriet Schulz.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN.

Teacher > Joan ERDAHL Fjoslien 09.24.2015

 

Joan Carol Erdahl Fjoslien, 80, died at Bethany Home on the morning of September 26, 2015.

On Thursday, September 24, 2015, Joan was asked about going to class at the Alexandria Technical College. She wrote, "Absolutely I'm going to class. I feel PERFECT but have to struggle to stay awake." Bethany Home in Alexandria became Joan's home in March of 2006.

 

Joan was born December 20, 1934 in Morris, the daughter of Agnes (Sather) and Peter I. Erdahl. Joan was baptized on December 29, 1934, by the Rev. Sverre Torgerson. Her godparents were Aunt Mabel Sather and Uncle Richard Erdahl. Joan's Christian education was at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church at Donnelly, where she was confirmed by the Rev. Alfred Sevig on August 28, 1949.

 

Joan's education was at District #42 at Alberta School, and she graduated from Morris High School in 1953. She continued her education at Moorhead State College, completing her BS degree. Joan taught third grade in Elbow Lake Elementary School from 1955-1958. In 1958, Joan taught at Whittier School in Austin, Minnesota and finished her teaching career in the Alexandria Public Schools, teaching at Lincoln, Washington and Garfield schools. Joan retired from teaching in 1991.

 

Joan married David Owen Fjoslien at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church on December 26, 1965 on her parents' wedding anniversary. They purchased the Fjoslien family farm at Brandon that they operated until Dave's death in December of 2004. When Joan entered Bethany Home in Alexandria, the Fjoslien family home in Brandon was donated through Habitat for Humanity to a family in need.

Joan was involved and gave generously to many organizations with her time and donations. She was involved with various churches, fishing organizations, food shelves, historical societies, local charities, musical organization, nursing homes, pet programs, schools, teaching opportunities and other organizations of interest to herself or those she knew.

 

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Dave; infant brother, James Howard; and parents, Agnes and Peter Erdahl.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Lucille Fjoslien of San Francisco, CA; cousins, Russell (Eileen) Sather, Barbara (Bernie) Jahn, Carol Sather, Mick (Trish) Sather, Jim Sather, Barry Sather, Bonnie (Don) Sevre, Dorothy (Mike) Perry, Helen (John) Eidem, Betty Hilyard, Evelyn Rice, Bob Erdahl, Jean Gayle MacCallum, Donna Isabelle (Tracy) Black, Jim (Basha) MacCallum, Leland Erdahl, Lois Mac McMillan and Bev Erdahl. Blessed be her memory.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 2 at 1 p.m. at Bethany Home Chapel in Alexandria. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria

Classmate > Greg Thompson 08.29.2015

Gregory Mark Thompson age 67 of Alexandria died on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Essentia Health in Virginia, MN. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 2PM at the Living Word Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. 

Classmate > Carol HAUSKEN Ross 05.09.15

Born: December 06, 1948 Died: May 09, 2015 Services:  Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Filbeck-Cann & King Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Bethel Cemetery. Rev. Kyle Reeder will officiate. Visitation:  Friends may call after 11:00AM Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Filbeck-Cann & King Funeral Home. CAROL JEAN ROSS, 66, of Grand Rivers, KY passed away at 7:00PM Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Baptist Health of Paducah. Carol was born in Alexandria, Minnisota on December 5, 1948 to Arthur and LaJune Toft Hausken. She married Byron Hert on August 10, 1968. To this union one child was born on December 7, 1971, Dina Marie Hert. On July 25, 1982 she married Dwain Ross, whom preceded her in death. Carol worked for the Kentucky Division of Forestry for 30 years. Carol was a loving, caring person who was special to so many people and loved family celebrations. She was a #1 fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and was an active member of the Calvert City Eagles Club. She is survived by her granddaughter, Channey Hert of Grand Rivers, KY; two great grandchildren, Amya Dumas and Nate Hert both of Grand Rivers, KY; her mother, LaJune Toft Hausken of Alexandria, MN; two sisters, Marilyn Kay Callahan and Dorman of Bunker, MO and Janet Ann Getz and Jerome of Alexandria, MN; two brothers, Douglas Ray Hausken and Sharon of Brandon, MN and Kenneth Alan Hausken and Diane of Blaine, MN; many niece; many nephews and many friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwain Ross; one daughter, Dina Marie Hert; one infant son, Lawrence Hert; one sister, Joyce Ann Hausken; one brother, Richard Lee Hausken and a special niece, Nicole Marie Getz. Her father was Arthur Morris Hausken. Cemetery: Bethel Cemetery (Map) Location: Filbeck-Cann & King Funeral Home (Map) Send a Private Condolence to the Family

Classmate > George Joslyn 03.23.15

George Joslyn, 65, Mounds View, formerly of Fergus Falls, lost his 12-year battle against Lewy Body Dimentia in the comfort of his home on Monday, March 23, 2015.

He is the son of Marjorie Van Gorp of Alexandria.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 30 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine.

Arrangements are with Kozlac-Radulovich in Blaine.  ( http://www.kozlakradulovich.com/home.html )

Julie Westerfeld > Father 01.23.15

    Merle Westerfeld Jr., 90, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler, Arizona.

 

Merle was born on January 1, 1925 to Merle and Viola Westerfeld. He grew up in Alexandria, where he spent a lifetime serving others.

Upon graduating from Alexandria High School in 1943, he served his country in World War II for three years in the South Pacific. He then went on to attend the University of Minnesota for one year before returning to Alexandria to join his father in managing Westerfeld's Mobil Service. Merle retired in 1983. Merle was hard working and honest.

In 1948, he met and married Mary Jean Foley. They had two daughters, Julie and Joan. Mary contracted polio in 1950 while pregnant with Joan. Love and faith kept them together until Mary's death in 1982. Merle was devoted and loving.

Merle was very active in his community and church. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, the County Historical Society, and the Alexandria Museum. He also served in the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years. Merle was dedicated and courageous.

In 1984, he married Frances Reinhardt. They lived most of their retired lives in Sun City, Florida enjoying golf, travel and dancing. Merle was fun loving.

In 2003, Fran passed away and Merle continued to live in Sun City, Florida until a fall in 2012 changed the course of his life. He moved back to Alexandria and then in 2014 to Chandler, Arizona. Merle lived life to the fullest.

Merle is survived by his daughter, Julie Nelson, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Kathryn Anderson and Peggy Lundgren; wives, Mary and Fran; daughter, Joan Nelson; and step-daughter, Renee Reinhart.

Services were held on Tuesday, February 3 at 3 p.m. at St. Mary's Magdalene Catholic Church, 2654 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, Arizona. Father Ishaya Samaila presided over the service. Merle's ashes will be placed in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Jerry Rapp > Father 01.23.15

    Willie “Bob” Alfred Rapp was born September 7, 1925 to Willie H. and Alma (Schulke) Raap. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church for 89 years. Bob was baptized and confirmed at Zion and attended Zion Lutheran School through the eighth grade. He started working at a young age as times were hard before WWII. Bob was drafted in the Army in the fall of 1943 and began his term in January of 1944. He was atire rebuilder with the 4066th Quartermaster Truck Company in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations stationed at Fort Richardsen, AK. Bob was honorably discharged in May of 1946 at the rank of Staff Sargent.

On October 20, 1946, Bob married Frances LaVon Bennett the love of his life in Brandon, MN at Chippewa Lutheran Church. To this union three children were born, Jerry, Dennis and Jody. He loved roller skating and taking LaVon to big band dances at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood. Bob loved to waltz and was a very good dancer. In 1954, Bob and LaVon along with sister, Vi and brother-in-law, Andy purchased Interlachen Inn. They met many interesting people through the years and many friendships were made. They sold the Interlachen in 1984. Bob also had a bait and tackle business with cousin, Roger Schulke during the late 40’s and 50’s. He also had a business of buying and selling eggs and chicken’s for nearly 40 years, finally retiring in 1990. Since that time he has made numerous hunting and fishing trips with family back to Alaska. He was amazed by all the changes since being stationed there in 1946.

Bob was a kind and gentle man. He loved spending time with his wife of 68 plus years. During this time days were filled with family picnics, hunting, fishing, entertaining and just spending time at deer camp and the lake cabin.

Bob lost his battle to cancer on January 23, 2015 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, LaVon of Alexandria; sons, Jerry (Jane) Rapp and Dennis (Karen) Rapp both of Alexandria; daughter, Jody (Don) Johnson of Henning; grandchildren, Lane, Robbie (Michaela), Maggie (Ben) Jeremy, Kim (Dave), Jamie (Ryan), Jesse (John), Ben (Stacey), Julie, Jeffrey, and Ulli; great-grandchildren, Tatum, Ian, Riley and Peter; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Also he is survived by his German family, Sabina, Jürgen, Christian, and Ulli; and special hunting and fishing family friend, Don Borgman. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vi (Andy) Hanak, Margaret “Trixie” (Dick) Quitmeyer; brother, Gerald (Wilma) Raap; and many cousins.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church with Reverends David Hinz and Geoff Gronewold officiating. Interment was held at Kinkead Cemetery. Military Honors were provided by Alexandria Veterans Memorial Unit.

Memorials are preferred to the Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund
www.alexandriafuneral.net  

Gary Justice > Father 01.09.15

 Richard James Justice of Alexandria passed January 9, 2015. He was born February 20th, 1925, in Iron Mountain, Michigan to James T Justice and Marie Starry Justice. The Justice family returned to their home of Ashland, Wisconsin where Richard was raised and graduated from De Padua High School in June of 1943.
Upon graduation Richard was drafted into the US Army, into the 304th Port Company of the 519th Port Battalion. He was among those who made the Invasion of Normandy at Utah Beach and continued onto Antwerp, Belgium. Richard served from June 1943 until February 1946. He was awarded the bronze arrow-head for the Normandy Invasion, three battle stars, a French Crois De Guerre w Palm, the Belgian Order of the Day, a certificate from the city of Antwerp, and the Good Conduct Medal.
After his honorable discharge, he attended Northland college in Ashland, Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. In 1948 he married Jeanne A. Mesang, also of Ashland Wisconsin. In 1949 he graduated with a B.S degree in Agriculture and Science. He went on to teach vocational agriculture and was a veteran trainer for 5 years in Amery, Wisconsin. After teaching, Richard went to work for CENEX in 1955. He retired from CENEX in 1987, after a 32 year career in sales and marketing.
Richard and Jeanne were blessed with 8 children, 20 grand children and 23 great grand children. Jeanne passed in 1986 after 38 years of marriage. In 1988, Dick married long time friend Mabel Rise. Together they traveled extensively, including travels back to Europe with a visit to Normandy beach. Mabel passed in 2014, after 26 years of marriage.
Richard was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, where he served consistently over the years until health intervened. His faith was steadfast and served as his compass throughout his life. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Elks club.
Richard was gregarious and a joy to be around. He loved deeply and unconditionally the people in his life. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
While he seldom spoke of the war, he always took time to reunite with the close knit group of men from the 304th port company, until the latter “90’s“ and counted these men among his closest friends.
Richard’s passion was the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always enjoyed golfing and played cards to the end. He loved music and was a wonderful dance partner.
Richard is preceded in death by his sister Margaret (Babe) Erickson, parents James and Marie Justice, several aunts and uncles, wife Jeanne Justice, son Rick Justice, and wife Mabel Justice.
Richard is survived by sister Victoria Beirl (Richard), Appleton, WI; children Gary Justice (Cathy), Osakis; Judy Hall, Hopkins; Ted Justice (Sue), Alexandria; Vicki Elliott of Victoria; Mary Lachowitzer (Tony), Clitherall; Barbara Birrell (Mike), Austin,TX; Beth Weersing, Round Rock, TX; daughter-in-law Nancy Justice, Alexandria; and step-son Craig Rise (Anita), Fargo, ND.
Richard will be missed by his family and friends. As a friend said when told of his passing, “he was a wonderful, wonderful man and we will miss him”.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Tom Lempka > Mother 11.24.14

      Mary Theresa (Stein) Lempka was born on February 25, 1915 in Chokio, MN to Martin and Mary (Ruba) Stein. She graduated from Chokio High School. Mary then worked out in area homes babysitting, baking and cleaning.

On October 15, 1941 Mary was united in marriage to Roman Lempka at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio in a double wedding with her brother, Albert and his wife Florence. The family was blessed with two children, Julene and Thomas. The couple lived around Chokio farming for a few years where Mary was a homemaker, and then they moved to Milbank, SD. The family moved to Alexandria in 1953, where she continued to be a homemaker and helped her sister, Helen at her resort on Lake Andrew. In 1958, Julene died at the age of 15 from cancer. Mary went to work at St. Mary’s School in 1961, where she did janitorial and kitchen work and also worked on the playground. She retired in 1997.

Mary enjoyed dancing, playing cards and games. She loved gardening and spending time in the kitchen, cooking and canning. Mary always had the coffee going and goodies available.

Mary died on Monday, November 24, 2014 at Grand Arbor at the age of 99. She is survived by her son Tom (Margaret) Lempka of Alexandria; grandson, Scott (Kari) Lempka of Elk River; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Dean and Rosemary; sister, Helen Tarnowski of Rueter, MO; and many nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mary; husband, Roman; daughter, Julene; and brothers and sisters, Margaret, George, August, Agnes, Rose, Albert, and Joe.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, November 28, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria

Maureen Duitscher > Mother 11.23.14

Paul Wilbert Duitscher, 97, Fort Collins, Colorado, died November 23, 2014 in Fort Collins.

Paul was born February 15, 1917 to Peter and Annie "Korfe" Duitscher in Wright County, Iowa.

He was married to Ruth Kathryn "Fezler" Duitscher, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a daughter, Maureen Alexander of Byers, Colorado.

 

A memorial service was held Friday, November 28 at Parkwood Estates in Fort Collins.