Lila Gehrke passed away at the age of 88 at her home in Buffalo on Sunday, October 16, 2011.
She was preceded in death by her husband Orval and brother, Wally Swantz.
Lila was born on October 5, 1923 to Ed and Ida Swantz in Parkers Prairie. She graduated from Parkers Prairie High School.
She was united in marriage to Orval Gehrke on October 3, 1945 at the First Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. They moved to the Gehrke homestead, and she joined the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley, where she was an active member and served on the Church Ladies Aid.
Lila and Orval also started the first fire department in Leaf Valley. Lila served on the Firemen’s Auxiliary for many years. Lila lived on the farm until October 2010, when she moved to Buffalo to live with her daughter.
Lila was a very special person to many people. She farmed alongside Orval for 60 years on the family farm in Leaf Valley. They spent many hours working in their garden, and they loved to go moonlight fishing in the fall. Lila was very proud of her lawn and hedge, which she took care of until 2011.
Lila is survived by children Karen and (Bill) Bonebrake of Minneapolis, Susan Gehrke of Albertville, and Brenda Gehrke-Briggs and (Jim) Briggs of Buffalo. Grandchildren Scott and Andrea Bonebrake of Minneapolis, Kim and David Cornell of Farmington, and step-granddaughter Jennifer and James Kessler of Bismarck, ND. Great-granddaughters Kaitlyn and Marissa Cornell, Great-grandson Dane Bonebrake.
Funeral Services will be held at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley on Saturday, October 22, at 11 a.m. Visitation is at 10 a.m.
She will be missed by all!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Patty Bratton > Brother
Beryl joined the United States Merchant Marines and served on troop ships crossing the Atlantic. He was honorably discharged and returned to his parents’ farm near Holmes City. In 1948, Beryl met the woman he called “the most beautiful girl he had ever seen,” Dorothy Louise Gaulke of Wendell, MN, a classmate of his sister Bev at Morris Ag School.
They were married June 18, 1950. Beryl and Dorothy started married life in Sioux Falls, SD where their son Barry was born. They returned to Alexandria and added daughter Cindy to their family. Together they owned and operated the Viking Beer Gardens in Alexandria.
Beryl spent most of his life driving 18-wheelers and visited every state in the union. He started walking high steel in his 50s and worked circles around men half his age. Beryl and Dorothy lived in Alexandria until 1966 when they moved to Columbia Heights, MN.
In 1970, they moved to northern Minnesota near Bovey where Beryl was in the logging business. Beryl was a founding member and volunteer fireman, and served four years on the township board of Balsam Township. When their children both settled in Arizona, Beryl and Dorothy left Minnesota to be near their family.
Beryl was an avid collector of firearms and an award-winning marksman. He was a gifted orator with a wonderful memory for stories and poetry. A voracious reader, Beryl studied everything from history to archaeology. He also collected books, especially Louis L’Amour novels and read every one that was written. He loved a good joke, and for all his toughness would tear up unashamedly at a good sentimental movie, especially if children, heroes or dogs were involved.
He touched many lives and was always there for those who needed him. Beryl Bratton was an honest, loving, trusting, good hearted man. He will be forever missed by friends and family.
Beryl Bratton died Friday, August 5, 2011 with his wife of 61 years holding his hand as they walked together outside to get a breath of fresh air. He died standing tall and outdoors – the way he had lived most of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Bill Weisel; brother Larry and wife Shirley Bratton; sister LaRae and husband Doug Barros; sister-in-law Toby Bratton; nephew Rick Barros; Dorothy’s parents Gust and Esther Bensch; brother-in-law Arnie Nelson; Dorothy’s sister and brother-in-law Delores and Harvey Lohse.
Beryl is survived by his wife Dorothy; son Barry and wife Elsa Bratton of McNeal, AZ; grandson Ben and wife Sara Bratton and great-granddaughter Sierra Jade Bratton of Sierra Blanca, TX; granddaughter Kelley (Bratton) and husband Cory Hickman of Springfield, OR; Elsa’s daughters Veronica of Charlotte, NC and her three children, Valerie of San Antonio, TX and her son, Itxel and husband Jason De Lucy of Ramstein AFB, Germany; daughter Cindy and husband Bernie Michael of Sahuarita, AZ; and grandson Paul Michael of Phoenix; brother Leonard Bratton Jr. (Judy Sayther) of St. Louis Park, MN; sisters Beverly Weisel, Patty (Roy) Wicken of Alexandria and Bonnie (Gregg) Soderberg of Las Vegas, NV; and many nephews and nieces who thought of him as their forever hero; sister-in-law Marlene Nelson and family; brother-in-law Les and Bette Bensch of Ashby, MN; and the five daughters of Harvey and Delores Lohse and their families; godson Matt Nelson and goddaughter Wendy Weisel.
Memorial services for Beryl were held Thursday, August 11, 2011 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Poetter officiating. Military honors were provided by the American Legion and VFW.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Marlys Affeldt > Mother 09.29.11
Olga Affeldt, 84, died Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Diamond Willow in Alexandria.
Olga was born September 25, 1927 in Spruce Hill Township, the daughter of Gottlieb and Paulina (Gezell) Rieder. She was one of eight children. Olga attended kindergarten in Fairmont and elementary schools in Parkers Prairie and Garfield. She graduated from Central High School in Alexandria in June of 1946.
Olga’s first job was working at Travelers Inn Café as a waitress. She met her future husband Arthur Affeldt while working at Travelers. They fell in love and were united in marriage on September 1, 1946 in Garfield at St. John’s Lutheran Church parsonage.
The young couple bought their first home in Alexandria and began their new lives together. They were blessed with six children, Jeannie, Marlys, Wendy, Joseph, Mark and Rita. After the kids were in school, Olga went back to work as a waitress at Bill’s Broadway Café. She then went to work at Arrowwood Hotel and Resort in 1970 and retired from there in 1983.
Olga and Arthur built a home on Lake Jessie in 1974 to enjoy their retirement years. Together they enjoyed trips to casinos and long drives in the country to look for any signs of wildlife. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing a doe with her baby fawns or big bald eagles. Olga took many trips during the winter months with Arthur to Truth and Consequences, New Mexico, where Art loved to fish and Olga loved the scenery. Olga liked to tend to her gardens and was always ready to play a game with whomever would be ready to challenge her. Her favorite game was Triple Yahtzee. She loved her family and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Arthur Affeldt; daughters, Jeanie (Bill) Guenther of Spring Lake Park, Marlys Affeldt of Alexandria, Wendy Welle of Alexandria, Rita (Kim) Barros of Alexandria; son, Mark (Ann) Affeldt of Clearwater; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Emil Reider of Minneapolis; and sister, Marie Klicke of Howard Lake.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Carol Johnson and Rose Olson; brothers, Carl Rieder and Arnold Rieder; Bill Gezell; infant son, Joseph Affeldt; and grandson, Thomas Barros.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 1 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were John Kluver, Chris Guenther, Mark Affeldt Jr., Levi Barros, Austin Kluver and Richard Hemmelgarn. Honorary casket bearers were Jacob Barros and Scot Guenther.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
Olga was born September 25, 1927 in Spruce Hill Township, the daughter of Gottlieb and Paulina (Gezell) Rieder. She was one of eight children. Olga attended kindergarten in Fairmont and elementary schools in Parkers Prairie and Garfield. She graduated from Central High School in Alexandria in June of 1946.
Olga’s first job was working at Travelers Inn Café as a waitress. She met her future husband Arthur Affeldt while working at Travelers. They fell in love and were united in marriage on September 1, 1946 in Garfield at St. John’s Lutheran Church parsonage.
The young couple bought their first home in Alexandria and began their new lives together. They were blessed with six children, Jeannie, Marlys, Wendy, Joseph, Mark and Rita. After the kids were in school, Olga went back to work as a waitress at Bill’s Broadway Café. She then went to work at Arrowwood Hotel and Resort in 1970 and retired from there in 1983.
Olga and Arthur built a home on Lake Jessie in 1974 to enjoy their retirement years. Together they enjoyed trips to casinos and long drives in the country to look for any signs of wildlife. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing a doe with her baby fawns or big bald eagles. Olga took many trips during the winter months with Arthur to Truth and Consequences, New Mexico, where Art loved to fish and Olga loved the scenery. Olga liked to tend to her gardens and was always ready to play a game with whomever would be ready to challenge her. Her favorite game was Triple Yahtzee. She loved her family and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Arthur Affeldt; daughters, Jeanie (Bill) Guenther of Spring Lake Park, Marlys Affeldt of Alexandria, Wendy Welle of Alexandria, Rita (Kim) Barros of Alexandria; son, Mark (Ann) Affeldt of Clearwater; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Emil Reider of Minneapolis; and sister, Marie Klicke of Howard Lake.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Carol Johnson and Rose Olson; brothers, Carl Rieder and Arnold Rieder; Bill Gezell; infant son, Joseph Affeldt; and grandson, Thomas Barros.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 1 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were John Kluver, Chris Guenther, Mark Affeldt Jr., Levi Barros, Austin Kluver and Richard Hemmelgarn. Honorary casket bearers were Jacob Barros and Scot Guenther.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Robert Backman > Mother 09.03.2011
Glendiva was born during a terrible blizzard in the early morning of January 19, 1923 on her parents’ farm in Stony Brook Township in Grant County. Her parents were Iver Melaas and Tilla (Olsen Haugsrud) Melaas.
She was baptized and confirmed at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, Grant County. She received her education in country school District #70 ending in 8th grade, as was the custom for many farm kids. Her dream to become a grade school teacher was never realized, but she continued her education by reading newspapers and helping her children with their homework.
Glendiva worked on her parents’ farm and later in Elbow Lake at Rowdy’s Corner Café. On June 19, 1948, Glendiva was united in marriage to Mervin L. Backman. They made their first home in Elbow Lake in a house that was hand built by Mervin and his dad. They had three children, Robert, Richard and Michael. Between the 1950s and 1970s they moved several times throughout West Central Minnesota as required by Mervin’s job with the Minnesota Highway Department.
At each house they occupied, Glendiva loved to plant trees, bushes and, especially, lots of garden flowers. She cherished the occasional family trip to the North Shore, the Black Hills, Canada and, especially, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near Detroit Lakes. She loved the fresh air, the lakes, trees and untamed country areas.
They moved back to their hometown of Elbow Lake after Mervin retired in 1976 and later settled into their retirement home in Alexandria.
Glendiva was proud of her Norwegian heritage and had a lifelong passion for baking and was an excellent cook. She read the Bible daily and was an avid fan of her grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. Glendiva enjoyed visiting with family and friends and honored dozens of people each year by sending them birthday cards. In 2003, health reasons led her to move into the Knute Nelson memorial home in Alexandria. During the nine years at Knute Nelson, she enjoyed visiting, attending church services, reading and activities. She considered many of the staff of Knute Nelson her dear friends.
Glendiva is survived by her children, Robert (Lynda) of Moorhead, Richard (Colleen) of Woodbury and Michael (Virginia) of Benson; grandchildren, Julie (Kelly) Krabbenhoft, Jill (Chad) Eddy, Ryan (Annie), Megan (Mark) Luckhardt, Daniel, Anna (Andrew) Motzko, Ahren; three great-grandchildren, Steven, Noah and Elsie; cousin, Sylvia Nedreau; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mervin (1999); and her siblings, Alma Coleman, Hilda Straite, Inez Hellickson, Gea Hanson, Selma, Manton, Pearl Symonds, Mable Lindhom, Palmer, Johnny and Melvin.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, September 7 at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Peshek officiated. Interment followed at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers included Julie Krabbenhoft, Jill Eddy, Ryan Backman, Megan Luckhardt, Daniel Backman, Anna Motzko and Ahren Backman.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
She was baptized and confirmed at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, Grant County. She received her education in country school District #70 ending in 8th grade, as was the custom for many farm kids. Her dream to become a grade school teacher was never realized, but she continued her education by reading newspapers and helping her children with their homework.
Glendiva worked on her parents’ farm and later in Elbow Lake at Rowdy’s Corner Café. On June 19, 1948, Glendiva was united in marriage to Mervin L. Backman. They made their first home in Elbow Lake in a house that was hand built by Mervin and his dad. They had three children, Robert, Richard and Michael. Between the 1950s and 1970s they moved several times throughout West Central Minnesota as required by Mervin’s job with the Minnesota Highway Department.
At each house they occupied, Glendiva loved to plant trees, bushes and, especially, lots of garden flowers. She cherished the occasional family trip to the North Shore, the Black Hills, Canada and, especially, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near Detroit Lakes. She loved the fresh air, the lakes, trees and untamed country areas.
They moved back to their hometown of Elbow Lake after Mervin retired in 1976 and later settled into their retirement home in Alexandria.
Glendiva was proud of her Norwegian heritage and had a lifelong passion for baking and was an excellent cook. She read the Bible daily and was an avid fan of her grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. Glendiva enjoyed visiting with family and friends and honored dozens of people each year by sending them birthday cards. In 2003, health reasons led her to move into the Knute Nelson memorial home in Alexandria. During the nine years at Knute Nelson, she enjoyed visiting, attending church services, reading and activities. She considered many of the staff of Knute Nelson her dear friends.
Glendiva is survived by her children, Robert (Lynda) of Moorhead, Richard (Colleen) of Woodbury and Michael (Virginia) of Benson; grandchildren, Julie (Kelly) Krabbenhoft, Jill (Chad) Eddy, Ryan (Annie), Megan (Mark) Luckhardt, Daniel, Anna (Andrew) Motzko, Ahren; three great-grandchildren, Steven, Noah and Elsie; cousin, Sylvia Nedreau; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mervin (1999); and her siblings, Alma Coleman, Hilda Straite, Inez Hellickson, Gea Hanson, Selma, Manton, Pearl Symonds, Mable Lindhom, Palmer, Johnny and Melvin.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, September 7 at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Peshek officiated. Interment followed at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers included Julie Krabbenhoft, Jill Eddy, Ryan Backman, Megan Luckhardt, Daniel Backman, Anna Motzko and Ahren Backman.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Allan Chan > Mother 08.17.11
Jeanette Audrey Chan, 83, died Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Douglas County Hospital.Jeanette was born February 18, 1928 in Reno Township, the daughter of John and Mary (Tvrdik) Craig. She graduated from Central High School in 1946 and continued her education by attending teachers college in Glenwood. She then taught in Forada and Lake Rachel country schools.
Jeanette was united in marriage with Fred Chan on August 17, 1948 at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church near Lake Reno. Three sons and a daughter were born to them. Jeanette stayed at home to raise her children and taught them many lessons in life by the way she lived her own life. After her children had finished high school, Jeanette and her friend Wanda Karrow started their own business out of Jeanette’s home, called C&K Upholstery. She upholstered countless chairs, seat cushions, furniture and draperies over the years.
Jeanette was a great cook and enjoyed baking. She knew how to knit and sew clothes, mittens, and quilts. She also grew vegetables and flowers. Jeanette was an independent woman who knew how to solve problems and fix almost anything. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and ladies guild. She was also a member of the Alexandria VFW Auxiliary. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her children, Allan and wife, Pat Chan of Maple Grove, Jeffrey Chan and wife Lois of Lake Reno, Patricia and husband. Rick Peterson of Alexandria; six grandchildren, Alison (Jeff) Anderson of Spring Lake Park, Lindsey Peterson of Alexandria, Nathan (Amy) Chan of Atlanta, GA, Andrew (Elaine) Chanova of Maple Grove, Cole (Mindy) Meyer of Lake Reno, and Paige (Jay) Jahnke of Otsego; nine great-grandchildren, Hailey and Hunter Anderson, Harrison and Charlotte Chan, Alex Chanova, Tyson and Brooklyn Meyer, and Cail and Quin Jahnke.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Chan; son, Bruce Chan; parents; and a sister, Elaine Navratil.
A funeral Mass was held Saturday, August 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Interment was at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Cemetery. Casket bearers were Nathan Chan, Andrew Chanova, Cole Meyer, Jay Jahnke, Jeff Anderson and Matthew Chan. Honorary casket bearers were Jeanette’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Joyce Unruh > Brother 07.30.11
Ernest “Ernie” Lyle Unruh, 79, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 30, 2011.Ernie was born July 18, 1932 in Alexandria to Ernest and Lila (Raap) Unruh. He graduated from Central High School and went on to St. Olaf College and University of Minnesota, graduating with a mechanical engineering degree. He worked at Toro during college and worked with Unisys for 35 years, where he served in many capacities.
He got married to Shirley Garvue on July 18, 1959 and they were able to spend a wonderful 52 years together. They spent 32 of those years in Maple Grove and then moved to Alexandria in 2000. Ernie and Shirley shared in the joy of family and friends, their gourmet group, antiquing, enjoying time together for mini-vacations and opening their home to others.
Ernie and Shirley were blessed with three children, Lisa, Stephen and Linda. As a family they enjoyed camping for many years and celebrating life together. They had 10 wonderful grandchildren, who all loved their Grandpa Ernie and will miss him deeply.
Ernie was very active in the churches he attended. He did everything from president of congregation to teaching Bible studies, evangelism and discipleship boards to babysitting and VBS to supporting missions and even going to Mexico for a missions trip. He was very active in the community as well. More recently, he was on the Unity Foundation Board, Love, Inc., Friday Prayer at Mustard Seed, Habitat for Humanity, FCCI and part of the Passion Drama, as well as praying for the community of Alexandria.
Ernie loved life, it was evident in everything he did, whether making valentine hearts in the snow for his HB, fishing with his kids and grandchildren, working hand in hand with others in the community, shoveling snow, or playing and singing with his grandchildren, but most of all he had a love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ernie always had a smile on his face and one of his favorite verses was, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Ernie is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Lisa (Quentin) Krengel, Stephen (Julie) Unruh, Linda (Tony) Okafor; 10 grandchildren, Caitlin and Joshua Krengel, Trevor and Brennan Unruh, Ada, Chinyere, Ike, Tobe, Ifeanyi and Anene Okafor; sister, Joyce (Joie) Ondracek; brother-in-law, Donald (Faye) Garvue; and nephews, Michael Ondracek, Eric and Bryce Garvue.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 4 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Domanski officiating.
Pallbearers were Jerry Smothers, Wayne Jeunesse, Jay Kulp, Jerry Hetland, Dave Erickson, Blaine Elbert, Bob Olson and Michael Ondracek. Honorary pallbearers were Unity Foundation and Love INC. Memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Church and Love INC.
Burial was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)