Funeral services for Norene Hammon of Lime Springs were held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lime Springs with the Rev. Linda Johnson officiating. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs. Lindstrom Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Norene, 43, died at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN on Saturday, April 28, 2001.

Norene was born December 1, 1957 in Spring Grove, MN, the daughter of J. Melvin and Norma (Vick) Dahl. Following high school she worked at various jobs.

On December 21, 1973 she married Dennis Hammon in South Dakota. They lived for a short time in Harmony and Spring Valley and then moved to their present home on the farm in York Township Fillmore County, MN.

Norene worked at the nursing home in Spring Valley and for the last three years worked in bookkeeping for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis; three daughters, Jolene Anderson of Janesville, MN, and Jaimie and Jennie both at home; three grandchildren; her mother, Norma Vick of Mabel, MN; and one sister, Marilyn Torgerud of Canton, MN.

She was preceded in death by her father.

 May 9, 2001

 Alice Bush 

Funeral services for Alice Bush of Decorah will be held today, Wednesday, May 9, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Gary Krapfl officiating.

Interment will be in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah. French and Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Alice, 84, died Monday, May 7, 2001 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah following a lengthy illness.

Survivors include one son, Tom Bush of Junction City, WI.

Dean Einck 

Funeral services for Dean "Bear" Einck of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar.

The Rev. Donald Hawes officiated. Interment was in St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery. French Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dean, 47, died Thursday, May 3, 2001 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah of an apparent heart attack.

Dean Arnold Einck was born January 14, 1954 in Decorah the son of Edwin and Irene (Meyer) Einck. He attended St. Aloysius Catholic School and South Winneshiek Schools, graduating in 1972. Dean was a long-time employee of Camcar, working there for twenty-seven years.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include three sisters: Darlene Benedict of St. Paul, MN, Denise O'Shea of Ridgeway, and Deb Palmersheim of Spillville; and two brothers: Duane of Ossian and Donald of Decorah.

Myron Elsbernd

Funeral services for Myron Elsbernd will be held today, Wednesday, May 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Interment will be in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Cemetery in Calmar. French and Balik Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.

Myron A. Elsbernd, 71, died on Monday, May 7, 2001 at the Oneota Riverview Care Facility in Decorah following a long illness.

Survivors include three brothers: Cletus of Calmar; Linus of Fort Atkinson; and Romuald of Calmar; and one sister, Virginia Humpal of Calmar.

Marti Tonjes 

Funeral services for Marti Tonjes will be held Friday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Saratoga Presbyterian Church in Saratoga with Rev. Tim Sir officiating.

Inurnment will be in Saratoga Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Saratoga. Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Marti, 57, died May 5, 2001 at St. Mary's Hospital at Rochester of natural causes.

Marti Tonjes was born August 16, 1943 in Grundy Center. She moved to Rochester in the early 70s. She worked in Environmental Services at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Survivors include one son: Kevin Abrahamson of Pella; one grandchild; two brothers: Arnold of Elma and Edward of Peoria, IL; and one sister: Marion Meschke of Owatonna, MN.

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Esther Benson 

Memorial services for Esther Benson were held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at first Lutheran church in Cresco with Rev. Gary Lee officiating.

Interment took place following the service at Calvary Cemetery.

Esther, 81, died Saturday, May 19, 2001 in her home at Kasson, MN.

Esther Irene Benson was born December 13, 1919 in New Hampton, the daughter of Henry and Emma (Marvin) Boehmer. She attended rural schools in the New Hampton area.

On September 7, 1938 she married John M. Benson in Lanesboro, MN. She raised her family in Cresco where she worked as a laborer and nurse. She later moved to Shakopee, MN where she was employed by Control Data Corporation for 15 years. She retired and moved to Kasson.

She attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Kasson.

She is survived by three children: Bernard L. Benson of Edina, MN, Gordon E. Benson of Mantonville, MN, and Joy L. Torgerson of Fort Collins, CO; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one sister; and one brother.

Margaret Fox

Funeral services for Margaret Fox were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 14, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville.

Rev. Ray Atwood officiated. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Riceville. The pall was placed on the casket by members of the family. Pallbearers were her six sons. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Margaret, 88, died Thursday, May 10, 2001 at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Margaret Marie Fox was born March 18, 1913 in Remsen, the daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Bauer) Arens. She attended school in Marshall, MN. Before her marriage, she lived and worked in California for a few years. In 1941, Margaret moved to Minnesota and worked in a defense plant at the start of WWII.

On October 9, 1942 she married Leonard J. Fox in St. Paul, MN. The couple moved to a farm two miles west and two miles south of Riceville and two years later moved to a farm five and one half miles south of Riceville. In 1983 they moved into Riceville and Margaret lived here until she entered the rest home in March of 2001.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

She is survived by her husband Leonard; six sons: Dennis of Rochester, MN, Bernard of Dubuque, Duane of Kansas City, MO, Peter J. of Forest City, Richard and Greg both of Riceville; three daughters: Diane Engelhardt of Humble, TX, Marilyn Reis of Lime Springs and Patricia J. of Chanhassen, MN; 28 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren ; four step great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Evelyn Larson of Maplewood, MN, Catherine Blaeser of Pequot Lakes, MN, Mildred Lanoue of Waubun, MN, and Irene Olchefski of Fridley, MN.

Margaret was preceded in death by a daughter: Kathryn Foster; one grandson; her parents; one brother: Clarence Arens; and one sister Lillian Arens in infancy.

Betty Stevenson

Funeral services for Betty Stevenson were held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Elma.

Rev. Roger R. Rethamel officiated. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Pallbearers were: Kenneth, Dennis, Gary, and Kelly Stevenson and Glen and Nancy Benson. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Betty, 71, died Monday, May 14, 2001 at the Colonial Manor in Elma of cancer.

Elizabeth Mary Stevenson was born May 29, 1929 at St. Cecelia, the daughter of Dennis and Nina (O'Neil) Tierney. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Elma on May 30, 1948.

On October 30, 1948 she married Kenneth Stevenson at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. Following their marriage the couple lived in Elma, where they have resided since. The couple owned and operated Kenny's DX in Elma. Betty and her husband also were the caretakers for the Immaculae Conception Church and school, as well as Calvary Cemetery in Elma for many years.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Rosary Society.

She is survived by her husband Kenny; three sons: Dennis of Elma, Gary of Mason City and Kelly of Cedar Rapids; one daughter: Nancy Benson of New Hampton; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Betty was preceded in death by one grandson; her parents; four brothers: Carl, Clifton, Walter, and Merle; and one sister: Grace Sweeney.

Melvin Zahasky

Funeral services for Melvin Zahasky of Spillville were held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville.

Rev. Donald Hawes officiated. Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Spillville. Pallbearers were: Jeff Zahasky, Chad Zahasky, Alan Zahasky, Jim Zahasky, Tony Zahasky, and Danny Sobolik. Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Melvin, 75, died Sunday, May 13, 2001 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI following a short illness.

Melvin Clarence Zahasky was born February 23, 1926 the son of William and Rose (Strnad) Zahasky of rural Protivin. He attended country school in Winneshiek County. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Melvin was a truck driver for Bucheit Produce in Calmar for many years.

On May 1, 1950 he married Lucille Sobolik at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. They lived in Conover and he enjoyed fishing, watching ball games, and woodworking.

He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Calmar American Legion.

He is survived by his wife Lucille of Spillville; one son: Larry of Decorah; and three grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Joe.

Marie Frank

Funeral services for Marie Frank, formerly of Cresco, were held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames with Rev. Terry Rassmussen officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco with Rev. Hank Charipar officiating.

Marie, 86, died Monday, May 14, 2001 at Bethany Manor in Story City.

Marie A Frank was born March 25, 1915 in Elma, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Jacoby) Sullivan. She attended school in Elma and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1933.

On June 12, 1935 she married Raymond J. Frank. Marie's parents and grandparents shared the same wedding day. Marie and Raymond made their home on a farm near Lourdes. The family retired from farming in 1964, and they moved to Cresco. At that time Marie's niece joined the family.

Marie was employed at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco, where she was a nurse's aid for 25 years.

She was active as a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Marie enjoyed baseball, flowers, and gardening.

In 1996, she moved to Ames where she made her home with her daughter Bea Gibbons. Due to failing health, she moved to Bethany Manor in Story City in May 1999.

She is survived by her children: Don of Waterloo, Lloyd of White Bear Lake, MN, Bea Gibbons of Ames, Joe of New Brighton, MN, Omer of Warrensberg, MO, Janie Doobay of Ames, Diane Erickson of Kettering, OH and Sue Denny of Stilwell, KS; 28 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Betty Regan and Rose Marie Wubbens, both of Charles City.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Raymond in 1969; her parents; one sister; and six brothers.

Alan Sullivan

Funeral services for Alan Sullivan of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma.

Rev. Roger Rethamel officiated. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Elma. The pall was placed on the casket by his two daughters. Pallbearers were: Larry Friedrich, Lonnie Friedrich, Ron O'Donnell, Roger Paulus, Danny Biwer and Gary Ries. Honorary pallbearers were: Roger Gessell, Leroy Mohrfeld, Wally Fair, Chuck Riley and Adolph Ludwig. Larkin-Martin-Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Alan, 48, died Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN after suffering a heart attack.

Alan Joseph Sullivan was born August 10, 1952 in New Hampton, the son of Leo and Marie (Eckerman) Sullivan. He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and was a 1970 graduate of the Riceville High School.

On May 4, 1974 he married Ann Boyle at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma. Alan farmed in the Elma area.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and the American Legion Post. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, softball, and sporting events on T.V.

Alan is survived by his wife Ann; two daughters: Alison Holten of Cresco and Amy Sullivan of Tripoli; his mother: Marie Sullivan of Elma; two brothers: Mike of Fairbank and Bill of Protivin; and two sisters: Barb Hugeback of New Hampton and Susie Cenek of Cresco.

Alan was preceded in death by his father Leo on August 25, 1993.

Verna Herold

Funeral services for Verna Herold were held Wednesday, May 2 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Casper, WY.

She died April 27, 2001 at her home.

Verna Herold was born January 4, 1924 in Elgin, daughter of John and Louise (Miller) Brackin. She was the tenth of 13 siblings. She attended Cresco High School and graduated in 1942.

On May 4, 1946 she married James H. Herold of Santa Monica, CA, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cresco.

She is survived by her husband James of Casper, WY; four daughters; two sons; 18 grandchildren; two sisters and one brother.

Verna was preceded in death by one son; two sisters; and seven brothers.

Donald Clapp

Funeral services for Donald Clapp of Riceville were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Riceville.

Rev. Carol Ivey and Rev. Herschel Hawf officiated. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Donald, 74, died Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at his residence following an illness.

Donald Clapp was born December 31, 1926, the son of Elmo and Mabel (Graff) Clapp in Howard County. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Riceville High School. He served in World War II in the security agency from 1944-1945.

On February 11, 1966 he married Ethel Drewelow.

He was a barber, worked on the railroad, put in field tile, and retired as part owner of the Mini Mart in Riceville.

He is survived by his wife Ethel of Riceville; one son: Randy E of Cresco; threee daughters: Connie Jenkins of Little Cedar, Noelle Kramer of Northwood, and Darla of Granger, MN; six grandchildren; one brother: Lester of Rochester, MN; and one sister: Alta Jean Faubert of Tucson, AZ.

Donald was preceded in death by one son: David; his parents; and one sister: Dorothy.

Herman Knudsvig

Funeral services for Herman O. Knudsvig of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the French and Balik Funeral Home.

Interment was in Stavanger Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Herman, 88, died Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at the Good Samaritan Home in Waukon following a short illness.

Herman is survived by one brother: Henry of Decorah; and one sister: Emma Eide also of Decorah.

Clara Lange

Clara Lange passed away at the Harmony Healthcare on May 18, 2001 at the age of 99 years.

Her pallbearers were: William Miller, Odean Miller, Richard Miller, Manley Lange, Dennis Miller and Orland Brunsvold.

Clara Lange was born May 4, 1902 in Big Springs, rural Harmony, MN, the daughter of August and Anna Miller. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church and attended grade school in Big Springs.

On June 24, 1920 she married Lester Lange and they farmed on the Miller place until 1935 when they purchased the farm north of them. They farmed on this farm until 1949 when they moved to Harmony. Clara lived here for almost 40 years after the death of her husband in 1962. She was a member of WELCA and Faith Circle and in her earlier years held many offices in her church. She was church organist when first married and continued her love of music when she taught herself to play the accordian.

She loved to crochet and made doilies and afghans for friends and family. She helped compile records on her family, enjoyed babysitting, and just helping on the farm. Many will remember Gram Clara driving to church or around the country in her little black "Falcon" car.

She is survived by one son: Emery of Harmony, MN; one daughter: Alberta Fishbaugher of Preston; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; one daughter: Estella; one sister: Sarah; and one brother: Willie.

Thomas Quandahl

Funeral services for Thomas Quandahl of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah.

Rev. Gary F. Krapfl and Rev. John Mayer officiated. Interment was in Springwater Cemetery in rural Decorah. Pallbearers were: Kurt Fortman, Tony Jensen, Wade Marlow, Scott Nordschow, Cory quandahl, Jason Quandahl, John Quandahl, and Jared Tilleraas. Honorary pallbearers were: Darrell and Carrie Lentner, Lee and Lisa Pecinovsky, Casey Quandahl, Jacob, Jordan and Kirsten Quandahl, and the North Winneshiek Senior Class of 1998. Fjelstul Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Thomas, 21, died Sunday, May 13, 2001 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon following an automobile accident.

Thomas Jerald Quandahl was born March 5, 1980 in Waterloo, the son of Mark and Marilyn (Pecinovsky) Quandahl. He graduated from North Winneshiek High School in 1998. He entered the United States Marine Corps in August 1998, and graduated from basic training in San Diego, CA on November 6, 1998. He was then stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC until March 1999. After that, he entered the Reserves and trained at the General support Maintenance Company at Rock Island, IL. Tom has been working at Iowa Rotocast in Decorah as a frame welder.

He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. He liked golfing and hunting, and was an avid weight lifter.

He is survived by his parents, Mark and Marily Quandahl of Decorah; one brother: Jesse at home; paternal grandparents: Clyde and Alverta Quandahl of Decorah; and maternal grandmother: Evelyn Pecinovsky of Protivin.

Thomas was preceded in death by grandfather: William L. Pecinovsky and his grandmother: Edna Quandahl.

Lloyd Berge

Funeral services for Lloyd H. Berge of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 21, at the Glenwood Lutheran Church in rural Decorah.

Rev. Susan Debner officiated. Interment was in Glenwood East Cemetery, rural Decorah. French and Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Lloyd, 79, died Thursday, May 17, 2001 at the Oneota Riverview Care Facility in Decorah following a short illness.

Lloyd is survived by three sisters: Majorie Dehning, LuVerne Snell, and Caryl Larson, all of Decorah.

Rev. Paul Weis

Funeral services for Rev. Paul L. Weis, a priest in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, presently pastor at St. Clement's Church, Bankston were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 30 at the Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Interment was in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Hoffmann-Schneider Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Rev. Paul Weis, 70, died Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at the Finley Hospital in Dubuque after a battle with cancer.

Rev. Paul L. Weis was born February 12, 1931 in Dyersville, son of Romie and Mary Jane (Althaus) Weis. He graduated from Loras College and received his theological training at Mount St. Bernard Seminary, both in Dubuque. He received his M.A. from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He did post graduate work at the University of Notre Dame.

He was ordained on February 2, 1957, by Archbishop Leo Binz, D.D., at St. Raphael's Cathedral, Dubuque.

He was pastor at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cresco and St. Agnes Catholic Church, Plymouth Rock from 1992 to 1995.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother: Dave.

Clara Lange

Clara Lange passed away at the Harmony Healthcare on May 18, 2001 at the age of 99 years.

Her pallbearers were: William Miller, Odean Miller, Richard Miller, Manley Lange, Dennis Miller and Orland Brunsvold.

Clara Lange was born May 4, 1902 in Big Springs, rural Harmony, MN, the daughter of August and Anna Miller. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and attended grade school in Big Springs.

On June 24, 1920 she married Lester Lange and they farmed on the Miller place until 1935 when they purchased the farm north of them. They farmed on this farm until 1949 when they moved to Harmony. Clara lived here for almost 40 years after the death of her husband in 1962. She was a member of WELCA and Faith Circle and in her earlier years held many offices in her church. She was church organist when first married and continued her love of music when she taught herself to play the accordian.

She loved to crochet and made doilies and afghans for friends and family. She helped compile records on her family, enjoyed babysitting, and just helping on the farm. Many will remember Gram Clara driving to church or around the country in her little black “Falcon” car.

She is survived by one son: Emery of Harmony, MN; one daughter: Alberta Fishbaugher of Preston; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; one daughter: Estella; one sister: Sarah; and one brother: Willie.

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Richard Fraser

 Funeral services for Richard Fraser, 75, were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Assumption Worship Center in Cresco with the Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery. Conway Funeral Home in Cresco was in charge of arrangements.

Richard died Saturday, May 19, 2001 at the Good Samaritan Home in Postville where he had been a resident since December 19, 2000.

Richard James Fraser was born in Proctor, MN on December 22, 1925 the son of Ambrose and Alice (Flynn) Fraser. He was raised in Superior, WI and graduated from Cathedral High School. After graduation he entered the merchant marines. After World War II he attended photography school in New York and then went to work for Berg Studio in Superior. Through Berg Studio he became associated with Russell Studio in Mason City. On October 7, 1948, he married Darlene Quinn at the Immaculate Conception Church in Riceville and in 1954 he bought a studio in Cresco which he ran until his retirement in 1989.

He was an active member of the Assumption Catholic Church, a former member of the parish council, the Home School Association of Notre Dame School, a member and past president of the Cresco Kiwanis Club, the Cresco Council of the Knights of Columbus and a fourth degree member of the Davis Assembly of the Knights of Columbus and served a term on the Cresco City Council.

His hobbies included theatre, reading, square dancing, camping and working crosswords.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; one son, Jeff of St. Charles, MO; three daughters, Cindy Hoopman and Janet Fraser, both of Apple Valley, MN, and Trish Elsbernd of Postville; six grandchildren; one brother, Philip Fraser of Plymouth, MN; and one sister, Theresa Martell of Madison, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Lawrence, Bernard and Donald; and one sister, Annabelle McCabe.

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Amaiya Aberg 

Amaiya Aberg, three month old daughter of Alicia Aberg died Monday, May 21 at her home of Sudden Infant Death.

Funeral services for Amaiya were held on Friday, May 25 at the New Hope United Methodist Church.

Amaiya is survived by her mother Alicia Aberg of Grimes and her father Travis O'Brien of Des Moines; grandparents: Donald "Fred" and Kathy Aberg of Grimes and David and Vickie O'Brien of Des Moines; and great-grandmother Lois Dotzler of Cresco.

Amaiya was preceded in death by great-grandfathers: Eugene Aberg and John Dotzler; and great-grandmother: Dorothy Aberg.

Ferneva Nast

Funeral services for Ferneva Nast were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church at Granger, MN.

The Rev. Keith Parker officiated. Interment was in St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery at Granger. Pallbearers were: Gerald Keune, Lee Walter, Brent Bronner, David Schmitt, Raymond Bronner, and Mark Murphy. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ferneva, 83, died Friday, June 1, 2001 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Ferneva Nast was born July 21, 1917, the daughter of Herman and Theresa (Bronner) Weinkauf. She was baptized and later confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran church in Granger, MN in May of 1931. She attended the rural Nichols grade school graduating from the eighth grade in 1930 and from Cresco High School in 1934. She briefly worked at Luther College in Decorah.

On October 19, 1944 she married Charles Nast at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Granger. They have always farmed the century farm previously owned by her parents on the Golden Ridge. She has been a life-long member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and was active in WELCA and the Rachel circle. Since 1954 she worked as a legal secretary in Cresco until her retirement.

Her hobbies included reading, snowmobiling and dancing. She was a 4-H leader and belonged to a Women's Club.

She is survived by her husband Charles; twin daughters: Sharla Fencl of Protivin and Charlene Wilkins of Ottawa, IL; three grandchildren; and one sister: Gertrude Bunge of Minneapolis, MN.

Alvin Franzen

Funeral services for Alvin C. Franzen were held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 4, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Gary Krapfl officiating. Interment was in the St. Benedict’s Church Cemetery in Decorah. French and Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Alvin, 76, died Friday, June 1, 2001 at his daughter’s home following a lengthy illness.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Decorah; two daughters: Polly Lasley of Decorah and Kim Weber of Cedar Falls; two sons: David Stoen of Fort Benning, GA and Anthony Franzen at home; nine grandchildren; one brother: Eligius “Sam” of Fort Atkinson; and seven sisters: Dorothy Moellers of Fort Atkinson, Alvina Zook of Sioux City, Lou Schuller of Waterloo, Kathy Gorby of Waterloo, Eileen Hill of Cedar Falls, Marilyn Bedard of Waterloo and Jane Jones of Leon.

Ferneva Nast

Funeral services for Ferneva Nast were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church at Granger, MN. The Rev. Keith Parker officiated. Interment was in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Cemetery at Granger. Pallbearers were: Gerald Keune, Lee Walter, Brent Bronner, David Schmitt, Raymond Bronner, and Mark Murphy. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ferneva, 83, died Friday, June 1, 2001 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Ferneva Nast was born July 21, 1917, the daughter of Herman and Theresa (Bronner) Weinkauf. She was baptized and later confirmed at St. Matthew’s Lutheran church in Granger, MN in May of 1931. She attended the rural Nichols grade school graduating from the eighth grade in 1930 and from Cresco High School in 1934. She briefly worked at Luther College in Decorah.

On October 19, 1944 she married Charles Nast at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Granger. They have always farmed the century farm previously owned by her parents on the Golden Ridge. She has been a life-long member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and was active in WELCA and the Rachel circle. Since 1954 she worked as a legal secretary in Cresco until her retirement.

Her hobbies included reading, snowmobiling and dancing. She was a 4-H leader and belonged to a Women’s Club.

She is survived by her husband Charles; twin daughters: Sharla Fencl of Protivin and Charlene Wilkins of Ottawa, IL; three grandchildren; and one sister: Gertrude Bunge of Minneapolis, MN.

posted June 10, 2001

 Eloise Skoda

Funeral services for Eloise Skoda were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 1, at the Assumption Worship Center with interment in Calvary Cemetery both in Cresco.

The Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiated. Pallbearers were grandsons: Todd, Thad, Jason, Travis, Jeremy, and Jamie Skoda. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Eloise, 81, died Monday, May 28, 2001 at her home in Cresco.

Eloise Skoda was born March 22, 1920 in Winneshiek County, Iowa, south of Canton, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Mullaney) Knox. She attended rural school and graduated from the Canton High School.

On May 4, 1946 she married George Skoda at St. Agnes Catholic church in Plymouth Rock.

Eloise worked for J.C. Penny for 15 years. She was also involved in the Legion Auxiliary, the Hospital Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, the Historical Society, the 20th Centry Club, the Rosary Society, and Teleconcern. She enjoyed sewing, fishing, and gardening.

She is survived by four sons: Joseph of Rock Valley, James of Des Moines, Jerald of Decorah, and John of Cresco; one daughter: Janice of Cresco; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother: Byron Knox of Cresco; and one sister: Alice Casterton of Cresco.

Eloise was preceded in death by her husband, George and her parents.

posted June 10, 2001 

Betty Essen

Funeral services for Betty Essen were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 25, at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Bruce M. Hobert officiating.

Interment was in the Oak Lawn Cemetery at Cresco. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Betty, 79, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Betty Jane Essen was born January 29, 1922 in Winneshiek County, east of Cresco, the daughter of Donald and Edith (Hudson) Powers. She attended the rural school and Cresco Public School graduating from Cresco High School in 1940. Following her education, Betty was employed as a telephone operator, and worked both at Brewer's Produce and Sears Alliance Store.

After her marriage to Jone Langaas on June 14, 1952, she helped with the many farm chores until Jone was moved to Ft. Dodge as a boiler operator. While in Ft. Dodge, she worked both at the hospital and at a motel. About 1965, they moved back to Cresco where Betty was employed as a bookkeeper and clerk at the Farmer's Co-op Creamery, where she worked until her retirement in 1990. She also helped Bud McCarville clerking auctions.

Betty enjoyed playing Bingo, watching races, watching the wrestling on IPTV, baseball, especially the Cubs, and playing music especially for the nursing homes.

She is survived by one daughter: Jodi Kay Lueschow; and two grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husbands, Jone in 1968 and Kenneth in 1998; her parents; and two brothers: Charles and Harold.

Emma Hauber

Funeral services for Emma Hauber were held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 28, at St. Joseph's Worship Center with interment in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco.

The Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiated. Pallbearers were: Andrew Ruby, Dan Sheldon, David Ness, Jerry Slifka, Sonny Slifka, Bob Slifka, Jim Slifka, and Larry Slifka. Honorary pallbearers were: Richard Koliha and Rodney Koliha. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Emma, 85, died Thursday, May 24, 2001 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco of complications of Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Emma Mary Hauber was born July 29, 1915 near Cresco, the daughter of Frank and Rose (Jarosh) Slifka. She attended the rural school and the Assumption Grade School and returned home to help her parents, as did most girls her age. She was a waitress in a restaurant and was a housekeeper and cook for a family in Cresco.

On November 14, 1950 she married George Hauber at the Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. Following their marriage, she helped on the farm in Vernon Springs, then moved on a farm near Ridgeway for about five years and finally moved to their home farm in Winneshiek County, where they lived until they retired and moved into Cresco in 1996.

Emma was a member of Notre Dame Parish, the Altar and Rosary Society, the Winneshiek County Porkettes, and the Farm Bureau Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and listening to polka music.

She is survived by her husband, George; three daughters: Barbara Hauber of Kasson, MN, Christine Sheldon of Sidney, and Rose Ann Hauber of Lafayette, CO; six grandchildren; and three great-grandsons.

Emma was preceded in death by one daughter: Diane Mary; her parents; and three brothers: Lawrence, Frank and Anthony.

Lyle Schultz

Funeral services for Lyle Schultz of Riceville were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Riceville with the Rev. Michael Parris officiating. Interment was in North Prairie Cemetery in rural Lake Mills. Lindstrom Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Lyle, 88, died Thursday, May 24, 2001 at the Riceville Community Rest Home in Riceville.

Lyle Schultz was born August 18, 1912 in Marble Rock, the son of George and Bessie (Wagner) Schultz.

On June 30, 1938 he married Leona Groth at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church in rural Elma. He was engaged in farming most of his life and was a mechanic for International Harvester. He married Myrtle Brackey on March 12, 1960 at North Prairie Church in Lake Mills.

He is survived by one daughter: Betty Borchardt of Riceville; one son: Leland of Panama City, FL; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two step daughters: Alice Wehner of Albert Lea, MN and Helen Allison also of Albert Lea; two step sons: Duane Brackey of Lake Mills and Parnell Brackey of Emmons, MN; eight step grandchildren; 21 step great-grandchildren; and one step great-great-grandchild.

Lyle was preceded in death by his first wife, Leona on December 23, 2000; his wife, Myrtle on February 12, 1994; his parents; and one sister: Audrey Baldwin.

Eloise Skoda

Funeral services for Eloise Skoda were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 1, at the Assumption Worship Center with interment in Calvary Cemetery both in Cresco. The Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiated. Pallbearers were grandsons: Todd, Thad, Jason, Travis, Jeremy, and Jamie Skoda. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Eloise, 81, died Monday, May 28, 2001 at her home in Cresco.

Eloise Skoda was born March 22, 1920 in Winneshiek County, Iowa, south of Canton, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Mullaney) Knox. She attended rural school and graduated from the Canton High School.

On May 4, 1946 she married George Skoda at St. Agnes Catholic church in Plymouth Rock.

Eloise worked for J.C. Penny for 15 years. She was also involved in the Legion Auxiliary, the Hospital Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, the Historical Society, the 20th Centry Club, the Rosary Society, and Teleconcern. She enjoyed sewing, fishing, and gardening.

She is survived by four sons: Joseph of Rock Valley, James of Des Moines, Jerald of Decorah, and John of Cresco; one daughter: Janice of Cresco; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother: Byron Knox of Cresco; and one sister: Alice Casterton of Cresco.

Eloise was preceded in death by her husband, George and her parents.