Funeral services for Raymond "Buster" Flatjord of rural Lawler were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 5 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Lawler with Rev. Peter D. Peterson officiating.

Interment was in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Lawler. Pallbearers were: Kim Flatjord, Bruce Flatjord, Eric Flatjord, David Fltajord, Eric Kulju, and Scott Simmons. Honorary pallbearers were: Lawrence Ondrashek, Harvey Knutson, Lee Kintz, Tiny Dowd, Ronnie Dostal, Chuck Vikadal, Bob Webster, and Ron Maher. Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Raymond, 65, died Friday, August 2, 2002 at his home after a lengthy illness.

Raymond J. Flatjord was born September 8, 1936 on his parents farm north of Jerico in rural Howard County, the son of Olaf and Hannah (Amble) Flatjord. Ray attended rural country school through the eighth grade and graduated from the New Hampton High School in 1955. On February 8, 1956 he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Private First Class.

On July 20, 1957 he married Emma Jean Pelton at Craine Creek Lutheran church.They lived in Oakland, CA for six months until Ray was honorably discharged from the service on February 7, 1958. They moved to their farm east of Jerico. Ray had worked at the Farmers Mill in Protivin before working for the Land O Lakes Company for over 20 years. He also worked at the Mint in Protivin and for the last four years worked at the Howard Residential Care Facility.

He enjoyed driving his horse and following sporting events of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Emma Jean; five daughters: Julie Britt of Tuscaloosa, AL, Lori Hirsch of Alpha, Becky Davison of White Heath, IL, Terri Jirak of Little Turkey, and Aimee Rosenbaum of Little Turkey; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers: Neal of Jerico and Harold of Hiawatha; and one sister: Bernis Geving of McGregor, MN.

Raymond was preceded in death by one granddaughter and his parents.

Pat Portee

Funeral services for Pat Portee were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6 at the Assumption Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery rural Elma. Honorary pallbearers were: Fay Freidhof, John Grube, Joe Praska, Tony McBride, Lloyd Neubauer, and Tony Phillis. Pall bearers were: Dennis Smith, Gary Kirchhof, Kevin Balk, Larry Spalla, Tony Sunby, and Joel Morgan. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Pat, 54, died Friday, August 2, 2002 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco after a courageous battle with cancer.

Patricia Irene Portee was born October 16, 1947 at Cresco, the daughter of Wesley and Doris (Hinshaw) Haskovec. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at Lourdes. She attended the rural school and graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco in 1965. She attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Following graduation she worked at CRST as a dispatcher, then at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL where she worked for 15 years.

On September 4, 1976 she married Greg Portee in Elgin, IL. When they moved back to Cresco, she worked part-time at Hardee's and in 1988 she was made Chief Financial Officer at Regional Health Services of Howard County. She was selected as one of the top 10 business women of the year by the Times-Plain Dealer in the year 2000, and selected as the Employee of the Year with Regional Health Services and received the first annual Presidents Award for Service Excellence from Regional Health Services in the year 2001.

Pat enjoyed doing crafts and going to craft shows. She also liked flower gardening and photography.

She was a member of the Assumptin Worship Center, its Altar and Rosary Society, the Hospital Auxiliary and she was on the Board of Directors of Kessel Kids.

She is survived by her husband Greg; one daughter: Jennifer Lalk of Elma; two grandchildren; her mother: Doris Grimm of Cresco; and one sister: Karen Bernabe of Lindenhurst, IL.

Pat was preceded in death by her father: Wesley; her step father: Ray Grimm; and one sister: Denise Haskovec

Catherine Wojcio

Funeral services for Catherine Wojcio of New Hampton, formerly of Lake Worth, FL, will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, August 7 at Holy Family Catholic Parish, St. Mary's Center, New Hampton with Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in New Hampton. Her five nephews will place the pall. Pallbearers are: Bob, Mark and Andy Messersmith, Tom, Robert, and Craig Achen. Honorary pallbearers are: Louella Heintz, Anna Mary Carr, Ann Whitnable, Irene Wessels, Helen Adams, and Eileen Kennedy. Hugeback Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Catherine, 86, died Saturday, August 3, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, followng complications of surgery in June.

Catherine V. Wojcio was born January 14, 1916 in Glad Valley, SD, the daughter of Jacob and Rosa (Boeding) Achen. She attended grade school and Junior High in Glad Valley, SD. She graduated from Isabel High School, Isabel, SD in 1934. She entered Nurses Training at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, SD in 1937 and worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in New Hampton until 1940. She then moved to Chicago and worked at Illinois Central Hospital until she enlisted in the Army on Feburary 2, 1942. She became Lt. Achen. She served with the 216th General Hospital in England and the 120th Evac Hospital in Germany near Buchanwald. Kay set up a hospital for buchanwald inmates in April 1945. She retired from the Army on January 1, 1946.

On February 2, 1946 she married Roy West in Chicago, IL. After returning to Chicago she attended graduate school to become a Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She became Staff Anesthetist at South Shore Hospital Chicago. She retired to Hollywood, FL in 1963. She was called for Obstetrical Anesthesia at the Memorial Hospital in Hollywood from 1964-1978. At this time Kay retired from the medical field. Roy died September 8, 1977. On April 21, 1979 she married Martin Wojcio in Lake Worth, FL. Martin died March 27, 1982. She moved to New Hampton in 1997 to be closer to her family. She resided at the Homestead Circle.

She loved traveling, reading, and painting.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husbands, Roy and Martin; her parents; two brothers: Nick and Matt; and two sisters: Minnie Achen and Veronica Messersmith.

Curtis Marlow

Funeral services for Curtis Marlow of Decorah were held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7 at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church in Burr Oak with Rev. Hans Floan officiating.

Interment was in Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak. Honorary pallbearers were all of Curt's friends. Pallbearers were: Darin Meldahl, Curtis Dundee, Darcy Wennes, Lance Armstrong, Travis Coons, Peter Wennes, Donnie Dundee, and Shawn Wennes. Schluter Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Curtis, 79, died Sunday, August 4, 2002 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco following a lengthy illness.

Curtis Norine Marlow was born August 24, 1922 near Decorah, the son of Leon and Nellie (Rognlien) Marlow. Curt attended country school and farmed with his father.

On March 31, 1944 he married Elnora Ellie Albertson in Cedar Rapids. They farmed north of Decorah for many years. While farming, Curt also was a lineman in Thompson, drove caterpillar for Holland Brothers, was an artificial inseminator for the Curtis Candy Company, ran the Burr Oak Tavern and in later years, bought and sold cattle. In 1989 he retired and moved to Cresco.

In his younger years, Curt loved to play baseball and helped coach girls softball. He served on the North Winneshiek School Board.

He is survived by his wife Elnore Ellie of Cresco; four daughters: Elaine Armstrong of Preston, MN, Karen Hovey of Mason City, Jean Coons of Decorah, and Cindy Vilkaitis of Loveland, CO; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother: Lester of Waterville; and one sister: Nancy See of North Port, FL.

Curt was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Roger and Walter; and one sister: Grace Barry.

Benjamin Houdek

Funeral services for Benjamin "Benny" Houdek were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. John A. Moser officiating.

Interment was in Holy Trinity Catholic Church Cemetery in Protivin. Pallbearers were: Dean Swenson, Gordon Klimesh, Glen Klimesh, Steve Wendl, Gil Wendl, and Gabe Klimesh. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Benjamin, 81, died Sunday, August 4, 2002 at the Evans Memorial Home of natural causes.

Benjamin Lawrence Houdek was born March 17, 1921 in Winneshiek County, near Spillville, the son of Louis C. and Anna R. (Novak) Houdek. He grew up in the Spillville and Protivin area. He attended the rural school and returned home to work on the farm. Benny worked for various farmers helping with chores.

Benny had a difficult time in life. He was always on the go. He lived with his mother until she died. He moved to the Howard County Residential Care Facility. He helped them with the chores and milking until they discontinued the program.

Benny loved polka music and to dance.

He is survived by one brother: Les of Prairie Lake, MN; and one sister: Mayme Wendl of Nashua.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Joseph V. and Louis E.; and two sisters: Agusta Klimesh and Emma Kratz.

Dennis Gaul

Private services for Dennis A. Gaul of Dallas, TX will be held at a later date.

Dennis, 49, died Sunday, August 4, 2002 at Dallas Veteran's Hospital.

Dennis graduated from Harmony High School in 1971 and joined the Air Force. Upon discharge he farmed with family for several years and moved to Texas in 1990. In Texas he was employed in construction.

He is survived by his mother: Elaine Gaul of Cresco; three brothers: Leonard and Patrick, both of Cresco, and David of Granger; three sisters: Mary Lou Sensor of Cresco, Alice Siohr of Thompson, and Linda Adams of Lyndon, IL.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father: Leonard Gaul, Sr. and his sister: Colleen.

Gertrude Swanson

Memorial services for Gertrude Swanson of Fort Myers were held in the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on August 9.

She was cremated.

Gertrude, 87, died Monday, August 5, 2002.

Gertrude Swanson was born in Cresco, the daughter of Frederick C. and Vera S. Lent. She moved to the Fort Myers, FL area in 1968 from Waverly.

Gertrude worked for many years with her husband Hugh in owning and operating the Coast to Coast Hardware Store in Waverly, she worked for many years at the Sea Horse Gift Shop at Sanibel Island, she moved from Sanibel to Seven Lakes, Fort Myers in 1982.

She is survived by her sons: Gary, Roger, and Steven, all of Fort Myers; three grandchildren; and one brother: Burton of Washington State.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Hugh in 1988.

Ronald Regan

Funeral services for Ronald Regan were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery in Preston, MN. Honorary pallbearers were: Gene Shaffer, Gary Cleveland, Bill Fenske, Francis Smith, Jim Marik, and Jack Smith. Pallbearers were: Chris and Sandi Lybbert, Jodi Jerry, Jack, and Jeff Regan, and Dan Campion. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ronald John Regan was born April 20, 1928 in Ashland, WI. He attended rural school through the eighth grade and returned home to work on the farm.

Ron worked for Duesenberg Construction from 1943 until 1953, as a grader operator. He entered the Army in March of 1953, during the Korean War, and was discharged in March 1955. He worked for various farmers, and spent some time living in Oregon, where he worked as a mechanic for Birdseye Frozen Foods. He returned to the Cresco area in 1984 and began working as the custodian at the Cresco Care Center.

He liked to go for drives and enjoyed visiting with people.

He is survived by two brothers: Clarence of Cedar Rapids and Donald of Fairfax; and three sisters: Patricia Lybbert of Cresco, Midge Dawson of Westminster, MD, and Peg Campion of Eyota, MN.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father John Grant; and two brothers: William in 1991 and Richard F. in 1990.

Barbara Dvorak

Funeral services for Barbara Dvorak of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 12 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, rural Elma with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, rural Elma. Barbara's husband and children placed the pall. Pallbearers were: Joe Thraenert, Don Shatek, Mike O'Neill, Tom Shatek, Dean Dvorak, and Randy Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers were: Steve Dahl, Dennis Boos, Lester Shatek, Joe Dunn, Tom Collins, Kenny Kuhn, Ed Huegel, and Leo Hart. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Barbara, 47, died Thursday, August 8, 2002 at her home after a lengthy illness.

Barbara Jean Dvorak was born March 23, 1955 at Redwood Falls, MN, the daughter of John G. and Marcelyn (Wagner) Price. She graduated from Wabasso High School in 1973. After her schooling she worked in a number of nursing homes in the Wabasso, MN area. She went on to further her education at Rochester Community College, where she became a Registered Nurse. She worked briefly in Rochester, before going to work at St. Joseph Community Hospital in New Hampton.

On August 21, 1976 she married Jerry Dvorak in Wabasso. They resided on farms in the Elma area and she continued to work as a nurse at St. Joseph Community Hospital for 26 years.

She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, where she taught CCD classes for 10 years and was a member of the rosary society.

She enjoyed nature, cross-country skiing, biking, boating, traveling, reading, the piano, and music.

She is survived by her husband Jerry of rural Elma; one daughter: Leah; two sons: Dustin and Garrett; her father: John of Wabasso, MN; eight brothers: John L. of Eden Prairie, MN, Joe of Byron, MN, Doug of Eagan, MN, Mark of Vadnais Hts., MN, Tony of Wabasso, MN, Greg of Wabasso, MN, Roger of Sioux City, Ralph of Lamberton, MN; and two sisters: Kathy Baggenstoss of Apple Valley, MN and Sue Hilgert of Bird Island, MN.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother.

Dr. Peter Kepros

Funeral services for Dr. Peter Kepros of Cresco were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 12 at St. Joseph's Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Honorary pallbearers were: Nehl McKone, Bob Nelson, George Vachta, Gary Boeke, and Warren Proctor. Pallbearers were: Richard Kepros, Daniel Kepros, Anthony Hayes, Christopher Kepros, Tim Grabau, and Todd Kowalke. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dr. Peter Kepros, 73, died Friday, August 9 in Cresco.

Peter Frank Kepros was born March 14, 1929 in Marion, the son of Frank and Sophia Kepros. He graduated from Marion High School in 1947, attended Loras College in 1948 and 1949, graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1951 and a Medical Degree in 1955.

On August 30, 1951 he married Mary Jean Dorr in Iowa City. He served in the US Navy from June 28, 1955 to January 14, 1958, before settling in Cresco and starting a family practice in 1958. Dr. Pete served the community of Cresco until he retired in 1992.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Worship Center, the Knights of Columbus Council 1571 of Cresco, a member of the American Legion, the Howard County Historical Society, and the A.M.A.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors.

He is survived by his children: Michael Kepros of Geneva, IL, Dr. Joan Kepros of Cresco, Karen Hayes of buffalo, MN, Maureen Lau of Eugene, OR, and Kevin Kepros of Pine Island, MN; eight grandchildren; his mother: Sophia Kepros of Marion; four brothers: Dr. Stan of Cresco, Michael of Marion, Stephen of Marion, and Frank of Marion; three sisters: Ellen Gonzalez of East Lansing, MI, Sister Mary Julia Kepros of Cedar Rapids, and Katherine Pryst of Chicago, IL.

Dr. Peter Kepros was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jean; his father: Frank; and one brother: James.

Alice Pierce

Funeral services for Alice Pierce of Cresco were held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco with Rev. Gary Lee officiating.

Pallbearers were: Layton Olson, Lyn Huber, David Huber, Lester Butz, Clair Butz, and Steve Butz. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Alice, 77, died Sunday, August 11, 2002 at the Regional Health Services of Cresco after a lengthy illness.

Alice L. Pierce was born January 8, 1925 in Ridgeway, the daughter of Frank and Marie (Vick) Butz. She graduated from Ridgeway High School and soon after began her career as a hairstylist.

On December 9, 1945 she married Roger Ratcliff. After Roger's death she married Jim Pierce on January 18, 1968. Alice owned salons in Des Moines, Clear Lake, and Rochester before opening the Crown Beauty Salon in Cresco, which she operated for over 40 years. In 1980 she opened Universal Cosmetology College in Decorah and spent the next 10 years training young people to enter the profession she loved.

She is survived by one son: Dan; two grandchildren; and two brothers: Earl and Marion.

Alice was preceded in death by her husbands Roger and Jim; her parents; one sister: Ethel; and two brothers: Lawrence and Russell.

Emma Bergan

Funeral services for Emma Bergan were held on Friday, August 16 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home.

Emma, 101, died Wednesday, August 13, 2002 at the Cresco Care Center where she had lived from August 31, 1994.

Emma Selma Bergan was born in 1900 in Waldorf, MN, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rusch who immigrated from Pommern, Germany. They were farmers.

She married Elmer Bernhart Bergan in 1920. They lived most of their life in Lime Springs. Selma, as she liked to be called, worked at the egg candling plant for several years.

She is survived by her children: Elmer of Wabasha, MN, Roger of Rochester, MN, Joan Berning of Buffalo, WY, Merna Grecian of Coralville; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband Elmer; one son: Merlin; one daughter: Lois Louise Bergan-Midthus;one great grandson; and one great granddaughter.

Robert Miller

Funeral services for Robert "Red" Miller of New Hampton were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 19 at Holy Family Parish - St. Joseph Center in New Hampton with Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton. His children placed the pall. Pallbearers were some of his many nephews: Ron Frantzen, Dave Frantzen, Scott Miller, Brian Miller, Joe Monfre, and Marty Monfre. Honorary pallbearers were: Knights of Columbus #1697. Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Robert, 80, died Thursday, August 15, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN of endocarditis.

Robert Joseph Miller was born March 19, 1922 on the home farm near Lawler, the son of Matthew V. Miller and Mary D. McGinn. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler. He attended grade school at Mt. Carmel in Lawler until the family moved to New Hampton where he finished at St. Joseph's School. He then attended New Hampton High School graduating in 1940.

He served in the U.S. Navy the last year of W.W. II and was discharged with a letter of commendation in 1946. After being discharged from the Navy he returned to New Hampton where he engaged in farming with his father. Upon his fathers death in 1956, he took over operation of the family farm north of New Hampton. He raised purebred Hampshire hogs and was involved with the Chickasaw County Pork Producers, also serving as president.

He was married in the early 1950's and then divorced.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1697 and a member of the American Legion Post #38.

He enjoyed going to auctions.

He is survived by one son: Randy of New Hampton; one daughter: Kris Montague of Los Altos, CA; four grandchildren; one sister: Helen Schefstad of Altamonte Springs, FL, and one brother: Tom of Waterloo.

Robert was preceded in death by one son: Kevan in 1989; one grandson; his parents; three sisters: Madonna Corrigan, Monica Monfre, and Therese Frantzen; and two brothers: Donald and Paul.

Andrew Bina

Funeral services for Andrew "Zeke" Bina of Spillville were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Spillville. Pallbearers were: Bobby Wagner, Robert Sbiral, Robert Lentz, Jerry Balik, Tom Novak, and Lester Lechtenberg. Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Andrew, 53, died Thursday, August 15, 2002 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI.

Andrew James Bina was born April 8, 1949 in Decorah, the son of Victor and Lillian (Triska) Bina. He attended St. Wenceslaus School and graduated from South Winneshiek High School in Calmar in 1967. After school he started working at Balik Implement in Spillville as a mechanic.

On August 10, 1974 he married Jean Pesek at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Schley. He took classes to become an electrician. He continued his two careers up to just a short time ago.

He is survived by his wife Jean of Spillville; two sons: Christopher of Cresco and Chad of Forest City; one daughter: Kayla Bina of Spillville; his parents; and two brothers: Michael of Bloomington, MN and Marty of Decorah.

Andrew was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Larry Caughron

Funeral services for Larry Caughron of Waterloo will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, August 21 at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Waterloo with Rev. David Moore officiating.

Interment will be privately held at Garden of Memories in Waterloo. Parrott Wood Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Larry, 65, died Sunday, August 18, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo of a heart attack.

Larry Cecil Caughron was born December 2, 1936 in Waterloo, the son of Cecil and Lexcey (Watson) Caughron. Larry was raised in Waterloo and as a young man joined the US Marine Corps.

On November 19, 1955 he married Mary Tovar and they made their home in Waterloo. He was an employee of John Deere, retiring in 1995 after 30 years.

He did carpentry projects, and enjoyed reading.

He is survived by wife Mary; three daughters: Toni Hansen of Waterloo, Theresa Tennant of Silvas, IL, and Lori Cowell of Sparta, MI; 10 grandchildren; and two step-sisters: Donna Mulkey of North Bend, OR and Connie Albertson of Cresco.

Larry was preceded in death by one daughter: Vicki; and his parents.

Jay Hayek

Funeral services for Jay Hayek of Strandquist, MN were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23 at the United Methodist Church in Cresco with Rev. Larry Pitcher officiating.

Pallbearers were: Mike Hayek, Peter Andera, John Loveless, Pat Riha, Doug Bruenning, and Joel Anderson. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Jay, 44, died Sunday, August 18, 2002 at his home in Standquist, MN of cancer.

Jay Jerald Hayek was born May 29, 1958 in Cresco, the son of Adolph and Dolores (Hosting) Hayek. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1977.

On August 6, 1977 he married Shirley Jean Hurst in Cresco. He was an Area Director and Representative for Christian Record Services serving MN, SD, ND, and IA. A company serving the visual and hearing impaired. Jay and his family moved to Strandquist in 1987.

He was an elder in the 7th Adventist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman who liked to ski, golf, garden, and hike.

He is survived by his wife: Shirley of Standquist; his children: Phillip of Rochester, MN, Jessica Harm of Rochester, and Jason of Strandquist; six brothers: Adolph Jr. of Lake Tropicana, FL, Jim of Hoodsport, WA, Joe, Jerome and Julius, all of Cresco, and Jean of Covington, WA; six sisters: JoAnn Andera of Manley, Jaci Tipton of Winterset, Joyce Kapler of Cresco, Jane Steffen of Decorah, Janet Hodges of Harmony, MN, and Julie Hayek of Southfield, MI.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother: John.

Royce Patterson

Funeral services for Royce Patterson of Harmony, MN were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23 at the United Methodist Church in Harmony with Rev. David Laechel officiating.

Interment was in the State Line Cemetery, rural Harmony. Honorary pallbearers were: David Hanson, Mike Patterson, Ronnie Ryan, Manford Nordsving, Jay Mensink, and Denny Applen. Pallbearers were: Jarod Carolan, John Carolan, Jason Carolan, Craig Hanson, Bobby Patterson, Bill Patterson, Wayne Patterson, and Rick Morem. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Royce, 59, died Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at the Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI.

Royce James Patterson was born December 20, 1942 in Cresco, the son of Donald and Marjorie (Trouten) Patterson.

On September 20, 1959 he married Audrey Lunde at Spring Grover, MN. He was a lifelong area resident of Fillmore County. He worked at Trouten Implement for over 20 years. He had farmed for several years and was a self-employed machine mechanic.

He was a member of the State Line Methodist Church of Harmony.

He is survived by his wife Audrey; four children: Ronda Pass of Mabel, MN, Bonnie Peterson of Harmony, Jim of Cresco; and Darla Smith of Harmony; 11 grandchildren; his mother: Marjorie of Canton; two sisters: Cleo Carolan of Decorah and Marcia Hanson of Harmony; and one brother: Randy of Decorah.

Royce was preceded in death by his father Donald.

Robert Dee

Funeral services for Robert "Bob" Dee of New Hampton will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, August 28 at Holy Family Parish - St. Joseph Center in New Hampton with Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton. His three daughters will place the pall. Pallbearers are: Kevin Kennedy, John Meyer, Paul McClusky, Kevin Morgan, Jess Morgan, and John Saville. Hugeback Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Robert, 88, died Friday, August 23, 2002 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Robert Charles Dee was born October 15, 1913 on the Dee family farm, north of New Hampton, the son of Thomas and Mary Alizabeth (Condon) Dee. He attended country school and then attended the New Hampton High School graduating in 1932. After receiving his education, he and his friend Virgil Baltes operated a gas station in New Hampton for a few years. On March 3, 1942, he enlisted into active service with the U.S. Army. He was a radio operator serving in central Europe during WW II. Bob was honorably discharged on October 21, 1945.

On June 1, 1946 he married Maureen Ahern at Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. Bob worked for many years at the New Hampton Post Office beginning as a substitute carrier then full time mail carrier and retired as the Postmaster in 1975.

During the Vietnam War, Bob served on the local Draft Board.

Memberships include the New Hampton Rotary Club, the Fae Stine American Legion Post #38, the New Hampton Golf and Country Club, and was a trustee at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling.

He is survived by three daughters: Marilyn Morgan of Minneapolis, MN, Joan Dixon of Arcadia, CA, and Kathleen Saville of Albuquerque, NM; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Maureen on October 18, 1997; one son: Thomas in infancy; two grandsons; his parents; one sister: Wava Mary Dee; and five brothers: Flavin, Justin, William, Frank, and Evroul.

Joyce Harris

Funeral services for Joyce Harris were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 26 at the Assumption Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Inurnment at Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Honorary pallbearers were: Rachel Chapman, Mikhaeli Sabol, Dan Hoag, Dean Polaschek Leah Hudson, Alexandra Polaschek, and John Thomas Polaschek. Pallbearers were: Deb Reburn, Brenda Hoag, Sandy Hanson, Mary Smith, Maureen Hrdlicka, and Jim Polaschek. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Joyce, 71, died Friday, August 23, 2002 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Joyce Frances Harris was born January 16, 1931 in Wells, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Barnes) Polaschek. She received the early years of her education in Sleepy Eye, MN and moved back to Cresco when she was a sophomore in high school.

In 1946 when they moved back to the Cresco area, she became a member of the Assumption Catholic Church.She is a member of the Assumption Altar and Rosary Society. For a time she attended the Holy Cross Church in Schley. She was a nurse aide and a nanny.

On October 9, 1965 she married Francis Harris in Cresco. He died on August 24, 1981, and in 1984 she moved to the Howard Residential Care Facility.

She is survived by two brothers: Neil of Cresco and Joseph of Salinas, CA; and one sister: Jeannine Hoag of Harmony, MN.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Francis; her parents; and one brother: Thomas.

Roger Hubka

Memorial services for Roger Hubka of Rochester, MN were held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27 at First Unitarian Univeralist Church in Rochester with Rev. Dillman Baker Sorrels officiating.

Interment will be private and is to be held at a later date in Bohemian National Cemetery, Protivin. Vine Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Roger, 62, died at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN of cancer.

Roger I. Hubka was born February 16, 1940 in Howard County, the son of Lewis and Clara (Pacovsky) Hubka. He graduated from Cresco High School. He started in the restaurant business in Davis Corners later joining Howard Johnson in Davenport, Council Bluffs and coming to Rochester in 1970 as manager of the North Howard Johnson restaurant. He became interested in antiques while in high school and started buying and selling antiques as a hobby. When the restaurant closed he started participating in antique shows throughout the mid-west.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Betty Hubka; and one brother: Lewis.

Irene Peterson

Funeral services for Irene Peterson of Riceville will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, August 28 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville with Rev. Michael Parris officiating.

Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery in rural Riceville. Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Irene, 77, died Sunday, August 25, 2002 at the Riceville Community Rest Home of cancer. Irene entered the rest home on August 19.

Irene was born September 19, 1924 in rural Ventura, the daughter of Swen and Hilma (Strand) Lovik. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. Irene attended Ventura schools graduating in 1943 from Ventura High School.

On June 2, 1951 she married Robert Oettchen. They resided on the family farm south of Clear Lake.

In 1971 the family moved to a farm at Riceville. He husband Robert passed away in 1972. Irene remarried on February 14, 1973 to Carl Peterson and they remained on the farm. Carl passed away in 1992.

Irene worked in various nursing homes. She loved to sew and work in the garden.

She is survived by two sons: Russell Oettchen of Riceville and Verlyn Oettchen of Chester; two grandsons; three brothers: Orville of Gulfport, MS, Lloyd of Bullhead AZ, and Virgil of Fertile.

Irene was preceded in death by her two husbands; one daughter: Elaine Oettchen; her parents; one sister: Edythe Otis; and five brothers.

Ilene Martin

Funeral services for Ilene Martin were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3 at Saratoga Presbyterian Church in Saratoga with Rev. Tim Sir officiating.

Interment will be at a later date. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ilene, 87, died Thursday, August 27, 2002 at the Riceville Community Rest Home in Riceville.

Ilene G. Martin was born September 27, 1914 in Burr Oak Township in rural Mitchell County, the daughter of Roy and Bessie (Gay) Bird.

Ilene married Ted Otis Martin. She worked in the Riceville United States Post office and at the Chatterbox Cafe in Riceville.

She is survived by one son: Dr. Lynn Martin of Monroe, MI; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Ilene was preceded in death by her husband Ted; her parents; three brothers; and her twin sister.

Sister Mary Denise Ferrie

Services for Sister Mary Denise were held at The Canticle, the residence of the Sisters of St. Francis in Clinton.

The wake began at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, with the Rosary recited at 4:00 p.m. The Scripture Service was at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in The Canticle chapel. Rev. John Stack, chaplain, officiated. Interment was in St. Irenaeus Cemetery, Clinton.

Sister Mary Denise, 84, died on Wednesday, August 28, 2002.

Bernice Elizabeth Ferrie was born April 17, 1918 in Cresco, the daughter of Irven Leo and Margaret (Fitzgerald) Ferrie. She was baptized on April 19 at St. Joseph Church in Cresco. She attended St. Joseph Elementary School in Cresco. She attended Cresco High School for two years, and graduated from Mount St. Clare Academy, Clinton.

She entered the congregation of the sisters of St. Francis at Mount St. Clare Convent, Clinton, on August 15, 1935, and received the name Mary Denise at her reception on April 13, 1936. She made her first profession on June 19, 1938, and her final profession on June 19, 1941.

She received her diploma in nursing from St. Francis Hospital, Macomb, IL and her RN from the State of Illinois in 1941. She did post-graduate study at St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL, and at Christian Welfare Hospital, East St. Louis, IL. She also studied nursing home management at Drake University, Des Moines.

Sister Denise ministered in nursing for 46 years, serving in health care facilities owned by her congregation. Her first assignment was at St. Francis Hospital, Macomb, where she served as head of the obstetrics department from 1941 to 1958. She later returned to Macomb and served as administrator of the hospital from 1962 until its closing in 1967. She also served for eight years as administrator of St. Francis Hospital in Grinnell. In 1971 she was assigned to The Alverno Health Care Facility, Clinton, where she resided and cared for the elderly. She retired from active duty in 1987 and continued in residence at The Alverno until her death.

Sister Mary Denise is survived by five brothers and sisters: Joseph, Cecil and Mary live in Cresco, Jerome in Cedar Rapids, and Agnes in Earlham.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and other family members: Cletus, Anicetus, Leland, Ronald, and Arthur.

Joseph Mihm

Funeral services for Joseph Mihm of St. Lucas were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 2 at St. Lukes Catholic Church with Rev. Marvin Salz officiating.

Interment was in St. Lukes Cemetery. His brothers and sisters placed the pall. Pallbearers were: Tim Bakula, Scott Bakula, Chris Mihm, Al Schmitt, Randy Schmitt, and Jerry Dietzenbach. Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Joseph, 48, died Wednesday, August 28, 2002 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, WI after a short illness.

Joseph Leo Mihm was born March 25, 1954 in West Union, the son of Linus and Freida (Bodensteiner ) Mihm. He was baptized April 1, 1954 at St. Lukes Parish in St. Lucas. He attended St. Lukes School and graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1972. Joe then attended Area 1 in the Ag Program and after graduation began farming with his father.

He enjoyed all sports and participated in softball and bowling.

He was a member of St. Lukes Parish and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

He is survived by his parents: Linus and Freida of St. Lucas; three brothers: Ken of Decorah, Jim of Waucoma, and Bob of St. Lucas; and three sisters: Jean Bakula of New Hampton, Cindy Pietan of Lime Springs, and Kathy Resewehr of Cedar Rapids.

Joseph was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Ruvie Mahler

Funeral services for Ruvie Mahler of Waterloo, formerly of Alpha will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 at Grace Reformed Church in Waterloo with Rev. David Van Netten officiating.

Interment will be in Alpha Cemetery in Alpha. Pallbearers are: Michael Sires, Mervyn Sires, Larry Stange, Tom Paul, Rick Paul, Doug Paul, Arley Stange, and Fred Stange.

Visitation is an hour prior to the service at the church. Hugeback Funeral Home in New Hampton is handling the arrangements.

Ruvie, 86, died Monday, September 2, 2002 at the Davenport Lutheran Home of natural causes.

Ruvie R. Mahler was born May 5, 1916 in Alpha, the daughter of William T. and Nina (Cummings) Richardson. She attended school in Alpha and graduated from the Alpha High School in 1933.

On April 21, 1936 she married John G. Mahler in Nashua at the Little Brown Church. They lived briefly in Alpha and for a short time in California during the War. John gained employment in Waterloo and they moved there. John died October 22, 1993.

She was active at Grace Church in Waterloo, the school PTA and was an accomplished seamstress. She loved flowers.

She is survived by four sons: John of Kansas City, KS, James of Bettendorf, Michael of LeClaire, and Mark of Waterloo; one daughter: Pamela Rathe of LeClaire; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Alice Cooney of Hawaii, Faye Pierce of Alpha, Florence Wessellus of Kenosha, WI, and Ferne Ferguson of Bloomington, MN.

Ruvie was preceded in death by her husband John; her parents; and one brother: James.

Esther Pitz

Funeral services for Esther Pitz of New Hampton will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 5 at Holy Family Parish - St. Joseph Center in New Hampton with Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Darrel Browning, Harry Buhre Jr., James Stanbrough, Paul Pitz, Gerald Pitz, and Steve Pitz.

Visitation from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Hugeback Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. scripture service. Visitation an hour prior to the mass at church.

Esther, 90, died Monday, September 2, 2002 at the New Hampton Care Center of natural causes.

Esther Bertha Pitz was born January 16, 1912 in Jacksonville Township, rural Chickasaw County the daughter of John and Minnie (Kroenecke) Buhre. She attended rural country school.

On November 20, 1933 she married Edmund Pitz at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Hampton. They farmed by Ionia for a few years, later moving south of New Hampton on a farm. Later they moved three miles east of New Hampton and then moved to the Buhre Family Farm until retiring in 1966. Ed died on August 20, 1975. In 1992 she entered the New Hampton Care Center.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Rosary Society.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband Ed; her parents; five sisters: Ida Nolte, Clara Biermann, Carrie Nerge, Emma Senenfelder, and Bertha Nosbisch; and two brothers: Harry and Edwin.

Mary Zobeck

Funeral services for Mary Zobeck of Evansdale, formerly of Cresco will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 18 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Interment is in the New Oregon Cemetery, rural Cresco.

Mary, 85, died Sunday, September 15, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.