February 2004 Obituaries - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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from The Paynesville Press
February 2004

Johnson Funeral Home Peter Ludwig, 83, Luxemburg
Peter Ludwig Peter A. Ludwig, 83, of Luxemburg, Minn., died on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at St. Wendelin's Catholic Church in Luxemburg. Fr. David Grundman officiated. Burial took place in the Parish Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 428.

Peter was born Feb. 9, 1921, in Avon, Minn., to Peter and Barbara (Mergen) Ludwig. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Helena.

He married Lorraine Meyer on June 1, 1948, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove. He lived and farmed in the Luxemburg area since 1950. He worked at the VA Medical Center as a psychiatric aid, retiring in 1984.

He enjoyed the hobbies of gardening, playing cards and neighboring. He was a member of St. Wendelin's Catholic Church, Fr. Pierz Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Knights of Columbus Council 961, VFW Granite Post 428, St. Augusta American Legion Post 621, St. Cloud Eagles Aerie 622 and St. Wendelin's/St. Theresa's Catholic Aid Association.

Peter is survived by his children, John (Judy) Ludwig, Gerald (Lanetta) Ludwig, and Patty Ludwig, all of St. Cloud, James (Debbie) Ludwig, Carrie (Dave) Sweeney, and Mark (Lynn) Ludwig, all of Rice, Rose (Bob) Salner of Clearwater, Rita (Bill) Trivelpiece of Atlanta, Ga., and Kevin (Kay) Ludwig of Baltimore, Md.; 22 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Loretta Wuertz of Waite Park, Br. Robert Ludwig, CSC of Austin, Texas, Sr. Cathryn Ludwig, OSB of St. Cloud, Michael Ludwig of Melrose, Olivia Salzl of Watkins, Mary Ann Fasbender of Paynesville, Herbert Ludwig of Montrose, Florence Graham of Edina, Florentine Zipko, and Anita Giuliani, both of Maplewood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lorraine on March 1, 2002, and brother Celestine Ludwig.

Laura Lambke, 77, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Laura Lambke, 77, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m. at the Edgewater Methodist Church. Rev. Dan Nations officiated.

Laura was born July 14, 1926, in Paynesville, the daughter of John and Marguarite (Ranney) Carlock.

She worked as a secretary for North Carolina Veterans Affairs and traveled as a missionary with Servants on Wheels Ever Ready. She and her husband moved from Raleigh, N.C., to the Port Charlotte area in 1984.

Laura was a member of Port Charlotte Edgewater Methodist Church, Campers for Christ, and a chaplain for Gideons International Auxiliary.

Laura is survived by her husband of 58 years, Roger; daughters, Lois Danz of Glen Rock, N.J., and Linda Thomson of Bloomington, Minn.; sons, Richard Lambke of Delray Beach, Fla., and Ronald Lambke of Port Charlotte; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Walter Carlock of Minnesota.

Harold Blakstad, 77, Zumbrota
Harold Blakstad Harold Luverne Blakstad, 77, of Zumbrota, Minn., died on Thursday morning, Feb. 19, 2004, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester of injuries received in an automobile accident.

A memorial service was held on Monday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. at Minneola Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. Pastor Sarah Nietz officiated. Inurnment was in the church cemetery.

Harold was born on Jan. 13, 1927, in Wanamingo Township, Goodhue County, Minnesota, to Joseph and Jonetta "Jennie" (Satrum) Blakstad. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school. He entered the U.S. Army on June 21, 1945, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 6, 1947.

After his discharge he finished his schooling at Wanamingo High School. He started working for the Hader Cheese Factory. On March 23, 1952, he married Beverly Ann Borst in St. Paul. They made their home in the Zumbrota area and started farming.

In 1989 Harold retired after 20 years as manager of the Municipal Liquor Store in Zumbrota. He continued to work part time for the Wanamingo Soil Center.

He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and bird watching.

Harold was a member of Minneola Lutheran Church where he served on several boards and the Stary-Yerka VFW Post #5727 in Zumbrota.

Harold is survived by his wife, Beverly; six daughters, Leanne (Don) Tangen of Sartell, Susan (Paul) Haugen of Lutsen, Randi (Monty) Schaefer of Wanamingo, Janelle (Dave) O'Brien of Zumbrota, Amy Redfield of Zumbrota, and Vicky (Quinn) Hilke of Wanamingo; two sons, Gregory (Paula) Blakstad of Zumbrota and Steven (Becky) Blakstad of Portland, Ore.; 16 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Florence; three sisters, Ruth Ramstad, Florence Hovde, and Clarice Walstad; and six brothers, Phillip, Johnnie, Arnold, Melroy, Charles, and Robert.

Donald Pederson, 76, Paynesville
Donald Clinton Pederson, 76, of Paynesville, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, at the Bannar Baywood Hospital in Mesa, Ariz.

The funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, at Nordland Lutheran Church near Paynesville. Revs. Keith Ainsley and Doris Dodds officiated. Inurnment will be held at the Nordland Lutheran Church Cemetery on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m.

Don was born Nov. 7, 1927, in Lakefield, Minn., the son of Clinton and Ellen (Anderson) Pederson. Don moved with his family to various communities and attended high school in Worthington.

During World War II, Don served his country in the 88th Blue Devil Signal Corps. of the U.S. Army. During part of this time he was stationed in Italy. In 1945, he was honorably discharged.

Don attended Worthington Junior College, Mankato State University, and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1965 with a Master of Arts degree.

On June 9, 1950, Don married Maurine Fowler in Worthington. In 1952 they moved to Adrian where he began teaching. While living there he was a member of the Adrian Methodist Church where he served as Sunday school teacher and church treasurer. In 1965, after receiving his master's degree, they moved to Belview where Don was the high school principal.

In 1966, they moved to Paynesville where he was the assistant principal, federal programs director, audio-visual director, and business teacher. He retired in 1982. During this time he was a member of the Paynesville Methodist Church, where he served as Sunday school teacher and church treasurer.

In 1979 Don and Maurine began Pederson's Unlmited which is a hockey jersey manufacturing company.

Don was a member of Minnesota Education Association, National Education Association, Paynesville American Legion Post #271, the Eastern Star, Koronis Hills Golf Club, Delta Pi Epsilan fraternity, and an original member of the Paynesville Ambulance Squad. He had also been a Boy Scout leader for several years.

He enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hunting, golfing, gardening, and traveling.

Don is survived by his wife, Maurine of Paynesville; sons, Robert (Janet) of St. Joseph and Gordon of Mesa, Ariz.; three grandchildren; and a brother, Robert (Phyllis) of Worthington.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Donald Schwaegerl, 64, Spicer
Donald Charles Schwaegerl, 64, of Spicer, died Monday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2004, at the Paynesville Area Hospital after a courageous but short battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Comfrey. Father Fred Fink will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 20, from 50 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in New London where there will be a 7:30 p.m. Parish Prayer service. Visitation will also be held for two hours prior to the services at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Comfrey.

Donald was born on March 19, 1939, in Mountain Lake, Minn., the son of Henry and Julia (Lenertz) Schwaegerl. He grew up in Comfrey where he was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at St. Paul's Catholic Church. He attended grade school at St. Paul's Catholic School and Comfrey High School, graduating in 1957.

On Oct. 18, 1957, Don entered the U.S. Army where he served his country until Oct. 6, 1960, when he was honorably discharged and returned home.

On Nov. 15, 1961, Don was united in marriage to Bernadine Sellner in Comfrey. They made their home in Comfrey where Don owned and operated Schwaegerl Oil Company from 1963 to 1993, then began work with Tri-County Co-op until he moved to Spicer in 1998. While living in Spicer he worked for Koronis Parts in Paynesville.

Don was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer and a former member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Comfrey. He was also a member of the Comfrey Commercial Club, Comfrey Fire Department where he once served as fire chief, St. Paul's School Board, North West Petroleum Association, Nest Lake Improvement Association, and Lake Region HOG Chapter. Among the things he enjoyed were motorcycling, hunting, fishing, traveling, and woodworking. Don is survived by his wife, Berni; daughter, Pamela (Mike) Aase of Chaska; son Craig (Renee) Schwaegerl of Commerce Township, Michigan; mother, Julia Schwaegerl of Springfield; four grandchildren; two brothers, Leon (Marge) Schwaegerl of Comfrey and Jim (Joyce) Schwaegerl of Redwood Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Henry.

Lawrence Bagley, 92, Regal
Lawrence Bagley Lawrence Bagley, 92, of Regal, died on Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, at the Belgrade Nursing Home.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Regal. Reverend Fred Fink officiated. Burial was in St. Anthony's Parish Cemetery in Regal.

Lawrence was born July 7, 1911, in Dickey County, N.D., to Lewis and Anna (Weber) Bagley. He married Margaret Farnsworth in 1936 in Edgely, N.D. They moved to the Regal area where they farmed until retiring in 1962. During their retirement, they would winter in Lake Placid, Fla., for the next 36 years.

He was a member of St. Anthony's Parish in Regal. Lawrence loved to hunt, fish and garden all his life.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Regal; daughters, Pauline (Jim) Bower of Boerne, Texas, and Carol (Larry) Jones of Regal; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Dorothy Gertgen of Kandiyohi and Ruth Braun of Lake Placid, Fla. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lester, and two infant great-grandchildren.

R.K. Huso, Arizona
Dr. R.K. Huso of Sun City, Ariz., died on Monday, Feb. 16, 2004.

Dr. Huso had a dental practice in Paynesville from 1945-1956.

He is survived by a daughter, Terry Grant; a son, Mark Huso; five grandchildren; and three sisters.

He was preceded in death by his wife LaVerne (Miller) Huso in September 2003 and his son Ed in July 1966.

Connie McCarter, 76, Indiana
Consuelo (Connie) Yvonne McCarter, 76, of Evansville, Indiana, died Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Evansville.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the Boone Funeral Home East Chapel. Rev. David Schwambach officiated. Burial took place at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Connie was born Dec. 17, 1927, in Hawick, Minn., the daughter of John and Gladys Robbin. She married Charles E. McCarter of Louisburg, Kansas, in 1950.

She enjoyed University of Evansville basketball and traveling.

Connie is survived by three daughters, Allison McCarter of Evansville, Shannon McCarter of Evansville, and Colleen Cummins of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; a son, Kerrick (Wanda) McCarter of Evansville; and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Charles on May 7, 1984.

Don Revier, 96, Paynesville
Don Revier Donald Ervin Revier, 96, of Paynesville, died Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 11, 2004, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Rev. Ric Koehn officiated. Burial was in Paynesville Cemetery.

Don was born on Dec. 26, 1907, in Dennison, Minn., the son of Bert Lucis and Martha (Thompson) Revier. He grew up in Northfield and was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith.

On Sept. 14, 1936, Donald was united in marriage to Marie Schrump in Forest City, Iowa. They made their home in Northfield, Hastings, and in Minneapolis for a few years where Don worked in the C. Thomas grocery stores. They then returned to Northfield where Don was a second lieutenant in the National Guard. The unit was mobilized to Fort Benning, Louisiana.

When WWII was declared in 1941, he went to Northern Ireland and then on to North Africa, Italy, and back to the United States, where he worked as an instructor in signal school in Red Bank, New Jersey. He was honorably discharged as a major in 1946, when he returned to Northfield.

They moved to Paynesville in 1955, when they purchased Elmquist Variety Store and later turned it into Ben Franklin. Donald retired in 1972.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he served on the finance committee for many years. He was a past commander and 50-year member of both the Paynesville American Legion Post #271 and Northfield V.F.W. Post #6039. He was also a member of Carinthian Chapter #33 Royal Arch Masons in Northfield, Faribault Commandery #008 Knights Templar, Paynesville Mason Lodge #71 A.F. and A.M., Shriner Osman Temple A.A. O.N.M.S. in St. Paul, Paynesville Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Paynesville City Council.

Donald is survived by three daughters, Donna (Dale) Barthel of Clearwater, Jane (Jerry) Burr of Paynesville, and Carol (Butch) Liestman of Clearwater; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Verna Enger of Delano and Ruth Larson of Burnsville.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; two brothers; two sisters; and his parents.

Lora Weber, 94, Paynesville
Lora Weber Lora I. Weber, 94, of Paynesville, died on Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Reverend Rich Hubert officiated. Burial was in the Salem Cemetery in rural Paynesville.

Lora was born Feb. 17, 1909, in Zion Township, Stearns County, to Otto and Pauline (Bader) Weber. She attended country school in rural Paynesville and helped on the family farm. Later she moved into Paynesville where she continued being a caregiver to her mother and waitressing at various restaurants.

She attended the Evangelical Free Church in Paynesville.

Lora is survived by nieces, Arlene Walter of Willmar and Marlys Miller of Hutchinson; a nephew Roger (Vicki) Weber of Woodbury; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Herman and Bill.

Dorothy Holifer, 82, Paynesville
Dorothy Holifer Dorothy Winnifred Holifer, 82, of Paynesville, died Monday morning, Feb. 9, 2004, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Reverend Ric Koehn officiated. Burial was in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on Aug. 16, 1921, on the family farm in Paynesville Township, the daughter of Walter and Helena (Glenz) Kruger. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at the Evangelical United Brethern Church in Paynesville. She grew up on the family farm and attended Paynesville High School, graduating in 1938.

In 1940 she was united in marriage to Donald Holifer. They made their home in rural Paynesville where they farmed until their divorce in 1961. Dorothy then moved into Pay-nesville where she began work at Sonstegard Egg Farm and later Animal Fair in Eden Valley. She also served Meals on Wheels for many years.

Dorothy was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she was active in the Mary Circle, choir, and many other church activities. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge #129 where she was an appointed officer and held almost every office. She enjoyed walking, baking, and flowers.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Diana Fiecke of Paynesville; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Doele; three brothers; one sister; and her parents.

Alice Anderson, 92, Kindred, N.D.
Alice Anderson Alice M. Anderson, 92, formerly of Kindred, N.D., and Riverview Place, Fargo, N.D. and currently of Paynesville, died on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, in the Paynesville Area Hospital.

A celebration of life for Alice was held Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, at 11 a.m. in West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Kindred. Burial was in West Prairie Cemetery, rural Kindred.

Alice was born Jan. 6, 1912, in Christine, N.D., to John and Mina (Erstad) Dahl. Alice was raised on various farms in the Kindred and Leonard, N.D., areas, where she also attended school.

She worked for families before marrying William Anderson on Oct. 6, 1934. They farmed in the Kindred area for over 50 years. She moved to Riverview Place in Fargo in October 1990. She lived there until the summer of 2003 when she moved to Washburne Court in Paynesville, Minn.

Alice was a member of West Prairie Lutheran Church, served as a Sunday school teacher, held offices in the church's women's group, enjoyed making quilts for missions, gardening, and flowers.

Alice is survived by two daughters, Janice (LeRoy) Franck of Dunnell, Minn., and Wanda (Richard) Deegan of Paynesville; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great- grandchild; two brothers, Millard (Betty) Dahl of Leonard, N.D., and Ernest (Marlene) Dahl, Moorhead, Minn.; one sister, Norma Jackson of Fargo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mina Dahl; her husband, William Anderson; her daughter, Charlene Hunter; an infant son; two brothers; and three sisters.

Karen Mutschelknaus,47, Paynesville
Karen Mutchelknaus Karen Mutschelknaus, 47, of Paynesville, died on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, at the St. Cloud Hospital after a long stuggle with illness.

The funeral service was at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Rev. Dave Nelson officiated. Interment was in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Karen was born Dec. 4, 1956, in Pine River, Minn., the daughter of Martin and Joan (Tarbutt) Ruigh. She grew up in Rine River where she graduated from high school in 1975.

In 1979, she graduated from Bemidji State University and in 1982 from Fergus Falls Community College, receiving a bachelor of arts degree and training as a medical technician.

On May 26, 1990, Karen married David Mutschelknaus at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Following their marriage they lived in St. Cloud until 1993 when they moved to the Paynesville area. Karen worked as a microbiologist at Golden Plump Poultry for two and a half years, until 1997.

Karen was a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church, where she was active in women's ministries, Bible studies, and ushering. She was also a member of the Paynesville Lions Club.

Karen is survived by her husband, David of Paynesville; father, Martin Ruigh of Pine River; sisters, Colleen (Rick) King of Pine River and Patricia (Kevin) Johnson of St. Cloud; brother, Andrew (Jennifer) Ruigh of Sartell; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

Gladys Hurd, 83, Paynesville
Gladys Hurd Gladys Hurd, 83, of Paynesville, died Wednes-day, Feb. 4, 2004, at the Paynesville Area Hospital.

The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Rev. Ric Koehn officiated. Inter-ment was in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Gladys was born on May 24, 1920, in Paynesville, the daughter of Herman "Joe" and Emma (Schultz) Liestman. She grew up in Paynesville and married Floyd A. Hurd on April 6, 1939, in Paynesville.

She was a cook at the Paynesville School during the 1950s. She and Floyd owned and operated Koronis Antiques for 30 years.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Gladys is survived by her husband, Floyd of Paynesville; a son, Roger (Cindy) Hurd of Plymouth; a sister, Nolene Stanger of Paynesville; a brother Dale (Marion) Liestman of Paynesville; five granchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Gloria Potter; brothers, Donald and Vernon Liestman; and a sister, Violet Albrecht.

Jean Bloedel, 71, New London
Jean Bloedel Jean Elizabeth Bloedel, 71, of New London, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

A memorial service was held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynes-ville. Rev. Keith Ainsley officiated. Inurnment will be held in the spring at Linden Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Jean was born July 6, 1932, in Madelia, the daughter of Edward and Valborg Dahl. She grew up in Madelia where she attended school.

She married Jim Thormodson and they farmed in the Hanska/Madelia area. Jim died in 1977. On July 1, 1979, Jean married Edmund Bloedel in Hanska. Following their marriage, they lived in Hanska and later moved to Long Lake, near New London, where they were currently living.

Jean had worked at Ehler's Department Store in New Ulm. She enjoyed sewing and crafts. She was a member of Nordland Lutheran Church.

Jean is survived by her husband, Edmund of New London; children, Kevin Thormodson of Hanska, Deb (Ed) Wieben of New Ulm, Sheryl (Jay) Utter of Lake Crystal, David Thormodson of North Mankato, Ed (Enid) Bloedel Jr. of Fairmont, Ward Bloedel of New Ulm, and Randy (Mary) Paulson of Okeechobee, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a brother, Eldon Dahl of Glenwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jim Thormodson; sisters, Bernice Just and Judy Bonderman; and a brother, Burton Dahl.

Donald Sonstegard, 85, Spicer
Donald Sonstegard Donald Malcolm Sonstegard, 85, of Spicer, died on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, at the Bethesda Pleasantview Nursing Home in Willmar.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at Nordland Lutheran Church, rural Paynesville. Rev. Keith Ainsley officiated. Interment was in the Crow River Lutheran Cemetery, rural Belgrade.

Donald was born Aug. 23, 1918, in Georgeville. He was the son of Peter Olaf and Selma (Stenerson) Sonste-gard. Donald grew up on the family farm near Georgeville.

On Oct. 4, 1941, he married Elsie Larson in Avoca, Minn. They were married 62 years.

Don attended the University of Minnesota Farm School and he went on to the U. of Minn. Agricultural School where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

During World War II, Don served his country in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945.

After his service, Don was employed at the Land O' Lakes Creamery in Lakefield and the North American Creamery in Paynesville, before purchasing the Paynesville Produce in 1948. In addition to Don's involvement with the egg processing business, he had many interests in agriculture production: turkeys, hogs, Red Angus cattle, and grain farming.

For more than 20 years he was a partner in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Paynesville. Don served on the Paynesville School Board for 12 years and was a former member of the Paynesville Lutheran Church where he had served on the church council. Don had also served on the board of the Paynesville Community Service Center.

In 1975, Don and Elsie moved to Green Lake and they have been members at Nordland Lutheran Church since. Don was also a member of the New London American Legion Post #537.

Don is survived by his wife, Elsie of Spicer; son, Gary (Elaine) of Montevideo; daughters, Gingie (Tim) Schmitt of Wadena, Deb (Gary) Ellefson of Ashland, Wis., Janel (Paul) Gamm of Fairfax, Vt., and Julie (Henri Reinertz) Sonstegard of Luxembourg, Europe; 21 grandchildren; six great- grandchildren; and brothers Manfred of England and Ole (Margaret) of Paynesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Goodwin and Bernard; sisters, Delphine Tweit, Maureen Liestman, and Ruby Simmons; and one granddaughter.

Bishop George Speltz, 91, St. Cloud
Bishop George Speltz Bishop George Henry Speltz, 91, who served as bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud from 1968 to 1987, died Sunday night, Feb. 1, 2004, at St. Benedict Senior Community in St. Cloud.

Mass of Christian Burial was on Monday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary, St. Cloud.

Bishop Speltz was born May 29, 1912, in Altura, Minn. He attended Holy Trinity High School in Rollingstone, Minn., graduated in 1932 from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn., attended St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, and earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1944.

Bishop Speltz was ordained a priest June 2, 1940, at the College of St. Theresa in Winona. He served in many parishes in southeastern Minne-sota before being named a bishop.

He was ordained a bishop on March 25, 1963, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. He was named auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Winona, and Titular Bishop of Claneus in 1963. On June 7, 1966, Bishop Speltz was installed as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud, becoming the sixth bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud on Jan. 31, 1968, and served the diocese in that capacity until he retired Jan. 13, 1987.

Bishop Speltz was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sister Genevieve, OSF, and Margaret Wicker; and four brothers, Monsignor Richard, Edward, Alfred and Paul.


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