January 2009 Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

January 2009

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Obituary Archives

Betty Mauer, 84, St. Cloud
Betty Mauer, 84, of St. Cloud died on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Feb. 6, at the Benson Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Burial was in North Star Cemetery in St. Cloud.

Betty Mauer was born on Jan. 2, 1925, to Arthur and Stella (Gordon) Glenz on a farm about six miles west of Paynesville. She was the fifth of six children and a twin to her sister, Betsy.

She received her education at a one-room school house in Regal.

She married Frank Mauer of St. Cloud on June 10, 1947, in Paynesville. Two sons, Gregory and Bruce, were born to this union. Betty and Frank later divorced.

In her working career, Betty was employed at Spanial Hotel, Dan Marsh Drug Store, Redding Nursing Home, and at St. Cloud State College the last 10 years.

Betty is survived by her son, Greg (Karen) of Rapid City, S.D.; two grandchildren; sisters, Fern Hertzberg of St. Cloud and Betsy Kingsriter of Paynesville; and brother, Gordon Glenz of Paynesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Bruce; sister, Velda Robbins; and brother, Donald Glenz.

Memorials are preferred.


Valeria Conrey, 85, Gresham, Ore.
Valeria Dalthorp Conrey, 85, of Gresham, Ore., died on Sunday, Jan. 18.

Funeral services were held in Gresham. Burial will be held in Minnesota on Saturday, June 27.

Valeria Dalthorp Conrey was born on Sept 22, 1923, to Charles and Hildegard Zapf in Paynesville. She graduated from Paynesville High school in 1941.

She married Vernon (Zeke) Dalthorp in June 1941. They shared 57 years of marriage before Vernon's death.

On Sept. 9, 1999, Valeria married Paul Conrey in Gresham, Ore.

Valeria is survived by her husband, Paul; children, Judy (Richard) Groth of Brimson, Minn., Michelle Wentworth of Troutdale, Ore., Karlene (Stan) Gale of Grand Rapids, Steven (Pam) Dalthorp of Olympia,Was., and James (Annette) Dalthorp of Nevada, Iowa; stepchildren, Jim (Louise) Dulong of Clackamas, Ore., and Patt (John) DeBlick of Boise, Idaho; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; brother, Elred (Marty) Zapf of St. George, Utah; sisters, Elaine (Richard) Becraft of Port Charlotte, Fla., Rosemary (Milt) Koshiol of Paynesville, and Gemela Zapf of Morris; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Vernon; sister, Rita; two grandsons; and a daughter-in-law.


Eldon Block, 76, St. Anthony Village
Eldon Block, 76, of Saint Anthony Village died on Saturday, Jan. 24, at his home.

A celebration of his life will be held in Paynesville on Saturday, May 2. Details will be announced later in the Paynesville Press.

Eldon was born in New Glarus, Wis., to Ben and Anna Block.

He spent his early childhood at the family farm in Paynesville Township and later worked as a young adult at Herb and Elise Schultz's mink farm adjacent to Lake Koronis.

Eldon married Mary Eighner of Kandiyohi County in 1955, and they began raising a family on an acre of land bought from his parents.

He moved to the Twin Cities in 1965 and worked for Precision Sheet Metal and later for Modern Tool.

Eldon is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Michael (Lori) and Patrick; three grandchildren; one great-grandson; brother, Darrell; sisters, Delma and Janice; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Ronald.


JoAnne Harapat, 64, Alexandria
JoAnne Harapat, 64, of Alexandria and formerly of Paynesville, died on Friday, Jan. 30, at Fairview Riverside Hospital in Minneapolis.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria. Burial was in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.

JoAnne Harapat was born on Oct. 29, 1944, to Stanley and Dorothy (Snyder) Harapat in Minneapolis. She graduated from Paynesville High School and furthered her education at Alexandria Technical College.

She spent many years working at Alexandria Extrusion.

JoAnne is survived by her son, Eric of St. Cloud; brothers, Gordy of Minneapolis, Gary of Alexandria, and Dale of New Mexico; sisters, Sharon Seward of Alexandria, Clarann Harapat of Alexandria, and Kathy of Sioux City, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Harapat and Dorothy Weiland and brother, David.


David Gronli, 87, Paynesville
David Gronli, 87, of Paynesville died on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Paynesville Area Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Feb. 2, at Paynesville Lutheran Church with military honors. Burial will be held at a later date.

David Gronli was born on Oct. 10, 1921, to Peder and Julie (Johnson) Gronli in Irving Township near Hawick. He grew up on the family farm in the Lost Valley area of Hawick.

He attended District 92 country school before attending Paynesville High School for two years, walking home after basketball and track practices. He then transferred to New London High School when their school bus started coming into Lost Valley. David graduated with the Class of 1941, taking with him many track records.

David joined the United States Army in 1942 and served his country during World War II until 1944, when he was honorably discharged.

David waited 25 years before starting college at St. Cloud State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in English in 1969.

He married Alice Bipes on Oct. 15, 1952, in Milaca. They made their home in Willmar for five years, before moving to the New London-Spicer area.

After spending many years around Spicer, they settled in Paynesville. David worked at a CCC Camp before he became self-employed in the construction industry. He also owned and maintained rental properties throughout his life.

David is survived by his wife, Alice; sister, Violet Luthens of Spicer; a brother-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ole, Norman, and Arnold; sister, Jennie Valeng.


Lucille Seastedt, 96, Paynesville
Lucille Seastedt, 96, of Paynesville died on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Funeral services will be held in the spring and will be announced at a later date.

Lucille Marjorie Seastedt was born on Aug. 10, 1912, to Peter and Anna (Ziehl) Johnson in Emerado, N.D.

In 1920, the family moved to New London, where she attended New London High School, graduating in 1930.

Lucille married Austin Seastedt on Aug. 9, 1930, at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Atwater. They made their home Paynesville, where Austin worked with the Standard Oil Co. for 30 years, and Lucille worked for the city of Paynesville as a librarian for 30 years. Together, Lucille and Austin shared 55 years of marriage before Ausin's death on April 23, 1986.

Lucille is survived by her sisters, Margaret Lundquist of Paynesville and Clearwater, Fla., and Maxine Meyers of Redwood Falls and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Austin; one brother; and one sister.


Judith Hoppe, 57, St. Martin
Judith P. "Judy" Hoppe, 57, of St. Martin and formerly of Freeport, died on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the St. Cloud Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in New Munich. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 4 to 9 p.m., at the church and from 10 to 11 a.m., on Wednesday prior to services at the church.

Judith Hoppe was born on Sept. 14, 1951, to John and Adeline (Kohorst) Burg in St. Cloud.

She married Francis B. Hoppe on May 20, 1972 in St. Martin. The couple farmed on the family farm near New Munich.

After Francis' death in November 1986, Judy continued farming for several more years while working at the Albany Area Hospital as a nurse's aide.

Judy is survived by her children, Tracy (Greg) Hoppe-Faber of Albany, Trudi Hoppe of Albany, Trisha Hoppe (fiancé, Matt Hellermann) of Grey Eagle, Chase (Stacy) Hoppe of New Munich, and Christopher Hoppe of St. Martin; eight grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Joe Burg of Avon, Jack Burg of Albany, Diane Metzger of St. Cloud, Doris Thyen of Pierz, Tom Burg of Richmond, Roseanne Brutger of St. Cloud, Gladys Lester of St. Cloud, Denise Kulzer of Albany, and Jeff (Peggy) Burg of Rockville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis Hoppe; and children, Tina, Amy, Francis, Jr., Benedict, and Chad Hoppe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.


JoAnne Harapat, 64, Alexandria
JoAnne Harapat, 64, of Alexandria and formerly of Paynesville, died on Friday, Jan. 30, at Fairview Riverside Hospital in Minneapolis.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria. Burial was in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.

JoAnne Harapat was born on Oct. 29, 1944, to Stanley and Dorothy (Snyder) Harapat in Minneapolis. She graduated from Paynesville High School and furthered her education at Alexandria Technical College.

She spent many years working at Alexandria Extrusion.

JoAnne is survived by her son, Eric of St. Cloud; brothers, Gordy of Minneapolis, Gary of Alexandria, and Dale of New Mexico; sisters, Sharon Seward of Alexandria, Clarann Harapat of Alexandria, and Kathy of Sioux City, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Harapat and Dorothy Weiland and brother, David.


Boynton Peters, 89, Litchfield
Boynton J. Peters, 89, of Litchfield died on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, at 1 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield and will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Forest City Cemetery with military honors.

Boynton Jerome Peters was born on May 5, 1919, to William and Minnie (Larson) Peters in Litchfield. He grew up in Litchfield and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1936. He continued his education, graduating from Dunwoody Institute in 1939.

He married Marion Mortenson on Jan. 24, 1942, in Litchfield.

Boynton entered the army in November 1942, where he served in the 608th Army Ordinance Battalion. He was discharged on Dec. 3, 1945.

He lived all his life on the family farm near Forest City, Minn., where he was a dairy, beef, and crop farmer.

Boynton is survived by his wife, Marion; children, William J. (Nancy) of Sheldon, Iowa, Stephen J. (Vicki) of Litchfield, Sharon L. (Terry) Kivioja of Coon Rapids, Susan M. (Don) Christofferson of Kimball, and Rebecca J. (Jeff) Thompson of Paynesville; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and brother, Archie Peters of Litchfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie; and sister, Melba Stevens.


Clinton Hoiseth, 84, Paynesville
Clinton Hoiseth, 84, of Paynesville died on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 23, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Burial was in the Paynesville Cemetery with military honors by the  Paynesville American Legion Post # 271.

Clinton Arthur Hoiseth was born on March 8, 1924, to Arthur and Millie (Ryff) Hoiseth in Paynesville.

He attended Paynesville Schools and graduated with the Class of 1942. After high school, he continued his education at Hamline University.

On Dec. 1, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He attended officer's school and earned his wings as a navigator. Clinton proudly served his country during WWII.

After the war, he returned to Minnesota and attended Macalaster College. He then returned to Paynesville, where he joined his father at the family's Ford dealership.

The next year, he was united in marriage to Janet Linderholm in Belgrade. Two daughters and one son were born to this union. The couple shared 61 years of marriage.

The family made their home in Paynesville in a house that Clinton built next to his parent's home. He lived there from 1956 until his sudden illness this past month.

Clinton and his brother, Keith, worked in the family business with their father. They were very proud of their 50-plus years with Ford Motor Company. They received numerous awards for outstanding customer service and sales.

Clinton is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Susan (Jack) Love of Suffern, N.Y., Jenifer (Tom) Crump of Woodbury, and Scott (Nancy) Hoiseth of Mound; six grandchildren; and brother, Keith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Millie Hoiseth.


Laura Hille, 106, New London
Laura H. Hille, 106, of New London died on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the GlenOaks Care Center in New London.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 23, at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in New London.

Laura Helene Hille was born on Sept. 15, 1902, to Iver and Gurianna (Sunde) Lorentzen in rural Paynesville. She grew up on the family farm west of Lake Koronis and attended country grade school in the area.

On Nov. 1, 1934, Laura was united in marriage to Soren M. Hille. A son and daughter were born to this union.

They made their home on a farm on the east end of Green Lake. In 1946-47, they built a home north of the Old Mill Inn in Spicer, where Laura resided until 2006.

Laura worked as a homemaker and weaved rugs. Together, Laura and Soren shared 52 years of marriage before Soren's death on Sept. 30, 1987.

Laura moved to the GlenOaks Apartments in 2006, and she had just moved recently to GlenOaks Care Center.

Laura is survived by her children, Larry (Meredith) Hille of Fridley and Elizabeth "Toots" (Jim) Van De Riet of Spicer; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Soren; three brothers; and six sisters.


Patricia Stern, 62, Austin, Minn.
Patricia Stern, 62, of Austin, Minn., died on Thursday, Jan. 8, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 12, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Austin. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in spring.

Patricia Stern was born on Sept. 15, 1946, to Earnest and Ruth (Weber) Nelson in Paynesville. She grew up and attended school in Paynesville.

She married Chester Johnson. Two sons were born to this union. They made their home in Philadelphia until 1967.

After their divorce in 1971, Patricia returned to Paynesville and had a daughter.

She earned her accounting degree in 1976 at St. Cloud Business College.

Patricia married Steven Stern on March 27, 1982.

She had resided at St. Mark's Lutheran Home since 2008.

Patricia is survived by her sons, James and Shawn Johnson, both of Austin; daughter, Stephany (Keith) Oldenkamp of Austin; four grandchildren; brother, James Nelson of Carver, Minn.; sister, Diane Kohanek of Faribault; three brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; and her mother-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Ruth Nelson; husband, Steven Stern; brother, John Nelson; sister, Ruthie Johnson; and her father-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.


Bernice Liestman, 91, Paynesville
Bernice L. Liestman, 91, of Paynesville, died on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Koronis Manor.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial was in Ebenezer Cemetery in rural Paynesville.

Bernice (Weber) Liestman was born on Feb. 9, 1917, to the late John and Nina (Kingsriter) Weber in Zion Township. She grew up on the family farm located four miles north of Paynesville.

She was married to Lawrence Liestman on June 15, 1938, in Salem Evangelical Church just a mile from her childhood home.

They farmed on the Weber Farm with her parents until they purchased their own farm in 1942 just a few miles south near North Paynesville. They lived out their entire lives on the farm.

They attended Ebenezer Church near Eden Valley until it closed. Upon the close of Ebenezer Church, they attended Grace United Methodist Church. Bernice served there for 35 years on the funeral committee.

Besides being a busy farm wife, Bernice enjoyed cooking meals and desserts for her family and friends, always remembering to make their favorites for birthdays and other events.

She also was devoted to her vegetable and flower gardens. Over the years, these expanded so that upon retirement she and Lawrence spent many happy years creating and caring for the gardens and farmstead for the enjoyment of others. At one point Bernice had 27 flower garden plots. The gardens became so popular that her children and granddaughters held an open house for 13 years to which as many as 1,000 people visited in just one season.

Bernice is survived by her son and daughters: John (Laurel) of Paynesville, Linda of Paynesville, and Karen (Bob) Tordsen of Brownton, two granddaughters, and a great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence, sister Dorothy, and her parents.


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