July 2006 Obituaries - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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from The Paynesville Press
July 2006

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Hertha Fenske, 91, Paynesville
Hertha Fenske Hertha E. Fenske, 91, of Paynesville died on Tuesday, July 25, at the Koronis Manor.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 28, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Burial was at the Paynesville Cemetery.

Hertha was born on Aug. 31, 1914, in Morgan, Minn., to Wilhelm and Paulina (Mude) Jannusch.

She married Arthur A. Fenske on Oct. 1, 1935, in Morgan. They farmed in Morgan from 1935 to 1956, when they moved to farm in rural Paynesville. They retired from farming in 1962 and moved to the eastern edge of Paynesville. In 1986, Hertha moved into the city of Paynesville.

She was a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her four children, Herb (Carol) Fenske, Dallas (Patricia) Fenske, and Shirley Cromwell, all of Paynesville, and JoAnn (Bruce) Krupke of Willmar; 17 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; infant daughter, Darlene; grandson, Scott Dallas Fenske; and sisters, Cora Rohde and Alma Kranz.

Phillip Young, 90, Paynesville
Philip Young Phillip Young, 90, died on Friday, July 21, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

A memorial service for Young and his wife Audrey - who died at the age of 79 in November 1996 - will be held on Friday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday. Internment will be in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Phil was born on March 31, 1916, in Edina, Minn., the son of Albert and Carrie (Peterson) Young. He grew up and went to school in Edina.

He was united in marriage to Audrey Bacon on May 25, 1938, in Minneapolis. Two children were born to this union.

They moved to Paynesville and purchased the bakery in October 1939. They owned and operated Young's Bakery until they sold it to their daughter Carolyn and her husband on Jan. 1, 1970.

Young served one term on the Paynesville City Council and was a volunteer fireman with the Paynesville Fire Department for many years, including duty as the fire chief.

He was an avid private pilot who loved to fly and also took care of the Paynesville Airport for many years.

He is survived by his children, Carolyn Welter of Paynesville and Glenn (Ethel) Young of Litchfield; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren (with one more on the way).

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson; a brother, Ernie Young; and sisters, Helen Young and Marie Bartz.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the Paynesville Senior Dining, Paynesville R.O.S.E. Center, or to an organization of the donor's choice.

Ervin Winter, 93, Spring Hill
Ervin Winter Ervin C. Winter, 93, of Spring Hill, died on Wednesday, July 26, at the Koronis Manor.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, July 31, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. Burial was at the parish cemetery.

Ervin was born on April 5, 1913, in Spring Hill to Frank and Mary (Schoenborn) Winter.

He married Ludwina C. Ramler on Sept. 30, 1941, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Farming.

He farmed near Spring Hill most of his life. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Sharon) Winter of Roscoe, Adeline (Bill) Boucher of Rockville, Mary (Butch) Kotz of Belgrade, Ruth (Steve) Larson of Litchville, N.D., Dan (Terri) Winter of Spring Hill, Tim Winter of Minneapolis, and Bill Winter of Tracy, Iowa; 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sisters, Johanna Schefers of Cold Spring and Tillie Jonas of Melrose.

He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Rita Winter; son, Joseph Winter; brothers, Henry, Lawrence, Edward, Alfred, Art, and Richard; and sisters, Sophia, Theckla, Jonas, Erma Kunstleben, Sarah Fuchs, and Leona Meemken.

Donald Lahr, 83, Eden Valley
Donald Lahr Donald M. Lahr, 83, of Eden Valley died on Friday, July 21, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 24, at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Burial took place at the parish cemetery.

Donald was born Dec. 18, 1922, in Eden Valley to Peter and Mary (Westrup) Lahr.

He married Fidelia Sterner on June 17, 1950, in Winsted. They farmed in rural Eden Valley from 1950 until they moved into Eden Valley in 1998.

Donald was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, St. Joseph Society, Paynesville Knights of Columbus Council 3820, and Eden Valley Senior Citizens.

Survivors include his wife; sons and daughters, Lawrence (Lois) Lahr of Onamia, Kenneth (Linda) Lahr of St. Stephen, Paul (Teresa) Lahr of Dassel, Peter (Theresa) Lahr of Phoenix, Ariz., Dennis (Trish) Lahr of Big Lake, Ann (David) Valley of Albertville, and Margaret (Carl) Dawn of West St. Paul; brothers, Herb Lahr of Richfield and David (Anacita) Lahr of Eden Valley; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and other relatives.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tom; infant daughter; sister, Eleanor Heger; brother, Joe Lahr; and other relatives.

Gordon Christenson, 88, Paynesville
Gordon Christenson Gordon Christenson, 88, of Paynesville died on Monday, July 10, at the Paynesville Area Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 13, at Calvary Baptist Church in Paynesville. A graveside service was held on Friday, July 14, at Bethany Baptist Cemetery in Strandburg, S.D.

Gordon Harry Christenson was born on Oct. 6, 1917, in Stockholm, S.D., the son of Lindsey and Sophie (Fritz) Christenson. He grew up in Stockholm where he attended South Shore High School, graduating in 1935.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1942, serving his country during WWII in Italy. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned home.

On Sept. 22, 1946, Gordon was united in marriage to Helen Linngren. To this union, three daughters were born.

They made their home in Stockholm, S.D., where Gordon farmed until 1963, when they moved to New London and he worked as a salesman, baker, and schoolbus driver for Peterson Bus Company.

They had just recently moved to Paynesville.

Gordon was a former member of Bethel Baptist Church in Strandburg and was a current member of Calvary Baptist Church in Paynesville, where he had served as a trustee, usher, and attended Men's Brotherhood.

He also was a member of the New London American Legion and Strandburg American Legion, where he had served as a commander and bugler for taps at military funerals.

Among the things he enjoyed were driving schoolbus, hunting, fishing, baseball, music, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Helen of Paynesville; daughters, Jean (Don) Tazelaar of Buffalo, Debbie (Tom) Ernst of Buffalo, and Becky (Mike) Aanerud of Maple Lake; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Lois (John) Holaus of St. Louis, Mo., and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and two infant grandsons, Grady and David Aanerud.

Victor Schmitt, 80, Paynesville
Victor B. Schmitt, 80, of Paynesville, died on Tuesday, July 11, at the Paynesville Area Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Burial was held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minneapolis.

Victor Bernard Schmitt was born on Dec. 23, 1925, in St. Francis, the son of Martin and Mary (Lange) Schmitt. He grew up and attended school in St. Francis. As a young man he left for the Twin Cities to make his way in life.

In 1947, Victor was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Christenson, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in St. Paul. They made their home in the Twin Cities, where Vic worked as a senior animal technician at the Rosemount Experiment Station for 40 years.

He retired in 1988, when they moved to their home on Rice Lake, and into Paynesville two years ago.

Vic loved to fish, play cards, woodwork, and travel with Ruth, spending many winters in Arizona. He was a fun-loving guy who loved telling stories.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; three nieces; three nephews; and other relatives.

Kristine Spanier, infant, Paynesville
Private services were held for Kristine Serena Spanier, infant daughter of Greg and Margaret Spanier of Paynesville, who died at birth on Thursday, July 13.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister, Erin (Todd) Mountin of Milaca; brothers, Kyle Plathe of St. Paul and Jared Spanier of Paynesville; paternal grandmother Marion (Larry) Brunner of Belgrade, maternal grandfather, Louie Reynolds of Casper, Wyo., as well as many other relatives.

Preceding her in death are her grandfather, Albert Spanier; and grandmother, Joan Reynolds.

Phyllis Evans, 92, Long Beach, Calif.
Phyllis Evans Phyllis A. Evans, 92, of Long Beach, Calif., died on Monday, July 10, after a short bout with pneumonia.

Services were held at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Long Beach, Calif., on Thursday, July 13.

Phyllis was born in Paynesville and moved with her mother, Clarissa, to Long Beach after high school.

Phyllis led an active life. Her love of the sun and beach were always in her heart. She enjoyed her family, friends, sewing, refinishing furniture, playing bridge, braiding rugs, golfing, and her career.

She was a founding member of St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church.

As her physical abilities deteriorated from old age, her intention was always to think of others more than herself. Her example of generosity and unself-ishness will be treasured memories to her children and grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Harry; sons, Richard Evans of Long Beach, Calif., and John Evans of Irvine, Calif.; daughter, Barbara (Paul) Wightman of Sandy, Utah; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Juanita Schlangen, 71, Paynesville
Juanita Schlangen Juanita M. "Nita" Schlangen, 71, of Paynesville passed away on Monday, July 5, at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 10, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Burial was at the parish cemetery.

Nita was born on July 21, 1934, in Millwood Township to Bernard and Rose (Beste) Renneker. She married Daniel H. Schlangen on Sept. 24, 1952, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. They farmed in Lake Henry Township all of their married life.

Nita was employed as a nurse's aid at the Paynesville Community Hospital.

She enjoyed gardening, quilting, polka music, taking short trips, and especially, the farm life and her grandchildren.

Nita volunteered at the Paynesville Community Center and was a member of St. Louis Parish, Catholic Aid Association, Christian Women, and the St. Catherine's Mission Group.

Nita is survived by her husband; her children, Jane Konz of Clearwater, Dale (Julie) of Lake Henry, Karl of Lake Henry, Gary (Janet) of Belgrade, Kevin of Paynesville, Leo (Marlene) of Monticello and Scott of Lake Henry; 13 grandchildren; one brother, Alcuin (Loretta) of Melrose; three sisters, Bernice (Celestine) Fischbach of Belgrade, Marcella Wochnick of Waite Park, and Kathleen (Joe) Herdering of Freeport.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Virgil, in 1971; and sister, Joyce Boeckermann.

Rita Fischbach, 78, Paynesville
Rita Fischbach Rita A. Fischbach, 78, of Paynesville died on Thursday, June 29, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 3, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Entombment was in the church cemetery.

Rita A. Fischbach was born on July 22, 1927, the daughter of Aloys and Rose (Klassen) Hoppe in New Munich. She grew up in New Munich where she met and married Harold Fischbach on Nov. 20, 1945.

The couple moved to Paynesville where they were blessed with nine children. Rita devoted most of her life to her family and home but did enjoy working at Coast to Coast for 18 years.

Harold passed away in 2003. Together they enjoyed 57 years of marriage.

Rita was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church. She was a member of the Christian Women's Society and Perpetual Adoration Society.

She is survived by her children, Patsy (Bill) Temple of Hackensack, Roger (Janis) Fischbach of Excelsior, Sandra (Mark) VanRhyn of Natchitoches, La., David (Becky) Fischbach of Detroit Lakes, Tim (Debbi) Fischbach of Waconia, Cindy (Lyle) Wendroth of Zumbrota, Nancy (Tim) Manz of Willmar, Sue (Paul) Burris of Paynesville, and Scott (Michelle) Fischbach of Paynesville; 21 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Evelyn (Nick) Fischbach of Paynesville, Dorothy (Dick) Hollencamp of Freeport, Herb (Val) Hoppe of St. Cloud, Elmer (Karen) Hoppe of St. Paul, Ruth (Mark) Dundon of Seattle, Wash., and Ronnie (Jan) Hoppe of Freeport.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her parents, and three siblings, Edwin, Dan, and Judy.

Leonard Yoder, 23, Milbank, S.D.
Leonard (Lenny) Aaron Yoder, 23, died on Sunday, July 2, at his apartment in Milbank, S.D.

Funeral services for Yoder, formerly of Grove City, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 7, at the Paynesville Evangelical Free Church, located three and a half miles west of Paynesville. Visitation will be at the Emanuel-Patterson Funeral Home in Milbank, S.D., on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville on Thursday from 5-8 p.m., and at the church on Friday one hour before services. Burial will be in the Burr Oak Cemetery.

Leonard Aaron Yoder was born on March 20, 1983, at Litchfield, the son of Marcus and Anna (Miller) Yoder. He graduated from Riverview Christian School in Grove City.

He moved to Milbank in 2002, where he worked for Rick and Cheri Meagher as a farm laborer.

Leonard attended the New Life Evangelical Free Church in Watertown, S.D., and was baptized in July 2003.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his parents, Marcus and Anna Yoder, rural Grove City; two sisters, Annette (Jay) Stoltzfus, Lancaster, Penn., and Janet Yoder, rural Grove City; his paternal grandparents, Amos and Sara Yoder, and his maternal grandparents, David and Susana Miller, all of Grove City; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

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