October 2014 Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

October 2014


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Obituary Archives

Kenneth Hahn, 83, Paynesville
Kenneth Hahn of Paynesville passed away on Sept. 25, in Tucson, Ariz.

Services will be held at Paynesville Lutheran Church on Sunday, Nov. 2, with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. and a memorial service at 2 p.m. Burial will be at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Fort Ripley.

Kenneth Ernest Hahn was born on April 5, 1931, to Ernest and Gladys Hahn in St. Paul.

He grew up in Acoma Township and Hutchinson, graduating high school in 1948.

He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker, Ala., from 1951-1952.

Ken married Cathryn Koehler on Feb. 14, 1953. They made their home in Minnesota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin throughout his life and, most recently, Paynesville.

Ken was very service-oriented. He coached Little League baseball; was a Boy Scout scoutmaster, Cub Scout den leader, and Wednesday religion leader; and volunteered in many other ways.

He was a "people" person, and held a special place in his heart for the mentally challenged. His primary careers were with the Boy Scouts of America as a Boy Scout executive and Lutheran Brotherhood as an insurance sales district representative.

Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cathryn; five children, Dave (Marcia) Hahn of Maple Grove, Minn., Nancy Hahn of Tucson, Ariz., Lisa (John) Anderson of Lester Prairie, Minn., Phil (Tina) Hahn of Mesa, Ariz., and Becky (Jeff) Thorpe of Cold Spring, Minn.; nine grandchildren, Abby (Mike) Hoffman, Grant Hahn, Amy Anderson (Travis Wanous), Tim (Anna) Anderson, Jake Anderson, Ben Thorpe (fiancˇ Jena Stommes), Nick Thorpe, Nathan Thorpe, and Katie Hahn; and four great- grandchildren, Brynna and Cole Hoffman and Brody and Clayton Wanous. Ken also leaves his brother, Dale, and many nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Norma Gassman, and brother, Roger Hahn.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are suggested to the Paynesville Lutheran Church or to American Legion Post #271.


William Langner, 65, Alexandria
William "Bill" Langner Bill died on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

A memorial service was held on Monday, Oct. 27, at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

Bill was born on Nov. 9, 1948, in Wadena, Minn.

He attended Paynesville High School and graduated in 1966. He furthered his education in Duluth, receiving his associate's degree.

Bill married Arlana Mayer on Oct. 20, 1967, in Paynesville.

Bill worked for 11 years in Anoka for FMC and the Anoka County Courthouse and then moved to Little Falls, where he worked for Larson Abstract for five years.

On Jan. 2, 1986, Bill and Arlana purchased Douglas County Abstract Company, and the family moved to Alexandria. He and Arlana worked side by side for many years, and later on, their children joined them.

Bill will be remembered as a true family man. He loved spending time with his family. Whether he and Arlana were taking their kids camping, fishing, or sightseeing, they were together, enjoying each other and the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Arlana; children, Carl (Nancy) of Hastings, Paul (Tami) of Alexandria, and Jennifer Cavers of Alexandria; nine grandchildren; and extended Hopfer and Langner families.

He was preceded in death by Rosie Hopfer; foster parents, Leonard and Lauretta Hopfer; and sisters Geraldine and Thelma.


Msgr. Garvey, 81, Manannah
Msgr. Francis John Garvey died on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, Oct. 27, at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service prior to the funeral. Burial was in the Church of St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Kandiyohi.

Msgr. Francis John Garvey was born on March 2, 1933, to Dennis and Susan (Schmit) Garvey on the family farm near Eden Valley in Manannah Township.

He grew up in the Eden Valley community, graduating from Eden Valley High School in 1950, Nazareth Hall College in 1953, and the St. Paul Seminary in 1959.

Msgr. Garvey was ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm on Feb. 22, 1959, by Bishop A. Schladweiler for the Diocese of New Ulm.

Msgr. Garvey served as associate pastor of the Church of St. Anastasia in Hutchinson, St. Adalbert in Silver Lake, and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. He served as pastor of the Church of St. Patrick in Kandiyohi, St. Thomas More in Lake Lillian, St. Anthony in Watkins, and Our Lady in Manannah. He served as chaplain at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center for 40 years and was an accredited supervisor of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for 32 years.

In addition to parish ministry, Msgr. Garvey served as director of priest personnel. He was a member of the Priests' Council, the College of Consultors, the Committee on Parishes, the Diocesan Pastoral Council, and the Diocesan Vocations Team.

He planned and hosted many diocesan seminars and gatherings for priests. He received the title of Monsignor in 2005 and was the recipient of special awards given by the Diocese of New Ulm, USCC, the State of Minnesota, Knights of Columbus, and various community organizations.

Msgr. Garvey founded the St. Francis Half-way House in Atwater in 1964. He oversaw the building of the rectory in Kandiyohi in 1967 and the chapel at the WRTC in 1968. He facilitated the new construction of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in 1983 in Kandiyohi and the remodeling project of the Church of Our Lady in Manannah from 1998-2000.

Msgr. Garvey retired from active ministry on July 1, 2013, and had been living in Manannah since retirement.

He is survived by one sister, Anna Marie Howard of Minneapolis; several nieces and nephews; and good friend, Sister Judith Orland, OSB, of Duluth, besides many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Helen Garvey and Kathleen Wuertz; and three brothers, Joseph, Dennis Jr., and Michael Garvey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Diocese of New Ulm Priest Pension Fund or to Church of Our Lady in Manannah are preferred.


Donald Wendroth, 82, Paynesville
Donald A. Wendroth, 82, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in New London. Burial was in the Nordland Lutheran cemetery in rural Paynesville.

Donald Arthur Wendroth was born on Feb. 24, 1932, to Arthur and Esther (Tobeck) Wendroth on the family farm in Manannah Township.

He attended country grade school in District #91 and Eden Valley High School, graduating in 1949.

On June 21, 1952, Don married Burnette Hagen at Nordland Lutheran Church. They farmed until Don was drafted into the U.S. Army, with Burnette joining him at Fort Campbell, Ky., a few days later. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 21, 1955.

After his discharge, they moved to Coleraine, Minn., where they started a mink ranch, and Don worked as a stenographer for the Oliver Mining Company.

They later returned to the Paynesville area, where he taught school from 1966 to 1975, at which time he went into partnership with Don Shuck in a sawmill. He later sold his share and worked with Burnette painting houses and finishing woodwork for new home construction, an occupation they both enjoyed until 2007, when a fire destroyed their shop and they retired.

They moved into a new home in Starbuck on Sept. 1, 2009. They returned to Paynesville in 2010.

Donald is survived by two daughters, Michelle (Kenneth) Knutson of Starbuck and Cheryl (Randall) Bevis of Willmar; five grandchildren; and four sisters, Dorothy Hislop, Evelyn Davidson, Dolores Hislop, and Darlene (Roy) Sparks.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Burnette, and his parents.


Allan Orson, 80, Annandale
Allan LeRoy Orson, 80, of Annandale passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Lake Ridge Oasis in Buffalo.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Annandale, with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Benson City Cemetery with military honors.

Doug Sather and Kris Jones will serve as urnbearers. Honorary urnbearers will be Bev Chollett, Dan and Sue Nelson, Lonnie and Pat Baack, Gary and Beryl Geisinger, Dave and Mary Holmgren, John and Diane Swanson, Jim and Jean Noland, Mary Ann Humola, and all the people who were on the 2010 bus trip to Branson. Rev. Dave Nelson and Orma Lou Jacobsma will provide music for the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

Allan was born on Oct. 5, 1934, to Henry and Laura (Hanson) Orson in Kandiyohi County.

He attended kindergarten through 11th grade in Paynesville, graduating in 1952 from New London.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1953, serving two and a half years in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1956.

Allan married Beverly Sather on Nov. 23, 1957, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson. To this union, two children were born.

Al was an electrician, working in Tyler, Grove City, Litchfield, Paynesville, and Monticello. He retired in 1996 and moved to the Twin Cities, where they managed condos.

In 2008, they moved to Annandale to the Cottages, where they were caretakers and Al did all the maintenance. He was also custodian for four years at St. John's Lutheran Church in Annandale.

On July 31, he suffered a massive stroke, which eventually took his life.

He is survived by his wife, Bev, of Annandale; son, Russ (Carla) of Maple Lake; daughter, Bobbi (Roger) Mackedanz of Ham Lake; four grandchildren, Kate (Paul) Monnens, Steve (Brittany) Orson, and Tyler and Adam Mackedanz; three great-grandchildren, Natalie, Nolan, and Leo Monnens; brother, Glen of Florida; sister, Beverly (Bruce) Whiting of Utah; and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Laura Orson, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Selmer and Leone Sather.


Mildred Lunderby, 94, Waite Park
Mildred R. Lunderby, 94, of Waite Park, and formerly of Paynesville, died on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Oct. 17, at Zion Irving Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville. Burial was in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Mildred was born on Sept. 9, 1920, to Robert and Lily Snow (Mills) Henson in Delta, Colo.

She was united in marriage to Oscar Lunderby on May 19, 1944, in St. Louis, Mo.

Mildred and Oscar farmed south of Paynesville for many years, and Mildred was a long time, active member of Zion Irving Lutheran Church.

Mildred and Oscar were able to share in 51 years of marriage before his death on Nov. 19, 1995.

Mildred is survived by her children, Karen (Jerry) Dick of Grove City, Ken (Kathy) Lunderby of Rockford, Deb Watson of St. Cloud, and Shari Henson of Waite Park; and 10 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar, parents, siblings, and a son-in-law.

Memorials are preferred to Zion Irving Lutheran Church.


Donald Lehnen, 75, Paynesville
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Donald "Eugene" Lehnen, 75, of Paynesville who passed away on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Koronis Manor. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and after 10 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

Eugene was born in Eden Valley on Jan. 31, 1939, to Henry and Luella (Driver) Lehnen. He lived in Eden Valley and then moved to Paynesville at the age of four. He grew up on the family farm and attended the country school.

Eugene worked at two different mink farms while helping his father on the family farm that he eventually purchased.

He met his wife Carol Nelson and was married in 1959. They had two children. She later passed away in May 1961.

He continued farming and later married Emma Goble in 1967. They had five children and later divorced.

Eugene continued farming until 1976 and then went on to work at AMPI for 24 years full- time, while still crop farming.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to the cabin with the "guys," and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Mark (Roxanne) Lehnen, Cindy (Paul) Anderson, Debi (Chris) Lehnen, Bonnie (Danny) Rudy, and Mary (Kenny) Schlangen; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Donna (Russell) Vander and Irene (Jerry) Diedrich.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; son, David; sisters, Ione and Betty; and grandson Brent.


Jerome Orbeck, 72, Lake Henry
Jerome E. Orbeck, 72, of Lake Henry died on Thursday, Oct. 9, after a five- year, courageous fight against stage- four colon cancer.

A memorial mass was held on Monday, Oct. 13, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Placement of the urn was held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls with full military honors.

Jerome was born on July 29, 1942, and lived for 72 years on the family farm on Sauk Valley Road.

He married Gayla Erickson on Sept. 2, 1967. They shared 47 years of marriage.

He worked for more than 35 years as a construction worker and farmed throughout his entire life. He retired with 25-plus years of service in the army reserve.

His passions in life included farming, tractors, auctions, camping, travel, his Harley Davidson, cars, breakfast runs to Eden Valley, watching Wheel of Fortune, the Weather Channel, and RFDTV. He was happiest when sharing these passions with his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren.

Jerome was a member and past commander of the Lake Henry Othmar Braun Post #612 American Legion. He was vice president of Minnesota Darkhouse Association, West Central Chapter for the past nine years, swap meet coordinator for the Upper Midwest A-C Club, president of Stearns County Farmers Union for the past six years, a member of Stearns County Pioneer Club, and founder and director of Curly's Camp O' Rama.

Jerome is survived by his wife, Gayla; three daughters, Joyce (Ed) Rondeau of Paynesville, Laurie (Chris Allen) Orbeck of Duluth, and Nicole (Aron) Gosling of Sartell; seven grandchildren; siblings, Eugene, Duwayne, Diane Coiley, Marlene Lahr, Gerald, Ralph, Ron, Virgil, Allen, and Darin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anita, and sister, Joyce.


Anton Werlinger, 71, Bloomington
Anton "Tony" C. Werlinger, 71, formerly of Paynesville, died on Friday, Sept. 26, at Founders Ridge in Bloomington.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Entombment was in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Paynesville.

Anton Cletus Werlinger was born on April 18, 1943, in Napoleon, N.D., to Anton S. and Rose (Mitzel) Werlinger.

He grew up in Napoleon, where he received his education, graduating from Napoleon High School in 1961.

After high school, Tony went on to Valley City State University and later earned his masterÕs degree from St. Cloud State University.

On Dec. 27, 1968, Tony married Barbara Molacek at St. Phillip Catholic Church in Bemidji. This union was blessed with three sons and a daughter.

The family made their home in Paynesville, where Tony taught fifth and sixth grade science and physical education from 1965 to 1979. He also coached golf and track and field.

In 1976, Tony became an independent distributor for the Conklin Company. In 1979, he started Area Wide Weatherproofing, which he ran until 1991, when he became a salesman for DTN. Tony continued to work for DTN until his health began to fail.

Tony is survived by his children, Ryan of Washington, Cory of Eden Prairie, Eric (Tova) of Eden Prairie, and Rebecca (Chad) Wurgler of Crystal; seven grandchildren; siblings, Vic Werlinger, Colette Werlinger, Leo Werlinger, Bernie Bakke, Marce Roth, Bob Werlinger, Bill Werlinger, and Larry Werlinger; and many nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joseph, Dennis, Ray, and Phyllis Bauer.


Robert Aleckson, 87, Paynesville
Robert S. "Bobby" Aleckson, 87, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Koronis Manor Care Center in Paynesville.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Santiago.

A visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

Bobby, the youngest of ten, was born at home on the family farm on Sept. 1, 1927, in Glendorado Township in Benton County to a loving and Christian family. His parents were Richard and Christina (Nelson) Aleckson.

Bobby was very proud of his Norwegian heritage.

At thirteen years of age, Bobby's father passed away. He and his mother then moved to Oregon to be near family.

In 1945, Bobby joined the U.S. Navy during WWII, with his mother's signature, serving on a destroyer in the Chinese Theatre. He loved the Navy and was known as the blonde bomber.

He was honorably discharged in 1948 and found employment at Northrup King Seed Company in northeast Minneapolis, retiring after 34 years.

He married Ruby Johnson on Nov. 25, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Princeton.

They lived in North Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, Hayward, Wis., and retired to Paynesville in 1994.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Ruby of Paynesville; children, Lynn (Douglas) Skinner of Brownsville, Roger (Sue) of Upsala, Delver (Sheryl) of Maple Lake, and Danny of Paynesville; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson; sisters, Arvella Halgren, Belle Almlie, Gladys Wold, Anne Sharp, Beulah Erickson, Hazel Severson, Lillian Nelson, and Pearl Aleckson; and brother, Arnold Aleckson.


Donald Wartenberg, 90, Paynesville
Donald A. Wartenberg, 90, of Paynesville died on Friday, Oct. 10, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Burial will be in the Paynesville cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Donald was born on Dec. 31, 1923, at home in Paynesville Township to Reuben and Mathilda (Ernst) Wartenberg. He attended school at District #23 in rural Paynesville.

Donald worked on the family farm and was able to witness the transition of farming with horses to farming with tractors and machinery.

He married Corrine Manz on Dec. 5, 1956, at the Methodist parsonage in Paynesville. To this union, one daughter was born.

Donald and Corrine farmed together for 52 years, raising cattle and chickens, as well as grain farming, until their retirement. Their union lasted until Corrine's death in 2009.

He is survived by his daughter, Bety (John) Danielson of Kandiyohi; two grandchildren; one great-grandson; and three sister-in-laws.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Corrine; and a brother-in-law.


Nancy Larsen, 78, Paynesville
Nancy J. Larsen, 78, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Koronis Manor, where she lived for two years.

Nancy will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Zion-Irving Lutheran Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at the Paynesville Area Center.

Nancy Jean (Reamer) Larsen was born on July 24, 1936, to Clarence and Kathleen (James) Reamer in Paynesville.

She grew up in Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1954.

She married Kenneth Jack Larsen in Paynesville on May 5, 1962. This marriage was blessed with three sons.

Nancy was a stay-at-home mom and took care of her family. Nancy and Jack lived in the Paynesville area for 52 years.

Nancy is survived by her children, Paul A. Larsen of Paynesville, Carl B. (Yong) Larsen of Spanaway, Wash., and Peter C. Larsen (fiancee Val Learue) of Eden Valley; eight grandchildren; and sisters, Kathleen Hubred and Margaret Reamer of Paynesville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters Mary Chesness and Grace Koprek.


Inez Ytzen, 98, Maple Plain
Inez (Hanson) Ytzen, 98, of Maple Plain, Minn., and formerly of Walker and Hackensack, died on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Oct. 6, at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

Inez was born on Sept. 23, 1916, in Hawick to Hans and Petrina Hanson. She was the youngest of 12 children, all of whom grew up on the family farm near Hawick.

Inez married Edward Ytzen on March 27, 1937, in Hawick, where they farmed.

In 1947, they moved to Ten Mile Lake near Hackensack, where they operated Crescent Beach Resort.

In 1951, they moved back to the farm near Hawick, where they lived for 10 years before returning to Ten Mile Lake. Inez and Edward were longtime members of Hope Lutheran Church in Walker.

Inez was an excellent cook and cooked for HultgrenÕs Lodge and RobyÕs Rib and Steak, as well as for her own restaurant business. Her daughters fondly recall homemade bread and caramel rolls every Saturday when they were young, as well as decadent holiday treats such as krumkake, ebelskiver, lefse, rosettes, and fattigman. These treats were enjoyed by grandchildren, church members, and other people in the community.

Inez is survived by her two daughters, Emilie Haagenson and Patricia (Gus) Ziemer; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a great-great -grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward Ytzen; a son-in-law; and 11 brothers and sisters.


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