Obituaries from the week of November 20, 2002

Bernard Fischer, 70

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 21, at 11 a.m. for Bernard “Benny” Michael Fischer, formerly of Springfield. Services will be at Church of the Japanese Martyr in Leavenworth, MN. Father Todd Petersen will officiate. Visitation will be held today, Wednesday, November 20, 2002 from 4 to 8 p.m. and from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Thursday at the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. There will be a Holy Family Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a parish prayer service at 6:30 p.m. both today at the funeral home.

Bernard “Benny” Michael Fischer was born on June 6, 1932 to Bernard and Mary (Lenertz) Fischer in Springfield, MN. He grew up and attended country school in Mulligan Township. He later attended St. Paul's Catholic School in Comfrey. After his schooling, Benny farmed with his father until his entry into the United States Army. He served in the Korean War as a surveyor for two years. When he returned to the States, he continued farming in Mulligan Township until his retirement due to his failing health.

Benny entered Divine Providence Community Home in 1998. Through out his life, he was a member of the Church of the Japanese Martyrs, the Holy Family Society and the Knights of Columbus. Benny served as the Mulligan Township Board Clerk for several years and was also a member of the John Watson American Legion in Springfield, the NFO and the Farmers Union. Benny enjoyed singing in the choir at church and attending Camp Courage, sponsored by the MS Society.

Benny died Thursday, November 14, 2002 at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters - Jean and husband Ambrose Nosbush of Fairfax, MN, Robert and wife Doris Fischer of Ocean Side, CA, Richard and wife Pat Fischer of Denver, CO, Marilyn and husband James Klein of Wilmington, N.C., Phyllis and husband Phillip Shaw of Traverse City, MI and Jerry and wife Diana Fischer of Springfield, MN and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Mary and his sister Joan in infancy.

Ilen “Ike” Horn, 63

Funeral services are set for 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2002 at the Tracy Lutheran Church for Ilen “Ike” Ray Horn. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday for one hour prior to services at the church.

Ilen (Ike) Ray Horn was born on October 15, 1939, on a farm south of Westbrook in Rosehill Township to Arnold and Lorean (Lidtke) Horn. He was baptized on November 5, 1939 and confirmed on march 29, 1953, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulda, MN. He spent most of his growing years on a farm northwest of Fulda. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran School through the 8th grade and graduated from Fulda High School in 1957.

On June 4, 1961, he and Sandra Duncan were married at First Lutheran Church in Dundee, MN. Ike farmed until May, 1965, when they moved to an acreage south of Fulda and worked as a mechanic for Ralph Witzel in Fulda.

In May, 1966, Ike was hired at Beutz Motors of Mankato, MN as a mechanic and they made their home in North Mankato. From 1981-1985 Ike worked at various jobs - at Kato Engineering where he assembled generators for oil rigs and at Keeper's RV where he repaired and served recreational vehicles. In 1985 he started building their present home south of Tracy, MN. Ike worked for the Ziemke farms after their home was completed.

Ike loved to garden and was proud of his organically grown produce which he shared of his bounty. He also enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Jolly Mixer's Square Dance Club of Ghent, MN.

Ike passed away Saturday, November 16, 2002 at his home surrounded by his family.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra, of Tracy, two sons, Wendell and wife, Sheri Horn of North Mankato and Scott Horn of Albert City, IA; five grandchildren, Travis, Dustin, Sara, Caleb and Isaac Horn; his mother, Lorean Nielsen, a sister Vernis and Roger Gustin of Billings, MT, a brother, Lane and Linda Horn of Tracy, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Arnold Horn, two step fathers, Kenneth Sumption and Carl Nielsen, and a brother-in-law, Mervin Lund.

There will be a private family interment at a later date. The Tracy Area Funeral Home is handling arrangements.