Obituaries from the week of January 29, 2003
Anne Algyer, 82
Anne L. Tarpey Algyer, age 82 of Tracy, MN, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2003 at Tracy Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2003 at the Almlie Funeral Home in Tracy. Also, one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at the Tracy City Cemetery. The Almlie Funeral Home in Tracy is handling the arrangements.
Anne Loraine Algyer was born on April 28, 1920 to John and Anna (Keane) Tarpey in the New York, NY area. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and attended the New York Public School system. After her graduation she attended Bankers and Merchants School for a year and New York University also for one year. Anne grew up with her sister Frances and lived the first half of her life in the New York City and Long Island, NY area.
On June 15, 1944 Anne married Harold Algyer in Palm Beach, FL. They made their home in the New York City area after his discharge from military service. They moved to Minnesota in the summer of 1972 where she and her husband Hal were part of the Tracy, Marshall, Southwest State University and Lake Shetek communities. After a short time living in Tracy they moved to Marshall until 1995 when Anne moved back to Tracy into O'Brien Court apartments.
Anne was a woman ahead of her time. She was a wife, mother and career woman at a time when there were no professional positions for women. Her professional life spanned from being a radio actress and hotel manager in Manhattan, NY to working during the Second World War managing the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island's bookstore. She also worked on the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council and as an administrative assistant at the Southwest State University school library.
She enjoyed many civic and church activities. She was a founding member of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Levittown, NY and served on the church board of deacons at St. Francis Church, St. James Church in Marshall, MN and Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy, MN. Her theater involvement has included numerous community and university productions as a character actor in radio plays in New York to the bag lady in SSU's production of Guys and Dolls to Mrs. Paru in the Tracy Community production of The Music Man. Anne also loved to read and while at SSU she recorded books for the blind. She read for groups at the Marshall Schools, Tracy Public Library and at the Prairie View Healthcare Center.
In September of 2002 Anne entered the Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy where she died on Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the age of 82.
Anne is survived by three children; one daughter Anne (Frank) Franzo of Hawley, PA; two sons, David (Dorothy) of Tracy, MN and Harold (Lori) of Prior Lake, MN; seven grandchildren, Nanci, Frank, Jason, Jonathan, Patrick, Jaci and Lauren; one sister, Frances Buckland of New York, NY; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, husband, Hal, and one infant sister preceded her in death.
H. Reid Cleland, 86
H. Reid Cleland, age 86, of Luverne, MN, died Thursday, January 23, 2003 at his home.
Reid was born October 7, 1916, in Cottonwood to Herbert and Ruth (Chambers) Cleland. He lived most of his youth in Montevideo and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1934. He did post-graduate work at the Wisconsin School of Banking, in Madison, WI. Reid spent his entire career in banking starting during high school. He worked at the Union State Bank in Montevideo; transferring to affiliate - The Rock County Bank, later the Northwestern State Bank, in Luverne, and was President of the bank for many years.
Reid retired in 1976 and he and Lucille split their time between their home in Bonita Springs, FL, and their lake home at Lake Shetek, MN. Two years ago they moved back to Luverne.
In 1938, Reid and Lucille (Coyle) were married in Montevideo, MN and were married for 64 years on September 7, 2002. During WWII Reid served in the European theatre as an Army medic. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged before returning to resume his banking career.
Reid was active in the Luverne community. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a long-term member/Past President of the Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a life member of the American Legion and VFW and Director at numerous civic activities including the SW Mental Health Center, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Luverne Country Club.
He is survived by his wife Lucille Cleland, Luverne; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Cathy Cleland, St. Cloud and Jeff and Karen Cleland, Elgin, IL; on grandson, Andy Cleland, St. Cloud; a sister, Marjorie Sola and a sister-in-law, Bernie Cleland, both of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers Curtis and Charles Cleland.
Burial was in the Maplewood Cemetery, in Luverne with the Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne handling arrangements.
Grace Helmberger, 90
Grace Evelyn Helmberger, age 90 of Tracy, MN, died Monday, January 27, 2003 at the Tracy Nursing Home. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2003 at the Tracy United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at the Almlie Funeral Home in Tracy, with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. The visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Tracy City Cemetery. The Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy is handling arrangements.
Grace Evelyn Helmberger was born November 10, 1912 to John and Anna (Klein) Stowell in Stockholm, NE. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and attended country school and Charles City Public High School.
On November 19, 1930 Grace married Peter A. Helmberger in Marshall, MN. They made their home in Perham, MN where they farmed for nearly 10 years, when they moved to Tracy, MN. Grace worked for Piefers Produce and Orvies Restaurant both in Tracy and then went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a food inspector. She retired in the mid 1980's after working for 20 years as an inspector at Tony Downs Foods in Butterfield, MN and Swift's in Marshall.
She was a member of the Golden Age Club, Prime Timers, Retired Senior's Volunteer Program and volunteered at the local food shelf and Wescap. Grace enjoyed her garden, sewing, art, quilting and crocheting.
In 1996 she entered the Twin Circle Apartments in Tracy and in January of 2000 became a resident of Tracy Nursing Home where she died Monday, January 27, 2003 at the age of 90 years.
Grace is survived by one daughter, Evelyn (John) Holmboe of Redfeather Lakes, CO; one son, Rodney Helmberger of Corpus Christi, TX; six grandchildren 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ann Grau of Bourbonnais, IL; one sister-in-law, Laveeda Stowell of Eagan, MN; nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, husband, Peter, one grandson and two brothers preceded her in death.
Curtis Kenly, 74
Curtis C. Kenly, age 74 of Backus, died Wednesday, November 13 at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN.
He was born on March 10, 1928 to Clarence and May Kenly in Tracy, MN. He graduated from Tracy High School. Following graduation from high school he served in the Army Air Corp from 1945 to 1947 and then the Air Force from 1947 to 1973.
He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1973 and moved to Backus, MN, where he resided until his death.
Survivors include his son Richard Curtis Kenly of Backus and many friends and loved ones.
At his request a memorial was held at the Foothills Restaurant and Saloon on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002.
Annie Lauwers. 92
Funeral services were held for Annie Marie Lauwers at Almlie Funeral Home in Tracy on Monday, January 27, 2003. Rev. Homer Dobson officiated. Organist was Richard Stelter.
Casket bearers were Bill Bornitz, Donald Scott, Ron Rogers, Don Hahn, Tom Hahn, Richard Filkins, Merlin Mickelson and Melvin Bottin.
Annie Marie Lauwers was born April 7, 1910 to Bruno and Marie Van Hecke in Davenport, IA. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and attended country school outside of Davenport. A few years later she moved with her family to a farm south of Tracy, MN where they farmed until her father's death. Annie, along with her mother and son, Frank, then moved into Tracy.
In 1947 Annie married Eric Lauwers and they made their home on a farm northwest of Tracy. They farmed there until 1973 when her husband died and Annie stayed on the farm until 1977 when her son James died, after which she moved into Garvin, MN.
Annie loved being with her family, gardening and she always enjoyed raising geese, turkeys and ducks while on the farm. She was a past member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tracy.
In early January of 2003 Annie's health failed and she entered the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Balaton, MN where she died Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at the age of 92.
Annie is survived by one son, Frank Van Hecke of Garvin, MN; two daughters, Betty Hardenberger and Donna (Orville) Moat both of Garvin, MN; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Francis Van Hecke of Bertha, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, husband, Eric, son, James, daughter-in-law, Wanda, son-in-law Harold, step-daughter Evelyn Van Meveren, three brothers, Clem, Charlie and Delbert, two sisters, Augusta and Tillie all preceded her in death.
Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Tracy, MN with the Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy handling arrangements.
Ruth Mitchell, 72
Funeral services were held for Ruth N. Mitchell at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton, MN on Monday, January 27, 2003. Rev. Steven Quist officiated. Organist was Lisa Parker with Julie Erickson as soloist.
Casket bearers were Arden Swan, Marlon Karbo, Jim Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, Heath Mitchell and Craig Staufacker.
Ruth Nathalia Mitchell was born May 26, 1930 to Charles and Martha (Goltz) Munson in Russell, MN, Lyon County. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and grew up on a farm near Russell, MN. She attended Russell Public School and moved with her family to Balaton, MN in 1940 where she attended Balaton Public Schools, graduating in 1948 from Balaton High School. She then attended 2 years of college at Mankato State and received a teaching degree.
On June 29, 1951 Ruth married Darrell Mitchell in Russell at the Presbyterian Church. She taught school in Milroy, MN for two years from 1951 to 1952. After their marriage they made their home on a farm near Garvin where Darrell's parents farmed. In 1956 they moved to a farm south of Balaton for 4 years and then settled southwest of Garvin and lived there until the present.
Ruth was a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she had taught Sunday School and was a member of the church women's groups. She enjoyed reading, collecting small bears and snowmobiling.
In the fall of 2002 Ruth entered the Colonial Manor Nursing Home because of failing health and in early January of 2003 she entered the Weiner Memorial Medical Center where she died on Friday, January 24, 2003 at the age of 72.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Darrell; two daughters, Debra Mitchell of Plymouth, MN and Jane Mitchell of Minnetonka, MN; two sons, Jerry Mitchell of Slayton, MN and Dennis (Kathy) Mitchell of Garvin, MN; six grandchildren, Kristen Templeton, Kathryn Templeton, Heather Mitchell, Heath Mitchell, Chad Mitchell and Nicholas Mitchell; one great-grandson, Colton Mitchell; one brother, Irving Munson of Balaton, MN; one sister, Mavis Karbo of Northfield, MN; nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents and two infant daughters preceded her in death.
Interment was in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Balaton, MN with the Almlie Funeral Home of Balaton handling arrangements.
Frances Weinberg, 82
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 for Frances K. Weinberg at Tracy Lutheran Church, Tracy, MN. Rev. Gary Gabel officiated. Richard Stelter was the organist.
Casket bearers were Steve Torkelson, Dale Danielson, Jr., Jeff Gregg, Bob Bruss, Daren Danielson, Dennis Norstegard, Marcus Maras and Michael Nybo.
Frances Katherine Weinberg was born July 1, 1920 to Klaus and Jennie (Dilly) Visker in Little Rock, IA. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended country school. As a young girl she moved with her family to White, SD and on April 23, 1938 Frances married Morris Johnson. They had ten children prior to his death in 1952.
On April 17, 1954 Franny married Arthur Weinberg in Bird Island, MN. They made their home outside of Marshall, MN and then they moved into Tracy in the mid 1940's. They moved to Milwaukee, WI in 1959 where they owned and operated a bar. In 1976 they moved back to Tracy and operated the Valhalla Corner for several years.
Franny worked as a young woman for Tony Downs Produce and will be remembered by those who knew her for working hard her whole life. She was a member of the Tracy Lutheran Church and past member of the Tracy Eagles Club. She enjoyed gardening, birds, cooking and baking, playing Bingo and spending time with her family.
In early January 2003, Franny entered the Tracy Area Medical Services where she died on January 24, 2003 at the age of 82.
Frances is survived by her two sons, Keith (Jackie) Weinberg of Windom, MN and Larry (Pam) Weinberg of Menominee Falls, WI; ten daughters, Dorothy (John) McWhirter of Tracy, MN, Tiny (Ray) Torkelson of Currie, MN, Janice (Ron) Dunk of Tracy, MN, Terie Johnson of Tracy, MN, Punkie (Dallas) Norstegard of Tracy, MN, Eunice (Rod) Behrends of Worthington, MN, Kay (Clayton) Paczkowski of Tracy, MN, Gretch (Dale) Danielson of Tracy, MN, Debra (Greg) Daniel of Mesa, AZ, and Karen Crillo of Garvin, MN; 43 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; one sister, Fannie Swiestra of Los Molines, CA; special friend, Bob Dandurand of Grand Island, NE; nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, husbands, Morris and Arthur, two sons, Robert and Kenneth, one daughter, Linda, two brothers Barney and Ted, three sisters, Grace Kor, Louise Kor and Tiny Quigley and three grandchildren, John Torkelson, Stacy Halfmann and Brian Paczkowski all preceded her in death.
Interment was in Rialson Cemetery, Tracy, MN with the Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy handling arrangements.