Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

Ileen Withrow, 84
Ileen Withrow, age 84, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at her home in Tracy. Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 11a.m. at Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy.

Ileen was the youngest child of Peder and Clara (Berg) Almjeld, born July 18, 1923 on her parents’ farm near Tyler, Minnesota. She attended District 58 Country School through the 8th grade. Ileen was united in marriage to Arley Withrow. Her priority in life was making sure her family was well taken care of. Other passions included watching the Twins and Vikings, sewing and cooking. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and growing up on the farm.

She is survived by a sister: Pearl Mickelsen of Miller, SD; a sister-in-law: Leone (John) Ashe of Jacksonville, FL; 3 children: Gary (Bonnie) Withrow of Onalaska, WI, Glen (Peggy) Withrow of Minneapolis, MN and Julie (Harold) Van De Wiele of Albert Lea, MN; 6 grandchildren: Kristy (Keith) Braunreiter, Brian Withrow, Jill (Raymond) Monroe, Jason (Daena) Van De Wiele, Ryan (Alison) Van De Wiele and Lucas (Andrea) Van De Wiele; 7 great-grandchildren: Lydia, Sydney, Lars, Ryan, Madison, Emyle and Brianna; and 16 special nieces and nephews.

Gordon Tholen, 83
Mass of Christian Burial for Gordon Tholen, 83, of Marshall, was held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall.

Gordon Hubert Tholen was born on March 9, 1925, in Marshall, to Albert and Mary Tholen. After his schooling, Gordon enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in many locations during World War II, including participation with one of the first landing parties in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb. After his discharge, Gordon returned to the United States.

He was united in marriage to Cecilia DeRider at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota on August 24, 1948. The couple farmed North of Marshall and Gordon also worked for the U.S. Postal service. This position led him to a job with the ASCS where he worked until 1975. From 1975 – 1985, Gordon sold farm equipment in Tracy and Westbrook. After Cecilia’s death in 2000, Gordon married Shirley Hagberg in 2002. Gordon enjoyed hunting and fishing. He wintered in Florida for many years and enjoyed traveling in his motor home. He belonged to the V.F.W. and Knights of Columbus.

Gordon died on Friday, May 16, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Westbrook, MN.

He is survived by his children Connie Tinklenberg of Henderson, NV, Colleen (Claris) Bleyenburg of Dade City, FL, Gary (Theresa) Tholen of Slayton, 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Bernice Tholen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cecilia, son Glen, son-in-law Lloyd Tinklenberg and brothers, Ralph and Edward.

Interment followed the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall. Military honors provided by U.S. American Legion Post 113 of Marshall. The Rehkamp-Horvath Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Victor R. Graham, 88

Victor R. Graham age 88 of Alexandria, formerly of Tracy, passed away Monday, May 19, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, MN. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday.

Victor R. Graham was born September 17, 1919 in Rodman, IA to Ed & Emma (Hanson) Graham. He graduated form the Tracy High School in Tracy, MN in 1939. He worked at Forester Furniture Store before entering the US Army in 1942. Victor specialized in Field Artillery, and served in Europe with four major companies at Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star in 1944. Victor received his honorable discharge in 1945.

In 1947, Victor was united in marriage to Lois Hartnett. Together they owned & operated the Graham K & K Store until their retirement in 1974. At that time they moved to Lake Miltona in Alexandria. Vic was a member of the Church of Christ, the VFW and American Legion, the Tracy Retail Community Park Board, Kiwanis, Toastmasters, and served as president of the Tracy Country Club.

Vic is survived by his sisters: Dorothy Willen of New London, and Verna Engler of Marshall; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, brothers Albert and James, and sister Edith.

Interment is in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society (2520 Pilot Knob Road, Ste 150 Mendota Heights, MN 55120). Email condolences may be sent via www.tracyareafuneralhome.com. The Tracy Area Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.