Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

Katherine Aarthun, 89

Katherine Aarthun, a former resident of Tracy, passed away Wednesday (April 13) with her husband of 68 years, Jergen, by her side. She was 89.

Katherine was born on June 18, 1921, in Redwood Falls, Minn., and graduated from Hamlin University in St. Paul. She married Jergen Aarthun during World War II and lived in California, Minnesota and North Dakota, briefly, before settling down in Perrysburg, Ohio, to raise a family.

Jergen, along with brother Don, played football and basketball at Tracy High School. Katherine and Jergen lived across from the high school when they were first married while Jergen and Don operated a road construction business. Their father, L.J. Aarthun, owned a Pontiac/Cadillac auto dealership on Highway 14.

Katherine had a beautiful singing voice, and shared her gift with others by performing at various events in her youth, and later as an active church volunteer and soloist in her church choirs. She enjoyed golf, volunteering at local hospitals, reading romantic fiction (“Castle” novels) and was especially proud of raising four devoted children.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughters Julie Black of Severn, Md., and Jane Pifer of Laguna Beach, Calif., and sons Steven Aarthun of Wilmington, N.C., and Jeffrey Aarthun of Park City, Utah. Her grandchildren Amy (Black) Winkelman, Andrew Black, Kathryn Black, Stefanie Aarthun and Sarah Aarthun, and two great-grandchildren also survive her.

A memorial service was held Monday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Glen Burnie, Md. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the church at 308 Oak Manor Drive, Glen Burnie, Md., 21061.

Herman Balko, 98

Herman Balko age 98 of Tracy, MN died Thursday, December 16, 2010 at the Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy. A memorial service was held Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Tracy Lutheran Church. Interment was in the Redwood Falls City Cemetery. The Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy handled the arrangements.

Herman Balko was born March 12, 1912 to Adolph and Pauline (Lichty) Balko in Cresco, IA. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. When Herman was an infant his family moved to a farm near Redwood Falls, MN and he attended country school. As a young man he farmed with his father and worked as a farm hand for area farmers.

In 1935 Herman married Lillian Fredrickson in Mankato, MN and they made their home near Redwood Falls. Besides farming, Herman also owned and operated a Sinclair Service Station in Redwood Falls. After his wife’s death in 1962 he continued to farm in the Redwood Falls area. In 1968 Herman married Violet Johnson in Tracy, MN and they made their home in Tracy. Herman continued to work as a farm hand until 1977, when he retired.

Herman was a member of Tracy Lutheran Church, a past member of the Redwood Falls Lutheran Church, Tracy Lion’s Club and had been active in the Tracy Senior Center for many years. He also did hand corn husking for many years. He enjoyed Horseshoe, fishing with friends and wintering in Florida.

In 2009 he became a resident of Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy, where he died December 16, 2010 at the age of 98.

Herman is survived by his niece, Donna (Darrell) Tufto of Bemidji, MN, whom Herman and Lillian raised as a daughter; grandson, Matthew Tufto; great granddaughter, Jill Badell; other grandchildren on Violet’s side of the family; nieces, nephews and friends.

His wives, Lillian and Violet, his parents, grandson, Mark Tufto, two step-sons, James and Les Johnson, two sisters, and six brothers preceded him in death.

Online condolences may be placed at www.almliefh.com.

Vivien Carroll, 86

Vivien Carroll age 86, formerly of Balaton and Tracy, MN, died Monday, April 25, 2011 at the Glen Oaks Care Center in New London, MN. Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, April 29, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday, April 28, 2011, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM, at the Almlie Funeral Home in Balaton. Interment will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Balaton. The Almlie Funeral Home of Balaton is handling the arrangements.

Helen Nelson, 86

Helen Starr Nelson passed away on April 19, 2011 in Edmonds, WA. Born in Tracy, MN on November 29, 1924 to Merrill and Lurene Starr, she met the love of her life, Alton M. Nelson, while they attended Carlton College in Northfield, MN. They got married in 1945 as soon as Al returned from the war and thereafter moved to Seattle so Al could attend dental school at the UW. Seattle became their home for the next 63 years.

For many years Helen managed her husband’s dental practice and was also his dental assistant. She participated in the Seattle Milk Fund, played bridge with many friends, pursued her family’s genealogy, raised their four children and enjoyed every minute of her life alongside her husband of 65 years. Helen was known for her sewing and counted cross-stitch projects, as well as the many letters written to family and friends over the years just to stay in touch. She has been deeply loved by all, and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Peterson, and sister, Margaret McLeod.

She is survived by her husband Al, her three sons, Randy (Martha), Brian (Miki) and Philip (Debbie), nine grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren, as well as her brother, John (Nancy) Starr. A private graveside service will be held, followed by a memorial service for family and friends. The family wishes to acknowledge the kind and loving care that Helen received from the entire staff at Rosewood Courte in Edmonds during her final years.