Elaine Bicek, 90

Elaine Laurece Martin Bicek, age 90, of Tracy passed away November 5, 2013.  Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 at the Tracy City Cemetery.  An open house will be held following the burial at Elaine’s home from 3:00-5:00 p.m. 

Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dale Burnham, 91

Dale Burnham age 91 of Walnut Grove passed away Monday, December 23, 2013 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.  Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 31 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove.  Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church.  Burial is in North Hero Township Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

William Heinrich, 74

William “Bill” O. Heinrich age 74 of Walnut Grove passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls.  Funeral services were held at  2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home.   Burial was in Gales Township Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

William Heinrich was born August 24, 1939 in Avoca, Minnesota to Otto and Jennie (Duinkerken) Heinrich.  On June 30, 1962 he married Shirley Flesner at Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Tracy, Minnesota.  Bill served his country in the Air Force, and later joined the Walnut Grove American Legion.  He was very creative and resourceful, and enjoyed helping people with anything and everything.  Bill loved being outdoors, gardening, making salsa, and having garage sales.  He enjoyed playing games and cards with family and friends uptown; Pinochle and Buck Euchre being a couple of his favorites.  Bill had an unforgettable smile; he was always smiling and fun-natured.  His family was very important to him; he loved spending time with his wife, sons, grandchildren, and great grandson. 

Bill is survived by his wife Shirley of Walnut Grove; sons Todd of Walnut Grove and Rick (Angel) of Inver Grove Heights; grandchildren: Jennifer Heinrich, Jordan (Erin Vosberg) Heinrich, and Jennae Heinrich; and great grandson Keaton.  He is also survived by his siblings: Dorothy Nelson, Adeline Johnson, Darlene Smith, Betty Sturm, Robert Heinrich, Donald (Randy) Heinrich, Frank (Lee) Heinrich, Greg (Melodie) Heinrich, and Roxie Heinrich; and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents. 

Anna Mae Mickelson, 83

Anna Mae Mickelson age 83 of Tracy passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 at Sanford Tracy Medical Center after a brief illness.  Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, May 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy.  Interment was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or Tracy Area Medical Foundation.  Father Robert Mraz officiated and Carol Cooreman served as Cantor with Shannon Benson as organist. 

Casket Bearers were Johnathon Villa, Jordan Villa, Jacob Mickelson, Kyler Mickelson, Pat McCoy, Mike McCoy, David Schiller, Ken Schiller, and Steven Kuettel.

Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren Kristin Davis, Sarah Cesar, Jonathon, Jennifer, Jordan, Joshua and Autumn Villa, Brady Gervais, Brooke Ortmann, Kiersten Willis, Kyler Mickelson, Breanne Bergs-Puddifoot, Brandon Bergs, Molly Mickelson, Jacob Mickelson and Skylar Spangler. 

Anna Mae was born August 1, 1930 to John M. and Mary E. McCoy in Tracy.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Faith at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy.  She attended her first six years of education at District 38 Country School and the next six years at Tracy High School where she graduated in 1948. 

On June 10, 1950, Anna Mae married Roger S. Mickelson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Roger passed away on August 3, 1981. 

Ann Mae worked as a waitress for 33 years at the Mediterranean Club in Tracy.  She also worked for a period of time for Homera, Tracy Country Club, Rignell Hardware and Midwest Supply, all in Tracy.  She retired in April of 2003.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and an active member in St. Joseph’s Guild.  She loved watching her soaps, Minnesota Twins, and MN Vikings on TV, and golfing during summers.  She also spent time reading, knitting, playing cards and baking.

Anna Mae is survived by her seven children:  Becky (Gene) Averill of Tracy, Gary (Ceil) Mickelson of Rosemont, Judy (Greg) Bergs of Vancouver, WA, Paul (Paula) Mickelson of Apple Valley, MN, Michael Mickelson of Mesa, AZ, Kelly Villa of Cloquet, MN and AnnMarie Mickelson of Austin, TX; sixteen grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; one brother Robert (Nora) McCoy; two sisters, Dorothy (Jim) Cain of Tracy and Kathleen (Dick) Kuettel of Roseville, MN. 

Her husband, parents, son-in-law Gene Averill, daughter-in-law Ceil Mickelson, and an infant brother preceed Anna Mae in death.

Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lorraine Nelson, 90

Lorraine “Enie” Nelson age 90 of Westbrook passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at her home.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at the Westbrook Funeral Home.  Visitation is one hour prior to services at the funeral home.  Burial is in Westbrook Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent via www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Lorraine Nelson was born February 4, 1924 in Shetek Township, Murray County, Minnesota to Nels and Martha (Kvam) Erickson.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Hoiland Lutheran Church.  Enie attended country schools through 8th grade.  On March 6, 1946 she married Howard Nelson.  Together, Howard and Enie farmed and raised their family.  In their younger years, they enjoyed dancing and went to many dances.  Family was Enie’s biggest priority, and she always enjoyed family get-togethers.  Enie enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and baking.

Enie is survived by her children: Marlene Rensink of Trinidad, CO, Keith Nelson of Westbrook, and Lyle (Gail) Nelson of Westbrook; grandchildren: Karen, Meredith, Ryan, Morgan, Brittany, Kelley, and Marcus; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandchildren Derek and Teresa Rensink, sister, Bernice Rasmussen; and brothers: Norris, Howard, Lester, and Ernest Erickson.

Margaret Peterson 83

Margaret Peterson age 83 of Tracy, MN died Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Prairie View Senior Living Center in Tracy.  

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Tracy Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Friday, May 30, 2014, also held at Tracy Lutheran Church.  A luncheon will be served following the service on Saturday in the church social hall.  Interment will be at a later date in the Tracy City Cemetery.   The Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy is handling the arrangements.  

Margaret Ann Peterson was born May 18, 1931 to Ruben and Doris (Froshaug) Anderson in Madison, MN, Lac Qui Parle County. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Faith Lutheran Church in Madison. She grew up on a farm near Madison, but attended Dawson Public Schools. Margaret was active in the 4-H program, sang in the school choir, and played trombone in the high school band. She was a National Honor Society student and attended the first ever Girl’s State. After her graduation in 1949, Margaret attended Concordia College where she played in the college band and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.

She started her first teaching position in Sauk Rapids, MN shortly after college and then went on to teach English in Kenyon, MN. It was while teaching here that she met her future husband. On June 8, 1958, Margaret married Clinton Peterson at Faith Lutheran Church in Madison. They made their home in Kenyon and in 1960 they moved to Tracy, MN. Margaret will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and as a great English teacher to many at Tracy High School.

Margaret was a member of Tracy Lutheran Church and was active over the years in Circle, as well as, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, communion server and as a member of the choir. She loved to read, especially to her children and grandchildren, enjoyed traveling, and listening to music, but her true love was spending time with her family.

On Friday, May 16 Margaret became a resident of the Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy, where she died, Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the age of 83.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Clinton Peterson of Tracy, MN; one daughter, Mary (David) Miller of Manzanolla, CO; two sons, David (Kathy) Peterson of New Hope, MN and Mark (Anita) Peterson of Shakopee, MN; four grandchildren, Ben, Holly, Olivia and Isaiah Peterson; three special cousins; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Her parents, Ruben and Doris Anderson, and sister-in-law, Sheila Peterson preceded her in death.

Many years before her illness, Margaret made a decision to donate her remains to the Mayo Foundation for the further advancement of medical education. This gift of Margaret’s continues her lifes work of education. As a result the family requests that memorials be given in her honor to either the Tracy Area Education Foundation or to the Tracy Area Medical Foundation.

Mark Wee, 68

Mark Gordon Wee age 68 of Balaton passed away Thursday, May 22, 2014 at his home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.  Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Balaton.   Burial was in Skandia Cemetery in rural Balaton.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mark Gordon Wee was born May 25, 1945 to Inez and Reuben Wee in Tyler, Minnesota.  He grew up in Ellsborough Township at the Current Lake Store. Mark was baptized and confirmed at Ellsborough Lutheran Church.  He attended District 20 in Skandia Township until 1957 and graduated from Balaton High School in 1963.  Mark enlisted in the National Guard in 1963. Mark and Marcia were married on August 12, 1967.  They farmed in Ellsborough Township.  After farming, Mark drove truck for Gravely Trucking, Gifford Trucking, and Schwans.  Mark was co-owner of A & M Standard and F & M Realty, and later started Mark Wee Appraisals.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Balaton.  Mark loved visiting with his family and friends.  He enjoyed miniature golf, bowling, travel, race cars, and many TV channels, and especially enjoyed Red Green.

Mark is survived by his wife Marcia; three children: Shane (Kari) Wee of Cottonwood, Shannon (Roger) Benson of Tracy, and Shelley (Monte) Buntjer of Marshall; grandchildren: Brandon (Samantha) Wee, Garrett Wee, Brock (Ashley Spitz) Benson, Kallie Benson, Briatta Buntjer, and Bailey Buntjer.  He is also survived by his sister Sharon Hohn, and seven brothers: Wayne, Dale, Reuben, Bruce, Myron, and Grant Wee. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Inez Wee, and father-in-law Curtis Johnson.

God Bless His Memory.

David West, 74

David Lee West, age 74 of Amiret, Minnesota passed away of heart troubles May 24^th, 2014 at Colonial Manor in Balaton, Minnesota. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at the Garvin Congregational Church. Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 30 at Tracy Area Funeral home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Interment is in Bethel Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

David Lee West was born December 12, 1939 to Dale Leroy West and Anna Agnes (Wright) West at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was the twin brother of Douglas Leon West. David joined the Army in 1959 and was stationed in the Bavarian Alps in Germany as a mechanic and a welder. He came back to Garvin and worked in road construction for McLaughlin and Schulz Inc.  In 1978, he worked for Lyon County Co-op driving the bulk truck out of Marshall, Minnesota. In the spring of 1981, David started his own business, Dave West Construction, and he was in business until 2013.

David and Janet Williams Walterman were united in marriage July 5, 1968 at the Tracy Methodist Church in Tracy, MN. Together they were blessed with eight children, 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  In 2010, he and Janet purchased a 1940 Ford two door deluxe similar to the one he had as a teenager; that was number one on his bucket list. He was a member of First Congregational Church, and was treasurer for Bethel Cemetery until this year. He pitched horse shoes on the Amiret team, bowled for Ken’s Super Value, and most of all loved to play cards and was good at it. With all his interests and hobbies, his first love was always his family and friends.

David is survived by his wife Janet; children: Jay (Liz), Mark (Julie), Lori (Terry), Cindy (Jeff), Julie (Brian), Tonja (Marty), Brandon (Shannon), and Ryan (Cindy); grandchildren: Alora, Evan, Kylie, Jack, Sarah, Maura, Sean, Liam, Jordan, Jared, Justin, Paige, Lindsey, Austen, Deven, Amber, Alicia, Hannah, Austin, Marissa and Owen.  He is further survived by his sisters: Jean Krueger and Karen Pamp; sister-in-law Nina West; and many nieces and nephews.

David is preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Rita, twin brother Doug, grandparents, niece Jenny, and brothers in-law Kenneth Krueger and Charlie Kunkler.