Lewis Amundson, 93

Lewis Kermit Amundson, “Good Shot Looie”, age 93 of Westbrook and Dovray passed away Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Sanford Westbrook Medical Center.  Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 9 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray.  Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 at the Westbrook Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Burial will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Lewis Kermit Amundson, aka “Good Shot Looie” was born June 30, 1922 in Des Moines River Township, Murray County, Minnesota to Knudt and Johanna (Kirchner) Amundson.  He was baptized by Rev. Huggenvik at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray, and was later confirmed there.  He attended country school District #25 through the eighth grade, and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1940. 

On June 15, 1947, Lewis married Helen Elvine Sand at Hoiland Lutheran Church near Garvin, Minnesota.  Lewis spent his life farming the land.  He was a hard worker, a conservationist and was always careful to preserve and protect the land and water.  He loved John Deere tractors, fishing, hunting, and golfing – where he earned his nickname “Good Shot Looie.”  Lewis enjoyed reading, history, reciting poetry, and singing songs in Norwegian.  He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, and spoke Norwegian from childhood memory.  Lewis was able to visit Norway two times, and gladly hosted Norwegian guests when they visited Minnesota.  Lewis had a great sense of humor, and often told jokes.  He enjoyed wildflowers and bird watching.  He and Helen spent many years wintering in Texas. 

Lewis was a lifelong member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray, and took part in Bethel Series and church council.  He also was a member of NFO, Kiwanis, Dovray Township Clerk, Rolling Hills Golf Club, and National Cattlemen’s Association.  Lewis led Grace at every meal and read devotions with his children every night when they were growing up.  He always taught them respect for life, that “honesty is the best policy,” “You are just as good as everyone else, but no better,” and “Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.”

Lewis is survived by his wife Helen of Westbrook; children: Sharon Amundson of Westbrook, Paula (Don) Paplow of Dundee, Pamela (Bill) Sweetman of Tracy, John Amundson (Sheri) of Marshall; grandchildren: Adam Pinkert, Eric Hanson, Johanna Leonelli, Christopher Paplow, Whitney Paplow, Matthew Sweetman, Michael Sweetman, and Amber Amundson; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Darlene and Evelyn Amundson; and numerous very special nieces and nephews whom he treasured as his own. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Aron and Jerome, sister Mavis (Elmer) Anderson, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bud & Sandy Hanson.

Pauline Marks, 88

Pauline K. Marks, age 88 of Tracy, passed away Monday, June 29, 2015 at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy.  Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 2 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Burial was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Donations are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or School.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Pauline was born February 27, 1927 in Tracy, Minnesota to John and Mary (Dastych) Polaschek.  She received the Sacraments at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Pauline graduated from Tracy High School in 1945 and attended business college in Minneapolis.  She lived in Minneapolis and worked as a bookkeeper at a Red Owl grocery store and Greyhound Bus Lines before returning to Tracy in 1955.  Pauline was married to Charles Marks December 31, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. She loved sewing in her younger years.  Pauline volunteered at church with CCW, Missions, and caring for altar flowers. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Pauline also loved bird watching, and working in the garden and caring for her flowers. 

Pauline is survived by her daughter Mary (Wally) Fier of Brookings, SD; granddaughters Monica and Jill Fier, both of Brookings, SD, and Amy (Tony) Leptien of Eldora, IA; great-granddaughter Avery Leptien; brother Vince (Mary Jo) Polaschek of East Moline, IL; and many other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, son Christopher, and sisters Helen Van Moer, Dorohy Van Hulle, and brothers: Joe, Leo, William, Francis, and David Polaschek.