Dell Richard Goedtke, 76

Dell Richard Goedtke born on March 16, 1939 to Richard Albert and Martha Sophia (Behr) Goedtke on their farm in Seward Township, Nobles County, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at the American Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Fulda. At five years old, they moved to what would become the family farm for four generations in Graham Lakes Township three miles from Fulda, MN. Dell was educated in the Fulda School District. In February 1957, he joined the United States Air Force serving his country, until a family hardship released him from active duty and brought him back to help on the farm. Dell continued with the Air Force Reserves until he received his honorable discharge in 1963.

While attending a “hard-time” polka dance at Currie in 1957, Dell met Margaret Mary McCoy and they began their courtship, which lead to an amazing 56-year marriage. The couple united in marriage on June 20, 1959 at St. Mary’s in Tracy, MN. They were blessed with three children: Kevin, Rickey and James. For 26 years, they continued to raise crops and livestock on the family farm. In 1984, Dell and Margaret retired from farming and pursued other jobs. Dell worked for Behr Enterprises and then Nobles County Co-op Oil Company until his disability retirement. Dell would continue to help Rick on the farm, as he was able.

After a long 9 ½-year courageous, faith-filled fight against leukemia, Dell passed in peace on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at his home. He left his family rich in memories, to not fear hard work and to love one another. Dell was a member of St. Gabriel’s Church and Fulda American Legion; he served on the following boards:  Graham Lakes Township, New Dawn, Maple Lawn, Fulda Area Credit Union Credit Committee, he was active in the DFL party and Fulda Heritage Society. He not only sang for many years with the Prairie Winds Chorus, but he reveled in singing all types of songs. Dell delighted in being able to fish with his family and hunting with his sons. He especially enjoyed going to school activities of his children and grandchildren and took great joy in seeing them excel. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially during holiday gatherings. Dell orchestrated an annual Christmas gag-gift exchange game that all of the family participated and were so happy with the unusual gifts they received from a very funny and clever Santa Claus. He also liked spending time on various woodworking projects, playing cards at the Feed Shack, and watching both the Twins and Vikings, even if it was not a winning season. Once they moved to town, he still stayed active as a farmer by tending to a bountiful vegetable garden alongside his loving wife. 

Survivors include his wife, Margaret; three sons, Kevin (Darci) of Fulda, MN, Rick (Lori) of Fulda, MN, James (Carla) of Slayton, MN; and Vicki Goedtke; seven grandchildren, Jenna (Mike) Ahlers, Jeremy Goedtke, Jamie (Trevor) Agorua, Brittany (Brett) Perish, Tyler Goedtke, Michelle (Jared) Schrempp, Samuel Goedtke; three great-grandchildren, Trae and Stella Ahlers, and Lincoln Perish; sister, Donna (Doug) Getzel; brother-in-law, James (Irene) McCoy; sisters-in-law, Beatrice (Raymond) Maeyaert, Rosella (Robert) Truwe, Elizabeth (Clayton) Harberts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister and brother-in-law, Una & Marvin Ackman.

Funeral services were held at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church Fulda, MN Saturday, October 17, 2015 with Msgr. Paul Heiting officiating. The organist is Mary Ann Boom. The song leader was Shelia Crowley. The pallbearers were his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were Brad Schweigert, Les Speckmier, Lloyd Dierks, Lynn Behr, Gene Winter, Jim Czepa, Mike Michelau and Bob Getzel. Interment was at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery Fulda, MN.

The Totzke Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Esther Rasmussen, 82

Esther Marie Rasmussen was born on January 8, 1933 to Tebbo and Etta (Eucken) Menken in Windom, Minnesota.  She was baptized and confirmed at Jeffers United Methodist Church, attended and graduated from Jeffers Public Schools, and studied for a short time at Mankato State University to become an English teacher.

On March 8, 1952, Esther was united in marriage to Robert Rasmussen at Trinity American Lutheran Church in Jeffers.  They made their home in Jeffers for a short time before moving to a farm 8 ½ miles north of Walnut Grove and eventually settling on their current farm in 1984.  After Robert’s death on June 19, 2014, Esther moved to the Country View Assisted Living in Walnut Grove for one month.  She then entered St. John’s Lutheran Home in Springfield for 8 months before entering Oak Terrace Senior Living in North Mankato for the remainder of her life.

She loved her dogs very much, and also enjoyed baking, especially her famous apple crisp, and farming next to her husband Robert.

On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, Esther passed away at the Oak Terrace Senior Living in North Mankato at the age of 82.

She is survived by her children Dennis Rasmussen of Walnut Grove, Rose Marie (James) Schmiesing of Lucan, Cathy (Terry) Ochs of Springfield, and daughter-in-law Vicky Rasmussen of Tracy; siblings Richard (Irene) Menken, Elta Barker, Hilda (John) Brand, Elsie Vieregge, Anne (Donald) Roefer, brothers and sisters-in-law Maxine Rasmussen, Marion and Neale Sinclair, Barb Rasmussen, Harlan and Pat Rasmussen, Glennis and Curt Pearson, and Sharon and Tom Yager; 18 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, son Paul, great granddaughter Chazinne Jo Rasmussen-Towne, her parents Tebbo and Etta, and brothers John, Tebbo, Edwin, and George Menken.

Blessed be her memory.

Richard Ross, 83

Richard Leland Ross, age 83 of Belle Plaine and formerly of Westbrook, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, surrounded by his family.

Richard was born in Long Beach, Ca. on August 27, 1932 to John and Blanche (Seely) Ross. He married Betty Knowles on July 3, 1954 in San Francisco, Ca. Richard served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Cacapon . He was involved in sales his entire working career. Richard was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Zuhrah Shrine. He enjoyed the outdoor life, his dogs and model railroading.

Richard is survived by his wife, Betty Ross of Belle Plaine, children, Lynn Ross of San Francisco, Ca., Lee (Pat) Sexe of Belle Plaine, Julie (Richard) Jurek of The Colony, Tx. and Jon Ross of Denton, Tx., grandchildren, Ryan Sexe, Kristina Sexe, Madeline Jurek, Andrew Jurek and Jon Austin Ross, sister, Jean Clad of Long Beach, Ca.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Hazel Padelford.

There will be no funeral services. Kolden Funeral Home of Belle Plaine is assisting the family with arrangements.