Alan W. Benfield, 75, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2013 at Seasons Hospice in Rochester surrounded by family.
Alan was born May 6, 1938 in Santa Monica, California to Kenneth and Christina Benfield. He graduated from El Segundo High School in 1956. He served in the US Army from 1962 to 1964. In California, he worked as a machinist. He married Sandra Hanson on December 4, 1965 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson. After 23 years of working for the Kasson-Mantorville School District, he retired as head maintenance in 2000.
He is survived by his wife Sandy, a daughter Stacy and grandson Alexander of Rochester, sister Janet (Don) Diem of Rancho Palos Verdes, California , father-in-law Roger Hanson of Kasson, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Mark and Darlene Hanson, Craig and Karen Hanson of Kasson, Diane Hanson of Coon Rapids, Don Diem of Rancho Palos Verdes, California and Pat Benfield of Fountain Valley, California, nine nieces and nephews, and special neighbors/friends Rick, Darla and “Rick’s kids” Kellen, Ryan and Kaden Enright. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Ken.
Al enjoyed woodworking, making and refinishing furniture, gardening, yard work, watching his grandson play sports, fishing, hunting with brothers-in-law Mark and Craig and sister-in-law Karen, vacationing in northern Minnesota, and reminiscing about his ocean adventures. He was extremely creative, innovative, and a true master “improviser”.
Memorials may be directed to Seasons Hospice, American Cancer Society or a charity of donor’s choice.
A private memorial service is planned.
The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at Seasons Hospice for all of their care and support.
Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Services assisted the family in arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

Clarice Elizabeth Madsen, 85, of Kasson, peacefully passed away October 31 at Fairview Care Center, Dodge Center, where she had resided for the past 3½ years.

Clarice Elizabeth Glamm was born in Pine Island, Minnesota, August 17, 1928. She attended Augsburg College and received her teaching degree from Mankato State Teachers’ College. She taught in North Mankato, Kenyon, and Claremont. She also did substitute teaching in the Kasson area for many years.

On December 19, 1959, she married Raymond L. Madsen at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pine Island. The couple has resided in Kasson, Minnesota, all their married life.

In addition to her husband, Clarice is survived by two sons, Mark Madsen and Stephen (Kelly) Madsen, granddaughter Beth Madsen, and grandson Sean Madsen, all of Kasson. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert (Elaine) Glamm and Max (Sylvia) Glamm, and three sisters, Vera (Lester) Rhodes, Marie (Howard) Bennerotte, and Ruth (Marvin) Carney.

Mrs. Madsen was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was active in several areas of education: Confirmation teacher, Church Council, Stephen Ministry, lector, bulletin boards, and Program-Visitation Coordinator at Fairview Care Center. Along with her husband, she worked with the St. John’s Lutheran Church Food Shelf and Meals on Wheels for several years.

Visitation will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Avenue NW, Kasson, from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2013, and one hour prior to the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 8, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kasson with Pastor Marie A. K. Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Island Cemetery.

Dibble Funeral Home, Kasson, is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be made at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Kasson or Fairview Care Center of Dodge Center.

Our loving Mother passed away Friday, November 1, 2013 at Cottagewood Senior Living.

Marie M. Glasby, 90, was born June 26, 1923. She was adopted by William and Flora Ramthum. Marie married Bill Dehn on November 15, 1943. The couple farmed south of Byron their entire life.

Marie is survived by Vicki (Gary) McIntosh of Kasson, Patti Jestus of Kasson, Dirk (Geri) Dehn of Kasson, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; a son, Joe and a grandson, Paul.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at the Byron United Methodist Church, 507 – 1st Ave NW, Byron, MN with Pastor Sharon Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Byron Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the Cottagewood Staff, friends and neighbors for all the care and assistance extended to our Mother.

Online condolences may be made at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

Our beloved mother, Melvina B. Fjerstad, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Kasson on Sunday, November 3, 2013. She was the oldest of eight children born to Alvin and Cora (Stevens) Jorgenson in Rock Dell.

Melvina “Mina” was born September 25, 1923, went to school in Rock Dell, and married Burton W. Fjerstad, Sr on September 30, 1941. They lived in Kasson after her husband returned from World War II where he was owner/operator of Burt’s Standard Station in Kasson. Her husband passed away on August 26, 1988. She worked outside the home at various jobs, did daycare in her home, was the bookkeeper for her husband’s businesses, but mainly raised their six children at home. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson and in previous years taught Sunday School and VBS, member of Bethel Circle, and participated in many church functions. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary.

Melvina is survived by her six children: One son, Burton Fjerstad, Jr (Enner) of Kasson; five daughters: Sharon (Tink) Larson of Waseca, Ardis Grovdahl of Kasson, Donna (Denny) Head of Kasson, Eileen (Mike) O’Connor of Brownsdale, and Lavonne (Michael) Berge of Kasson; 18 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by siblings: Carol Briggs of Oronoco, Junior (Donna) Jorgenson of Hayfield, Elmer Jorgenson of Rock Dell, and Norman (Sharon) Jorgenson of South St. Paul, and sisters-in-law Mildred Jorgenson, Rochester, Marianne Stoeckinger of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Doris Lybeck, Rochester, as well as her late husband’s sister-in-law, Shirley Fjerstad of Kasson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, sister Lucille Fjerstad, brothers Arnold Jorgenson and Palmer Jorgenson; son-in-law Herb Grovdahl, two granddaughters, Lisa Lynn and Dana Lynn, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Melvina’s funeral will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Avenue NW in Kasson on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Randy Fett officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-7 p.m. also at St. John’s Church and one hour before the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for distribution or to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson.

Dibble Funeral Home, 213 West Main St. in Kasson is in charge of arrangements.
507-634-2331.

Online condolences may be made at www.dibblefuneralhome.com

The funeral for Leonard Leo Prescher will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 1:00 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW, Kasson, MN with Pastor Randy Fett officiating. Visitation will be Monday, November 11 from 5:00-7:00 PM, with a Masonic Service at 6:00 PM, at The Dibble Funeral Home, 213 W. Main Street, Kasson, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Rochester, MN.

Leonard was born September 16, 1924 in Elgin, Minnesota to Leo and Sylvia Prescher. He attended and graduated from Elgin High School in 1943.

In August of 1943, he enlisted in the Navy with basic training in Farragut, Idaho. Leonard took submarine training at the San Diego Naval Base before boarding the submarine “Devilfish”. He was honorably discharged in August 1946. Leonard attended Dunwoody Institute in electrical studies. On November 1, 1947, he married Donna Green. They lived in Minneapolis, Slayton, Truman and Austin, MN, before opening “Prescher Electric” in Kasson on January 1, 1958; operating the business until retiring in 1991. In 1975, Leonard and Donna purchased the Kasson Hotel, which is now the Corner Plaza Apartments.

Leonard was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Herman Masonic Lodge #83, past patron in the Oriental Shrine, past patron of Eastern Star, charter member of the K-M Exchange Club, 50+ year member of the American Legion and a Dodge County Fair Board Hall of Fame member.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Donna, of 66 years; his son, Bruce; grandsons, Rick and Ross; sisters, Lois Scholzen and Phyllis Morem; brother, Maynard Prescher; sister-in-law, Norma Swingdorf and brother-in-law, Melvin Green.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to them for their distribution later according to their wishes.

Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

Orvis H. Alberts, 89, of rural Mantorville passed away on Friday, November 8, 2013 at Northwest Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. He was born on June 7, 1924 in Mantorville Township to Klaus H. and Henrietta (Etta) nee Raddatz.

Orvis grew up in rural Mantorville. He attended Cumberland Country School and Mantorville High School where he played quarterback on the football team. After graduation, Orvis started farming with his father north of Mantorville.

On August 10, 1944, he married Gloria Martig and they were blessed with two sons, Richard and Ronald. A few years later, they purchased a farm east of Kasson where they farmed until purchasing farm land northeast of Mantorville. Orvis farmed this land with his wife and sons until retiring from the farming business in 1975. He then started working in the real estate business, which he enjoyed until the early 90’s. From that time on, Orvis enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors.

He served on the Mantorville Township Board for 40 years, many of those years serving as treasurer. Orvis was a member of Mantorville Masonic Lodge #11 AF & AM for over 50 years. His church home was the Congregational Church in Mantorville and he also attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson. Orvis also served on the Dodge County Conservation Board.

Orvis enjoyed traveling; being able to visit various parts of Europe and several areas of the United States. Another hobby he enjoyed while spending the winter months in Tucson, Arizona was creating unique items with stained glass.

Orvis is survived by his wife, Gloria; son Richard (Marie) Alberts; brothers Donald (Joyce) Alberts, Klaus (Barbra) Alberts, Jr.; sisters Nelda Campbell, Marion Burdick, Roberta Meddleton, Nadine Caswell, Arlene (Jim) Franz, and Caroline (Wally) Holmquist; daughter-in-law Sue Alberts; five grandsons, one granddaughter and five great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Ronald; sisters Margaret Biel and Jean Threinen.

The funeral service for Orvis will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW, Kasson, MN with Pastor Marie A. K. Anderson officiating. Visitation will be Monday, November 18 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the church with a Masonic service at 6:00 PM. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to them for distribution later according to their wishes.

Online condolences may be made at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

Shirley J. (Buck) Fjerstad, 83, of Kasson was called home to reunite with her husband and son, family and friends on Thursday, November 14, 2013.

Our mother started her life in Lanesboro, Minnesota on August 6, 1930. She was the daughter of George and Francis Buck.

While working as a waitress in Rochester, she ran into her future husband, “Teddy” Fjerstad. The two were married on July 28. 1949. They lived in Kasson where they raised ten children. Our Mom devoted most of her life to her family and was active in the church and community.

Mom enjoyed spending time with her family, bus trips, playing cards, bingo, puzzles and her flower gardens.

Survivors include five sons, Gene, Duane “Dewey”, Neil (Janet), Kurt (Coleen) all of Kasson and Todd of Dodge Center; four daughters, Joannie (Wayne) Rado of Rice Lake, WI, Linda (Todd) Burtis of Dodge Center, Lois (Leon) Cunningham of Mantorville, Cheryl (Sean) Jensen of Onalaska, WI; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Doris Brown of Kasson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted; son, Claire “Chub”; great-grandson, Elliot; three sisters and one brother.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1904 N. Mantorville Ave., Kasson, MN with Fr. Paul Surprenant officiating. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Margaret’s Cemetery, Mantorville, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for distribution or to Holy Family Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

Roland M. Lott, 85, of Byron, passed away November 23, 2013 at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center.

Roland was born on July 12, 1928 to Matt and Frances Lott in Keewatin, MN where he grew up and attended schools.

He sailed the Great Lakes Ore Carriers for three years. He proudly entered the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in active duty in the Signal Corps in Korea. When he returned from Korea in 1952, he married Deloris Backlund, also from Keewatin.

They moved to Babbitt in 1955 where he worked for Reserve Mining Company as an electrician for 37 years. They also happily raised their four children, Debbie, Terrie, Roland, and Randy there. He was very active in the Youth Hockey Program for many years and was proud of being a promoter of the ice arena being built in Babbitt. He was an officer in the United Steelworkers Union and served on the Babbitt Board of Education for four years. He also worked for LTV Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes for four years. He spent many years camping, fishing, playing cards (smear champion) and watching sports with family and friends.

They moved to Hibbing in 1992. Roland enjoyed visiting with family and old friends from Keewatin while he was there. Due to his illness in 2008, they moved to Byron to be closer to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Frances Lott and his sister, Theresa Stensrud. He is survived by his wife, Deloris and their four children, Debbie Givens of Virginia, MN, Terrie (Mike) Zirbes of Byron, MN, Roland (Cheryl) of Lakeville, MN and Randy (Donna) of Lakeville, MN; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Matt of Gordon, WI and John (Gloria) of Babbitt, MN; two sisters, Jean Lashyro of Silver Bay and Corrine (Ernie) Solberg of Grand Rapids, and many nieces and nephews.

Roland was a member of the Keewatin VFW and the American Legion and the Church of Christ the King, Byron, MN.

A private family funeral service will be held at The Dibble Funeral Home, Kasson, MN. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing, MN at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered at www.dibblefuneralhome.com. Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Winifred “Winnie” E. (Voll) Bausman, of Byron, passed away peacefully at the Zumbrota Care Center on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 surrounded by her family.

Winnie was born July 22, 1924, in Byron, to Fred and Elsie Voll. She was raised on the family farm and attended Byron schools graduating in 1942. On Jan. 25, 1944, she married Marvin L. Bausman and together they raised their family in Byron. When her children were young, Winnie first worked in the cafeteria at the school and later in the school office as the secretary to the superintendent. After raising her children, Winnie returned to school at Rochester Technical School to fulfill a lifetime dream of becoming a nurse. Upon earning her degree, she worked in the Radiology Department at the Mayo Clinic for 20 years until her retirement in 1990. After retirement Winnie worked part-time at Bill’s Food Store and at the Byron Elementary School cafeteria to remain active.

Winnie was a lifelong member of the Byron United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Byron Historical Society Alumni Association and the Byronia #84 Rebekah Lodge where she was a member for over 55 years. Winnie held numerous offices in the Rebekah Lodge and was the Assembly treasurer of Minnesota from 1994-2006. Winnie enjoyed spending time with her family at many family activities, loved to bake and enjoyed traveling.

Winnie is survived by her children, Gary (Linda) Bausman of Byron and Sue Ann (Jim) Olson of Mesquite, Nev.; grandchildren, John (Christie) Bausman of Byron and Jennifer (Eric) Schultz of Belle Plaine; great-grandchildren, Morgan and Tyler Bausman and Jake, Kayla, Brayden, Ethan and Carson Schultz; one brother, Edward Voll of Byron and several nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Marvin L. Bausman; her parents, Fred and Elsie Voll; and four sister.

Funeral will be held at the Byron United Methodist Church, 507 First Ave. N.W. in Byron, on Monday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Sharon Nelson officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Byron United Methodist Church and one hour before the service on Monday. The interment will be in the Byron Cemetery immediately following the services. There will be light lunch following the services at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the Byron United Methodist Church.

Dibble Funeral Home in Kasson is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at dibblefuneralhome.com.

Gail Craig Poffenberger, 63, of Rochester, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Gail Poffenberger was born July 12, 1950, in Owatonna.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Gail’s passion was painting landscapes.

He is survived by his mother, Darlene Poffenberger of Kasson; his brother, Randy Poffenberger of Kasson; his three children, Ben Cotton (Iowa), Travis Karasz (Washington), and Jolynne Sauve (Alaska); as well as two grandsons; and four nieces.

Gail was preceded in death by his father Clifford “Bud” Poffenberger.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Melvin John Hettervig passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2013 with his loving wife and family by his side. Melvin was born in Buxton, North Dakota on February 7, 1937, to Gena and Melvin Hettervig. He attended school in Buxton, North Dakota and graduated in 1955. Preceding graduation, he entered the United States Navy. After graduating, he was assigned to Patrol Squadron Nine at Alameda Naval Air Station in California.
Melvin attended Wahpeton State School of Science. On June 17, 1961, he married his sweetheart, Katherine Ann Huard. Mel and Kathy had five daughters. In 1958, he was hired by the IBM Corporation where he was employed until his retirement in 1992. While employed at IBM, he held a number of different positions. Melvin was a Computer Operations Manager at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. He proudly helped support the Gemini and Apollo missions. In 1970, he transferred to New York to become a Systems Support Programmer on large scale computers. Melvin transferred to Rochester, Minnesota in 1977 to work as a System Support/Applications Programmer. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching NASCAR races and spending time with his family and friends.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Katherine; children, Cynthia (Mark Staub) of Burnsville, Minnesota, Stefanie (Randy Barnes) of Preston, Minnesota, Gena McNeill of Kasson, Minnesota, Mary (Troy Knutson) of Kasson, Minnesota and Laura (Brian Weis) of Dodge Center, Minnesota; grandchildren, John Staub, Thomas Staub, Jacob Knutson, Garrett Barnes, Bailey Barnes, Katie McNeill, Brenden Knutson, Cassi McNeill, Kylie McNeill, and David Weis; sisters, Muriel Vincent of Portland, Oregon, Vivian Christopherson of Madison, Minnesota and Ruby Breiland of Portland, Oregon. Melvin will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Maynard, Paul and Arlen; sister, Delores Chapman and grandson, Benjamin Staub.
The family would like to thank Dr. Randolph Marks, Dr. Matthew Bernard, Dr. Maggie Theofiles and the staff and volunteers of Mayo Hospice for the extraordinary care and compassion they gave to Melvin during his illness.
The funeral service for Melvin will be Monday, December 23, 2013 at 10:00 am at The South Zumbro Lutheran Church, 4830 – 120th Ave SW, Kasson, MN with Pastor Mark Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday, December 22, 2013 from 4:00-6:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will follow at the Pine Island Cemetery, Pine Island, Minnesota.
Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

Marilyn Ann (Svee) Dahms, 77, of Mantorville, MN died on Thursday, December 19, 2013, in her home.

Marilyn was the beloved wife of Charles H. Dahms for 53 years. Born in West Concord, a daughter of the late Carolyn R. (Zeller) and G. Marshall Svee, she was the youngest of five children. Marilyn graduated from West Concord High School in 1954. She graduated from Mankato State with a degree in education. She taught elementary school in Elendale, Byron, West Concord and Kasson-Mantorville. She retired from K-M in 1993 after 36 years of teaching. She was passionate about teaching and helping kids reach their full potential in all areas of their life.

She was an avid golfer and golf coach for many years. When she was not in the garden or on the golf course, she spent her summers educating others in the importance of history and traditions. Upon retirement, Marilyn spent many hours preparing educational materials for her fellow colleagues. She was also a treasured substitute as well as a volunteer in the classrsoom of the “Other Mrs. Dahms.” She was instrumental in getting the Zumbro Bend Rendezvous started in Mantorville. The purpose was to educate children in living history while providing classes and activities that would support the information they were learning in school. She was also involved with the historical societies in both Dodge County and West Concord for years.

She is survived by her three children, Lynette Dahms of Mantorville, Debra (Steve) Behrns of Lakeville, and Thomas (Paula) Dahms of Mantorville; five grandchildren, Heather (Shannon) Abbott; Mitchell Gransee, Matthew (Christina) Behrns, Stephanie Behrns and Marshall Dahms as well as six great-grandchildren. She was a sister to Janis Ray of West Concord, the late JoAnn (Russell) Weis of Zumbrota, the late Duard (Marie) Svee of Zumbrota, and Evelyn (Alex) Lykkeguard of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles, her parents, a sister and her brother.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Events, 401 – 8th St SE, Kasson, MN with Pastor Linda Miner, Chaplain of St. Croix Hospice, Rochester, Minnesota officiating. Visitation will be 1/2 hour prior to the service (2:00-2:30 pm). There will be no reviewal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School.

Suzanne Marie Beaver, 65, of Mantorville, was born August 4, 1948, and passed away peacefully Friday, December 20, 2013, after a brief illness due to cancer.

She was the beloved wife of Bernard O. Beaver for over 25 wonderful years. She was the mother of Nathaniel (Dawn) P. Fjerstad of Rochester and stepmother to Victoria O’Brien of Kasson and Jeff Beaver of Byron.

She graduated from John Marshall High School and recently retired from the Radiology Department at Mayo Clinic.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, flower gardening, reading, traveling and especially spoiling her granddaughter, Riley.

She was preceded in death by her parents Aloysius and Parmalee Starken.

She is survived by a brother, Tom (Ginny) Starken of Fountain; grandchildren, Riley Fjerstad of Rochester, Kandice O’Brien of Burnsville, Brooke (Tom) Fox of Rochester, Adam O’Brien of Byron and Jesse Beaver of Mantorville; and great-granddaughters, Kaydence Fjerstad of Rochester and Ainsley Fox of Rochester.

Visitation will beheld Friday, December 27, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW, Kasson, MN, followed by a funeral at 2:00 p.m. Pastore Joel Xavier of The United Methodist Church of Kasson will officiate.

The memorial service for Julie Marie Stoick will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW, Kasson with Pastor Randy Fett officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of the service at the church.

Julie Marie Stoick passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital on January 6 from complications of diabetes. Julie was born October 6, 1967 at St. Mary’s Hospital. The daughter of Ivan and Carol (Willing) Harmon, Julie graduated from John Marshall High School in June of 1986. Julie enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, word puzzles and counted cross stitch.

Julie is survived by her two children, Kathryn Marie Stoick of Fargo, North Dakota and Timothy Stoick of Kasson; parents Ivan and Carol Harmon; brothers, Brian (Judy) Harmon of Rochester and Randy (Gwen) Harmon of Lanesboro; nephews and nieces, Brooke, Brady, Becky, Blaine, Lance and Bryn as well as many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; William and Florence Willing, and Ed and Emma Harmon.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to them.

Dorthy E. Peterson, 86, passed away at Prairie Meadows, Kasson, MN on Saturday, January 18, 2014 surrounded by loved ones.

Dorthy was born on May 4, 1927 to Karl and Minnie Wilke. She married Harold F. Peterson on March 2, 1952 and farmed near Berne, Minnesota most of her life.

Her life was filled with community service and service to her Lord. Dorthy was active as a leader in 4-H and active in numerous other ways in the community, including serving as Secretary on the Prairie Meadows Tenant Board. She began as a church musician as a 16-year-old where she played organ at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center. She recently played piano at Prairie Meadows for Chapel services and on other occasions. After joining St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson, she served as church secretary for 34 years as well as church treasurer. She held many additional positions in the church, such as Sunday School Teacher.

Dorthy was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her brother, Myron (Marion) Wilke; children, Gordon (Judy) Peterson, Steven (Laura) Peterson, and Karen Peterson; grandchildren, Ryan, David, Michael, and Sara Peterson, Gareth and Gavin Johnson, Nicki (Mike) Haviaras and Rachel Burke; two great-grandsons, Christopher and Alexander Haviaras, and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be Friday, January 24, from 4:00-7:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 – 8th Ave NW, Kasson and one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25 at 11:00 AM, also at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Randy Fett officiating.

Memorials can be directed to Prairie Meadows Sr. Living, 800 – 5th Ave NW, Kasson, MN or St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Pauline (Pettis) Erickson, age 87, formerly of Rochester, died on Monday, January 20th at Prairie Meadows Senior Living Center in Kasson, MN. Pauline was born on December 17th, 1926 in Kasota, Minnesota and raised on a farm near there.
She and Paul Erickson were married on June 24th, 1949. Their 64 years of marriage were lived first in Hibbing, then Minneapolis, finally moving to Rochester in 1958.
Pauline was known for her incredible culinary capabilities, both as a cook and a baker, and for her annual week of canning fruit and the vegetables from her large garden. She also delighted in making ornate crewel embroidery pieces, works of art that will remain as lifelong treasures for her family. After Paul’s retirement from IBM, they spent several weeks of their summers in their camper in the north woods of Minnesota. 
Pauline was preceded in death by Paul in October 2013. She is survived by her sons Dana (Diana) Erickson and Steve (Nancy) Erickson, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. 
A memorial service will be held in the Timothy Chapel at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd. SW, Rochester, MN for Paul and Pauline in Rochester on Feb. 1, 2014 with Pastor Andy Kumpel officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a celebration of their lives at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. Burial at 1:30 PM at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester. Online condolences at www.dibblefuneralhome.com  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St Croix Hospice.

A memorial service for Garold C. Bond will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1st at the Christ Lutheran Church, 201 Frontage Road NW, Byron, MN with Pastor Steve Rheingans officiating. There will be a visitation (no viewing) at Christ Lutheran Church one hour before the service. Burial will be at a later date in Zumbro Falls at the Pleasant Prairie Dale Cemetery. Military graveside services in the spring will be conducted by the Byron American Legion.

Garold Bond 87, of Byron died Wednesday (January 22, 2014) at Golden Livingcenter West in Rochester. Garold Charles Bond was born October 2, 1926, in Osage, Iowa. The family moved to the Austin area in 1932. He attended Austin High school. He enlisted into the Air Force in 1946, served in World War II and was Honorably Discharged in 1949. He married Marian Underdahl in 1952, they moved to the Byron area in 1962. Marian died in 1982. He married Henrietta Kennedy in 1986.

Garold was a life-long farmer. He worked at Sears in Rochester, retiring after 27 years. After retirement, he was a crossing guard in the Rochester School District, and had also worked at Kwik-Trip in Byron. He enjoyed the farm, being outdoors and visiting with people. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and the American Legion in Byron. Survivors include two daughters; Gail (Tom) Knopp of Eureka Springs, AR, and Debra Bond of Winona, MN, one son; Russ Bond of Byron, MN, two step children; Marilyn (Mike) Wiebusch of Zumbro Falls, MN and Tim (Pam) Kennedy of Zumbro Falls, MN; 7 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a wife, two brothers and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice – Rochester or Christ Lutheran Church – Byron. Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Kasson is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Hazel M. Engelstad will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson with Rev. Randy Fett officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville.
Hazel, 92, a longtime resident of the Kasson area, died of natural causes on Monday (February 3, 2014) at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center.
Hazel Margaret Ankeny was born to Irvin George and Maude Sarah (Cheatle) Ankeny on August 3, 1921 on the family farm near Blue Earth in Faribault County, Minnesota. When she was 2, the family moved to a farm near Winnebago, also in Faribault County, where she grew up with 3 older and 3 younger siblings. Hazel graduated from Winnebago High School in 1939, graduated from Normal School in Blue Earth, taught at 3 country school districts, attended the University of Minnesota, and was hired as the 4-H Club Agent in Dodge County. While there, she met and later married Ralph Benton “R.B.” Engelstad on September 30, 1944.
Hazel and Ralph lived in the Kasson and Mantorville area for their entire married life and raised 3 sons and 3 daughters. Hazel was an engaged member of the Kasson-Mantorville community, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and various charitable organizations. Her husband Ralph passed away on April 11, 2006, after nearly 62 years of marriage.
Hazel is survived by sons, Wendell (Diane) of Owatonna and Daryl (Sara) of Kasson; daughters, Shirley (Daryl) Deno of Blackduck, Carol (Dan) Nable of Cumming, GA, Janet (Mark) Rendler of Pleasant Prairie, WI, and daughter-in-law Robyn Hammond of Fort Collins, CO; sister, Cecil Carroll; brothers, John Ankeny and Gordon Ankeny; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Ralph, son Milo, brothers Harlan Ankeny and Edward Ankeny, sister Ruth Milbrandt, and her parents.
Visitation will be Friday, February 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. The family would prefer memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.

Duane F. Horning, age 73, of Mantorville, (formerly of Pine Island) went to be with his heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, March 14, 2014. He passed away at home peacefully with his wife and son beside him.
He was born January 8, 1941 in Albert Lea, MN to Russell and Naomi (Ditlevson) Horning.
On May 18, 1963 he married Shirley R. Hanson of Mantorville. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2013.
They farmed in the Pine Island and Mantorville area . They were blessed with four children;
Dale (Bobbie) Horning of Ostrander, MN; Randy Horning of Forest, Virginia; Mark Horning of Mantorville; Ruth Ann (John) Cyphers of Mantorville. They have seven grandchildren; Travis Horning and Trent (Brandice) Horning both of Rochester; Mandy, and Marissa Horning of Ostrander; Mariah, Elijah, and Cassidy Cyphers all of Mantorville.
Duane was a member of First Baptist Church in Kasson, MN where he served as deacon and usher for many years. He served on the pastoral search committee which brought Pastor John Todor to serve as pastor in 2013. He enjoyed handing out the church bulletin and greeting the people as they entered the sanctuary every Sunday morning. He always had a happy smile and greeting for everyone, and his presence will be greatly missed.
After 33 years of dairy farming, Duane worked at Al Corn Ethanol Plant in Claremont for 3 years. Then he worked at McNeilus Steel, Inc. in Dodge Center for 15 years where he loved his tractor driving job there and the interaction with his co-workers.
Duane loved the years of farming. He grew up on a farm and it was his life. He enjoyed going to Southern Gospel Quartet conventions, the Gaither’s Gospel music, eating out with friends and family, fairs, farm shows, tractor pulls, and watching western movies (especially John Wayne films) and doing yard work.
He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Naomi Horning, and his brother Roger.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and brothers Dean (Lonna) Horning of Marshfield, MO; Lowell (Ruth Ann) Horning of Rochester; Jerry Horning of Kasson and sister-in-law Nancy Horning.
A memorial service for Duane will be held at First Baptist Church, 304 – 4th St. NW, Kasson, MN on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at 11:00 a.m with Pastor John Todor & Pastor Dale Phelps officiating. There will be a visitation at the church one hour before the service. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the church.

Funeral services for Daryl R. Engelstad will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday (March 27, 2014) at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson with Rev. Nirmala Reinschmidt officiating. Burial will be in East St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Byron.
Daryl, 67, a life-long resident of the Kasson area, lost his courageous 28 month battle with mesothelomia on Friday, March 21, 2014, at Maple Manor Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Rochester.
Daryl Russell Engelstad was born to Ralph Benton and Hazel Margaret (Ankeny) Engelstad on November 4, 1946 at the Knutson Maternity Home in Kasson. Daryl grew up in rural Kasson with 5 siblings and graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, VA until his honorable dis- charge in 1967. Thereafter, he worked in construction, agriculture and manufacturing in the Twin Cities and Rochester area, including 16 years at MTM in Dodge Center and 24 years at RockTenn (formerly Smurfit-Stone) in Rochester.
Tex married Sara Kay Kildahl on November 30, 1974 at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church at rural Byron. They lived nearly 40 years of married life in Kasson, where they raised two lovely daughters. Family and friends will remember him as a loyal friend with a gigantic heart.
Daryl is survived by his wife, Sara Engelstad of Kasson; daughters Jenny (Nathan) Wood of Avon, MN and Julie (Daniel) Laufenberg of Winona; brother Wendell (Diane) Engelstad of Owatonna; sisters Shirley (Daryl) Deno of Black Duck, Carol (Dan) Nable of Cumming, GA, and Janet (Mark) Rendler of Pleasant Prairie, WI; and grandchildren Connor Wood, Maddie Wood, and Noah Laufenberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hazel Engelstad, and brother, Milo “Mike” Engelstad.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Dibble Funeral Home in Kasson and one hour before the service at the church on Thursday.
The family would like to thank Mayo Hospice for their time and commitment in allowing Daryl to be comforted with their support so that he could spend his final months with his family. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends of Tex to graciously make a contribution in his memory to the charity of their choice.