Lois “Suzz” Suder, 76, of Caledonia, died Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Green Lea Manor in Mabel, Minnesota.

Suzz was born December 27, 1937, and was adopted at two weeks by John and Lydia (Wolff) Suder in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Suzz enjoyed a life long friendship with Carolyn Gaustad.

After attending school in Alberta, Oregon and Kentucky, Suzz lived in Rochester, Minnesota; Calgary, Alberta; Bloomington, Minnesota; and Caledonia. She worked as an accountant at various companies. She partnered with Carolyn in their CPA firm in Bloomington and Caledonia before retirement. Upon moving to Caledonia 27 years ago, Suzz bought and sold used furniture for her store named Maybes. Many vacations were spent camping and visiting relatives; moving from tents to motor homes over the years.

She is survived by a brother, Donald (Dorothy) Suder of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; three nieces and their families; and very special cousins in Alberta.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 18, at Four Seasons Community Center, 900 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Cory Moss will officiate and luncheon will follow. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences maybe given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

Catherine (O’Hara) Benkert passed on to eternal life Saturday, November 29, 2014.

She was born at home near Montrose, South Dakota on March 31, 1920, the third child of Peter and Margaret O’Hara. After experiencing the hardship of the Dust Bowl, the family made their way back to a family farm in Iowa. Catherine was a 1937 graduate of Lansing, Iowa High School. After working as a nurse’s aide in Rochester, Minnesota, Catherine had the good fortune of finding a career with Northwest (Orient) Airlines, St. Paul. She eventually landed in Milwaukee where she met the love of her life, Harry Benkert. On June 22, 1957 they were married at St. Patrick’ Church, Brownsvile, Minnesota.

They had a wonderful life together, enjoyed their early years in Milwaukee and made their lifelong home in Madison. They lovingly raised two daughters. Catherine and Harry loved to travel especially with the girls, from Maine to Hawaii. They enjoyed Bridge and cherished their time with the Milwaukee “Bridge” group. They enjoyed the Milwaukee Braves, Brewers and the Badgers, breakfast outings and fish fries. In retirement they traveled to Ireland (more than once), England and France. Catherine even made it to Rome one more time.

Faith, family and friends saw them through all the difficult times. Catherine was a breast cancer survivor, was active in Reach For Recovery, taught Red Cross babysitting classes and actively participated with her girls in 4-H and Scouts. She enjoyed volunteering at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Edgewood High School, Who’s New, Queen’s Guild, Catholic Women’s Club and the Queen of Peace Bridge Marathon & 500.

Catherine’s prayers were answered when she was reunited with her birth son, Jim Wrich – a true blessing. In later years she loved spending time with her grandsons and sharing her stories.  She graciously made a new start, at 89 years old, when she moved to Green Bay to be closer to family.  She happily called McCormick Memorial Home her home for five years. She found joy in Bingo, Wheel of Fortune, crossword puzzles and breakfast outings.  Always having that extra cup of coffee or glass of Chardonnay, whatever the occasion called for.

She made her final journey back to Madison in August again to be close to family.  She lived her final days in the city she loved. Through all of life’s highs and lows, Catherine maintained her grace, humor and resilient spirit.  She held her faith close to her heart. Even when she was struggling at the end she found peace in reciting the Rosary. She was greeted in heaven with a table full of family and friends.  Into the open arms of her beloved Harry – raising a toast for a life well lived. Catherine was a good and faithful servant.

Catherine is survived by her children, Margaret (Marjorie) Benkert, St. Louis Park, Minnesota; Patricia (Allan) Patek, Madison; Jim (Janis) Wrich, Madison;  her grandchildren,  Ryan Benkert, Zeb Patek, Casimir Patek, Tom Wrich, Linda Swanson, Carmen Robertson, Caroline Wrich, Kelda Lee, as well as a niece and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry Benkert; an infant daughter, Ann Benkert; her siblings,  Frank (Mary) O’Hara, Leo O’Hara, Gene O’Hara, Jim (Margaret) O’Hara, Mary (Bill) Wilson; in-laws Harry (Minne) Benkert; and special sister-in-law, Mary Benkert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 20, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen St., Madison, WI 53711 with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler.  Interment will follow Mass at Resurrection Cemetery.  Friends and family may call from 1 p.m. until time of Mass.

The family would like to thank St. Mary’s Care Center, Madison for their kindness and compassion, to McCormick Memorial Home for being her loving home for five years, to St. Matthew’s Parish, Green Bay and to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Parish, Madison.  Memorials in Catherine’s name can be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, St. Matthew’s Parish, McCormick Memorial Home, or Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison.  Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com.

Jim O’Hara, of El Cajon, California, a graduate of Loretto High School in Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away September 6, 2014.

Vernon Joseph Fitzpatrick, 95, of Caledonia, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Caledonia Care and Rehab in Caledonia.

Vernon was born April 16, 1919, in Brownsville, Minnesota to Dennis and Mary (Hurley) Fitzpatrick. He grew up in Brownsville and attended country school there and graduated from Loretto High School in Caledonia. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Phillipines. Vernon was a life long farmer outside Brownsville. At the age of 62, he found his soulmate, Mildred Scanlan, and married her on May 13, 1982 in Brownsville. They resided in the Brownsville area until 1994, when they moved to Caledonia, where he has resided since.

Vernon was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia and enjoyed playing euchre, but he didn’t like to lose. He loved talking to friends and family about the good old days and he was a heckuva jokester and prankster; he was also a devoted Irishman.

He is survived by his step daughter, Janet (Jim) Richmond, Caledonia; three step sons, Jerry (Sue) Scanlan, Goodhue, Minnesota; Joe (Evelyn) Scanlan, Bloomington, Indiana; and Kevin (Lisa) Scanlan, La Crosse, Wisconsin; step daughter-in-law, Sara Scanlon, La Crosse; 13 step grandchildren; 23 step great-grand children; one great-great-step-grandchild; sister-in-law, Priscilla (Dale) Reinhart, La Crosse; brother-in-law, Gail (Joanne) Kletzke, Brownsville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, in 1999, stepson, Duane Scanlon; brother, Edwin Fitzpatrick and sister, Evelyn Langen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate and burial will occur after the lunch at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Hokah, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

Esther Rosalia Maria Diersen, 97, formerly of Eitzen, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2014, at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center, Spring Grove, Minnesota.

She was born January 29, 1917, in Houston County, Minnesota, to Bernhardt and Clara (Neuman) Pohlmann. Esther was baptized on March 11, 1917 and confirmed on October 23, 1932, both at St. Peter’s Church in New Albin, Iowa. She was a 1936 graduate of Caledonia High School. On March 16, 1938, Esther married Albert Diersen and he preceded her in death on November 20, 1984. Together they farmed for many years in rural Caledonia. After retiring from farming, Esther worked at Control Data in Spring Grove and then at the button factory in Lansing, Iowa. Esther enjoyed spending time at senior citizens in Eitzen and playing cards. She also loved flower gardening, doing needle work and artistic painting and was an excellent seamstress. Her greatest joy was making items and giving them to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Eunice (Harold) Meyer, Eitzen; and Ardyce Wild, New Albin, Iowa; one son, Ivan (Linda) Diersen, Colorado Springs, Colorado; 14 grandchildren, Wayne (Laura) Meyer, Christine (Dave) Jorde, Kari (Dan) Alstad, Steven (Amy) Wild, Diane (Jim) Erbe, Joel (Crystall) Diersen, David (Billie) Diersen, Angelica (Jerry) Reiter, Aimee (Jason) Triemert, Charnel Diersen, Ivan Albert (Marnie) Diersen, Robert (Shanna) Outman, Craig (Candace) Outman and Kelly (Heath) Deutsch; 34 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law, Curtis Wild; one grandson, Wendell Diersen; one grandson-in-law, Mark Johnson; two brothers, Versell (Clara) Pohlmann and Melvin (Lisbeth) Pohlmann; and two sisters, Hilda (Ted) Kruse and Evelyn (Reuben) Skadsem.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 18, 2014, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Eitzen. Rev. Todd Krueger will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Caledonia. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Father Charles Quinn entered into eternal rest on Monday evening, November 10, 2014 at Sanford Jackson Hospital in Jackson, Minnesota.

Charles Joseph Quinn was born on November 4, 1934 in Duluth Minnesota, the son of William Edward and Lily Ann (Hale) Quinn. At the age of two, his family moved to Madelia where he attended Mather Dolorosa school and graduated from Madelia High School in 1952. He worked at his uncle’s grocery store for one year and then attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, graduating from there in 1957. He continued his seminary training at the St. Paul Seminary being ordained a priest on May 27, 1961. He served parishes as an associate pastor in Caledonia, Lewiston, Austin, Rochester and Worthington. He was pastor in the towns of Iona, Avoca, Caledonia, Mabel, Eyota, Austin, Heron Lake, Brewster and Lakefield, Windom, Jeffers, Jackson and Sherburn. He became a Senior Priest in 2004 and has lived in Sherburn since. As a Senior Priest, Fr. Quinn continued to serve the diocese by filling in for other priests. During his 53 years of ministry, Father served as Area Director, on the Presbyteral Council, Consultors and Director of Faith Formation. He loved boating on the Fairmont lakes, Okoboji, attending sporting events and celebrating events in people’s lives.

Those who shared in his life include his sister, Patricia Borowski, Fairmont, Minnesota; his brother, Tom and wife Jane Quinn, Mankato; two sisters-in-law, Colleen Quinn, Augusta, Georgia; and Kathy Dea, Denver, Colorado; many parishioners who made him part of their family and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mike Quinn and John Quinn; brother-in-law, Bob Borowski; nephew, Bill Quinn; one great-nephew, David Borowski and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, family wishes memorials be made to St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Mercy Health Center in Jackson or St. John Vianney Catholic School endowment fund.

Lawrence F. Janikowski, 99, of Lansing, Michigan and formerly of Winona and Caledonia, Minnesota, died Monday, December 22, 2014, at his home.

Lawrence attended Cotter High School in Winona, spent four years in the Civilian Conservation Corps and served his country in the Navy as a 1st class Aviation Machinist during WWII. He received a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University and worked as an Industrial Arts teacher in Caledonia for 24 years.

He enjoyed baseball his whole life having established the passion from his childhood home which was on the foul line of left field. He spent time figure-skating, fishing, golfing, bowling, woodworking and gardening. He continued his woodworking throughout his retirement years and donated items to benefit charities.

Lawrence was a man of great faith and valued his family and friends. He was known for his sense of humor, positive attitude and gratefulness for every kindness shown to him.

Lawrence was a member of the Winona Athletic Club since 1936 and was their oldest member. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Financial Secretary for 20+ years. He was a 50+ year member of the American Legion Post 191 and served as Local and County Commander. He was also a member of the VFW 701 and the Polish National Alliance.

He is survived by his children, Theresa Voss, Florham Park, New Jersey; John (Valerie) Janikowski,  Lanai, Hawaii; Mary Janikowski, Needles, California; Sheila (William) Johnson, Lansing, Michigan; and Larry (Carla) Janikowski, Columbus, Indiana; grandchildren, Danielle Voss, Nicholas Voss, James Locke, Timothy Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Courtnie Janikowski, Michael Janikowski and Jacob Janikowski; and great-grandson Ethan Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanore Janikowski, his sisters and brothers, and his grandson, John P. Locke.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Delta Retirement Center and Hospice Advantage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate and burial with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia and from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the church before the service. Online condolences may be given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

Francis Bernard Bruening, 87, of Freeburg died Wednesday, December 24 at Franciscan Medical Center, La Crosse.

He was born August 6, 1927, to Bernard and Mary (Lanners) Bruening. He grew up on a farm near Freeburg Minnesota, where he lived and farmed his entire life. He attended and graduated from Loretto High School in Caledonia. He served in the Army where he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, from January of 1946 until March of the following year. On October 20, 1955, he married Mary (Sis) Link, the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life and raise 15 children.

On his farm in Freeburg, he enjoyed raising his Hereford cattle as well as a variety of birds, including geese, guinea hens and peacocks. He was also a avid gardener, tending a huge garden containing everything from squash to strawberries to watermelons. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and, in his later years, playing cards at Caledonia Care and Rehab Center. But above all, he enjoyed raising and spending time with his family. As he said while leading a Thanksgiving prayer a month before his death, “I have all the riches in the world right here with me today. You come to realize nothing else matters other than family.”

Francis is survived by his wife, Mary (Sis); his children, Jerome (Kari) Neumann, Linda (Forrest) Sauer, Gery (Colette), Henry (Kathy), Anne (Steve) Johnson, Susan (Ralph) Felten, Julie (Bruce) Wieser, Theresa, Grace (John) Sullivan, Rose (Rick) Abbott, Pete, Paul (Lisa), Karen (Stace) Klimesh, Amy (Matt) Hoscheit, Mike; 40 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cecilia (Joe) Becker; and grandchildren, Eric Sauer and Maria Bruening.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 29 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brownsville, Minnesota with burial following at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Freeburg. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 28 as well as on Monday, December 29, an hour before the funeral.

McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

Judy Schroeder, a lifelong resident of rural Caledonia, was called home to eternal peace on Monday, December 22, 2014, at the age of 71.

She was born on June 17, 1943, to Joseph and Gladys (Pieper) Dahlberg. Judy became a child of God through Holy Baptism at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia, where she was a lifelong member. She also attended St. John’s Lutheran School and graduated from Caledonia High School in 1961. On June 9, 1962, she married her childhood crush and devoted husband, John H. Schroeder. In her younger years, Judy enjoyed serving in the St. John’s Ladies Aid, being a member of homemakers, volunteering at St. John’s Lutheran School and working in her yard and garden.

Judy is survived by her husband, John; two daughters, Rachel (Jeff) Dorn, Sturtevant, Wisconsin; and Rebecca (Dean) Yagodinski, Manitowoc, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Erin, Michael, and Tyler (Katelynn) Dorn, Hannah, Sarah, and Luke Yagodinski, and Connor and Caleb Schroeder; her siblings, Lee (Ruth) Dahlberg, Eunice Dahlberg, Karen (Dick) Solum, John (Connie) Dahlberg and Joel (Therese) Dahlberg; her in-laws, Eleanor (Arnold) Kruckow and Reuben (Kathy) Schroeder; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

She was preceded in death by her son, Terry, on May 13, 2013; her parents; two brothers in childhood; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rudolph and Edna Schroeder; and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Schroeder.

A Christian funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Caledonia Care and Rehab for the devoted care they gave to Judy over the last six years, to Pastors Wolff and Schultz for serving her spiritually, and to the many family and friends who helped or visited her over her years of illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be designated to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Duane M. Covey, 79, of Eitzen, Minnesota, died Thursday, January 1, 2015, at his home. A celebration of Duane’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced in a complete obituary by Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel).

Carolyn L. Beitlich, 63, of Winona, Minnesota passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 1, 2015, at Winona Health Services.

She was born April 10, 1951, in Caledonia, Minnesota, to George and Evelyn (Schauble) Beitlich.  Carolyn was a lifelong member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia.  She attended Winona Technical Institute and graduated from the LPN Program. She worked as an LPN at  Winona Community Memorial Hospital until her retirement. Carolyn was a member of the Minnesota LPN Association and served as secretary for many years.

Carolyn enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting and spending time with her family, friends and colleagues. Tradition was very important to her.

Survivors include her mother; her brothers, Richard (Margie) Beitlich of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Charles (Peggy) Beitlich of New Ulm, Minnesota, Terry Beitlich of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Paul (Pam) Beitlich of Sarasota, Florida; her sisters, Jandeen (Steven) Youngren of Onalaska, Wisconsin and Kay (Glen “Buck”) Gavin of Caledonia, Minnesota; and her nephews and nieces, Matthew and Michelle Beitlich, Andrew and Brandon Beitlich, Brady, Paige and Brittany Beitlich, and Kristin and Noelle Youngren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her father; cousins; and friends.

A Christian memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St. in Caledonia on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church.

The family would like to thank Carolyn’s many friends and colleagues for their friendship, visits and care throughout her retirement years.

Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Duane S. Richards, 85, of Hastings, passed away on January 1, 2015.

Duane was born in Barronett, Wisconsin on January 16, 1929 to Orie and Ellen Richards.

At 17, he joined the Marine Corps. He was stationed in California. After being honorably discharged, he completed his high school education.

He met his wife of 64 years, Doris Irene (Pascoe) and they were united in marriage on September 23, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Cuba City, Wisconsin. Duane then left for the U.S. Army and served his country a second time in Korea. After being honorably discharged, he graduated from the Emery Riddle Flight School at the University of Miami. He trained at Midway Airport in Chicago and worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 20 years.

Upon retirement, he owned and operated the Riverview Inn in Brownsville, Minnesota for 18 years. Duane and Doris resided at the Park Ridge Apartments in Hastings, Minnesota for the past 8 years.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis. He is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Rodney (Margarita) and Timothy; daughters, Cheryl (Mark) Dawson and Audrey (Bert) Points; grandchildren, Ben, Casey, Nick, Robin, Amber, Mindy, Chelsie and Amy; sisters, Dorothy Salwolke and Beverly Richards; brother, William Richards.

He will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

The Wise Family Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Harriet Ann Ellingson age 86 of Spring Grove passed away Monday, January 5, 2015, at the Gundersen Tweeten Care Center.

Harriet was born November 17, 1928 in Mabel, Minnesota to Howard and Ancy Hellickson, she was a lifelong area resident and married Lloyd Ellingson on June 30, 1945.

They owned and operated Lloyd’s Tavern and Skyline Supper Club where they worked side-by-side until retirement. She was a dental receptionist at Spring Grove dental clinic, and a hostess at the Holiday Inn in La Crosse Wisconsin.

Harriet was known to be very fashionable, she loved  to set a beautiful table and entertain. Talk about a chauffeur for Lloyd; she was!

The most loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Harriet is survived by her four children and sons-in-law, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and loving family and friends. In addition to her parents Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, sister and brother.

Special thank you to the Gundersen Tweeten Care Center and Spring Grove Assisted Living caregivers.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove.

Pastor Zane Anderson will officiate.

Burial will be in the Trinity Church Cemetery in Spring Grove.

Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Roble Funeral Home in Spring Grove, and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Trinity Cemetery Association.

Nancy Elisabeth Beutler, 95 of Hokah, Minnesota peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday, January 5, 2015, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Nancy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 4, 1919, to Robert and Anna (Metschl) Roseler. During her formative years, she lived in Mexico City, Columbus, Ohio and Madison, Wisconsin. She graduated with a BA majoring in German and Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She worked as a lab tech and receptionist for a physician in Madison, until her marriage to Robert Beutler, Sr. on June 30, 1951. Nancy and her husband operated a dairy farm near Hokah, Minnesota where they enjoyed 52 years of marriage and raised 4 children. While raising her children, she was president of the district 621 school board on German Ridge, was a 4-H leader and was active in the homemakers group.  She loved; reading, traveling, dancing, playing cards and attending plays with her friend, Pearl. Nancy treasured spending time with family and was supported throughout her life by her faith in God. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, love of animals and empathy will be deeply missed.

Nancy is lovingly remembered by her children; Barbara Beutler and her husband, Michael Trangle, of Minnetonka, Minn., Robert Beutler, Jr. and his wife, Maureen, of Hokah, Minn., Susan Heartt and her husband, Donald Patton, of Brookfield, Wis. and John Beutler and his wife, Meg, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and eight grandchildren, Jessica (Heartt) and Sean Perry, Jonathan Heartt, Jeran Trangle, Ariel Trangle and Gordon Cohoes, Sarina Trangle, Asher Trangle, Matthew Beutler and Brian Beutler.  She is further survived by Carolee and Arthur Beutler of Greendale, Wis., and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, and her two brothers, Gerhart and Herbert Roseler.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 10, at Mt. Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church, 1411 South 16th St., La Crosse, where she has been a long time member. Rev. Robert Wasserman will officiate. Burial will take place in Trinity United Church of Christ East Cemetery in rural La Crosse. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 So. Oak St., La Crescent, on Friday from 4 until 7 p.m., and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:  the Animal Humane Society, a charity of your choice or plant a willow tree in her memory.  Online condolences may be submitted at www.schumacher-kish.com.

Mr. Donald Peter Manhart Sr., 75 of Bruceton, Tennessee, passed away December 20, 2104 at his home surrounded by family.

Mr. Manhart was born October 17, 1939 in Caledonia, Minnesota to the late Henry and Stella Manhart and was the youngest of six children. Donald moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1959 and began work with American Motors, which was later purchased by Chrysler, where he retired in 1991. Hemarried the former Mary Helen Fischer of Hokah, Minnesota on June 11, 1960 and they bore seven children.

Donald was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Manhart, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver before the age of 3 years in 1967 and a granddaughter, Shyanne Manhart who survived one month from birth and died in April 2000.

He is survived by four daughters, Donna Gilliam and Susan Johnson, both of Bruceton, Charlene Paar of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and Joan Dykes of Jackson; two sons, Donald Peter Manhart Jr. of Bruceton and Michael Manhart of McLemoresville, Tennessee. He also leaves 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Chase Funeral Home. Interment followed in the New Prospect Cemetery.  Daniel Gilliam and Gary Gilliam officiated the service. Pallbearers who served were Matthew Dykes, Gary Gilliam, Alex Gilliam, Michael Gonzales, Michael Manhart, and Dalton Manhart.

Evelyn M. Beitlich, 86, of Caledonia, Minnesota, died Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Caledonia Care and Rehab.

A Christian funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and/or School in Caledonia. A complete obituary will follow. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements.

Duane M. Covey, 79, of Eitzen, Minnesota, died surrounded by family Thursday, January 1, 2015, at his home after a 10 year struggle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 21, 1935, in Mound Prairie Township, Minnesota, to Ken and Florence (Hoffman) Covey. Duane graduated from Houston High School in 1953. He then served his country in the United States Army from 1956 until 1958.  On Nov. 20, 1976, Duane was united in marriage to Linda (Lorenz) Kimball.  They moved to Brownsville, Minnesota, in 1977, where they purchased the Top of The Rock Tavern which they owned for 12 years.  In 1993, they purchased the restaurant and bar, Little Miami, in Freeburg, Minnesota, which they owned for 8 and a half  years.  In 2002, they sold Little Miami and moved to Eitzen, Minnesota.  Prior to owning the businesses, Duane was a semi-truck driver for many years.  After selling his business, Duane returned to driving truck and drove for Caledonia Haulers for ten years.  During his time in Eitzen, he was a proud member of the Eitzen Lions Club.

Duane is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda; his four children, Mike Covey of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Sharrie (Ronnie) Gjere of Spring Grove, Minnesota, Jeff (Deb) Covey of La Crescent, Minnesota, and Kim Covey (Kurt Domabyl) of La Crescent; and his two step-children, Tammy (Paul) Theobald of Brownsville, Minnesota, and Frank (Brenda) Kimball, Jr. of Hokah, Minnesota.  Duane is further survived by his grandchildren of whom he adored, Bonnie (Wade) Baxley of Geneva, Alabama, Jennifer (Bryan) Rupel of Americus, Georgia, Patricia (Sean) Gilmore of Geneva, Alabama, Tina Fields of Dallas, Texas, Nathan, Anthony, and Rebecca Covey, all of La Crescent, and Taylor Covey of La Crescent; his step-grandchildren, Rachel and Jacob Theobald, both of Caledonia, Tiara Munson of La Crescent, and Alycia Munson of Hokah; his great-grandchildren, Brinson and Halen Baxley, both of Geneva, Alabama, and Malik and Tamia Brown, both of La Crosse; a brother, Kenneth (Gerry) Covey of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Rachel (Conrad) Larson of Minneapolis; a sister-in-law, Judy Lorenz of Onalaska, Wisconsin; a brother-in-law, Gary (Barb) Lorenz of Hokah; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Helen Margaret Rupel; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernie and Mary Lorenz.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2015, at the Eitzen Community Center, 207 E. Main St., Eitzen. Sister Michaeline Healy will officiate. Following the service, a celebration of Duane’s life will continue from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.  A visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

“We will always carry your memory in our hearts”

John “Milton” Graf, Caledonia, Minnesota, died peacefully early on January 8, 2015. He was 93 years old.

Known to family and friends as “Milton,” he was born on May 6, 1921, in Caledonia, Minnesota, to Thomas and Magdalena (Hoffmann) Graf. A graduate of Loretto Catholic High School, he attended Wisconsin Technical Institute in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he trained to be an industrial photographer. After completing the program in 1940, Trane Company hired him to photograph large equipment. Soon thereafter, the United States drafted Milton into the Army. From 1942-1944, he served with the Detached Company, Military Police, 7th Service Command, first at Camp Carson and then Camp Hale, Colorado. In 1945, he was transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington, and assigned to the 104th Infantry Division, where he remained until the end of the War.

After the surrender of Japan, he returned to Caledonia, where he took employment at Henry Blexrud’s grocery store. In 1946, he married Helen Robertson of Argyle, Minnesota, in a private ceremony in at the Church of Nativity in Torrance, California. After returning to Caledonia, the couple purchased a grocery store in Lime Springs, Iowa. While living in Lime Springs, the arrival of four of their five children blessed their home.

In 1959, Milt and Helen returned to Caledonia and purchased Blexrud’s grocery store. They operated Graf’s Grocery on the corner of Main and Market until 1981, when Milton retired and sold the store. During that time, the couple raised their five children, belonged to St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, and promoted the civic and business health of the community. Milton served as a Post Commander of American Legion Post 191 in Caledonia.

In retirement, he pursued his interests of reading about history. In addition, he co-founded the Rosary Guild in Caledonia, a group that produced nearly 80,000 rosaries before he turned the reins over to a younger generation. A lifelong outdoorsman, he instilled a love of hunting and fishing in his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sister (Alice Marie) Olga Graf, and only sibling, Elaine Bay. He is survived by his wife Helen; children Tom (Lisa), Celine (Alans) Lauermann, Joseph (Carla), James (Joan), and John (Diane); grandchildren Trisha (Brad) Majestic, Bryce Graf, Nolan (Megan) Graf, John Lauermann, Mary (Douglas) Pearson, Helen Lauermann, and Andrew Neuman; and one great grandchild, Jonathan Pearson.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of the Caledonia Care & Rehab. They graciously and gently cared for Milton during his last few months.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday Jan. 12, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, at Holy Family Hall, next to the church where there will be a rosary said at 3 p.m. and at 5 p.m. Visitation will also be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday morning before the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to benefit St. Mary’s Grade School in Caledonia, or EWTN.

McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

Lillian Marie Elizabeth Heiller, age 79, of Caledonia, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2015 after a short illness.

She was born July 25, 1935 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Rudolph and Marie (Baur) Pieper. She graduated from Caledonia High School in 1953 and attended Methodist Kahler Diploma School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota after graduation.

Lillian married Donald Heiller on April 10, 1955, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia, Minnesota.  She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia and was active in their various women’s groups over the years.

The couple farmed their entire life.  They initially farmed on the Heiller family homestead in rural Brownsville, Minnesota then moved to rural Caledonia in 1967.  Don & Lil met at a dance, loved dancing & “old-time” music & were members of the Clayhill Dance Club of Decorah, Iowa, until it disbanded.   In addition to farmer & homemaker, Lillian picked apples seasonally for Fruit Acres Orchard in the 60’s.  She assisted several local caterers & volunteered at the Houston County Fair.  She was an active member of the Mayville Township Homemaker’s Group & regularly met with her high school classmates & birthday group.

Lillian loved life in the country surrounded by her animals to include cats, dogs, chickens &  Holstein cows.  She enjoyed hiking, gardening, reading, music, family get-togethers & attending her grandchildren’s music & sporting events.  She also enjoyed traveling, photographs & collecting postcards.  She went on bus trips to many parts of the US with various friends & traveled to visit daughter Barbara.  Don & Lil’s “trip of a lifetime” was a month in Germany/Europe in 1985.

Lillian is survived by two daughters Donise (Merle) Becker of Caledonia, and Barbara (Mark Metz) of Honolulu, Hawaii and one son Bob (Sue) Heiller of Lakeville, Minnesota; nine grandchildren Devin (Erin), Nathan (Allison), Avery, Cullen and Lyndon Becker; and Lindsey, Nicole, Abby and Jake Heiller, and one great-granddaughter Caroline Helen Becker.

She is also survived by sisters-in-law Doris Mitchell, Betty (Joe) Serres and Irene Heiller.  Lillian had no siblings but was especially close to her first cousin Bob Pieper of Baltimore, Maryland area.

Don preceded Lillian in death on July 19, 2004.  She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held on Wed, Jan 14 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church  in Caledonia.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Pastor Tom Schultz will officiate. Visitation will be on Tues, Jan 13 from 4-7 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services on Wed, Jan 14.

Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn M. Beitlich, 86, of Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Caledonia Care and Rehab.

She was born Mar. 18, 1928, in Caledonia, to Charles and Luella (Pieper) Schauble. On Mar. 22, 1949, Evelyn was united in marriage with George H. Beitlich at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia. George preceded her in death on Feb. 3, 2007.

Evelyn was a lifelong member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia, where she was a member of the Ladies Aid and Mother’s Club. She was employed at the Caledonia Nursing Home and retired from there in 1993 after 25 years.

Evelyn enjoyed gardening, baking, embroidery, crocheting, playing cards, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Margie) Beitlich of Onalaska, Charles (Peggy) Beitlich of New Ulm, Minnesota, Terry  Beitlich of Minneapolis, Minnesota,  Paul (Pam) Beitlich of Sarasota, Florida, Jandeen (Steven) Youngren of Onalaska, and Kay (Glen “Buck”) Gavin of Caledonia; her grandchildren, Matthew and Michelle Beitlich, Andrew and Brandon Beitlich, Brady, Paige, and Brittany Beitlich, and Kristin and Noelle Youngren; her sisters, Alice (John) Korthals of La Crosse and Charlotte Burmester of Caledonia; and her sister-in-law, Louise Beffa of La Crosse.

In addition to her husband, Evelyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Beitlich; her sister, Marvella Kohlmeyer; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Christian funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Tom Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and/or School, Caledonia. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.