Merlin “Slim” G. Dehning, 85, of Caledonia, died Thursday, February 26, 2015, surrounded by his family at Caledonia Care and Rehab.

He was born December 9, 1929, in Dorchester, Iowa, to George and Emma (Kumpf) Dehning. Slim was a 1948 graduate of Waukon High School, Waukon, Iowa. He entered into the United States Army in March of 1951 and served until being honorably discharged in March of 1957. In 1955, Slim met the love of his life, Lois Tessmer and they were married November 23, 1955. They had two sons, Ricky and Dean and a step-son, Gary Tessmer. After serving in the military, Slim worked in various farm related jobs. He then became a carpenter for Becker Lumber and then Meiners Lumber retiring in 2008. Slim enjoyed his granddaughters and their sporting events. They would ask him, “How much do you love me grandpa?” and he would do whatever they asked because he loved them so much. Slim was also an avid sports fan especially of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers and Boston Red Sox. He was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia, the Dyrdal Prolow American Legion Post 249 in Spring Grove, Minnesota and the VFW, Houston County Post 3833 in Caledonia.

Slim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lois, of Caledonia; one son, Dean (Vicky), Eyota, Minnesota; one step-son, Gary (Maryln) Tessmer, Merced, California; one daughter-in-law, Lorilyn Dehning,  Spring Grove, Minnesota; six granddaughters, Kayla (Jason) Klug, Chelsey Dehning, Trisha Dehning, Danielle (Jeremy) Myhre, Kelly Tessmer, and Carrie Boyer; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Don Dehning of Waukon, Iowa; and five sisters, Lila (Hillery) Kasten, Eitzen, Minnesota; Lorraine Peter and Janice (Gene) Tessmer, both of Caledonia; Letha Fall, Bussey, Iowa; and Carol Plank, Lake City, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Slim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Rick; brother, Lloyd; two sisters, Viola (Paul) Zell and Alice Dehning; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Fall, Eugene Plank, and Ronald Peter.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2015, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will follow in Wilmington Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post 249 of Spring Grove, VFW Houston County Post 3833 of Caledonia; and the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard. A visitation will be from 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday, both 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.

Irma B. Diersen, 84, of Caledonia, died Friday, February 20, 2015, at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center, Spring Grove, Minnesota.

She was born July 2, 1930, in Dorchester, Iowa, Allamakee County, to Lewis and Mathilda (Meyer) Ranzenberger. On May 15, 1949, she married Marvin Diersen in Caledonia. Marvin and Irma farmed the family farm on Jefferson Ridge until 1982, when they retired and moved to Caledonia. On  August 30, 2003, Marvin preceded Irma in death. Irma worked for many years at Caledonia Care and Rehab in several positions until she retired in 1994. She was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia and Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Eitzen, Minn., and was active in several church groups.

Survivors include five children, Linda Diersen,Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Lola (Dale) Werner; Bonita (Richard) Giesler; and David (Sharon) Diersen, all of Caledonia; and Mary (Rick) Beardmore, New Albin, Iowa; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Irma was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Brandon; son-in-law, Herbert Colsch; four sisters; and four brothers.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2015, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. A private family burial will be at a later date at the Zion Ev. Lutheran Cemetery in Eitzen. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and/or School. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Roger “Doc” Curtis Bender, age 81 of Spring Grove, passed away Monday, March 9, 2015 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI

He was born January 14, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa to Harold and Hazel (Dodge) Bender. He attended grade school at Waterloo Ridge Country School, graduating from Spring Grove High School in 1952. He went to Iowa State College graduating in 1959 and started his practice of Veterinary Medicine in Spring Grove.

On September 1, 1957, he married Annette Tweito. They lived in Dorchester, Iowa before living various places in Spring Grove. He practiced in Spring Grove from 1960-1987 and was a USDA Veterinary Meat Inspector from 1987-1999. He continued doing veterinary work occasionally after his retirement. His awards and accomplishments included: State Farmer FFA degree; Friend of the Fair, 2013; Snowmobile State Trail Chairman. He was a member of Commercial Club, Lions, EDA, Syttende Mai  committee member, Trinity Lutheran Church (past congregation Chair), Viking Ridge Riders, Busy Bee Winnies, and a pilot 1960-2011.

Survivors include his loving wife, Annette; children: Curtis (Pat) of Prairie Du Chien, Wis., Craig of Spring Grove, Ann (Charles) Bryz-Gornia of Blaine, Minn., Karen (Richard) Tisthammer of Black Hammer, Collin (Kim) of Waconia, Minn., Calvin (Marnie) of Plymouth, Minn., Brenda of Spring Grove, Bonnie (Kenneth) Heim of Caledonia, Minn,: 20 grandchildren: David, Megan, Daniel Bender, Elliott Bender, Andrew (Abby), Erik, Krista and Kyra Bryz-Gornia, Bethany (Tyler) Engen, Brandon Tisthammer, Brock, Blake and Haley Bender, Kallie and Alexa Bender,  Kai (Jessie) Becker, Jenna and Lauryn Bohr, Kendra and Austin Heim; 2 great-grandchildren: Makenzie Becker and Graham Engen. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services  will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring Grove,

Pastor  Zane Anderson will  officiate.

Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery,  Spring Grove.

Friends may call Thurs. from 4-7 P.M. at Roble Funeral  Home in Spring Grove, and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Robert “Bob” Link, age 88, of Caledonia, died Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Tweeten Health Care, Spring Grove, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial is pending and will be announced by McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia.

Carol Virginia Gaustad, age 91, died March 17, 2015 at Tweeten Lutheran Healthcare Center in Spring Grove, Minnesota.

Carol was born to Andrew and Emma (Rosten) Thorson on January 20, 1924 on their family farm in rural Spring Grove.  She attended grade school at Melbraaten District #57, was a 1941 Spring Grove High School graduate and later took classes in business and tax preparation.

After her marriage to Ernest Gaustad, they farmed his home farm for a number of years and in 1956 purchased an appliance and propane gas business that they owned and operated under the name of Ernie’s Appliance for 32 years. Carol also worked as an income tax preparer and later owned and operated The Color Box, for a short time. In 1980 she became the first manager of the Spring Grove Manor.

Carol and Ernie were 4-H and Boy Scout leaders, and were involved in numerous community organizations, PTA, Commercial Club and Syttende Mai committee, in which Carol held various offices.  She was honored as “Mest Hoyaktet Dame” of Spring Grove’s Syttende Mai in 1992. Carol was baptized, confirmed and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. An active member, she served on church council, and was a member and officer of the Trinity Lutheran Women’s Association.

Carol enjoyed gardening and baking. Her interest in the environment led her to volunteer as an observer for the National Weather Service. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed the opportunity to travel in Norway twice, tracing ancestral roots and meeting relatives. Carol’s great passion, however, was writing.  She wrote human interest stories for the local newspaper, and one of her poems is included in the 2001 Edition of New Millennium Poets and the Sound of Poetry Album.  Many of her writings conveyed a common theme of taking time to enjoy small, lovely moments in each day.

Carol is survived by two daughters, Carolyn, Caledonia, Minnesota; and Nancy (Dick) Engrav, Mabel; one son, Gordon (Carol),  Decorah, Iowa; one granddaughter, Emily, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her husband, Ernie; five sisters and one brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran church in Spring Grove. Burial will be in the Trinity Church Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the church.

Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edmund Jude Griffin, 65, died Sunday, March 15, 2015 at his rural Lennox, South Dakota home of natural causes.

He was born May 5, 1949 and graduated high school in Caledonia, Minnesota. He served in the Minnesota Air National Guard. In 1970 he married Mary Zins. The couple settled in Lennox in 1983. Ed was gifted in mechanical and sales abilities. Proud to be Irish, he enjoyed telling a good story. He also enjoyed music, golf and watching football with his family. His tall tales and quick wit will be greatly missed. Though retired, Ed recently enjoyed driving part time for Sioux Steel of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Ed is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary; daughters: Stephanie (Duane) Smit, Chancellor, South Dakota; and Melissa (Bill) Daugherty, Lennox; five grandchildren, Dexter and Lane Smit; Catherine, Will and Andrew Daugherty; siblings, Dan (Donnella) Griffin, Spring Grove, Minnesota; Monica (Paul) Mischler, River Falls, Wisconsin; Marie Esch, Chaska, Minnesota; Martha (Brian) Theiler, Whitehall, Wisconsin; and Margaret (Chris) Dittrich, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Catherine (Burke) Griffin.

Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, March 17 at St. Magdalen Catholic Church, Lennox.

Robert ‘Bob’ Link, age 88, of Caledonia, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2015.

A lifetime resident of Caledonia, he was the son of the late Raymond and Rhoda (Omoth) Link. Bob was employed as a welder for Hector Construction Company and later was a feed salesman for Moorman Feed Co. and operated his own farm outside of Caledonia. He was married to Mary Lovett until her passing in 1978. He is survived by his wife, Dolores (Seekins) Link, whom he married in 1979. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish.

An active member of the local community, Bob loved playing cards each morning with friends at Elsie’s Bar and Grill. He also enjoyed dining out at community restaurants with friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dolores; his four children, Susan (Bob) Greving, Winchester, Tennessee; Kathy (Allan) Gill, Kyabram, Victoria, Australia; Robert W. (Jenny) Link, Mabel; Minnesota; and Paul (Connie) Link, Rochester, Minnesota; his step-children, Heather (Richie) Zastrow, Arcadia, Wisconsin; and Todd (Maria) Seekins, Miami, Florida; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Beverly Link, Wilma Nelson and Betty Winjum all of Caledonia and Janet (William) O’Hare, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary; his daughter, Jean; brother Luverne and sister, Shirley Schwartzhoff.

The family will celebrate his life at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia on Sat., March 28, 2015. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. with the  Service at 11 a.m. at the church.

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

Ethel M. Dewey of Eyota Minnesota, formerly of Houston Minnesota, age 95, passed away March 24, 2015.

Ethel is survived by her daughter Bonnie Albers, Eyota; son John (Debra) Dewey, Houston; nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held April 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schleicher Funeral Home in Plainview, Minnesota.

Arlene Bertha Holty, age 96, a resident of Watkins Manor, Winona, Minnesota, went to be with her heavenly father on March 24, 2015.

Arlene was born September 28, 1918 in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin to Joseph and Edna (Logan) Tikal. She was the oldest of three children.

Arlene met and married J. David Holty on August 6, 1938 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They had six children. They lived and raised the children on the family farm in Caledonia, Minnesota. They lived there for 37 years until retirement.The farm was home to many family members that would come and visit and stay. Arlene always had time to play games with her grandchildren.

After retirement they moved to Houston. They would go to Mackinac Island where David loved to drive on carriage tours and Arlene  worked in a fudge factory. They moved to Winona in 1978. They spent many winters in Zapata, Texas.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Gail (Ron) Modjeski, Winona; three sons, Robert (Jennie) Holty, Edgerton, Wisconsin; Arnet, Black River Falls, Wisconsin; and Tim (Donna) Holty,  Meridian, Idaho; daughter-in-law, Ruth Holty, Onalaska, Wisconsin; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; two sons, John and Allen; one grandchild, Chad; sister, Dorothy Luce; and brother, Earl Tikal.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 30 at 12 p.m. at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Spring Grove. Burial will be in the Bethany Evangelical Free Church Cemetery, rural Houston. Friends may call Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Watkins Manor in Winona and on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Spring Grove and from 10 until time of service at the church on Monday.

Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is assisting the family with arrangements.

Annette Marie (Tweito) Bender, age 79 of Spring Grove, Minnesota, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

She was born March 10, 1936, in McGrath, Minnesota to Andrew and Agnes (Otterson) Tweito. She was a graduate of Spring Grove High School, had an LPN degree and Veterinary Assistant Certification.

On September 1, 1957, she married Roger Bender. She lived in Dorchester, Iowa, before living various places in Spring Grove. Annette was busy raising eight children as well as working with Roger in the veterinary clinic. She was an avid seamstress. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove and its women’s groups, past women’s choir member, Busy Bee Winnies, Lions and was 1952 4-H Health Beauty Queen.

Survivors include her children, Curtis (Pat), Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; Craig, Spring Grove; Ann (Charles) Bryz-Gornia, Blaine, Minnesota; Karen (Richard) Tisthammer, Black Hammer; Collin (Kim), Waconia, Minnesota; Calvin (Marnie), Plymouth, Minnesota; Brenda, Spring Grove; Bonnie (Kenneth) Heim, Caledonia, Minnesota; 20 grandchildren, David, Megan, Daniel Bender, Elliott Bender, Andrew (Abby), Erik, Krista and Kyra Bryz-Gornia, Bethany (Tyler) Engen, Brandon Tisthammer, Brock, Blake and Haley Bender, Kallie and Alexa Bender, Kai (Jessie) Becker, Jenna and Lauryn Bohr, Kendra and Austin Heim; two great-grandchildren, Graham Engen and Makenzie Becker; one sister, Agnes Crabtree, Grand Island, Nebraska; and one brother, Ted Tweito, Lavonia, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger, on March 9, 2015; her parents; one sister, Doris Thompson; and three brothers-in-law, Orville “Lefty” Thompson, Larry McMillen and Richard Crabtree.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove.Burial will be in the Trinity Church Cemetery, Spring Grove. Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Roble Funeral Home in Spring Grove and one hour prior to service at the church on Wednesday.

Doris R. (Brough) Kroll, 85, of Hokah, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 28, 2015, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston, Minnesota. Arrangements will be announced at a later date in a complete obituary by Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Woodruff Chapel), La Crosse.

Lorraine M. Hagen Bublitz passed away on March 10, 2015 in Tucson, Arizona.

Lorraine was born in Winona County, Minnesota on September 21, 1931 to Alvin (Pappy) and Alta (Ma) Hagen. She married Alan Bublitz in Waukegan, Illinois, where she lived until moving to Tucson.

She is survived by her children, Ernest (Deb) Hagen, Alabama; Linda (Daniel) Ranzenberger, Caledonia, Minnesota; Wayne, Racine, Wisconsin; Donald, Tucson; sisters, Gloria Harding, Arizona; Maxine Barth; Delores Heckman, Spring Grove, Minnesota; brothers, Raymond (Shirley) Hagen and Donnie Hagen, Caledonia; five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Lori and Bonnie.

She is preceeded in death by her loving husband, Alan; her parents; brothers, Eugene and Howard; sisters, Alvina, Gladys, Ellen and Lois; son-in-law Daniel; and special pets, Rocky and Peanut.

Funeral services will be May 2 at 1 p.m. at Arrowhead Crematorium and Willow Lawn Cemetary, 24090 N. US 45, Vernon Hills, Illinois, 60061.

Lila Irene Moenck, 90, of Caledonia, Minnesota died on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015, at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center, Spring Grove, Minnesota.

Lila was born June 26, 1924, to Oluf and Agnes Andersen in Marcus, Iowa. Her parents were immigrants from Denmark and farmed in Northwest Iowa. Lila knew no English when she started school. She attended various schools in Northwest Iowa and graduated from Sutherland High School in 1942. She attended trade school in Omaha, Nebraska, training to be a depot operator and Western Union telegrapher. She accepted a job with the Illinois Central Railroad, working at various towns, then settling in Duncombe, Iowa, where she worked until 1946, when she married Harold Moenck in El Paso, Texas, while Harold was stationed at Fort Bliss.

Lila and Harold were blessed with five children, Helen (Dave) Winslow, Preston, Minnesota; James (Mary Ann), Dresser, Wisconsin; Thomas (Carolyn), Caledonia; Dan, Oregon City, Oregon; and Bruce (Kellie), St. Paul.

Lila was active in the Caledonia United Methodist Church where she served on the administrative board for many years and their women’s group.  She was also a member of the neighborhood homemaker’s group, a 4-H leader, and a gray ladies volunteer for nursing homes. Her hobbies were gardening, sewing, finishing Harold’s woodworking, and she most of all enjoyed her home, children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her five children; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Harald Andersen, Duncombe; and a sister, Betty Williams, Webb, Iowa.

In addition to her husband, Harold, who died in 2011, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Debbie; brother, Fred; and sister in law, Edna.

Lila donated her body to the Mayo School of Medicine Anatomy Department as her husband Harold did. Funeral services for Lila and Harold will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank Gundersen Tweeten Care Center of Spring

Grove for the loving care they gave Lila.

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

Larry A. Duxbury, 76, of Caledonia, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2015, at Green Lea Manor, Mabel, Minnesota.

He was born February 3, 1939, to Raymond and Lida (Holmgren) Duxbury. Larry grew up in Northfield, Wisconsin and was baptized and confirmed at Upper Pigeon Lutheran Church. He was a graduate of Hixton High School. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Olson of Blair, Wisconsin and together they raised four children. During his years of employment, Larry worked for Olson Feed Mills, Olson LP Gas Company, Sheet Metal Union, and he and Phyllis owned and operated a Sears catalogue store in Barron, Wis.consin In 1975, the family moved to Caledonia, Minnesota, where he was a district manager for Tru-Gas until he retired. Post retirement, Larry drove bus for a shuttle service and then Head Start in Hokah, Minnesota. Larry was a quiet, dedicated man to family and friends. Some of his interests included his passion for cars, snowmobiling in his earlier years, fishing and deer hunting at the family farm with his son. Until illness restricted his abilities, Larry could repair and build just about anything, loving the challenges.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; children, Garthe (Jill) Duxbury, Gwen (David) Meyer, Dena (Scott) Spanjers, Nicole (James) Lund and Agnetha (Erik) Larrson-Backstrom; grandchildren, Naomi (Justin) Morgan, Jennifer (Matt) Fraley, Brianna Duxbury, Ashley Proulx, Natasha (Steven) Wilkes, Phillip Spanjers (fiancée, Brandi Johnson), Mitchell Spanjers (special friend, Margot Anderson), Janneke Spanjers, Gina Lund, Ranja Larrson, and Ellen Larrson; great-grandchildren, Thatcher, Charles, and Graham Morgan, Greysen and Brairy Proulx, Brooklyn, Lillianna, and Landon Wilkes, and Leo Fraley; sister, Barbara (Gary) Humphrey; brother, James (Betty) Duxbury; sister-in-law, Jerrilyn Duxbury; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Bernice), Wendell (Jan), Calvin (LaVonne), and Lance (Sally) Olson; and cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Cody Proulx; brother, Stephen Duxbury; and sisters-in-law, Donna (James “Tubby”) Dahl and Shirley Olson.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be from 10 a.m., until the time of service 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.

A special thanks to Mayo Clinic Health System, 7th floor staff in La Crosse, the Green Lea Manor staff in Mabel and Pastor Steve Meyer of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia.

Duane Lawrence Bakewell, age 77, of New Albin, Iowa, died Monday, April 6, 2015 at his home in New Albin.

He was born July 15, 1937 in Waukon, Iowa to Lawrence and Gladys (Gruber) Bakewell. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church and graduated from New Albin High School.

Duane farmed the family farm since the passing of his father in a farming accident. He enjoyed fishing, playing horseshoes, card playing, softball, bowling and watching stock car racing and tractor pulling.

Duane is survived by his life companion of twenty-five years, Leona Payton; three sons, Roger and Toni Bakewell, Gerald and Jeannie Bakewell and Daniel and Nyla Bakewell, all of New Albin; and a daughter, Joanne and Steve Buxengard of Spring Grove, Minnesota; three step-children, Cathy and John Tower, Desoto, Wisconsin; Michaela Ibbarra, Stoddard, Wisconsin and Harold and Rebecca Payton, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Kristie Bass, Michael Buxengard, Kyle Buxengard, Mindy Buxengard Hansmeier, Brittany Bakewell, Alaina Bakewell and Brooklyn Bakewell; three great-grandchildren, Gracie, Autumn and Brock Bass and thirteen step-grandchildren, John Bingenheimer, James Bingenheimer, Kathy Bingenheimer, Joe Bingenheimer, Pamela Ewing, Leisha Doeppke, Austin Burke, Xenia Ibbarra, Xavier Ibbarra, Denver Payton, Dakota Peyton, Ryley Tower and Grace Peyton.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Gladys Bakewell; and his beloved sister, Angella Troendle in 2014; granddaughter, Jessica Bakewell in 1986 and step-grandson, Adam Burke in 2011.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 4 to 7 p.m. at the New Albin Community Center in New Albin and one hour before services at the church on Friday. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Albin with Rev. John Moser as the celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, New Albin.

Condolences may be left at: www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.

Sister Mariana Boltz, 97, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minnesota, who served as educator and librarian, died at Assisi Heights on Thursday, April 2, 2015.

Eulalia Magdalen Boltz was born on November 4, 1917 in New Albin, Iowa, to Eugene and Anna (Hoffman) Boltz. Eulalia entered the Sisters of S. Francis in 1937 from St. Peter’s Parish in Caledonia. In community, she received the name Sister Mariana and professed vows in 1940.

For 31 years, Sister Mariana taught elementary students in Wausau, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; and several schools in southern Minnesota, St. Paul; Fairmont; Queen of Angels, Austin; St. Peter; Rose Creek; Cathedral, Winona; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Easton; and Sacred Heart, Adams.

In 1971, Sister Mariana began her ministry as librarian and for 16 years served as school librarian in various locales, St. Margaret Mary School, Golden Valley, Minnesota; St. Pius X School, Rochester, Minnesota; St. Andrew the Apostle School, Silver Spring, Maryland; and Highland Catholic School, St. Paul. From 1971 to 1976 she served as President of the North Central Catholic Library Association. On retiring from full-time library work in 1987, she continued to serve, volunteering at the Rochester Public Library, at Saint Mary’s Hospital In-Patient Library and as a hospital volunteer until her retirement to Assisi Heights in 2004.

Sister Mariana is survived by nieces and nephews and her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared life for 77 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Leland Boltz and Margaret Boltz Doyle.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 13, 2015 at 11 in the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, Assisi Heights, Rochester. A Prayer service, followed by visitation, will be at 9 a.m. Monday.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Development, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN  55901.

Cory Michael Hauser, 41, of Decorah, Iowa, and formerly of Spring Grove, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.

Cory was born July 10, 1973, in Caledonia, to Sylvan and Elaine (Goetzinger) Hauser. Cory currently worked at Hwy 44 Bar & Grill and Norby’s Tree Service, both in Mabel, Minnesota. He loved to fish, hunt mushrooms, watch Minnesota Viking football, and most of all, spend time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his three sons, Hunter and Brayden Hauser-Caldwell and Victor Hauser; his parents, Sylvan and Elaine Hauser; two sisters, Cristi Schulte (fiancé, Kelly Masters) and Heidi (Derek) Harvey; one brother, Randy (Molly) Hauser; and his significant other, Melanie Cotton and her two daughters, Ariana and Andrea; nine nieces and nephews; one great niece; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at The Evangelical Church of Peace, rural Freeburg, Minnesota (Crooked Creek). Rev. Dr. William Reese will officiate. A visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Cory’s spirit will live on through several organ recipiants.

William Joseph Jahn Jr., 73, of Brownsville, Minnesota, died April 9, 2015 at Gundersen Medical Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Bill was born June 26, 1941, in Caledonia, Minnesota, to William and Margaret (McCormick) Jahn.

He attended Catholic Central Grade School and Loretto High School in Caledonia and he served in the U. S. Army Reserves. On June 3, 1961 he married LaVonne Weiking at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in La Crosse.

Bill began his career with his father at William Jahn Trucking in Caledonia. He then worked as a driver for Witte Transportation in La Crosse. He purchased Jahn Transfer, Inc. in 1978 and continued working for the business until the time of his death.

Bill lived life with a passion. He enjoyed gardening, travel, boating, classic cars and trucking. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Caledonia and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Brownsville.

He is survived by his wife, LaVonne of Brownsville; children, Chris W. (Marianne), Onalaska, Wisconsin; and Sandra K. (Goeffrey) Lee, Mount Juliet, Tennessee; grandchildren, Kalyn and Tyler Jahn and Zachary and Jordan Lee; siblings, Dorothy (Bernie) Baumgartner, Caledonia; Lorraine (Jim) Thompson, Marshalltown, Iowa, and Margie (Richard) Beitlich, Onalaska, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law, Charlotte (Ron) Phelps, La Crosse and Jackie (Warren) Witzman, Onalaska; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate, military rites will be given by American Legion Post 191 and entombment will be at the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, at Holy Family Hall, next to the church. Friends may also call from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday morning at the church before the service. Memorials in memory of William Jahn may be given to the Organ and Tissue Donor Education Fund, 608-265-0356. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family and online condolences maybe given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

Paul Roy Schmitz, 46, of Caledonia, passed away April 12, 2015, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

He was born December 24, 1968 to John and Gayle (Ryan) Schmitz. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Caledonia High School in 1987. He went on to graduate from Winona State University with a degree in human resources. He returned to Caledonia to work alongside his dad at Schmitz Bus Service.

In 2003, he married Tracy Winjum and together they share two children, Claire, 8; and Nolan 6.

Paul’s greatest love was his family and children. His free time was spent hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and friends. Paul’s family takes great pride in that he chose to be an organ and tissue donor at the young age of 29. This gift from Paul has already helped seven families. Giving others a second chance at life has given Paul’s family great peace and joy.

He is survived by his wife Tracy and children, Claire and Nolan; his father, John, and stepmother, Tina Schmitz; three sisters, Connie (Jerry) Meiners, Lynn (Greg) Verthein and Amy (Bill) Holtz; two brothers, Joseph (Mary Jon) Schmitz and Doug (Jane) Schmitz; stepbrother, Chris (Nichole) Deflorian; mother- and father-in-law, Virgil and Betty Winjum; three brothers-in-law, Scott Winjum, Jeff (Julie) Winjum and Troy (Jenny) Winjum; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gayle, and grandparents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 18, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Msgr. Donald Schmitz and Fr. Matt Fasnacht will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Holy Family Hall, next to the church, and also one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be given to the family to be used for an education fund for Claire and Nolan. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family and online condolences maybe given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

Lorraine Reinhart, 83, of Brownsville, Minnesota, died peacefully Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Valley View Nursing Home, Houston, Minnesota.

Lorraine was born October 16, 1931 in Brownsville to Frank and Emma (Vodraska) Myers.

She married Leonard Reinhart August 16, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Brownsville. She enjoyed her family but especially her grandchildren, gardening, music, the keyboard and accordion and camping. She had a strong faith and was a member of the Rosary Society and the Mary Circle at St. Patrick’s in Brownsville.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard of Houston; her children, Richard (Bernadette) Reinhart, Brownsville; Dan (Laurie) Reinhart, Caledonia, Minnesota; Lori Schmaltz, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Julie (Mark) Bissen, Brooklyn, Wisconsin; Lynette (Bob) Muller, Preston, Minnesota; and Tony (Lisa) Reinhart, Houston; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Emma Myers; two sisters, Marcella Lehmann and Dorothy Myers; her son, Allen; grandson, Nicholas Bissen; and her son-in-law, Dan Schmaltz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 17, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Brownsville. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate and burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Brownsville. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Breza Hall, next to the church and one hour prior to the service on Friday. McCormick Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences maybe given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Valley View Healthcare & Rehab staff for the wonderful, loving care they gave to their mother while she was a resident there.