Rosella C. Rybinbski

Rosella C. Rybinski, age 65, longtime resident of Ivanhoe, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Hendricks Hospital.

A visitation for Rosella will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. Prayer services with rosary to follow will be held at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church. Visitation will resume Saturday one hour prior to mass. Father Andy Michels will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow at St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery in Wilno.

Casketbearers will be Nick Citterman, Tony Citterman, Kurt Oellien, Nathan Oellien, Andy Schmitt, and Austin Dritz.

Family services provided by Birk Funeral Home in Ivanhoe. To share an online remembrance of Rosella, please see: www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Rosella Catherine was born Sept. 30, 1942, in Swede Prairie Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Nicholas and Susan (Schmitt) Kockelman. She attended Catholic School in St. Leo, and went on to graduate from Canby High School.

On Aug. 29, 1961, Rosella was united in marriage to Joseph Rybinski at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno.

She was an active member of St. John Cantius Catholic Church, was President of the Altar Rosary Society, and a member of the Hospital Auxiliary in Ivanhoe. She was extremely organized and liked things to be clean and neat. She enjoyed helping others and dedicated much of her life to her family; she especially loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Rosella will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joe; children, Michael Rybinski (Laurie) of Ivanhoe; Patricia (Bill) LeBrun of Reading; Ronald (Judy) Rybinski of Hendricks; and Joseph, Jr. (Shelly) Rybinski of Ivanhoe; grandchildren, Lauren, Miranda, and Morgan LeBrun; Megan and Ryan Rybinski; and Emily, Joseph, Anthony, and Lucas Rybinski; siblings, Pauline (Marion) Oellien of Canby; Audrey (Emil) Citterman of Ivanhoe; Silve (Karen) Kockelman of Watertown, SD; and Elaine (Lee) Dritz of Porter; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Elden William Johnson

Elden William Johnson, age 84, of St. Paul, passed away Friday, April 25 in McAllen, Texas after being hospitalized six weeks to recover from pneumonia.

He was born April 17, 1924, to William and Elvera (Vanstrom) Johnson at home in Swede Prairie Township near Clarkfield.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he farmed for many years in the Clarkfield and Ivanhoe areas. He owned Johnson RV Refrigeration Repair business and enjoyed spending his winters in San Juan, Texas. He loved to tell stories about his life and ventures. He liked to make rings, shirts, frogs and other items from dollar bills to give to others. He also loved being around children and they loved him in return.

He is survived by his daughter Bonnie Johnson and three grandchildren: Angela Johnson, Aaron and Ashley Johnson and two sisters: Deloris Johnson of St. Paul and Helen Skaar, Minneota, special friend Val Nelson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, William (Billy), and one sister, Vernetta Krengel.

Memorial service is 10 a.m., May 19 at O’Halloran and Murphy, 575 South Snelling Avenue, St. Paul. Internment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday, May 18, 4-7 p.m.

Daniel Robert Haugen

Daniel Robert Haugen, age 32, of Marshall, passed away at his residence in Marshall on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Funeral services were Monday, May 12, 2008 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Canby. Burial was in St. Stephens Lutheran Cemetery in Canby.

Daniel Robert Haugen was born to Robert L and Lucinda (Petersen) Haugen on May 31, 1975 in Marshall. He was baptized at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Island Lake Township and graduated from the Cottonwood High School.

On Sept. 7, 1996, Daniel was united in marriage to Nicole Vandeviere. They lived in Cottonwood where he was employed as a truck driver.

He is survived by his two sons, Colton and Dakota Haugen of Hanley Falls; father, Robert (Becky) Haugen of Cottonwood; Mother, Lucinda Burton of Tennessee; half-sister Crystal and half-brother James both of Tennessee; grandparents, Mae Guza of Russell; Mary Ann Petersen of Montevideo; and Herbert and Dorothy Thompson of Canby; also many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kaile Haugen.

Daniel was a former member of the Cottonwood Fire Department and his enjoyments included hunting, fishing, four wheeling, dirt biking and snowmobiling. The love of his life was doing things with his sons.

Lorraine Ellison Haugen

Lorraine Ellison Haugen, age 68, of Roswell, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at Abernathy Arts Center in Atlanta at 2 p.m.

Lorraine was born in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, in 1939, to Grace and Olaf Ellison. She was the sister of Gordon Ellison, resident of Canby.

She attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan, having relocated to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1964. From 1964-73 she and husband Donald Haugen operated a group home for the Washtenaw County Juvenile Court system housing and caring for over 200 delinquent girls over the nine year period. The couple also owned and operated Haugen Pet Products in Ann Arbor with their primary product being the Kitti Potti, the first enclosed litter pan for cats. Lorraine served as vice president of the company. She also served hundreds of happy eaters as a renowned hostess and cook for multiple parties and events attended by the literati of the University of Michigan.

In 1981, after selling the company and relocating to Roswell, she found a passion for the arts. She began working for Abernathy Arts Center in 1985 where she remained Arts Program Manager until the time of her death. She is perhaps best known for her remarkable gallery opening events, shepherding the project to build the addition to the facility and aiding in the education of thousands of students from child to adult over her tenure.

She is survived by son Donald II of Kalamazoo, Mich. Anastasia of Decatur, Ga., and Erin Bransford of Atlanta, Ga.

Thorval Thomas Engesser

Mass of Christian Burial for Thorval “Rocky” T. Engesser, age 72, of Gary, S.D., was Wednesday, May 14, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake, S.D.  Father Brian Simon and Thorval’s cousin, Fr. John Pearson co-celebrated. 

Engesser died peacefully with his wife by his side on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Burial with military honors presented by Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 of Gary was in the Grandview Cemetery, Gary.  Honorary pallbearers were Darold and Mary Hunt, Jack and Esther McLaughlin, John Jensen, Bob Nelson and Pat Ellison, Jack Hentges, John and Delores Devorak, Rob Deslauriers, Erick Koeppen, Lee Nelson, Ordean and Ruth Nelson, Don and Nora Grabow, Frank Sander and Jim Eng; Former Co-workers at McLaughlin and Schultz and the Gary Fire Department.  Active pallbearers were Darwyn Engesser, Jeff Engesser, Darren Engesser, Harold Meyen, Scott Radicia and Al McLaughlin.  Music was provided by Clarice Uckert, organist, St. Mary’s Choir and Bruce Melby, soloist.

Thorval Thomas Engesser was born June 17, 1935, the son of Thomas and Olive (Olson) Engesser on the family farm near Balaton.  He was raised in the Balaton area and attended school in Russell.  Following his education, he worked for farmers in the area, including the Don Walden family.  In 1950, he helped the Walden family move to Gary, where he continued working for the Walden family.  He then began working for Jack W. Hentges and on Jan. 7, 1958, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served until his honorable discharge on Jan. 6, 1964. He returned to Gary where he again worked for Jack Hentges as well as drove truck for Don Walden, Frank Sander and Herman Madsen. 

On Feb. 13, 1965, he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Tongen in Tracy.  The couple lived north of Gary until moving into Gary where Engesser began driving truck for Conrad Peterson.  He started working for Mclaughlin and Schultz where he worked over 31 years. He was injured and was paralyzed on May 15, 1996.  He remained at home until January of 2007 when he entered the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary.  He was also a member of the Clark Hanson VFW in Canby and the Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 in Gary. He served as Fire Chief in Gary and was on city council.  He was a leader in the community and a true friend to many.  He enjoyed helping others, woodworking, gardening, nature and fixing anything that needed to be fixed.

He is survived by his wife Carol; five children:  Darwyn (Jacky) Engesser, ArLoa (Harold) Meyen, Jeff (Jodie) Engesser, all of Gary, Roxy (Scott) Radicia, Omaha, Neb., and Naomi (Al) McLaughlin, Tea, S.D.; 11 grandchildren:  Bobbi Jo Benz, Paige Kloos, Dustin Meyen, Alicia Meyen, Darren Engesser, Jake, Brooke, and Ben Radicia, Gretchen, John and Sam McLaughlin; one great-grandchild, Levi Moeller; three sisters:  Pat DeVos, Marshall, Jenice (Gordy) Molitor, Alexandria, and Jaqueline (Bill) Marguardt, Mesa, Ariz.; three sisters-in-law, Lavina Engesser, Omaha, Carol Engesser, Springfield, and Evelyn Engesser, Richmond, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Thomas Jeffrey Engesser; parents; four brothers:  Rodney, Mike, Franklin and Merlyn Engesser and two sisters:  Audrey DeVos and Mary Dierckx.

Merton Holmlund

Merton Holmlund of Davenport, Iowa, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Holmlund was born May 25, 1919, in Hendricks to Martin and Clara (Sjonsby) Holmlund.

On Oct. 27, 1945, he was married to Betty Sweesy.

Holmlund was a crane operator at the Rock Island Arsenal retiring in 1976. He loved playing the accordion, guitar and keyboard. He was a World War II Army Veteran, serving for four years in France and Belgium.

Holmlund is survived by his wife, Betty; two daughters, Becky (Blaine) Kirby and Tammy (Tom) Shadrick; three sons, Greg (Jackie), Reed and Scott (Bonnie); 17 grandchildrn and 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ardis Heskett and Irene Madsen; and sister-in-law, Virginia Holmlund.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cleone Larsen; son, Kent; grand-daughter, Ashley McCandless; brothers, Clifford and Robert; sister-in-law, Mabel Holmlund; brothers-in-law, “Sandy” Heskett and Bernard Madsen.

Elizabeth Hauger

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hauger, age 89, of Ivanhoe passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Divine Providence Nursing Home in Ivanhoe.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary, S.D. Visitation will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 2 with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Gary, SD. Arrangements provided by Birk Funeral Home of Canby.

For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bertha (Keimig) Hauger was born February 15, 1919 in Creston, Neb., to Adam and Anna (Weiser) Keimig. She received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at St. Mary’s Country Church in Humphrey, Neb. She was the fifth of eight children.

On June 30, 1942, Lizzy married John Paul Hauger of Gary at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. They bought the Hauger family farm and together with two of John’s brother’s, Philip and William, established the Hauger Brother’s Farm. Lizzy raised a family of five and worked along side the Hauger Brother’s her entire married life.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gary, St. Peter’s Altar Society, and taught CCD for many years. She was involved in the Gary Gate City Senior Citizens and American Legion Auxiliary in Gary.

Lizzy loved to bake and cook and was always the first to make sure no one went away hungry. She also loved to garden, grow flowers, sew, cross stitch, cross word puzzles, and play cards. Her greatest joy was music and dancing. Lizzy could always be seen tapping her fingers or feet to the beat of the music.

Lizzy is survived by her five children and 11 grandchildren: Russell Hauger of Canby, and his children: Kim (Tim) Huber; Kora (David) Denekamp and Kris (Shannon) Hauger; Wayne Hauger (special friend, Cookie Buchert) of Russell, MN and his children Brian (Robin) Hauger and Jena Bremer; Eileen (Brad) Brooks of Minneapolis, and son, Richard Warwick; Dennis “Tom” (Julie) Hauger of Watertown, S.D., and their children Chad (Jill) Hauger, Jodi (Lee) Borns and Amy (Nick) Waite; and Rita (Brian) Fleahman of Ivanhoe, and their children Brandon and Corey; 15 great-grandchildren: Dustin, Cody, and Bobbi Huber; Abby and Autumn Denekamp; Logan Henderson; Lindsay and Tanner Hauger; Natasha Bremer; Hailey, Megan, and Eve Hauger; D’Angelo Borns; and Isabel and Roslyn Hauger; one brother, Louis Keimig; two sisters, Loretta Meyen and Bernita (Joe) Weber and one sister-in-law, Margie Keimig.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; grandson, Derek; daughters-in-law, Sandy and Eva; son-in-law, Gayle; brothers-in-law, William and Philip; parents, Adam and Anna (Weiser) Keimig and two brothers, Joseph and Leonard Keimig and two sisters, Rosie Mason and Cecelia Allen.

Cleo Maier

Funeral Services for Cleo “Debbie” Clarissa Maier, 70, of Canby, are at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 1, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at the church. Burial will be held in the Canby City Cemetery at a later date.

Debbie was born on March 7, 1938, in Richwood, W.V., to Richard and Evelyn (Gainer) Hill. She was baptized at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Debbie grew up in West Virginia and Illinois. She attended Sacred Heart Richwood Grade School, Central Moundsville, W.V., Junior High, and Amunsen High School in Chicago. On Nov. 4, 1967, she married Virgil John Maier in Chicago. They resided in Chicago where Debbie worked in the clerical department for an electronic company named Ametek. Upon retirement they moved to the Canby area and purchased property in Burr. Virgil and Debbie enjoyed taking trips. They traveled to China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, England, Africa, and other locations. Debbie loved homeless animals, especially cats, and her dog “Teddi”. She was a master gardener, working with fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Debbie shared her wit and generosity with the Burr Community and received their love and friendship in return.

ebbie died on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at the Sanford Health Canby Campus.

Debbie is survived by her brother George (Jo Ann) Hill of Palantine, Il., one nephew and three nieces, six grand nephews and four grand nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Marvin Kellen

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at St. Michael's Catholic Church of Madison, for Marvin Kellen, age 75. Father Jack Nordick officiated at this service. Special music was provided by organist Sally Fernholz and members of St. Michael's Choir. Honorary casket bearers were; St. Michael's Cemetery Board, Knights of Columbus, Western Prairie Farm Collectors and the Dream Team. Active casket bearers included; Steve Helgemo, Clair Monson, Tom Ely, Brent Kellen, Rick Weber, Butch Weber, Stan Johnson and DeWayne Kellen. Concluding services were held at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Marvin Albert Kellen was born on July 27, 1932, in Madison, to parents Alexander and Mathilda (Kirchberg) Kellen. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Marvin attended rural school in Hamlin Township, then furthered his education at Morris Agricultural School. Marv began farming with his father and also worked as a mechanic at Overby Implement.

He was united in marriage to Betty Swenson on Sept. 14, 1963, also at St. Michael's Catholic Church. To this union five children were born. After marriage Marv, besides farming had a few different businesses, namely, Kellen farm Supply, Pioneer Seed and a fabrication business on the farm.

Marvin passed away April 25, 2008 at his farm home, south of Madison.

Marv enjoyed tractors, puzzles, his grandchildren, playing cards, coffee with friends, traveling and knitting.

Marv is survived by his wife Betty of Madison, four children; Barbara Kellen of Willmar, Thomas (Lisa) Kellen of Cherokee, Iowa, Debra (Michael) Johnson of Elk River, and Daniel (Heidi) Kellen of Madison, eight grandchildren and a brother, Robert [Arvella] Kellen of Dawson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Anna Marie Kellen and a brother Charles Kellen.

Helen Hamann

Helen Doris (Nilsson) Hamann, age 91, of Pine City passed away on Friday, April 25, 2008 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Helen was born Nov. 23, 1916, in Gary, S.D., to parents Otto and Mary Agnes Nilsson.  Helen graduated from Gary High School and attended college in Wessington Springs, S.D., where she obtained her teaching credentials.  She taught in and around the Gary area in county schools for eight years.  She was united in marriage to Marvin P. Hamann on June 16, 1942 in St. Paul.

She resided in the Gary area until 1972 when she and her husband Marvin moved to the Pine County area.  Helen continued to work as a substitute teacher in Pine City for several years.

Helen was an avid gardener and homemaker and spent many years as a 4-H leader in Lac Qui Parle County.  She was also always very active in church activities.  She will be deeply missed.

Helen is survived by husband of 66 years, Marvin of Pine City, daughters: Carol (Michael) Freund of Atlanta, Ga.; Ruth (Glenn) Weakly of Ramsey; and Catherine Hamann of Suprize, Ariz.  Sons:  Marv (Patricia) Hamann of Pueblo, Colo., Ken (Naomi) Hamann of Pine City, 12 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, sisters: Bernice Dervie of St. Paul, and Cecelia Hetznecker of Scandia, N.M., brothers: Norbert Nilsson of Sandstone and Arthur Nilsson of St. Paul; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Mary (Bergeron) Nilsson, two sisters Annabelle Scrivener and Frances Meng and two brothers Lawrence and James Nilsson.

A funeral service was held on Monday, April 28, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Pine City with Deacon Gene Biever presiding.

Robert R. Drietz

Robert R. Drietz, age 82, passed away at Sanford Canby Medical Center on April 15, 2008.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at St. Leo Catholic Church with Father Tony Hesse as celebrant.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday at Birk Funeral Home in Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and a rosary following. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery.

Robert was born Dec. 25, 1925 to Walter and Della (Gladys) Drietz in Alta Vista Township, near Taunton. He farmed with his dad until he was united in marriage to Darlene A. Hoffman on June 1, 1953 in the St. Leo Catholic Church. Together they lived and farmed west of Canby for two years. From there, they moved east of St. Leo where they have lived on their family farms for the past 52 years. Upon retirement in 1984, Robert enjoyed spending the winter months at his home in Holiday, Florida. He enjoyed the horse and dog tracks, shuffle board, and morning coffee with friends.

Although Bob accomplished much in the farming community, his family was his pride and joy and greatest accomplishment. We cherish fond memories of laughter over a good game of cards or checkers.

Robert will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, optimism, and quiet faith.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Darlene; son, Robert L. (Diane) Drietz of St. Leo; daughter, Jackie J. (Mitch) Dawald of Cleveland; three grandchildren: Tamara (Jason) Davis, Trish Drietz, and Joshua Dawald; three great-grandchildren, Jacob and Hannah Davis and Zahndra Drietz; sisters, Beatrice Dubledee; Mary Ann Citterman; Bonnie Drietz; and brother, Jerry Drietz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Della and Walter Drietz; and two brothers, John and Garfield.