November 2023
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
November 2023
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Kenneth Jones, 58, Hutchinson
Kenneth Jones, 58, of Hutchinson, Minn., passed away on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at a later date. Kenneth John Jones was born on Nov. 6, 1965, in Paynesville, Minn., to John and Joan (Eighner) Jones. He was baptized as an infant on Dec. 24, 1965, and received his academic education in Paynesville. Ken was the middle child with two sisters (Julie and Kathy) and grew up learning to farm and raise beef cattle with his dad and grandfather. As a teenager, he found a greater lifelong love in hunting and fishing. Ken enjoyed many fishing trips with his friends to Canada looking for the big northerns and muskies in the lakes off the old logging trails. Ken moved to Hutchinson in 1993 and met the love of his life a year later. On June 3, 1998, Ken was united in marriage to Katherine (Kate) Witte in Glencoe, Minn. They were blessed with a son Marshall, giving Kate's daughters Jessica and Kristin a little brother. Ken worked at HTI in Hutchinson for over 27 years in many different areas and was sad to leave when the company changed hands. He left HTI for 3M for a short time before coming back to the HTI building with Resonetics. When he wasn't working, Ken's favorite activities were with friends and family. He was also a vintage tractor guy as long as it was an Allis Chalmers. He spent many years enjoying fishing trips around home or up north at Lake of the Woods. Ken and the guys spent a lot of summer nights playing cards and telling stories after a full day of walleye fishing up north. Ken also shared this love with his children and grandchildren. He loved teaching them the tricks of the bite, no matter what they were fishing for. Hunting was Ken's second love, and he shared this with his son. Deer camp was always a big event and looked forward to every year. His most precious memories were with Marshall. Whether they were hunting or working on restoring an old tractor, all that mattered was their time. Ken was diagnosed with advanced heart failure in August 2022, and after a valiant year long fight he peacefully passed on Friday, Nov. 17. Ken is survived by his wife Kate Jones (Hutchinson), children, Jessica (James) Lewandowski (Silver Lake), Kristin Berscheit (Hutchinson), and Marshall Jones (Hutchinson); father, John Jones (Paynesville); sisters, Julie (Neil) Lee (Greenfield) and Kathy (Jon) Hanson (Monticello); grandchildren, Domanik Dammann, Emerson Witte, and Margaret Lewandowski; mother-in-law, Ardith Navarro (Glencoe); brothers-in law, John (Lynn) Witte (Blaine) and Robert Navarro (Glencoe); sisters-in-law, Victoria (Steve) Schultz (Glencoe) and Kris Adams (Salem, Ore.); and many uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his mother Joan.
The memorial service for Marjorie E. Thoelke will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at First Lutheran Church of Britton, S.D. Dr. Lance Griese will officiate the service. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Marjorie Ellen Stamp was born, along with her twin brother, on Aug. 28, 1929, to George and Lucille (Null) Stamp in Hendricks, Minn,. She grew up in Brookings County, S.D. She attended rural grade school for eight grades and graduated from White High School in 1947. Following graduation, she attended summer school at Gen Beadle State Teachers College and received a two-year teacher's certificate, which was done during those years after WWII because they didn't have enough teachers. She taught at a rural school for two years. In 1948, she married Bryce Thoelke of White, S.D. They made their home in White. In 1952 their first child, Kent, was born. In 1958 they moved to Olivia, Minn., where they purchased a grocery store. After a few years, they sold and her husband went into management for Gamble Robinson and VSC, where she worked with her husband in the business. In 1957 their second child, Pam, was born in Willmar, Minn., where they were living at that time. In 1959, they moved to Plymouth, Minn., where her husband's work was, with their two children. During those few years, she was a stay-at-home mom. In 1962, they jointly bought a super market, Bolstad and Thoelke, in Paynesville, Minn. From then on, she worked in all of the businesses throughout the years. Another child, Greg, was added to the family in Paynesville in 1967 Ð 15 years after his brother and 10 years after his sister. Many happy years and friendships were made as the children were growing up in Paynesville. Marge had a very busy life there, helping run a business and being active in the community. After 10 years, they dissolved the partnership and sold the business. In 1972, they bought Wilgers Deptartment Store in Britton, S.D. Marge worked full time and did most of the buying for the store. In 1987, the store was sold out, and they retired. She also substitute taught for 20 years in Britton, and worked seven years for Prairie Design. In 1994, she began working at Quarve Drug and loved that job so much that she continued to work half days until recently, when her health declined. Community involvement was a big part of Marge's life, and that is apparent with her organizations she was part of throughout the years. While in Paynesville, she was a chairman of church school EUB and also the hospital auxiliary. She started the Literary Council in Britton and also served on the Britton Library Board and HRC Board. Marge was one of the ten original members of the Britton Claremont Investment Club. After retirement she volunteered at the Britton Public School. Her faith was strong, and she had taught Sunday School since she was 16 and was a member on the Britton United Methodist Church. Bryce was a veteran and she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Marge loved the outdoors and nature. She was an avid gardener, reader, and an accomplished artist. When she wasn't doing that, you could find her baking or cooking for family and friends. She was a people person and loved everyone, and she will be deeply missed. She passed away on Thursday, Nov. 16, at her home in Britton at the age of 94. Marge is survived by her sons, Kent (Deb) Thoelke of Britton and Greg (Terry) Thoelke of Britton; her daughter, Pam (Randall) Muth of Australia; brother Warren (Gay) Stamp of Vancouver, Wash.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Stamp of Vancouver, Wash.; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bryce; her parents, George and Lucille Stamp; twin brother, Maurice Stamp; brother, Richard (Lila) Stamp; granddaughter, April Jackson; and in-laws, John and Ester Thoelke. Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Kent Thoelke (1408 First Street, Britton, SD 57430). An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.pricefuneralchapel.net.
Candyce Gail Bowden left her earthly home for her heavenly one on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. She battled cancer for 26 years, of which she was Stage 4 for 17 years. She was an example of courage and grace for her family. She was born April 19, 1948, at the Alexandria Hospital to Emil and Violet Haagenson. She attended the Hoffman school system where she was a cheerleader, graduating in 1966. She married Bob Bowden on Nov. 4, 1967. To this union three sons were born, Paul (Lisa) of Alexandria, Ross (Bridget) of Fargo, and Grant (Jess) of Lakeville. Candy owned her own, highly-sought-after, in-home daycare business for over 20 years. She relished her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she set a beautiful example in caring for her family. She was preceded in death by father Emil; mother Violet; brother Dayton; and sister Nancy. Candyce is survived by her husband Bob; her sons; sister Georgia Dalum of Barrett; brothers, Dennis (Mary) Haagenson of Garfield and Curt (Mavis) Haagenson of Battle Lake; grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, Benjamin, Samuel, Josephine, Simon, Emilia, Margaret, Adam, Briquelle (Jordan) Joseph, Parker, Tahlia (Jeremiah) Burnham, Preston (Lexi), Piers, Juliah, Natalee, and Perry; and great-grandchildren: Micah, Eli, and Violet Burnham; Lakynn and Adelynn Joseph; and Wesley and Shiloh Bowden. Urn bearers are her grandsons, Parker Bowden, Zachary Bowden, Adam Bowden, and Simon Bowden. Honorary urn bearers are her remaining grandchildren. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment took place at Kinkead Cemetery, Alexandria. The visitation took place one hour prior to the service at the church. God bless the memory of Candy Bowden. Arrangements were provided by Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Services, lindfamilyfh.com.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe, Minn., for Cora E. Weis, 100, who died on Friday, Nov. 17, at St. Cloud Hospital. Burial was held in the parish cemetery. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. The visitation continued on Tuesday morning at St. Agnes Church. Cora was born on June 7, 1923, in Milbank, S.D. to Frank and Cora (Rijkelijkhuizen) Verheyen. During her teen years, she moved to Onamia, Minn., and graduated from Onamia High School. She received her teacher's certificate from St. Cloud State in 1944 and taught in various country schools in the Rice area. While attending college, she joined friends at the dance hall in Sauk Rapids, where she met her "one and only," Alois "Wishy" Weis. Cora and Alois were married on June 6, 1945, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, Onamia, Minn. After their marriage she moved to the Weis family farm by Roscoe. Cora embraced the farm life, keeping busy with gardening, quilting, raising chickens, and raising her family. She also had cabins and boats for rent during the summer on Big Lake. Cora and Wishy spent much time "up north" fishing and having friends and family join them. Family and faith meant the world to her. She taught religious education at St. Agnes for many years. Cora was very proud of her family and the many things they accomplished. Survivors include her children, Joanne (Roger) Flint; Katie (Roger) Theiler; Mike; and Mary; eight grandkids; 20 great-grandkids; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alois; parents; sisters, Janet, Leone, Niecy, and Rosie; daughter-in law, Jeanette; son-in-law, Tim; and grandson, Josh.
Henry A. Raber, 78, of Paynesville, formerly of Bremen, Ind., joined his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at his daughter's home near Paynesville. Visitation at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville was held on Saturday, Nov. 11. Visitation in Indiana will be at the Berea Christian Fellowship Church on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Berea Christian Fellowship in Nappanee, Ind. Burial will be in Berea Cemetery. Henry A. Raber was born on Feb. 21, 1945, in Uniontown, Ohio, the son of Alvin and Rachel (Lapp) Raber. He grew up in Uniontown/Hartville and attended Walnut Grove Elementary. On Nov. 6, 1965, Henry was united in marriage to Martha Sommers. Henry and Martha shared in 54 years of marriage before her death on June 4, 2020. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters. They made their home in Minerva, Ohio, Virginia Beach, Va., and Jackson, Ohio, before moving to Nappanee, Ind., in 1978. He worked for Holiday Rambler for 20-plus years and Elite Construction until retirement. After retirement, Henry enjoyed delivering RVs across the country. He was an avid board and card game player. Henry was competitive and wasn't beyond using some sneaky methods to win. He loved to get others' attention in curious ways, whether a rolled-up newspaper, thrown M&Ms, or bursting into spontaneous song, and we're not talking hymns. Wherever he went, he wanted to make others smile. This manifested in practicing his Spanish in restaurants. Or ordering his M&M Blizzard "in alphabetical order please!" Henry was a faithful member of Berea Christian Fellowship, where he served as pastor for 46 years. He loved preaching and connecting with people. Henry was passionate about his Lord. He loved to share his testimony. His heart's desire was to lead others to Christ. Mornings (and many evenings) were spent reading his Bible with a cup of coffee. He was rarely seen without his Bible. Henry left an imprint on not only friends and family, but all he met along the way. Henry is survived by his children, Micah Raber; Virginia (Ken) Miller; Rosanna (Jethro) Beiler; and Christian (Gina) Raber; grandchildren Collin (fiance Janessa Bement), Kyle (fiance Abbie Ellis) Gerriana (fiance Dylan Gottwald), Jessica, and Jackie Miller; and Lucas, Kaitlynn, and Noah Beiler; and siblings, Lavern (Mary) Raber, Edna (Willie) Miller, Laura Sommers, Eli (Jan) Raber, John (Ann) Raber, Walter (Mary Louise) Raber and Ruth (David) Yoder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; parents; and a brother and sister.
Mary (Eighner) Block was born on Sept. 18, 1937, in rural Paynesville, Minn., and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 31,Ê2023, at The Estates of Roseville, a skilled nursing facility in Roseville, Minn. Mary's early years were spent at her parent's farm in rural Paynesville on the Tri-County line, assisting in farm and domestic tasks. She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1955 and became a full-time homemaker after her marriage to Eldon Block of Stearns County in October 1955. Mary and Eldon began raising a family on an acre of land bought from his parents. The family relocated to Minneapolis in 1965. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and canning, and spending time with family, especially at Lake Koronis. Mary is survived by her sons, Michael (Lori) and Patrick; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Jones), Alice (Neil Bailey) and Ruth (Joseph Neuman); brother, Daniel (Joan); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Alice Eighner; sisters Mabel and Joan; her infant son, Ronald; and niece Linda. A memorial service and reception will be held in Paynesville on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Details to follow.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville for Dennis A. Block, 81, of Paynesville, who passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. Reverend Jill Meents will officiate. Burial, with full military honors, will be in the Paynesville Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Dennis was born on Sept. 19, 1942, on the family farm in Paynesville to Rudolph and Martha (Driver) Block. He attended the Brown Country School in rural Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1960. At 13 years old, Dennis started working for Allen Schultz on his mink farm and worked there until 1962. He then went on to work for Llewellyn Lang and Ted Verhay, building pole barns. Dennis was drafted in the United States Army and honorably served in the 25th Artillery Division in Plekku, Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in September 1966. He met his wife-to-be, Kathleen Wendlandt, at his sister's farm when he was home on leave to help his father get the crop harvest in, as his father was injured. They were united in marriage July 1, 1967, at Holy Methodist Church in Paynesville. Reverend Paul Pratt officiated the ceremony; Darlene Wendlandt was the maid of honor, and Gene Wendlandt was the best man. Dennis and Kathleen bought his parent's farm in rural Paynesville in 1967. They had two children, Dean and Dawn. Dennis loved being outside, plowing, harvesting the crops, and milking cows. Hunting was his favorite thing to do, as evidenced by all the deer horns hanging on the living room wall. He remodeled the dairy barn, built a milk room, and could take anything apart and fix it. He decided to slow down when he turned 80 years old and rent out the land for his brother, Ric, to farm alongside his son, Chris. Dennis was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville, being baptized and confirmed there. His favorite summer activity was Town and Country Days. He would help his wife, staff, and other volunteers take the residents from the Koronis Manor and Koronis Place to see the parade and to visit with friends and school mates at the fair uptown. His winter hobby was compiling family history, completing three books on the Driver and Block families. Besides working on the farm, he enjoyed watching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids grow up. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Dawn (Jim) Hensel of Paynesville; granddaughters, Amanda (Mike) Ludwig of St. Cloud and Jackie (Mitch) Weidner of Mankato; great-granddaughter, Adaline (Button) Weidner; and great grandson, Theodore Dean Weidner. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dean; sister, Darlene Wendlandt; and many nieces and nephews.
Henry A. Raber, 78, of Paynesville, formerly of Bremen, Ind., joined his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at his daughter's home near Paynesville. Visitation at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville was held on Saturday, Nov. 11. Visitation in Indiana will be at the Berea Christian Fellowship Church on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Berea Christian Fellowship in Nappanee, Ind. Burial will be in Berea Cemetery. Henry A. Raber was born on Feb. 21, 1945, in Uniontown, Ohio, the son of Alvin and Rachel (Lapp) Raber. He grew up in Uniontown/Hartville and attended Walnut Grove Elementary. On Nov. 6, 1965, Henry was united in marriage to Martha Sommers. Henry and Martha shared in 54 years of marriage before her death on June 4, 2020. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters. They made their home in Minerva, Ohio, Virginia Beach, Va., and Jackson, Ohio, before moving to Nappanee, Ind., in 1978. He worked for Holiday Rambler for 20-plus years and Elite Construction until retirement. After retirement, Henry enjoyed delivering RVs across the country. He was an avid board and card game player. Henry was competitive and wasn't beyond using some sneaky methods to win. He loved to get others' attention in curious ways, whether a rolled-up newspaper, thrown M&Ms, or bursting into spontaneous song, and we're not talking hymns. Wherever he went, he wanted to make others smile. This manifested in practicing his Spanish in restaurants. Or ordering his M&M Blizzard "in alphabetical order please!" Henry was a faithful member of Berea Christian Fellowship, where he served as pastor for 46 years. He loved preaching and connecting with people. Henry was passionate about his Lord. He loved to share his testimony. His heart's desire was to lead others to Christ. Mornings (and many evenings) were spent reading his Bible with a cup of coffee. He was rarely seen without his Bible. Henry left an imprint on not only friends and family, but all he met along the way. Henry is survived by his children, Micah Raber; Virginia (Ken) Miller; Rosanna (Jethro) Beiler; and Christian (Gina) Raber; grandchildren Collin (fiance Janessa Bement), Kyle (fiance Abbie Ellis) Gerriana (fiance Dylan Gottwald), Jessica, and Jackie Miller; and Lucas, Kaitlynn, and Noah Beiler; and siblings, Lavern (Mary) Raber, Edna (Willie) Miller, Laura Sommers, Eli (Jan) Raber, John (Ann) Raber, Walter (Mary Louise) Raber and Ruth (David) Yoder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; parents; and a brother and sister.
Mary (Eighner) Block was born on Sept. 18, 1937, in rural Paynesville, Minn., and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 31,Ê2023, at The Estates of Roseville, a skilled nursing facility in Roseville, Minn. Mary's early years were spent at her parent's farm in rural Paynesville on the Tri-County line, assisting in farm and domestic tasks. She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1955 and became a full-time homemaker after her marriage to Eldon Block of Stearns County in October 1955. Mary and Eldon began raising a family on an acre of land bought from his parents. The family relocated to Minneapolis in 1965. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and canning, and spending time with family, especially at Lake Koronis. Mary is survived by her sons, Michael (Lori) and Patrick; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Jones), Alice (Neil Bailey) and Ruth (Joseph Neuman); brother, Daniel (Joan); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Alice Eighner; sisters Mabel and Joan; her infant son, Ronald; and niece Linda. A memorial service and reception will be held in Paynesville on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Details to follow.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville for Dennis A. Block, 81, of Paynesville, who passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. Reverend Jill Meents will officiate. Burial, with full military honors, will be in the Paynesville Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Dennis was born on Sept. 19, 1942, on the family farm in Paynesville to Rudolph and Martha (Driver) Block. He attended the Brown Country School in rural Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1960. At 13 years old, Dennis started working for Allen Schultz on his mink farm and worked there until 1962. He then went on to work for Llewellyn Lang and Ted Verhay, building pole barns. Dennis was drafted in the United States Army and honorably served in the 25th Artillery Division in Plekku, Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in September 1966. He met his wife-to-be, Kathleen Wendlandt, at his sister's farm when he was home on leave to help his father get the crop harvest in, as his father was injured. They were united in marriage July 1, 1967, at Holy Methodist Church in Paynesville. Reverend Paul Pratt officiated the ceremony; Darlene Wendlandt was the maid of honor, and Gene Wendlandt was the best man. Dennis and Kathleen bought his parent's farm in rural Paynesville in 1967. They had two children, Dean and Dawn. Dennis loved being outside, plowing, harvesting the crops, and milking cows. Hunting was his favorite thing to do, as evidenced by all the deer horns hanging on the living room wall. He remodeled the dairy barn, built a milk room, and could take anything apart and fix it. He decided to slow down when he turned 80 years old and rent out the land for his brother, Ric, to farm alongside his son, Chris. Dennis was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville, being baptized and confirmed there. His favorite summer activity was Town and Country Days. He would help his wife, staff, and other volunteers take the residents from the Koronis Manor and Koronis Place to see the parade and to visit with friends and school mates at the fair uptown. His winter hobby was compiling family history, completing three books on the Driver and Block families. Besides working on the farm, he enjoyed watching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids grow up. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Dawn (Jim) Hensel of Paynesville; granddaughters, Amanda (Mike) Ludwig of St. Cloud and Jackie (Mitch) Weidner of Mankato; great-granddaughter, Adaline (Button) Weidner; and great grandson, Theodore Dean Weidner. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dean; sister, Darlene Wendlandt; and many nieces and nephews.
Diana Goebel, 74, of Jordan passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, after a heroic two-year battle with ovarian cancer. A visitation will take place on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Shakopee (833 Marschall Road). Please join the family in prayer for Diana at the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Nov. 10, at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Shakopee at 11:30 a.m. with a visitation prior from 10 to 11:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest in the St. Martin Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. Diana was born on April 4, 1949, and grew up on her family farm in St. Martin, Minn. She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1967, and shortly after met her future husband, Tom, at a dance at the New Munich Ballroom. Three years later, the two were married at the St. Martin Catholic Church on Sept. 12, 1970. It was the first wedding held in the new church. The newlyweds moved to Minneapolis, where Diana began work as an x-ray technician at Mount Sinai Hospital. The couple later found their permanent home in Jordan, where they remained for the better part of 50 years, raising their four children and later welcoming nine grandchildren. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Diana. She loved her flower garden, family card games, tea parties with her grandchildren, and exploring local thrift shops for treasures. She loved her family deeply, lived out her faith devoutly, and approached others in need with a giving spirit. Throughout her life, Diana was active in her church and a strong supporter of Catholic education. Diana volunteered much of her time teaching Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), hosting religious study groups in her home and was the deanery lead for the Archbishop's Annual Catholic Appeal for 15 years. She served as development director for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools in Winsted, was a member of the first board of directors responsible for the construction of a new Catholic high school in Victoria, and played an instrumental role in the expansion of the Catholic school in Jordan. The level of Diana's dedication to Catholic education was exemplified in 1990, when she successfully collected 975,000 Campbell's Soup labels so that a small Catholic school could get a new bus through the Soup Labels for Education program. The story received national news attention. A determined, faith-filled, loving, and generous person, Diana will be greatly missed by her husband, Tom Goebel; children, Paul (Audra) Goebel, Amy (Brian) Gravely, Jessica (Mark) Balzarini, and Jonathan (JoAnna) Goebel; grandchildren, Luke and Sophie Gravely (Amy and Brian), Adalynn Johnson and Broderick and Gabriella Goebel (Paul and Audra), and Isabella, Aubrey, Elizabeth and Jacob Goebel (Jonathan and JoAnna). Diana was preceded in death by her parents Rogaria and Robert Mehr; and siblings Rodney and Rosemary Mehr.
Eileen L. Bratsch, 96, of New London died on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, with family by her side at her son's home near New London. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at Living Word Lutheran Church near New London. Burial was in Burbank Cemetery near New London. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Eileen Luverna (Pelkey) Bratsch was born March 7, 1927, on the family farm in Roseville Township to Ernest and Lily (Otteson) Pelkey. She attended New London Elementary "Old Gray" and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1945. Eileen was united in marriage to Burdette Robbin in 1946. They had a dairy farm near Hawick, where they raised three sons and a daughter. They built and operated the Roseville Coffee House in the early 1960s where Eileen was well known for her home-cooked meals and pastries. They were able to share in 27 years of marriage before Burdette's death on Jan. 28, 1973. On Dec. 3, 1976, Eileen was united in marriage to Dennis Bratsch. They made their home in Olivia, where he owned and operated Bratsch Trucking and she enjoyed riding with him much of the time. The couple retired to the New London/Spicer area. They enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. Eileen and Denny spent their winters in Texas and Arizona for many years. Eileen was baptized and confirmed at the Paynesville Lutheran Church and was a member of Living Word Lutheran Church in New London. She enjoyed playing the organ, gardening, painting, crocheting, and watching the birds and animals. Eileen was a humble, hardworking woman. She loved her family, life, and God's creation to the fullest. Eileen is survived by her children, Lexy (Agueda) Robbin of Willmar, Wendy (Gary) Steffensen of Belgrade, Ronny (Lynette) Robbin of Belgrade, and Lonny (Wendy) Robbin of New London; step-children, Linda (Terry) Harden of Green Valley, Ariz., Julie Bennington of Green Valley, Ariz., and Tim Bratsch of Waconia; 23 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Valeria Pauls and Larry (Doris) Pelkey. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Burdette Robbin and Dennis Bratsch; her parents; son-in-law, Ronnie Lecher; and sister, Delores Schwandt. |