Clair W. Smith, 85, died on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson. Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson and for one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.  Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Clair Ward Smith was born on February 25, 1929, in rural Benson, Torning Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Clay F. and Agnes J. Chepa Smith.  He was baptized at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson.  He grew up in the Benson area and the family moved to a farm in rural Murdock.  He graduated from Murdock High School.  While attending school, he played high school baseball and went to State while playing legion baseball.  Years later, he played baseball with his children every summer evening.
    
On October 2, 1949, Clair was united in marriage to Darlyne Ruth Fuhrman by the Rev. A. Beck in Fairmont, Minnesota.  This union was blessed with over 65 years of marriage.  They moved back to the Murdock area where Clair farmed with his brothers.  In 1951, Clair, along with other Benson National Guardsmen, served their country during the Korean War.  He was stationed at Camp Rucker in Alabama.  He attended school in Columbus, Georgia for 6 months and they lived in Enterprise and Columbus, Georgia.  They moved back to the Benson area to a farm three miles east of Benson in January of 1953.  He farmed and worked at Monson Seed, McCarthy Woolshed in DeGraff, and for the Benson Post Office in 1966, retiring in 1989 after 23 years.  They began spending their winters in Mission, Texas in 1991.  Clair taught many children and adults the right way to fish.  He enjoyed spending time at the lake, morning coffee at Sandy’s, spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing with the grandkids, playing cards, golfing, and gardening.  He donated garden produce to Prairie Five and furnished the nursing home with fish dinners. He was a member of the Benson American Legion.  Clair died on February 3, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital.  He attained the age of 85 years, 11 months, and 9 days.
     
Clair is survived by his wife Darlyne; his children: Brenda (Donald) Foss of Spring Lake Park, Melody (Rodney) Nordby of Milan, Dixie (Alan) Golden of Benson, and Michael (Judy) Smith of Fargo, North Dakota; 11 grandchildren: Nathan  (Keri) Foss, Carissa Foss, Bryan (Angela) Nordby, Shaunna (Andy) Goblirsch, Kristoffer (Kristie) Nordby,  Adam Golden, Erik (Jennifer) Golden, Darin Golden, Jordan (Sara) Smith, Joshua (Tina) Smith, and Marah Smith; 6 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Amelia, and Jenna Goblirsch, Nolan Foss, Chloe Nordby, and baby Smith due in July;  one sister, Carole Anderson of Benson; a brother-in-law, Laverne Skarsten of Benson; and a sister-in-law, Marlys Smith of St. Paul.  He was preceded in death by his parents Clay and Agnes, six brothers, one sister, and one infant son.

Evangelin Bass, age 90, of Murdock, died Sunday, February 8, 2015, at the Mille Lac Health System in Onamia, Minnesota.
Arrangements are pending with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.

Hazel Johnson, age 85, of Benson, died Saturday, February 7, 2015, at the Golden Living Center - Meadow Lane Healthcare Center in Benson, Minnesota.
Arrangements are pending with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.

Kelly Fuhrman, age 40, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, February 8, 2015 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her family.
                                                                 
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2015 at First Lutheran Church, Bemidji with Pastor Linnea Papke-Larson officiating. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 13, 2015 in St. Pauli Cemetery, Swift Falls, MN followed by fellowship at 12:00 Noon in the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Swift Falls. Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji.
 
In Lieu of flowers family prefers memorials to be given to a charity that Kelly’s life touched.

Lorna Grace Suckow was born on October 25, 1925, in Tara Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of Herman and Mary (Mosier) Erdman. She was baptized on November 15, 1925 in Tara Township, Swift County, MN and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township on April 2, 1939. She attended country school in Tara Township. On February 16, 1946, Lorna married William V. Suckow at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township. This union was blessed with over 68 years of marriage.
 
Lorna worked at National Tea in Appleton. After their marriage they lived on their family farm by Holloway, where she raised their five sons. Lorna was always a caring and loving mother and wife. She was always busy in the kitchen baking, canning and preparing food for anyone that stopped in. The cookie jar was always full. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting and embroidery. She was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Moyer Township Ladies Aid. William and Lorna enjoyed card club, bowling and camping at Maple Lake. They moved into Holloway in 2002 and Lorna entered the Appleton Area Health Services-Nursing Home in 2004.
 
Lorna died on Friday, February 13, 2015 at the Appleton Area Health Services Nursing Home.  She attained 89 years, 3 months and 19 days of age.
 
Lorna is survived by her husband, William; sons:  DuWayne (Joyce) Suckow of Appleton, Bradley (Jean) Suckow of Maynard, and William H. (Debra) Suckow of Holloway; daughter in-law: Judy Suckow-Olson of Holloway; five grandchildren: Trevor Suckow, Tonia (David) Beck, Adam (Jana) Suckow, Alicia (Benito) Suckow, Jacob Suckow; seven great-grandchildren; four step-granddaughters; 12 step-great-grandchildren; ten step-great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Erdman, Winifred Erdman, Hazel Suckow; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
 
Lorna was preceded in death by her parents: Herman and Mary Erdman; two sons: Garland and Eugene Suckow; three brothers: Ambrose, Herman and Marvin Erdman; sister, Valaria Mischke; brother-in-law, Ruben Suckow.

Selma “Sally” Engelson, age 94, of Willmar, died Thursday evening, February 12, at Bethesda Heritage Center Nursing Home in Willmar.
 Services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, February 19, at Big Bend Lutheran Church in Milan, Minnesota.  The interment will be in the church cemetery.   Visitation will be from 9:30 AM Thursday until time of service  at the church.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.
Selma “Sally” Erna Engleson was born on March 14, 1920, in South Haven, Minnesota the daughter of  Emma (Lueders) and Fred Laabs.  She grew up on the family farm near South Haven and received her education in that area.  She lived and worked in South Haven and in the Howard Lake area until she moved to Minneapolis at the age of 20.  Selma was very proud of her work as a nanny and housekeeper for several families in the Minneapolis area.  During WW II, she worked in a New Brighton munitions plant loading powder into shells.  She met many lifelong friends there.   After a two month visit to Washington State in 1946, she returned to Minnesota and was married to Emmett Engleson on June 20, 1946.  They moved to a farm in the Danvers area to begin their life together.  She was an active member of Big Bend Lutheran, participating in many activities into her 80’s.  She enjoyed her Circle, ELCW and other events very much.  She was active in the Swift County Homemaker’s Club and was always willing to learn a new craft.  She was an expert knitter, crocheter, seamstress, gardener, baker, and quilter.  She will be remembered by all who knew her as a very dedicated woman committed to her community and her family.
 She is survived by three children: Judy (and John) Ruegg of Rochester, Dale (and Diane) Engleson of Danvers, and Deborah (and Rick) Hanson of Kandiyohi.  Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 sister-in-law, Bev Laabs of South Haven, several nieces and nephews, besides other relatives and friends.
 Selma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Emmett in 1984, and infant son, Leonard, 1 sister, Millie Hinz, 2 brothers, Harlen and Kenny Laabs and many dear friends.

Beatrice E. Beyer, age 78, of Benson, died on Monday, February 16, 2015, at the Swift County Benson Hospital.  Funeral services will be held on Friday February 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Visitation will be held on Thursday February 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.  Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is in charge of the arrangements.
Beatrice Elizabeth Beyer, was born on November 24, 1936, in Benson, Minnesota, the daughter of Ewald Sr. and Rosa Herrmann Grothe.  She was baptized and confirmed in at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Danvers.  She attended elementary school at District 84, Danvers, and graduated from Benson High School.   She worked in the kitchen at the Montevideo Hospital until her marriage.  On September 18, 1959, Beatrice was united in marriage to LeRoy Beyer at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Danvers, by the Rev. JR Sheppard.  This union was blessed with over 54 years of marriage, two children, and one grandson.  They farmed until 1964 when they moved into Benson.  Beatrice worked at and made salads for the VFW chicken and steak frys.  She cleaned for the VFW for a number of years.  She was a member of the Benson VFW 1403 auxiliary and served as a Girl Scout leader.  She enjoyed bird watching, gardening, flowers, doing puzzles, quilting at Our Redeemer’s, walking at the Benson Armory, and spending time with her family.  Beatrice was called from this life on Monday, February 16, 2015, at the Swift County Benson Hospital.  She attained the age of 78 years, two months, and 23 days.
Beatrice is survived by her daughter Joyce (Roy) Lagred, of Starbuck, her son Allen (Bridget) Beyer of Willmar, a grandson, Marshal Lagred; two sisters, Margaret Reich, of Benson, and Hilda (Orville) Swenson of Appleton and other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy in April of 2014, her parents Ewald Sr. and Rosa Grothe, her brothers Ewald Grothe Jr.  and Paul Grothe, a sister Rosa Koenen and nephews Russell and Richard.

Lennie Vogelpohl, 62, of rural Murdock, died Friday, January 30, 2015 at his home.  
Funeral services were 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 3 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, rural Murdock.  Visitation was from 5-7 p.m., Monday at the church and continued one hour prior to the service Tuesday.  
Lennie was born  December 11, 1952, in Litchfield, Minnesota, and was raised by his grandparents, William and Mary Vogelpohl.  Lennie lived in Eden Valley, Litchfield and Minneapolis, where he attended Phillips Junior High and attended Minneapolis South High School.  After moving to Willmar, Lennie attended Willmar Community College, earning his Associates Degree in 1987.
September 14, 1978, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Olson at her parent’s home.  Following their marriage, Lennie and Kathy lived in Willmar before moving to their home in rural Murdock.
Lennie worked for 4-W’s Inc. with law enforcement and security and had been the night manager for Timber’s Restaurant.  For the past 25 plus years, he worked as a human service tech  for Divine House, retiring in 2013.  He truly enjoyed his time and years spent working with the developmentally disabled.
His family remembers his enjoyment of fishing and watching NCIS reruns.  Lennie was a gifted leathersmith, making many different items from wallets, purses, checkbooks to unique pieces like gun and pistol cases.  He also liked coin collecting.
Surviving are his wife, Kathryn; mother, Isabelle Matteson of Litchfield; sons, Rodney Hight of Atwater; James and Lisa Lundberg-Vogelpohl of Glenwood; and grandson, Logan Hight.
Arrangements were with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Madelyn C. Danielson, 84, died on Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck to join her loving husband Arnold of 56 years.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 26, 2015, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Burial will be in the Benson City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.
 * * * * * * * *
Madelyn Corrine Maanum Danielson was born February 24, 1930 in rural Clontarf, Hoff Township, Pope County to Conrad Oliver & Mathilda (Monson) Maanum.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at West Zion Lutheran Church by Rev. K.R. Palmer.  She attended grades 1-5 in Pope County District 91 and attended grades 6-12 in Benson, graduation in 1948.  She attended Teachers Normal Training in Glenwood.  She taught Country School for 7 years south of Benson, Torning Township, and School District 91 and in Pope County School District 29, 62 and 65.
July 12, 1953, Madelyn was united in marriage to Arnold Danielson at West Zion Lutheran Church by Rev. L.C. Anderson.  They moved to the Twin Cities and she was a Secretary for Insurance Company in downtown Minneapolis for one year.  They returned to the Starbuck area and farmed in Langhei Township and Rolling Forks Township and she continued to teach Country School.
In 1966 they moved with their three children to Benson where she worked at the Jr. High Library, Office, and later worked in the Sr. High Office.  Madelyn retired in 1993 after 26 years with the school district, working with children and young adults which she loved.
She was a member of Our Redeemers Lutheran Church of Benson, a Sunday School Teacher, Circle and Bible Study Leader and President of Our Redeemers Women.  She loved playing the clarinet and piano, sang alto in choir, and taught piano lessons to neighbor children while living on the farm in Starbuck and after moving to Benson.  She enjoyed needlework, sewing, was active in 4-H and liked baking, making lefse, rommegrout, flat bread, and dark klub for the Norwegian Smorgaasbords at Our Redeemers.  Madelyn loved planning family reunions, celebrating birthdays and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She liked camping, bus trips and traveling to parades, especially to watch the marching bands perform.
Madelyn is survived by her children:  Paul (Cheryl) Danielson of Starbuck, John (Bety) Danielson of Kandiyohi and Joan Wigfield (special friend Ferid Grützner) of Maplewood; 7 grandchildren: Nick (Stacy) Danielson, Leann (Matt) Simonson, Shelby (Eric) Thesing, Barry Danielson, Kari (Shane) Steinbeisser, Emily (Darren) LaPage and Michael Wigfield; 4 great-grandchildren: Christopher Danielson, Rita Thesing, Coy Thesing, Sadie Simonson (and 3 more on the way…); and sister-in-law Franny Maanum.    
Madelyn was preceded in death by her husband Arnold in 2009; her sisters Mrytice Espelien and Irene Kamrud, also in 2009; her brothers Randall and Junior Maanum; her sister-in-law Jean Maanum, brothers-in-law Edward Espelien and Melvin Kamrud; and her beloved parents.

Memorials are preferred.

Funeral services for Lorraine Naig of Starbuck, Minnesota were  held Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. at West Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hancock, with Pastor Jackie Harvestine officiating. Visitation was held Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck and for one hour prior to services at the church  Thursday. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Hazel Lorraine Naig, daughter of Hendrick and Thea (Nelson) Hendrickson, was born April 18, 1918 in Hoff Township in Pope County, Minnesota. Her dad liked the name Hazel, but she ended up going by the name Lorraine. She was confirmed at West Zion Lutheran Church in 1932 by Rev. K. R. Palmer. Lorraine attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Hancock High School in 1937.
Lorraine was united in marriage to Arnold Naig,  September 17, 1939 at the East and West Zion Church Parsonage by Rev. K. R. Palmer. To this union five children were born. Following their marriage, the couple lived and farmed in Langhei Township in Pope County. Lorraine loved to bake and was best known for her homemade bread, donuts and kringla. She also loved digging in the dirt and tending all her flowers. The couple moved to Starbuck in 1975. For several winters, Arnold and Lorraine vacationed with their son, David, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lorraine was a member of West Zion Lutheran Church, where she was active in Sunday school and Ladies Aid (sewing many quilts for missions and baking for bake sales). She was also a leader for the Langhei Aces 4-H Club. For many years she enjoyed working as a volunteer for the Minnewaska Lutheran Home Auxiliary.
Lorraine died  Monday, February 16, 2015 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. She lived to the age of 96 years.
She is survived by three sons: Keith (Carol M.) Naig of Clontarf, Charles (Nancy) Naig of Elk River and Jim (Carol L.) Naig of Starbuck; one daughter: Linda (Kent) Trask of Kansas City, MO; one brother: Al (Jeanne) Hendrickson of Sacred Heart; 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, David; her parents and siblings: Vivian Valnes and Delores Strom.
Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck was in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences to the family please visit www.starbuckfh.com. In lieu of individual thank you’s, the family will be making a donation to local charities.

Dennis “Denny” Schultz, 69 of Benson, died on Tuesday, March 03, 2015, at the Golden Living Center in Benson.  Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Roger Lesteberg, 58, of Kerkhoven, died  Friday, February 27, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family and friends.  
A funeral service was held 1 p.m.  Monday, March 2 at the United Methodist Church in Willmar.  Visitation was Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.  
Roger Lee Lesteberg was born  June 24, 1956 in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Roy and Elizabeth (Lundberg) Lesteberg.  He grew up in the Kerkhoven area where he graduated from Kerkhoven High School in the class of 1974.  
At the age of 19, Roger took over his father’s road grading business.  
Roger was united in marriage to Melanie Wright  August 28, 1976 at the United Methodist Church in Willmar.  The couple lived in Kerkhoven.  Roger continued to work for 42 years and was joined by his brother Ron and later his son Ryan.
Roger was baptized at the United Presbyterian Church in Kerkhoven and later confirmed in 1970.  He was active in the church as an usher and played in church softball.  He enjoyed playing baseball with the Norway Lakers and Raymond Rockets.  He also enjoyed golfing, deer hunting, and ice fishing.  He loved spending time with his family and cherished the time he could spend with his grandchildren.
Surrounded by his family, Roger past away  February 27, 2015 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. 

He is survived by his wife Melanie, son Ryan (and Nicole) Lesteberg all of Kerkhoven, daughter Mandy (and Scott) Oja of Lonsdale; grandchildren: Paytyn, Brock and Gabe Lesteberg and Alana Oja; mother, Betty McDonnell of Murdock; brothers Ronald (and Pat) Lesteberg and Mark (and Mary) Lesteberg all of Kerkhoven, five step-siblings: Doug, Linda, Chuck, Mike and Chris and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father Roy, step-father Earl McDonnell and grandparents.

Kevin A. Harstad, age 29, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, formerly of Benson, died on Monday, March 2, 2015, at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, the result of a severe asthma attack.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2015, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Evie A. Gunderson, 97, of De Graff, died on Tuesday March 3, 2015 at the Swift County Benson Hospital.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday March 10, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in De Graff.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at the church on Tuesday.  Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is in charge of the arrangements.

On Thursday morning, March 5, 2015 at her home in Benson, MN, Lu Ann Flaspeter left her family suddenly, at the young age of 59.
 
A Celebration of Life Service will honor Lu Ann on Thursday, March 12, at 1 pm, with a time of gathering starting at 11:30 am, all at Redeemer Lutheran Church 14226 West 280th, Henderson, MN. Pastor Diane Goulson will preside. Pall bearers will be her nephews, Josh Oldenburg, John Flaspeter, Bill Flaspeter, Mike Flaspeter, Terry Kader and Dustin Brabec. Lu Ann will be laid to rest at the Church of Redeemer Cemetery, Henderson, MN.
 
On July 19, 1955, in St. Peter, MN, Lu Ann was born the second of three children to Lloyd Charles and Ethel JoAnn (Lurth) Oldenburg. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in
Le Sueur, MN. Growing up on a farm meant long days and hard work. This experience, however, was her foundation that carried her through life and sculptured Lu Ann into being hardworking, dedicated and strong. She spent countless hours picking rock, walking the fields pulling weeds and tending to the sheep. Lu Ann especially enjoyed bottle feeding the babies, even if it meant a mama sheep getting upset a time or two. She graduated from Le Sueur High School in 1973. Lu Ann’s dream was to attend college to be an artist.  
 
Lu Ann’s life became complete when she meet a handsome man named, Jerome Flaspeter. Attending a dance together and sharing a meal at Ann’s Café in Belle Plaine, well you could say the rest is history. Honoring her country’s 200th Anniversary, Lu Ann had a centennial wedding of red, white and blue. She and Jerome were married on July 17, 1976 at Zion United Church of Christ. As a young girl, Lu Ann had Rheumatic Fever, which she was told she may never have any children. Lu Ann later became blessed to be a mother to a precious baby girl, Gina.
 
First settling down for two years in Belle Plaine, MN, Lu Ann, Jerome and Gina spent the next twenty years (1978-1998) living in Montana. She was very adventurous and courageous moving out to Montana. They lived in very rural areas and had to haul in their own drinking water from a local spring. Lu Ann again spent countless hours tending to the sheep. She made sure the babies were bottle feed, even if it meant well into the night and early morning hours. Lu Ann had a special gift with the wild deer too. She had this gentle and trustworthy spirit, empowering the deer to eat out of her hand. As a family, they enjoyed exploring ghost towns, driving through the mountains and picnics. In 1990, her family moved to Benson, MN, where there was plenty of fresh water! Lu Ann and her family continued to raise and nurture sheep and now included geese too.
 
For 25 years, Lu Ann took her craft of cooking serving the children in Benson School District and at the local nursing home. She was always exploring cook books for a new recipe. Some of Lu Ann’s experiments were mouthwatering and other not so much. She was very quiet in nature and easy going. Yet opened up around her brothers and their families. Lu Ann’s great passion was that being a devoted wife to Jerome and a mother to Gina.
 
Lu Ann’s legacy will continue on in the hearts of those she left behind, husband, Jerome; daughter, Gina Flaspeter; mother, JoAnn Oldenburg; brothers, Robert Oldenburg, Randy (Jane) Oldenburg; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
 
There to welcome Lu Ann home in heaven was her father, Lloyd Oldenburg; nephew, William Oldenburg; and sister-in-law, Jeanne Oldenburg.
 
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Jordan Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Flaspeter family.

James Albani, 92, of Glenwood, MN passed away on March 10, 2015. A Memorial Service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church will be held on Friday, March 13th at 10:00.
Jim was born on March 31, 1922 in Hibbing MN to Dominic & Annunziata Albani. Jim practiced dentistry for 39 years in Benson, MN before retiring in 1981 and moving to Glenwood. He was a graduate of Hibbing High School and the University of Minnesota Dental School.
Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years and 9 children, 8 grand children and 2 great grandchildren. His surviving children are Jim, Ann, Mary and Marty McNamara, Toni, Dominic, Bridget, Patrick, Dino and Lisa Albani and Peter and Cindy Albani. He was preceded in death by his 3 sisters and 1 brother.
He met his wife Kathleen at the University of Minnesota and they were married on September 6, 1945 at St. Francis Church in Benson. She was truly the love of his life.
Jim was an avid golfer, hunter, wood worker and jewelry maker and active in St. Francis Church in Benson. He loved playing bridge and teaching it.  He also loved to dance and was quite the dancer. When his grandchildren and great grandchildren visited, it was always a highlight for him. He also loved riding his bicycle which was a passion of him in his later years.

Wesley Ferdinand Teske, age 94, of Baxter, passed away on Tuesday March 10, 2015.  Wesley was born on June 29, 1920 in Swift County, Minnesota to Gustav & Clara (Reuss) Teske. Wes married Dorothea Jagow on January 17, 1942 in Benson, Minnesota.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Diane (Richard) Hanson of Vergas; Deborah ( Allen) Krook of Maple Grove; Jeff (Susan) of Baxter; brother in law, Frank McDaniels of Brainerd; 6 grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 12 step great grandchildren.

Services for Wes will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 11AM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church of Baxter.  Visitation will be on Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 4-7PM with prayer service at 6:30PM at Halvorson Johnson Funeral Home-BRAINERD CHAPEL, and one hour prior to the service, Friday, at the church.

Burial will be at the Baxter Cemetery.

Lucille Irene Diederich, 59, of Redwood Falls, Minnesota died Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at the Redwood Falls Area Hospital.  
Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2015, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Visitation was held prior to the service from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church.   
Lucille Irene Diederich was born in Benson, Minnesota February 21, 1956, the daughter of Cletus Matthew and Doris Louise (Matter) Diederich.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis Catholic Church.  Lucille grew up in the Benson area and graduated from St. Francis Catholic School and Benson Senior High School in 1974, and attended the University of Minnesota in Morris for two years.  She worked at Jennie-O, and at the West Central Tribune subscription department in Willmar, and various jobs in the Benson and Willmar area.  
She enjoyed her cats, reading, art, listening to music, visiting on the phone, card playing, and visiting with people.  
Lucille was called from this life  Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at the Redwood Falls Area Hospital.  She attained 59 years and 13 days of age.
Lucille is survived by her special friend, Andrew Tennant of Redwood Falls; brother, Paul Diederich of Benson; sisters: Margaret Ann (Rudy) Diederich-Lee of Minneapolis, Jean Diederich of Minneapolis, Patricia (Arvel Jr.) Watkins of Benson, and Mary Ellen Diederich of Windom; nieces and nephews: Chrycisse Diederich, Maia Diederich-Lee, Bryony Diederich, Michael (Megan) Diederich, Ryan Diederich, Brianna Watkins, Ashley Watkins, Amanda Watkins, and Kimberly Watkins; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cletus and Doris Diederich; and brother, Joseph Diederich,  February 2, 2015.
Please sign the guest book at www.zniewskifuneralhome.com  
Arrangements were with Zniewski Funeral Home.

Rosemary A. Dahl, 77, was born on December 22, 1937 in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the daughter of Lawrence and Gertrude (Mathison) Soat.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Faith.  She grew up and attended school in Terril, Iowa and completed two years of Community College.
 
Rosemary was united in marriage to Dale Dahl on June 15, 1957 in Estherville, Iowa. This union was blessed with over 57 years of marriage; one son, Michael, born in 1961, and twin daughters, Laura and Lisa, born in 1963.  She was a school teacher in Estherville and Terril, Iowa. They moved to Appleton in 1966, where they owned and operated Dahl’s Super Valu grocery stores in Appleton, Benson, and Ashby, Minnesota.
 
She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary. She befriended a lot of people through church and community, and she loved her coffee friends. She loved reading, baking, spending time with friends and family, coffee time, and shopping. Rosemary especially loved spending time with her two grandsons, Brandon and Nathan.  She brought lots of love, joy, and laughter to everyone around her.  She volunteered her time with organizations in the community. She entered the Glenwood Retirement Village in April of 2008.  Rosemary was called from this life on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the Glenwood Retirement Village.
 
She is survived by her husband, Dale of Benson; daughters, Laura (Mark) Ascheman of Danvers and Lisa Bonebright of Moorhead;  grandsons, Brandon Ascheman and Nathan Ascheman; and three brothers, Don Soat of Jackson, Michigan, Jim (Diana) Soat of San Antonio, Texas, and Bud Soat of Jackson, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Gertrude Soat; in-laws, Raymond and Evelyn Dahl; her son, Michael; and many aunts, uncles, and nephews.