Obituaries
Paul D. Rohlf
Paul David Rohlf, age 70, died on Saturday, January 12, 2008 surrounded by his family at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., as a result of an auto accident. He was born February 20, 1937 in Nessel Township, Rush City to Hans (Henry) and Nancy Rohlf.
Paul lived most of his life in Rush City. During his primary years he attended the Rohlf School, a one-room schoolhouse located near the family farmstead. He then attended and graduated from Rush City High School in 1955. Following graduation he worked for Dahlman Manufacturing in Braham as a welder. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1962 during the Korean War. Upon his return, he met and married Mary Ann Ertz.
Paul and Mary lived in Minneapolis for about a year where Paul worked for Hauenstein & Burmeister manufacturing elevator doors. The couple moved back to Rush City in 1964 but Paul continued to work in Minneapolis for many years. Paul and Mary were blessed with three children. In the early 1970s Paul began his part-time entrepreneurial ventures, which eventually developed into Rohlf Enterprises, his full-time business in 1987. Paul enjoyed his family operated business so much that he continued until his accident. He had no plans to retire, only to slow down. In addition to his business, he and Mary enjoyed attending their grandchildren's school and sporting events. Fishing and spending time with family and friends were his greatest joys.
Paul will always be remembered for his strong work ethic, quick wit, gentle spirit, ability to beat the odds, and quiet yet profound love of God and family. He will be deeply missed.
Paul is survived by his wife Mary, his children David (Leslie) Rohlf of St. Paul, Paula (Erik) Metling of Mahtomedi, Brad (Cindy) Rohlf of Lakeville, 12 grandchildren, his sister Carol Gustafson of Silver Bay, brothers Edward (Milly) Rohlf of Rush City, Ted (Muriel) Rohlf of Osceola, Wisc., his father-in-law Bud Ertz, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Hans Henry and Nancy (Johanson) Rohlf, sister Gloria Mettling and mother-in-law Millie Ertz.
Rev. Father Xavier Thelakkott officiated at a Mass of Christian Burial for Paul Rohlf Wednesday 11 a.m. at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Rush City. Music was provided by organist Nancy Sterk and soloist Kyle Hanson. Cantor was Paula Belland. Honorary casket bearers included Paul's coffee buddies Dean Harmon, Jerry Parkin, Carroll Ramberg and Howard McNitt.
Active casket bearers included Randy Rohlf, Jim Mettling, Bill Mettling, Dan Mettling, Doug Erickson and Doug Hanson with the interment in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rush City. Military rites at the cemetery were provided by the Grothe-Jacobson VFW Post #6692 and the Rush City American Legion. Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service - Olson Chapel of Rush City, Minnesota.
John T. Zeien
John "Tom" Zeien, age 84 of San Diego, CA. died on December 7, 2007 at the Pomerado Hospital in San Diego, CA.
He was born on January 19, 1923 in North Branch to Maurice and Judith (Alvin) Zeien.
Tom was born and raised in North Branch, Minn. where he met the love of his life, Shirley Johnson. They eloped on his way overseas to serve in the 446th Bombardier Group in World War II. Tom was the only young man from North Branch who survived the war. After the war he attended the University of Minnesota where he earned his degree in chemical engineering. Their first son was born while he was a student.
Tom enjoyed a multifaceted career and truly loved his work. He began his career with Standard Oil Company in Baltimore, Maryland, where their first two daughters were born. The family moved to Cloquet, Minn. where Tom began his long career with Conoco Oil Company, and their third daughter was born. Subsequent positions took the family to Billings, Montana, where their second son was born, and to Houston, Texas. Conoco sponsored Tom's advanced study at Cornell University and Harvard University in management and leadership development. His final position with Conoco was Vice President of International Refining, during which he traveled the world. Upon retirement, Tom and Shirley relocated to Rancho Bernardo.
Tom was a very active person who loved the outdoors. He grew up hunting and fishing with his cousins, activities he enjoyed throughout his life with friends and his lovely wife, who expertly cooked the wild game he brought home. He also enjoyed camping, boating, and water skiing in Minnesota with his family and friends. Tom started golf as a boy, and it became his passion. Conoco provided opportunities for Tom and Shirley to golf in many countries and participate in pro-am tournaments. They enjoyed their retirement years on the Rancho Bernardo Golf Course, winning many a tournament and traveling with the Nomads to other courses in California. Tom and Shirley were blessed with a love affair for life; they were very best friends through thick and thin for 63 years.
Tom was a family man, a great man who lived with strength and courage. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch with Rev. Susan Schoon officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in North Branch. Casketbearers were Robert Zeien, Bob Schedin, Jim Schimelpfenig, Kevin Hogan, Bruce Johnson and Todd Johnson.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of San Diego, CA; children; Robert (Kelly) of Menlow Park, CA; Candace (Alan) Ewell of Honolulu, HI; Carol (Walter) Tingley of Arvarda, CO; Cathy (David) DuBois of Akron, OH; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son; Craig Thomas in 1999.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch, Minn.
Violet J. Oquist
Violet Judith Oquist, 95, of Virginia, formerly of Melrude, Minn. died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2007 in the Virginia Convalescent Care Center. At her request, there will be no formal funeral services. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Memorials and remembrances may be directed to Juanita Markgraf, 7440 Melrude Rd., Melrude, MN 55766.
Violet was born March 4, 1912 in Parkers Prairie, Minn. to John and Jennie (Osterberg) Nelson. She lived in Elmora where her father worked in a blacksmith shop. She attended rural School #65 near Rose City, Minn. and later married Fredolph Oquist in South Dakota.
During WWII she worked in the defense plant in St. Paul assembling gliders. She enjoyed catering for weddings and worked as a private cook for several families.
Violet was a former member of the Lutheran churches in Roseville, North Branch and Lindstrom, including its Mothers Club. She was currently a member of the Eastern Star, North Branch Chapter. In 2002 she moved to Melrude.
Survivors include her children: Juanita (Edward) Markgraf of Melrude and Reynold (Dorothy) Oquist of St. Louis Park; four grandchildren: Kellie Oquist, Heidi Oquist Debbie Ruchette and Charlie (Linda) Hiott of South Carolina; four great-grandchildren: Benjamin Layland, Michelle Layland, Taylor Miles and Kallan Sharpe; two great-great grandchildren: Zoie and Max.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; brothers, Joseph, Leonard, Reuben, Vern, Wallace and Louis and sister, Mabel.
Clarice A. Swanson
Clarice Alvera Swanson was born in Kost, MN Sept. 11, 1920. She moved to North Branch at an early age where she graduated from high school. She graduated from the University of Minnesota as an RN. After practicing at various places in MN and CA, she married Harold Swanson Nov. 13, 1951 in Long Beach, CA. Their son Eric was born in Jacksonville, NC in 1955.
After living all over the United States, they returned to North Branch after Harold's retirement from the Navy and Clarice became a public health nurse for Chisago County. She was a member of Incarnation Lutheran Church, the University of MN Alumni Association, Navy Relief Society, co-chairman of the Young Republicans of Hennepin County when first married and throughout the years various women's organizations.
Clarice is survived by her husband of 56 years, Harold H. Swanson, granddaughter Tammy (John) Barbie, grandson Rob Swanson, great granddaughter Sophia Barbie, daughter in law Rae Swanson and sisters Ardys Skoglund (Dr. Robert Howard), Lorraine Olson, Norma Hebert, sister-in-law Mabel Peterson, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relations.
She was preceded in death by her parents Alice and Arthur Peterson, son Eric H. Swanson, brother Clifford "Tip" Peterson, and sister Violet Skoglund.
Clarice enjoyed dancing, playing Bridge and attending concert at the Ordway and Orchestra Hall. She will be remembered for her gracious entertaining and love of God, family and friends.
A funeral service was held on December 21, 2007 at the Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview with Rev. Jim Hougen officiating. Inurnment was at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Jeremy Bestland
Jeremy Adam Bestland, age 31, died on January 1, 2008 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. He was born February 25, 1976 in Osceola, Wisconsin.
Jeremy grew up in Marine on the St. Croix with his mom and eight siblings. If you were lucky enough to know Jer as a child, you know his smile could light up all the shadows. If you were lucky enough to know him as a man, you also would have loved him.
Jeremy and his Mom shared a love of fixing things. Mom always let him tear things apart and figure out how they worked. He was truly a self taught electronic genius.
His many hobbies and interests included refurbishing antiques, radios and buying and selling lawn mowers and computers on eBay.
Jeremy worked as the manager of online sales for Garceau Hardware and Power in Vadnais Heights. He loved his job and often talked about it with great excitement.
Most of all, Jeremy loved his family. He recently purchased a home with his wife in Grantsburg, Wisconsin and was excited about fixing it up and making a home with his new family.
Jeremy had the heart of a giant and the tenderness of an angel. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.
Jeremy is survived by his wife Michele; son Douglas Bestland of Brainerd; step-daughter Erin; sisters Anita (John) Svec of Scandia, Mn, Annette Viebrock of Osceola, Mn, Angie (Dwayne) Scofield of Rush City, Mn, Deanna Gabrielson (Joe Koch) of St. Croix, WI, Joanne Paulsen of Rush City, Mn, Susan (Craig) Haugrud of Rush City, Mn; brothers David and Jeffrey Bestland of Brooklyn Park, Mn.; mother Darlene Bestland of Marine on the St. Croix; father-in-law Michael Cecka of Spooner, WI; mother-in-law Jan Thompson of Barron, WI and many nieces, nephews and friends
Jeremy was preceded in death by his niece Anna Viebrock and nephew Mark Gabrielson.
A funeral service was held on January 4, 2008 at the Olson Funeral Chapel of Rush City with Rev. Laurie O'Shea officiating. Music was provided by Annette Viebrock and Dena-Rae Ferguson. Casket Bearers were Craig Haugrud, John Svec, Dwayne Scofield, Joe Audette, Joe Koch, Curt Gabrielson. Interment was in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City, Minnesota. Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Olson Chapel of Rush City.
Ella C. Carlson
Ella C. (Dahlquist) Carlson, age 85 of North Branch, died peacefully January 1, 2008 after a long and painful illness.
She is a loving mother, grandmother, & a friend to many.
She was born on June 4, 1922 in Taylors Falls to parents Lars and Eva Dahlquist.
Ella is survived by her son Wayne and wife Thora Carlson, 2 grandsons Kelly and Matthew, sister Thelma & brother Harold.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband Carl (Kelly), 1 sister & 4 brothers.
Christian burial was held 2:00 pm Saturday January 5, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund.
Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom.
Gary L. Corrier
Gary Lee Corrier, age 66, died in Mesa, Arizona on December 19, 2007. He was born September 6, 1941 in Rush City, Minnesota to Morris and Mildred (Dahlin) Corrier. He attended Rush City Schools, was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City, the Rush City Eagles Club, the Moose Club, and the VFW Auxiliary of Arizona.
On October 28, 1961 Gary married Darlene Corty. To this union two children were born, Corinne (Scheele) and Bradley Corrier.
Gary lived most of his life in the Rush City area. He and Darlene lived in Blaine, Minnesota for a few years and then moved back to Rush City. They lived in Rush City permanently until the last few years when they spent winter months in Arizona.
For many years Gary drove truck for Handke Grain in Blaine, eventually retiring from this company. He enjoyed deer hunting and loved the yearly fishing trips to Canada with his brother and friends. He really loved spending time with his relatives and friends. He especially enjoyed his time in Arizona and loved the warm climate.
Gary is survived by his children: Corinne (Tim) Scheele of Rush City and Brad Corrier of Grantsburg, WI; grandchildren: Tom Stenmo, Trevor Haugrud, Travis Haugrud and Taylor Scheele all of Rush City sister: LouAnn (LeRoy) Larson of Rush City; brothers: Wayne (Sally) Corrier of New Brighton, MN, Jay (Janie) Corrier of Rush City; mother-in-law: Myrna Corty of Grantsburg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Kathleen Larson, Dennis (Lana) Corty, Roger (Jan) Corty, David Corty, Joan (Pete) Lauer all of Grantsburg, and Jean (Jim) McAllister of Ham Lake, MN; and extended family member Edwin Siegel.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife Darlene, parents Morris and Mildred Corrier, father-in-law Donald Corty, sister-in-law Gladys Corrier
and brother-in-law Robert
Larson. He will long be remembered and missed by his family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Gary was celebrated 11 a.m. January 5, 2007 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City with the Reverend Father Xavier Thelakkott presiding. Music was provided by organist Dianne Kirchberg and soloist Tim Ronning. The urn bearers included Gary's grandsons; Tom Stenmo, Trevor and Travis Haugrud with the inurnment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rush City.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service, Olson Chapel, Rush City, Minnesota.
Herman James
Herman Douglas James of North Branch died on January 5, 2008 at the age of 66 years. He was born on December 21, 1941 in Inez, Kentucky to parents Allen & Virginia James.
Herman is an outdoor enthusiast who loved nature, hunting and fishing. He is a Vietnam veteran and a longtime member of the American Legion.
Herman is preceded in death by his parents and brother Phillip James and sister Preshe James.
He is survived by his loving partner Jan Klein, children E. Bernice Hauser, Mark D. James, and Carrie LeTourneau, 8 grandchildren Mark, Courtney, Brennen, Clarissa, Madison, Ethan, Jeremy, & Jessica, and great grandchild Josiah; brothers David & Parker and sister Janis Bennett.
Memorial Service 11:00 am Wednesday January 9, 2008 at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom with a private family interment.
Burton O. Peterson
Burton Orvin Peterson, age 86 of Northfield, died on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis surrounded by family members.
Burton was born in Northfield Township, Rice County, Minnesota on October 23, 1921 to Christian Nels and Bertha (Berg) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Northfield. Burton attended old District 75 rural school, graduated from Northfield High School in 1939 and attended St. Olaf College until he became ill due to Undulant Fever. Burton was very active in 4-H and the rural youth organization. He showed beef and hogs at the Minnesota State Fair and Junior Livestock Show and won many awards. He farmed with his father for several years until he took over the family farm. He married Helen Wegner on October 6, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Northfield.
Burton was an active lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church where he served as church president and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a lifelong farmer who took special pride in the stewardship of the land. He was passionate about promoting the dairy industry. He was president of the Northfield-Rice Holstein Club and director of the Farmer Co-operative Elevator. He served for many years on the American Dairy Association promotion board, Mid-America Corporate Board, and the Minnesota Dairy Promotion Council.
Burton was a bank director for 21 years with the bank now known as Community Resource Bank, was a Northfield School Board member for two terms, served on the endowment committee for St. Peter's Church, the fundraising committee for the Northfield Senior Center and served on the United Way. He also was a Rotary Club member and enjoyed singing with the Troubadours.
After his sons took over the family farm operation, Burton and Helen enjoyed traveling with friends to many different states and countries. He loved dancing to the sounds of the "big bands" at local ballrooms. Burton was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Gophers. He enjoyed playing 500 and dominos. He loved to amuse friends and family with his endless Ole and Lena jokes. Burton loved spending time with his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Helen of 51 years; 5 children: Sue Wilberts (Chris) of St. Paul, Chris (Marcia) Peterson of Northfield, Brian (Mary Peterson of Northfield, Julie Ploetz (Scot) of Rush City and Bruce (Carol) Peterson of Northfield. Twelve grandchildren include: Megan, Tyler, Becca, Andrew, Maren, John and Sam Peterson; Laura, Logan and Lyrik Wilberts; Cody and Conner Ploetz.
3 sisters and 1 brother: Esther Bradstreet of Wallingford, CT, Carmen Grove and Arly Boyum of Northfield, Curt (Lu) Peterson of Edina and brother-in-law Wally Schmidtke of Morristown. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Verna Schmidtke, brother-in-laws Charles Bradstreet, Jerome Grove, Stan Boyum and nephew Bill Wegner.
The funeral was held Saturday, Jan. 5 at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Northfield, MN.
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