Obituaries

Wilma M. Taplin, 69

BELDENVILLE - Wilma M. Taplin, age 69, of Beldenville died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2000, at Fairview Red Wing Hospital.

Services are pending at Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Ellsworth.

Ross Hillman, 84

PLUM CITY - Ross Hillman, age 84, of Plum City, formerly of the Dunn County area, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2000 at Sacred Heart Hospital.

He was born July 15, 1915, to Orange and Mable Hillman in the town of Red Cedar in Dunn County.

He married Elvina Flynn on Dec. 8, 1943, and she died in 1977. He married Betty Raethke July 5, 1988.

He farmed in Barron and Dunn counties from 1943 to 1965. He was employed at National Presto from 1965 to 1977 and has worked in janitorial services since 1977.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; two sons, Ronald (Carol) of Peoria, Ill., and James (Jackie) of Forest Lake, Minn.; three daughters, Dixie Bjurstrom of Barron, Diane (Lee) Veldhouse of Idaho Springs, Colo., and Tracy (Roger) Linse of Eau Claire; three stepsons, Ralph (Janelle) Raethke and Roger (Barbara) Raethke, both of Pepin, and Ronald (Tetesuko) Raethke of Clarksville, Tenn.; two stepdaughters, Joan (Bruce) Peterson and Joyce (Jon) Stewart, both of Stockholm; one sister, Erma Van Blaircom of Amery; one brother, Russell Hillman of Connorsville; mother-in-law, Julia Flynn of Eau Claire; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Ora Gene Hillman; two sisters, Edna Wilrobie and Lorraine Bonte; and one brother, Orin Hillman.

Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 7 at the Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, with Pastor Bruce Beyer officiating. Spring burial will be in Vanceburg Cemetery in Sheridan. Pallbearers were Ronald Hillman, Dixie Bjurstrom, Diane Veldhouse, Lee Veldhouse, James Hillman and Tracy Linse.

Mary A. Falde, 92

SPRING VALLEY - Mary Anna Falde, age 92, of Spring Valley died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000, at the Spring Valley Health Care Center.

She was born Nov. 1, 1907, the second of five children born to Joseph and Sophia (Matzek) Kvapil in Trimbelle Township. She attended public school for only a few years.

She married Gust Sotona and one son, Eugene, was born. They divorced when their son was two-years-old.

She married Adolph "Duffy" Falde and one son, Douglas, was born. They farmed most of their married life. He died in 1976, after which she lived in rural Martell on the same property as her son Douglas.

She was a resident of the Spring Valley Health Care Center since March 1978, where she enjoyed working with crafts and, in the summer, helped plant and care for the flower gardens. She had also served as president of the Resident Council.

Survivors include: six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Pat Falde of Cumberland; nephews and other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were: her parents; her husband; her sons, Eugene and Douglas; a grandson.

Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 6, at Rush River Lutheran Church with Rev. Jon Sutherland officiating. Music was provided by organist Amy Holdorf. Burial was in Rush River Lutheran Cemetery. Bearers were: Glenn Sotona, Wade Sotona, Jeff Sotona, Brock Sotona, Travis Sotona and Douglas Falde.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, handled arrangements.

Ephriam J. Berryman, infant

HAGER CITY - Ephriam John Berryman, one-day-old son of Thomas and Martha (Puckett) Berryman Jr., Red Wing, died Thursday Feb. 3, 2000, at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.

He was born Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, Minn.

Surviving in addition to his parents are: one sister, Eve, and two brothers, Elijah and Enoch, all at home; maternal grandparents, Mike and Janie Puckett of Hastings, Minn.; paternal grandmother, Nancy Halpaus of North St. Paul, Minn.; maternal great-grandparents, Dale and Jenny Puckett of Pocatello, Ida.; paternal great-grandfather, Harlan Halpaus of Park Rapids, Minn.; and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral was Monday, Feb. 7, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Hager City, with Bishop James Lash officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Red Wing.

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, handled arrangements.

Roger T. Zignego, 57

SPRING VALLEY - Roger T. Zignego, age 57, of Spring Valley died Tuesday morning, Feb. 1, 2000, at Myrtle Werth Medical Center in Menomonie.

He was born Nov. 1, 1942, in Baldwin to Harry and Doris (Thompson) Zignego. He graduated with the Class of 1961 from Spring Valley High School.

He married Christine J. Biesterveld on July 25, 1964, in Eau Claire. They had three children. They divorced in 1989.

He farmed in the Town of Cady and also worked various construction jobs. He was a lifetime resident of the Spring Valley area and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He is survived by: his three children, Bruce (Bobbie) of Spring Valley, Amy (Tod) Torgerson of Eau Claire and Brian of New York City; six grandchildren; his mother, Doris Zignego of Spring Valley; two brothers, Don (Margaret) of Woodville and Jim of Fargo, N.D.; mother-in-law, Helen Biesterveld of Eau Claire; three brothers-in-law, Roger (Maryanne) Biesterveld and Tom (Lois) Biesterveld of Eau Claire, Richard (Mary) Biesterveld of Alba, Mo; three sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Herb) Fields of Colorado Springs, Colo., Linda (Art) Hanold of Chippewa Falls and Sara (James) Julson of Eau Claire; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were: his father, Harry; his paternal grandparents, John and Eva (Nord) Zignego; his maternal grandparents, Emil Thompson and Delia (Wettleson) Thompson Johnson; and his step-grandfather, Henry Johnson.

Funeral was Saturday, Feb. 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley. Fr. Varkey Velickakathu officiated the service, assisted by Brett Swearingen. Music was provided by organist Ellen Rominski and the church choir. Spring burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Spring Valley. Bearers were: Dave Wettleson, Frank Zignego, Demonic Zignego, Arden Timm, Lloyd Mathiesen and Chris Lickness.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, handled arrangements.

Dorothy B. Langer, 83

Dorothy B. Langer, age 83, Ellsworth, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2000, at Ellsworth Care Center.

The daughter of Theodore and Gertrude (Rasmus) Yanisch, she was born Feb. 21, 1916, in Trimbelle Township. She attended the Lantz, Lost Creek and Beldenville schools, and also Ellsworth Senior High School. She married Fred Langer June 17, 1942, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Ellsworth.

From 1940 to 1942, she worked for the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and, for a short time, she was Norman Franklin's housekeeper. She was a 50-year member of the Ellsworth American Legion Auxiliary and a member of St. Francis Church, the church Altar and Rosary Society and the Thurston Hill Goodwill Club. She enjoyed playing cards, doing needlework and sledding.

Surviving are: her husband, Fred; four children, Jim (Vicki) and Ron (Darlene) of Ellsworth, Gaylen (Sue) of Beldenville and Sharon (Dennis) Getzie of River Falls; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marie (Ralph) Johnson of Maiden Rock and Helen (LeRoy) Betlach of River Falls; and one brother, Warren (Marjorie) Yanisch of Ellsworth.

Preceding her in death were: one daughter, Diane; one brother, Allen, and one granddaughter.

Mass of Christian burial was Monday at St. Francis Catholic Church, Ellsworth, with the Rev. Thomas Donaldson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Ellsworth handled arrangements.

Phillip J. Richie, 71

Phillip "Phil" John Richie, age 71, of Ellsworth and formerly of North Hudson died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2000, at the River Falls Area Hospital after being taken to emergency by ambulance from his home.

He was born Jan. 21, 1929, at the family home in North Hudson, the son of Felix and Rose (Caliguire) Richie. While growing up in Hudson, he received his education from St. Patrick's Catholic School. On Feb. 20, 1954, he was married to Geraldine Trudell at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hudson. He worked for the United Refrigerator Company in Hudson prior to his enlistment in the armed forces. He served in the United States Army from 1951 until his honorable discharge on Dec. 30, 1952. Following this, he returned to United Refrigerator. In September of 1961, the Richies bought the Shady Grove Tavern, which they operated until 1974. He remodeled houses and offices after selling the tavern. In 1979, he suffered a heart attack, which required him to reduce his busy schedule of working. He then began to work on smaller projects and started working with wood. This became a special hobby as he made cabinets, bird houses and special furniture for friends and relatives. His great knowledge of electrical, plumbing and wood gave him the name "Mr. Fix It." There wasn't any project that he wouldn't take on or attempt, as he thoroughly enjoyed its challenge. He also loved to cook. Although he was quite versed with Italian cuisine, he would surprise everyone with his own new recipes. He thoroughly enjoyed watching and feeding birds, especially cardinals; they would never go hungry. His family also relied on him to take video of all the family events. He was a member of the American Legion, Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club, and a devout and faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church.

He is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Jeri; daughters, Mary Jo (Rick) Langer, Patty (Howie) Kittleson, both of Prescott, Beth (Kim) Huppert, Lynn (Rich) Harris, both of Ellsworth; sons, Phil (Sherri) Richie, Rick Richie, both of Ellsworth; brother, Ernie Richie of North Hudson; sister, Dorothy (Ron) Jensen of Clayton; as well as 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Reuben and Patrick; and sister, Lucille.

Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, Feb. 4, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Officiating was Pastor Thomas Donaldson. Organist was Connie Cobian, accompanied by the Resurrection Choir. Interment was in St. Francis Cemetery. Casketbearers were: Jack Richie, Jon Richie, Jeff Richie, Scott Richie, Joe Richie, Chuck Riley, Greg Riley and Jim Jensen. Memorials are preferred.

The O'Connell Family Funeral Homes of Hudson and Baldwin handled arrangements.

Thomas O. Sundell, 82

Thomas Otto Sundell, age 82, of Red Wing died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000, at Hi-Park Care Center in Red Wing.

He was born Oct. 4, 1917, in Vallialla Township, Wells County, N.D., the son of Carl and Marie (Olson) Sundell. He moved to the Maiden Rock area in the late 1930s. He married Ann Erickson Jan. 31, 1939, in Red Wing. He worked for Durkee-Atwood and for S. B. Foot Tanning Company, retiring in the 1980s. He and his wife also owned and operated the Ellsworth laundry for 10 years. She died Feb. 13, 1989.

He is survived by: one daughter, Connie (Roger) Wentz of Diamond Bluff; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were: his wife; five brothers, Pete, Charlie, John, Paul and Ted Sundell; and one sister, Helen Mellum.

Spring burial will be in Diamond Bluff Cemetery. There will be no other services per the request of the decedant.

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Richard A. Hase, 49

PLUM CITY - Richard Allen Hase, age 49, of Buffalo, Kan., died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2000, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Chanute, Kan.

He was born April 7, 1950, in Plum City, the son of Charles W. and Marie (Menke) Hase. He was raised, attended public school and graduated high school in Maiden Rock. He came to Kansas at age 19 and lived in various locations in the state.

He was married to Melinda R. Hatzenbuehler on Dec. 27, 1969, in Hutchinson, Kan. He was a self-employed cabinet builder most all his life, but in his spare time he helped 4-H clubs with woodworking projects, played golf or hunted. He was also a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of the Andover Lutheran Church in Windom, Kan.

He is survived by: his wife, Melinda R. Hase; three sons, Scott Hase of Newton, Kan., Chris Hase and Lynn Hase, both of Inman, Kan.; four grandchildren; his mother, Marie Hase of Maiden Rock; two brothers, Denny Hase of Buffalo City, Mo., and Tony Hase of Downsville; six sisters, Darla Nelson of Frederick, Judy Burr of Kansas City, Kan., Cheryl McKinley of Bay City, Kathy Mohr of Plum City, Jeannie Pfingston of Ellsworth and JoAnn Krings of Plum City; and one sister-in-law, Joyce Hase of Nickerson, Kan.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Jerry Hase.

Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 4, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Inman. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to The Arthritis Foundation or to the organization of the donor's choice in c/o of the mortuary.

Johnson Mortuary of Chanute was in charge of local arrangements.

Rosella Ericson, 71

RED WING - Rosella (Anderson) Ericson, age 71, of Hopkins, Minn., died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Minnetonka, Minn.

She lived in Red Wing from the late 1920s to 1965. Her husband, Neal Ericson, is formerly from Red Wing.

She is survived by: her husband; one son, John (Diana); one daughter, Marna (Dan); two grandchildren; one sister, Lillian (Ernest) Brostrom; and one brother, Kenneth (Beverly) Anderson.

Memorial service was Friday, Jan. 28, at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in the Twin Cities. Burial was in Fort Snelling Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.

David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata, Minn., handled arrangements.

Hazel J. Reding, 80

HAGER CITY - Hazel J. Reding, age 80, of Zumbrota, Minn., died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2000, at her home.

She was born Nov. 20, 1919, in Wabasha County (Minn.) to Hugh and Inga (Lesterberg) Van Houten. She attended school in Wabasha County and later lived in Hager City. She married Donald Reding June 16, 1951, in Hastings, Minn., and they moved to Zumbrota. She worked at Zumco and at Telex in Rochester, Minn. He died April 27, 1981.

A member of United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, she was a volunteer at the Zumbrota Food Shelf.

She is survived by: seven daughters, Mary Ellen (Cyrus) Reding of Bellechester, Minn., Kay (James) Gallagher of Apple Valley, Minn., Susan (Conrad) Yust of Eyota, Minn., Donna Copley of Rochester, Patricia (Mark) Friedrichs of Kasson, Minn., Barbara Ross of Rochester and Lori (James) Buck of West Concord, Minn.; four sons, Charles (Rose) Van Houten of Oronoco, Minn., Richard (Bonnie) Reding of Byron, Minn., James (Cindy) Reding of Zumbrota and William (Bernita) Reding of Mantorville, Minn.; 26 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Sylvester of Plainview, Minn., and June Makie of Zumbrota; two brothers, Hugh Robert (Elsie) Van Houten of Hager City and John (Delores) Van Houten of St. Paul Park, Minn.

Preceding her in death were: her husband; one son, Robert Reding; two granddaughters; one sister, Leora Gerken; and two brothers, Marvin and Lester Van Houten.

Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Untied Redeemer Lutheran Church, Zumbrota, with the Revs. Darin Easler and Frank Wampach officiating. A private family burial will be at a later date in St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Alan Van Houten, Jesse and Nick Reding, Donald Yust, Steven Copley and Jamie Quade. Visitation was to be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota, where a prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Memorials are preferred to Zumbrota Hospice.