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Fred Albrecht
Wednesday, Oct. 10
Fred Albrecht, 89, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001 at Freeman Community Hospital.
Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Paul Luthern Church in Freeman. Burial at the Freeman City Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman with the family present from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Laura Ebbesen Patnoe Kirsch
Wednesday, Oct. 24
Laura Ebbesen Patnoe Kirsch, 94, died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001.
Funeral: Saturday, Oct. 24, in White River. Interment at White River Cemetery.
ANNA S. PULLMAN
Anna S. Pullman was born in McCook County east of Bridgewater to Paul M. and Sarah Wollman Pullman on May 3, 1907 and passed away to her eternal home on March 29, 2002 at the age of 94 years, 10 months, and 26 days.
She attended country school through the eighth grade after which she stayed home and helped on the family farm. She farmed with her brother John and sister Susan until they retired. They spent their earlier retirement years living on the farm until Sept. 25, 1992 when Anna and her sister moved to the Salem Mennonite Home.
Anna lost her hearing in her mid- life years and got along with a hearing aid. She enjoyed reading the newspaper and her Bible as long as her eyesight permitted.
On March 26, 2001 Anna moved to the Freeman Community Nursing Home because of failing health and eyesight. Anna was a very caring and loving person especially to all of her nieces and nephews and showed a great interest in each of them.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgewater.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul M. and Sarah Wollman; her sisters: Marie and husband John A. Hofer, and Mrs. Elizabeth Erickson; her brother, John W. Pullman; an infant sister Katie; an infant brother Joseph; and brother-in-law Eldo Lackman.
Her memory will be cherished by her sisters: Susan Pullman of Salem Home for the Aged in Freeman; and Edna Lackman, Elma, Wash.; brother-in-law, Martin Erickson of Salem; a cousin, John D. Hofer, Long Beach, Calif.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The funeral was held Monday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m. at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman with Rev. Dudley Horning officiating. Karol Hofer was pianist with Devona Wiskur and Harold Hofer as soloists. Phyllis Hofer was accompanist. Pallbearers were Bill C. Wiskur, Korey J. Hofer, Doug Gilbert, Calvin Hofer, Harold Hofer and Steven Hofer. Interment was at Bridgewater City Cemetery.
Anna V. Smidt
Died 9/27/03
Anna V. (Graber) Smidt was born April 4, 1901, to Carl and Caroline (Ries) Graber. Having reached the age of 102, Anna passed away peacefully at the Freeman Nursing Home, on Sept. 27, 2003.
Anna's parents homesteaded near Starkweather and Alsen, N. D., where she attended rural schools and Hampden High School. She attended Freeman Academy for three years, graduating in 1921; and later, attended Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen.
On June 21, 1928, Anna and Harold Smidt were united in marriage. They made their home and farmed on the Smidt "home place" south of Freeman, until Harold's death in 1969, at which point Anna moved to Freeman. While the couple had no children, they both inspired and nurtured their extended family of nieces and nephews, as well as their children.
Anna was a gentle teacher to many in a variety of settings, including rural schools, Sunday school, and 4-H. Her lasting legacy as a teacher was in her daily example as a tireless farmwife, housekeeper, gardener, and genealogist. While raised and baptized in the Mennonite faith, Anna joined the Lutheran church in 1933. She researched the history for the Salem Lutheran Church, of which she was a 70-year long member, for their 90th anniversary booklet. She also prepared extensive genealogy histories of the Ries, Graber and Smidt families.
"Books are my companions," she often stated. An avid reader, she also enjoyed traveling to historical sites; crocheting and making afghans; visiting; eating fine meals and having a good cup of coffee. Her childhood days in the fields and gardens of North Dakota instilled in her a lifelong passion for vegetable gardening, flowers, and the out-of-doors.
Joyful for having shared her life are Alice Graber; Goldie Smidt; Donald and Ardith Baer, Michael and Debra Baer, Carleen, Guy, Alex and Katie McNeely, Mark Baer; Clarice Haar, Linda Haar, Doug and Jeanne Haar; Janice and Arnie Larson, Linda and Dan Hurley, Lori and Greg Larson, Scott and Leigh Larson; JoAnn and Jim Sanders, Laurel and Tyler Putman, Becky, Sarah and Anna Sanders; Bob and Lynda Graber, Holly and John Giles, Heather and Cesar Miranda, Corrine and Steve Collen, Katie and Steve McGuire, Megan Graber and Nathan Graber; Jimmie and Sharon Smidt, Marlene and Glenn Sellevold and the extended Smidt family.
Awaiting her in heaven are her husband and parents, and members of her family including her sister and brothers, a niece and nephew-in-law: Lydia (Graber) and Albert Schmidt; Martha (Boese) and Jake Graber, and infant son, Dennis; Henry Graber; Rita (Schmidt) Baer; Wallace G. Haar, and members of the Smidt family.
The funeral was held Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. at the Salem Free Lutheran Church with Rev. Mike Klenner officiating. Kathy Klenner was pianist with vocal music by family members. Pallbearers were Don Baer, Bob Graber, Nathan Graber, Doug Haar, Arnie Larson and Jim Sanders. Interment was at Salem Free Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Pauline Holzwarth
Friday, Dec. 8
Pauline Holzwarth, 96, died Friday, Dec. 8, 2000 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center in Menno, S.D.
Funeral: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Zion Reformed Church in Menno. Burial at Menno City Cemetery.
Visitation: Starting at 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 11 at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman and one hour prior to funeral at Zion Reformed Church
Orlando "Chevy" Kaufman
Tuesday, April 10
Orlando "Chevy" Kaufman, 78, died Tuesday, April 10, 2001 at Sioux Valley Hospital and University of South Dakota Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Funeral: Arrangements pending with Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home in Parker. Visitation will begin at noon on Thursday, April 12, at the Marion Funeral Home.
John Mendel Jr.
Tuesday, Oct. 9
John Mendel Jr., 73, died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001.
Funeral: Monday, Oct. 12, at Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church.
Annie Watson
Thursday, Oct. 18
Annie Watson, 92, died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001.
Funeral: Monday, Oct. 22, at Bethany Mennonite Church of Freeman. Interment at Menno City Cemetery.
Roland Senner
Wednesday, Feb. 6
Roland Senner, 90, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 at Freeman Nursing Home.
Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, at Bethany Mennonite Church of Freeman. Burial at Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman, with the family present from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Arlene Neufeld
Arlene Larson Neufeld, daughter of Charles O. and Mary Forslund Larson was born May 8, 1912 in Oakland, Neb., and passed away March 25, 2002.
Arlene was baptized at seven years of age, confirmed and became a member of the First Methodist Church in Oakland on May 14, 1922. After graduating from Oakland High School she received a BFA degree from the University of Nebraska where she was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon honorary music sorority. She taught public school music for nine years in Nebraska and South Dakota and gave private piano lessons for 35 years.
On June 22, 1939, she married John O. Neufeld in the First Methodist Church in Sioux Falls. A year later they moved to Freeman where their son, John Charles, was born.
Her church membership was transferred to Bethany Mennonite in 1958. She was active in the music department and also served on various committees and the church council.
Arlene's family was the center of her life, especially in recent years while living alone. Sharing activities with John and Jenille and grandsons Michael and Matthew was very special. She felt richly blessed.
Another special interest since 1976 was organizing and planning activities for the widows clubs she organized in Freeman and Turner County.
She leaves to mourn her daughter-in-law, Jenille; grandsons, Matthew, Michael and fiancˇe, Sarah Staebell.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, John O., on Nov. 19, 1975; her son, John C. on Aug. 18, 2000, her brother Eldred; her parents; and a host of relatives and friends.
The funeral was held Friday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethany Mennonite Church with Rev. Randall L. Tschetter officiating. Organist was Renee Hartman with special music by Matthew Neufeld and Sharon Ratzlaff. Pallbearers were Michael Neufeld, Matthew Neufeld, Ron Fystro, Don Prescott, Jake Gross, Jr., Gordon Gross. Honorary pallbearers were Gerda Prescott, Martin Haar, Leonard Wiens, Dennis Wollman and Merwin and Arlene Nelson.
METHA KOERNER
Metha Koerner nee Bender was born to Jacob and Karoline (Mettler) Bender on March 22, 1913 in Menno. She was baptized by Rev. Retterhaus on May 25, 1913, and was confirmed by Rev. Bohemman on June 26, 1927. Metha was a life-long member of the Reformed Church.
Metha married Alvin J. Koerner on March 26, 1936. Alvin and Metha farmed northwest of Freeman until 1977 when they retired to Freeman. This union was blessed by two daughters, Darlene and Jeanette.
Metha died June 15, 2002. She leaves to mourn her departure: Darlene and husband Clinton Bauer, Freeman, Jeanette and husband William Kaus, Freeman; seven grandchildren: Cindy and husband Chas Adams of Arizona, Mark and wife Betty Bauer, Freeman, Jeff Walklin, Sioux Falls, Beth and husband Bryan Schaefer of California, John Walklin, Sioux Falls, Steven and wife Jennifer Bauer, Rapid City; and Noel and husband Steve Ahlers, Mitchell; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Waldemar and wife Delores Bender, Menno; one sister-in-law, Leona Koerner, Freeman; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband in 1992; three brothers; and one sister.
The funeral was held Wednesday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Reformed Church of Freeman. with Rev. Randall Klynsma officiating. Organist was Betty Koerner and Dennis Koerner was usher. Pallbearers were Mark Bauer, Steve Bauer, John Walklin, Jeff Walklin, Steven Ahlers and David Bender. Interment was at Kleinkassel Cemetery.
Simon J. Preheim
Sunday, Dec. 3
Simon J. Preheim, 93, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2000 at Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, S.D.
Funeral: 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Moundridge Funeral Home Chapel in Moundridge, Kan. Burial at First Mennonite Church Cemetery, Moundridge.
Laura A.R. Graber
Friday, Feb. 23
Laura A.R. Graber, 96, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2001 at Freeman Community Nursing Home.
Funeral: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman. Burial at Freeman City Cemetery.
Curtis Elmer Brosz
Tuesday, Feb. 5
Curtis Elmer Brosz, 79, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002 at the Freeman Community Nursing Home.
Funeral: 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8, at Frieden's Reformed United Church of Christ of Tripp. Interment at Frieden's Reformed United Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 12 noon on Friday, Feb. 8, at the Petrik-Kelley Memorial Chapel in Tripp.
HAROLD E. HOFFMAN
The funeral for Harold E. Hoffman was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10 in The United Church of Canistota. Rev Ron Sumption officiated at the service. The organist was Diane Mammenga and soloist was Nichole DeMent. Pallbearers were Paul Hoffman, Bruce Hoffman, Ryan Hoffman, Lon Remme, Rod Hartman, and Ronald White. Military honors were provided by the Bridgewater American Legion. Burial was in Riverside Methodist Cemetery, rural Marion. A prayer service was held on Tuesday evening in Kinzley Funeral Home, Salem.
Harold was born Oct. 29, 1925 at Hardwick, Minn., to Adolph and Laura (Koll) Hoffman. He grew up in the Hardwick area and graduated from Luverne High School. After high school he entered the Army and served for three years from 1943 to 1946 where he participated in campaigns in Germany. After the war he returned to Minnesota and worked with his father as a carpenter and well repairman and also worked on several farms in the area. He married Lela White on March 16, 1958 in Riverside Methodist Church in rural Marion. They moved to the Dolton area in 1959 and had lived there since.
Harold worked at various auto and tractor repair shops in the area, last working for Knudson Implement in Salem until they closed. He retired in 1988 and raised chickens as a hobby in his retirement.
He passed away unexpectedly at his home in rural Dolton on Thursday July 4, 2002. He had reached the age of 76 years, eight months and five days.
Survivors include his wife, Lela Hoffman of Dolton; four sons: Steven (Lisa) Hoffman of Hartford, Kevin (Judy) Hoffman, Dolton, Jim Hoffman, Bridgewater, Douglas (Barb) Hoffman, Jacksonville, N.C.; seven grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; one sister, Edna Christensen of Hendricks, Minn.; and two brothers, Robert (Mary) Hoffman and Donald (Janie) Hoffman of Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and one sister.
Walter Lee Siemens
Died 9/24/03
Walter Lee Siemens was born June 10, 1926, in Buhler, Kan., to Henry Siemens and Elise Froese Siemens. He grew up on the family wheat farm, the fourth of five brothers.
At age 14, Walter lost his father, and assumed responsibility for his mother and seven-year-old brother, Abe. His older brothers, married and with families of their own, lived nearby, and the Siemens brothers remained close.
In high school, Walter excelled in basketball, baseball, music, and science.
While studying at Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., he met Janis Krehbiel of Freeman. They shared a love of music and performed together in the Bethel College Choir. Walter graduated from Bethel with a degree in physics and education in 1951, as did Janis, with a degree in music and education. They each took teaching positions in different towns, but remained in touch, and married in the spring of 1952. They settled in Oakley, Kan., and both taught. They were blessed with their first child, Rosanne Elise in 1953, and their second, Laurie Leigh in 1955.
Walter resumed his postgraduate education at the University of Notre Dame, and later at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, Va. By then, they had a third daughter, Sandra Gay, born in 1960. From Charlottesville they moved to Northern Virginia, where Walter took an administrative position with Fairfax County Schools and Janis taught music in the public schools.
After his retirement, he resumed teaching at the college level. He was the recipient of a National Science Foundation Grant and held a U.S. patent in photographic image processing.
Walter and Janis remained at their home on Rambling Road in Vienna, Va., until 2000, when they moved to the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Va. Walter had been in failing health, with advanced Parkinson's disease. He suffered a fall Wednesday, Sept. 23, which resulted in cerebral hemorrhaging. He died at 3 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. He was 77.
Walter is survived by his wife, Janis; their three daughters; two sons-in-law; and four grandchildren. Of his four brothers, only the eldest remains.
Walter Siemens is thought of fondly by the many students he guided. He will be remembered for his gentle nature, his sense of humor, and his beautiful bass voice.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Burial will take place in Buhler, Kan., at a later date.
