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ALBERT J. LOEWEN
On Dec. 28, 1916, Albert, the second child was born to Jacob C. and Lena (Ratzlaff) Loewen, on a farm near Dolton. He passed away on July 21, 2002, at the age of 85 in the Freeman Community Hospital.
At the age of three months he, his parents and his older sister moved to a farm near Richey, Mont., where he grew up. He received his elementary education at the Victor School, a small country school near their home. In his teens he worked at different occupations offering a helping hand for the well-being of a large family of sisters and brothers. He worked in a coal mine. He loaded coal manually and delivered it to the Richey business place and to private homes in the city and also country homes with team and wagon, often in inclement weather. He did a lot of sheep shearing which was done by hand. For a while he worked on the construction of the Fort Peck Dam.
In 1937 he returned to South Dakota to work in the harvest and other farm work. He also did well drilling with his uncle and cousin.
In 1939 Albert married Rose Schoenwald in Marion. To this union a daughter Julaine Nila was born. They were fortunate to have been able to celebrate both of their 50 and 60 year anniversaries.
They started married life together managing the Gross Hatchery in Marion for three years. They then moved to Sioux Falls for one year, where he worked for John Morrell and Company. After that they took up farming in the Dolton area for 35 years. In addition to farming he worked for the Turner County ASCS for 10 years.
In 1977 they left the farm and moved to Freeman. For 10 years he drove a school bus for the Freeman School District.
We as a family give thanks for his dedication to work, for his quiet expression of his Christian faith, and the many ways he mastered in making both a living and a life. He attended the Silver Lake Church.
We are looking for the survival of his spirit beyond the grave and the sure hope of life eternal in us all.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Rose; daughter, Julaine and husband Larry Wittmeier, Clear Lake; two grandsons: Troy Wittmeier and wife Spring, Merriam Kan., and Todd Wittmeier and wife Nancy, Watertown; two great-grandsons, Shane and Dylan; and one great-granddaughter, Sara; four sisters: Esther and husband Simon Tieszen, Richey, Mont., Ella Maier, Rapid City, Helen and husband Donald Warkenthein, Willow Lake, and Janice and husband John Smith, Gillette, Wyo.; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Johnny and Corney; and two sisters, Susie and Ida.
The funeral was held Wednesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Silver Lake Mennonite Church with Pastor James Koller officiating and Marlaree Windish as organist. Art Becker, Curt Fast, Richard Walter and Harold Hofer were vocalists with Phyllis Hofer as accompanist. Pallbearers were Allan Schoenwald, Elton Schoenwald, Harley Thomas, Leander Becker, Ron Schoenwald and Willis Ratzlaff. Interment was at Schartner Cemetery.
VERA LILLIAN MATEER
Vera Lillian Mateer, daughter of Eva and Charles Rounds, was born in Rapid City May 14, 1906. She passed away on Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at Pioneer Nursing Home in Viborg, at the age of 96.
Vera spent her childhood in the Rapid City area and graduated from Black Hills Teachers College. She taught school for many years. She married Harry Albert (Ham) Mateer July 14, 1930, near Rapid City. They lived in Selby, Omaha, Neb., Mitchell, Centerville and Hurley.
Vera was a member of the Methodist Church in Hurley. She enjoyed the neighborhood coffee parties in Hurley and the many friends she and Ham met while spending winters in Texas. She and Ham spent lots of fun times on the golf course as both of them enjoyed the sport, having been members of Glenridge Golf Course, Irene, and Par Mar Valley Country Club, Parker.
Vera moved to Pioneer Villa in Viborg in 1993 and eventually moved to the nursing home.
Remaining to cherish Vera's memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Darlas Lehmann, Hurley; daughter-in-law, Lynda Mateer, Vienna, Va.; nine grandchildren: Clayton and Erika Lehmann, Mission Hill; Julie and Jim Ellison, Cary, Ill., Peggy and Jon Beihoffer, Boulder, Colo., Sandy and Krishnan Motem, Boise, Idaho, Lori and Micky Kidwell, Manassas, Va., Charles and Susan Mateer, Mesa, Ariz., David Mateer, Manassas, Va., Debbie and Justin Carlitti, Reston, Va., and Michael Mateer, Atlanta, Ga.; 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ethyl Rounds, Rapid City; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding Vera in death were her parents; husband, Ham; two sons: Curtis Dean and Charles Albert; four brothers: Jerome, Dean, Evan and Winnie; and two sisters: Josephine Walters and Ruth Raymond.
The funeral was held Friday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hurley with Rev. Steve Behrens officiating. Sandy Moten was pianist with Erika Lehmann as vocalist and Clayton Lehmann on trumpet. Pallbearers were Clayton Lehmann, Peggy Beihoffer, Chuck Mateer, Julie Ellison, Lori Kidwell and Michael Mateer. Interment was at the Hurley Cemetery.
ANNA PULLMAN
Anna Pullman was born April 3, 1917 to Dave and Mary (Gross) Pullman in Hitchcock, where she was raised and educated. Her parents died when she was about 15 and she lived with her aunt and uncle.
On July 19, 1935, she was married to Peter Gross at Fessenden, N.D. They made their home north of Chaseley, N.D., where they farmed until Peter passed away on Dec. 10, 1975. She continued to reside on the farm until her death. She passed away Monday, July 1, 2002 at the Harvey Hospital at the age of 85.
Anna's pride and joy was her family. She was always there for family and friends and was loved dearly. She will be greatly missed by all. She leaves a legacy of love to all the lives she touched. Blessed be her memory.
She is survived by five sons and four daughters-in-law: Aldean and Marcia Gross, Eugene and Gail Gross, Chaseley; Melvin Gross, Tacoma, Wash., Leland and Nora Gross, and LeRoy and Nancy Gross, Mandan, N.D.; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Adena Wipf, Huron, and Lavina Pullman, Freeman; and many other friends and relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Mary Pullman; her husband, Peter Gross; two sons: Gerald and Merle; one brother, Ferdinand Pullman; and two sisters: Emma and Lydia.
ALLENTON AMAN
Allenton Aman was born on Sept. 10, 1913, to Fred and Albina (Wahl) Aman on a farm two miles northwest of Freeman. He was baptized as an infant in December 1913 by Rev. Trieck. Allenton was instructed in the Bible and the Heidelberg catechism and was confirmed at the Salem Church at Menno in June, 1928, by Rev. Bodenman. He was a lifelong member of the Reformed Church where he was a member of the church council for ten years.
Allenton's education was limited to the eighth grade. His desire was to pursue his education in a degree of law. Due to the farm work, he was denied that goal. On April 14, 1940, he married Eleanor Handel. They assumed the responsibilities of farming and providing for their family. The Lord blessed them with three sons and a daughter. While farming, they were blessed with some beautiful crops. They retired from the farm in the spring of 1966. In addition to farming, Allenton worked with carpenters and also did carpenter work on his own.
He served his community in many ways. Allenton served on the school board for 12 years, county commissioner for 12 years, county assessor for six years, mayor for six years and councilman for two years. He was a charter member of the Freeman Hospital and a member of the board for ten years.
Most of his activities came to a halt when he suffered a stroke on July 29, 1982, from which he never fully recovered. He thanked God that his health was restored to the extent that he was able to get around and take care of himself.
A highlight in his life was the golden anniversary that he and Eleanor celebrated on April 15, 1990. They took great pleasure to see the many who came to celebrate with them. Allenton and Eleanor were blessed with almost another 13 years of marriage together and were able to celebrate their 60th anniversary in April , 2000.
Allenton is survived by his wife, Eleanor; three sons: Lloyd (Kay), Fred (Fran), and Larry; one daughter, Judy (Bill); eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren; brother Edwin; sister Viola Neuharth; sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Allenton was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
The funeral was held Monday, Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Reformed Church with Pastor Benjamin Hopp officiating. Special music was provided by Donna and Sharon Koerner with Vicki Schultz as organist. Pallbearers were Mark Aman, Brian Aman, Craig Aman, Roger Aman, Anthony Aman, Christopher Aman, Dennis Schrag and Kenneth Handel. Honorary pallbearers were Gillas Stern, William S. Gross and Ernest Hertz. Interment was at Freeman City Cemetery.
LLOYD KAUFFMAN
Lloyd Charles Kauffman was born June 4, 1914, to Charles J. and Fannie (Schrag) Kauffman on a farm 12 miles southwest of Marion. Upon graduation from Freeman High School, he completed a two-year normal course at Freeman College, and taught in rural schools for five years. At Freeman College, he met Myrtle Hanson. They were married at Salem Mennonite Church on June 18, 1939. To this union three sons were born.
In 1940, Lloyd's parents moved the family museum to Bethel College in Newton, Kan., and became curators of the Kauffman Museum, leaving the family farm for Lloyd to operate. For the next 25 years Lloyd farmed, while assisting his father's work in the Kauffman Museum. In Lloyd's spare time he studied the Bible and other great literature. For many years he taught Sunday school class in church. He was also an avid motorcyclist and outstanding revolver marksman. Following in his father's footsteps, he developed his own collection of antique cars, motorcycles, and stationary engines. Among his neighbors, Lloyd was known to be mechanically gifted. Almost every day someone would enlist his help in repairing a car, tractor or farm implement.
Upon the death of his wife in 1967, he dedicated his life to the Lord, desiring to serve on a mission field. Two years later, he married Esther (Nickel) Deckert who also had a desire to serve on a mission field. In 1970 they were called to serve at Mennonite Christian Hospital in Taiwan, where Lloyd was director of the maintenance staff. After 10 years of service, they returned to the United States and settled in Marion to become active in the Bethesda Mennonite Church. In the years that followed, Lloyd and Esther continued as lay missionaries, seeking to tell of the joy of salvation in Christ, and to help anyone in need.
In 1996, Esther passed away. As Lloyd's physical abilities decreased, he turned increasingly to helping others through prayer, having long lists of people and organizations for whom he prayed daily. Lloyd passed away July 10, 2002.
Lloyd is survived by his brother, Ralph and by his children: Charles and Betty Kaufman, Marshall, Minn., Garth and Sandy Kauffman, Douglas, Wyo., and James and Joyce Kauffman, Casper, Wyo; 10 grandchidren; and three great-grand-children. In addition he is survived by Esther's children: Geoffrey and Verda Deckert, Newton, Kan., Ross and Sheila Deckert, Denver, Colo., and Jacqueline Weiss, Waukee, Iowa; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The funeral was held Saturday, July 13, at 2 p.m. at Bethesda Mennonite Church with Pastor James Koller officiating. Organist was Pauline Hofer with Ralph Langerock, Al Nickel, Curt Schwartz, Ron Tschetter, Lonnie Waltner and Harvey Hopf as pallbearers.
Interment was at Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery.
ARLYS PREHEIM HILL
Arlys Preheim Hill died Feb. 6, 2003, in Wichita, Kan., after many years of kidney dialysis.
She was born in Sioux Falls Nov. 24, 1946, the daughter of Ted and Verna Preheim. She grew up on a farm near Marion and attended the School for the Blind in Redfield. She later moved to Beatrice, Neb., with her parents where she continued her education. In 1985 she moved to Wichita, Kan., where she married Leroy Hill on May 2, 1987. She is survived by her husband Leroy; her brother, Dean Preheim, Lindsborg, Kan.; and her sister, Rae Karen Kaufman of Lees Summit, Mo.
The funeral was held at Broadway Mortuary Chapel, Wichita, on Feb. 11. Interment was at White Chapel Cemetery.
GOLDIE G. MILLER
Goldie Grace (Gering) Miller was born to Jacob J. Gering and Caroline (Waltner) Gering on March 23, 1915. After enjoying a full and healthy life, mother had a severe stroke in 1998, which affected her walking and her speech. She entered the Freeman Nursing Home and accepted this change in her life without complaint or regret. She quietly and peacefully passed away on July 12, 2002, reaching the age of 87 years and four months.
Mother grew up on a farm southeast of Freeman in Turner County. She attended a country school 1/2 mile from the farm. She graduated from Freeman Academy in 1934.
On April 30, 1937, she married Clarence J. Miller, they lived on a farm east of Freeman for 31 years. To this union were born three children: Arlen Clare of Marion, Steven Gay of Freeman and Jessie Joy Peters of Hesston, Kan.
Mother became a Christian and accepted Christ into her life after she was married. She was a baptized member of the Salem Mennonite Church where she remained a faithful member and taught Sunday school for 40 years.
In 1968, after raising their family for 31 years, Mom and Dad felt a desire to witness and left the farm to work at Adriel School in West Liberty, Ohio, in voluntary service. After two years, Dad had a heart attack and they returned to Freeman, to the farm. Mom then worked at the Salem Home as a cook for 14 years.
After 43 years of marriage, Dad passed away. After adjusting to her new situation as a single person, Mom once again went into voluntary service at the age of 70 and worked at The Tea Room in Akron, Pa., under the MCC program. After one and one-half years of service, she returned to Freeman because of a heart condition.
Mother had unbounded energy and a desire to witness for her Lord by her words, actions, and life. Mother was very generous by sharing her garden products, homemade cheeses and baked goods with others who had less than she did. Mother greatly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even though Mother could not function well in recent years, she responded to Bible verses and her favorite gospel songs. We know she desired greatly to be with the Lord and lived with that in mind.
Those left to cherish her memory are sons: Arlen and wife Florence, Marion, and Steve, Freeman; daughter Jessie and husband Lee Peters, Hesston; grandchildren: Craig and wife Janelle Miller, Marion, Corey and wife Nancy Miller, Newton, Kan., Eric and wife Kelly Peters, Denver, Colo., Charles and wife Amy Miller, Tea, Trisha and husband Bill French, Denver, Jody and husband Steve Heeg, Augusta, Ga.; ten great-grandchildren; sisters: Joyce and husband Gayle Stalheim, Painesville, Ohio, and Florence (Jimmy) Goertz, Freeman; nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Ava, who died at one year of age; her husband, Clarence; one great-grandchild, Kate Miller; and one brother-in-law, Reuben Goertz.
Her funeral was held Tuesday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Mennonite Church, rural Freeman, with Rev. S. Roy Kaufman officiating. Organist was Harriet Kaufman with special music by her grandchildren: Craig and Janelle Miller, Corey and Nancy Miller, Eric and Kelly Peters, Charles and Amy Miller, William and Trisha French, Jody Heeg and Bethany Miller. Pallbearers were Craig Miller, Eric Peters, Trisha Peters, Corey Miller, Charles Miller and Jody Heeg
Interment was at Salem Mennonite Cemetery.
CALVIN KOERNER
Calvin Koerner was born Oct. 8, 1913 to Jacob A. and Albina (Mettler) Koerner. He was baptized on March 19, 1914, by Rev. H. Treick at the Kleinhassel Church of Freeman. He was confirmed by Rev. Hueneman at Zion Reformed Church on July 1, 1928. He attended Meadow Lane District #21 school.
He was united in marriage to Alice Oswald on Jan. 12, 1941, in Menno. They made their home northwest of Freeman, where they operated a registered dairy farm. Calvin loved to work with his cows and gave them much personal attention. He had great pride and dedication in his farming operation. He was on the board of the creamery for 10 years. He was a clerk for the school board and a member of the Lions Club for many years. He enjoyed serving his church by being a Sunday school superintendent and a deacon. He thoroughly enjoyed his children and loved playing with his grandchildren. On Feb. 3, 2003, at the age of 89, he died at the Sioux Center Nursing Facility, Sioux Center, Iowa.
Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Alice of Sioux Center; two sons: Arlo of Freeman, and LaVern and wife Wilma of Arizona; a daughter, Tweila Van Voorst and husband Norm, Sioux Center; six grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five stepgreat-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-great-grandchildren; one brother, Aaron and wife Emma, Freeman; one sister, Ruth Record and husband Robert, Menno; four sisters-in-law: Leona and Lorraine, Freeman, Mabel, Sioux Falls, Mae, Granville, Mich.; and one brother-in-law, Sigesmund Liepelt, Denver, Colo.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clinton; six brothers: Albert, Herbert, Gideon, Wilmer, Hugh, and Marv; and two sisters, Freida and Edna.
His funeral was held Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Zion Reformed Church with Rev. Hans Kalkman officiating. Marion Auch was organist with special music by the Zion Reformed Church Choir. Pallbearers were Dan Moore, Dave Moore, Stan Koerner, Paul Koerner, Elroy Koerner, and Eryle Hilton.
Marjorie J. Sorensen
Marjorie Joyce (Mayer) Sorensen was born on Aug. 27, 1926 in Wakonda to Fred and Joyce (Peterson) Mayer. She completed her elementary education in Irene and graduated from Wakonda High School.
Marjorie married Chester Sorensen on Oct. 25, 1944 in Wakonda. They farmed in the Irene area and then moved to Freeman in 1960.
Six children were born to this union, Tim, Keith, Sam, Julie Ann, David and Mary Ann.
Marjorie worked 19 years for Northwestern Public Service in Freeman, retiring in 1988. She then became the secretary for Bethany Mennonite Church for four years.
Marge enjoyed crocheting afghans for her children and grandchildren and was also an avid reader. She was a helper with the Awana Club at church between her chemo treatments. Her greatest joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grand-children.
Marjorie died Thursday, July 4, 2002.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Chet; five children: sons, Tim of Wanamingo, Minn., Keith and wife, Deloris, Newport News, Va., Sam and wife, Linda, Freeman, David and wife, Peggy, Yankton, and daughter, Mary Ann and husband, Stuart Preheim, Marion; brothers: Gaylord and Beezie Mayer, Olathe, Kan., and Richard and Jeanette Mayer, Norfolk, Neb.; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Preceding Marjorie in death were her parents; infant daughter Julie Ann; and grandson Jamie.
Memorials will be donated to the Freeman Community Hospice Fund.
The funeral was held Tuesday, July 9 at 2 p.m. at Bethany Mennonite Church with Rev. Randall L. Tschetter officiating. Organist was Pauline Hofer with vocal music provided by Donna Preheim. Sam Sorensen presented a tribute. Pallbearers were Chris Sorensen, Jason Sorensen, Libby Ferdig, Ryan Sorensen, Stacy Preheim, Brandon Sorensen. Honorary pallbearers were all family and friends. Interment was at Turkey Valley Cemetery in Irene.
Irma Walter
Irma A. Bunge Walter was born on Dec. 3, 1915, at Hull, Iowa. She was one of 14 children born to Rev. Paul and Margaretha (Kruse) Bunge.
Irma was baptized on Dec. 16, 1915 in St. Paul Lutheran Church at Hull and was confirmed on May 31, 1931 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church near Armour.
She attended grade school at Hull before moving with her family to Menno where her father was a Lutheran pastor. She attended Parkston High School, graduating with the class of 1935. While at Parkston she resided with her sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Jack Horchler and family. She attended deaconess school in Milwaukee, Wis., and then enrolled in nurses' training at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls. She received her degree as a licensed practical nurse, and was employed in the same hospital.
She was united in marriage to John S. Walter on Jan. 25, 1951, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa. They made their home in Freeman, where she was employed at the Freeman Hospital and at the Salem Home for the Aged. Her husband passed away on Jan. 2, 1984.
She moved from her home to an apartment in the R&S Village at Freeman for a year before becoming a resident at the Salem Home at Freeman. On June 28, 1990 she became a resident of the Menno-Olivet Care Center at Menno, where she resided until her death on July 3, 2002, at the age of 86.
She is survived by one brother, Luther Bunge, Palm Harbor, Fla., a group of nieces and nephews and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; six brothers and six sisters.
Irma was very devout in her Christian faith, and will be remembered for her ability to recite by memory, many Bible verses and songs. Her caregivers were always rewarded with a smile and a polite thank you for all services rendered in her behalf.
The funeral was held Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. John Farden officiating. Organist was Betty Haar with special music by Katina Miller. Pallbearers were Rendell Schelske, Peggy Schelske, Deono Miller, Lonna Miller, Robert Tschetter and Harvey Wollman. Interment was at Neu Hutterthaler Mennonite Church Cemetery.
GERALDINE DORIS HANSEN
Geraldine Doris Hansen was born on May 10, 1927, to Albert and Lydia Roesler at Bismarck, N.D. She died at the age of 75 on Dec. 27, 2002, at 9:55 p.m. in the loving care of Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Geraldine grew up on a farm near Freeman. There she helped her parents raise her sister and three brothers while living near her four half brothers. She graduated from Freeman High School in 1945. She lived at home and worked as a grocery clerk at Ellwein's in Freeman where she met Leo Hansen for the first time. They married on April 16, 1948, and had three children: Russell R. Hansen (Betty) Billings, Mont., Rickey L. Hansen (Kandie), Aberdeen, and Janelle Brasen (Larry) Scottsdale.
She spent her life as a domestic farm wife, mother, and a great supporter of the ALCW at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in rural Irene, near their farm. In 1985, they retired from farm life and moved to Yankton. In 1987, they moved to the Phoenix, Ariz., area.
Survivors include her husband, Leo D. Hansen; sister Adeline (Leo) Schempp, Hurley; brother Elmo Roesler, Freeman; half brothers: Marvin Roesler, (Ruth) Freeman, Leonhard Roesler (Gisela) Peoria, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; and one grandson-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her infant brother Benny Roesler; her parents, Albert and Lydia Roesler; stepfather, Arthur Nielsen; brothers: Oren Roesler and Milo Roesler; half brothers: Richard Roesler (surviving wife Jean), and Helmuth Roesler; sisters-in-law: Margery Roesler, (Milo's wife) and Marjorie Roesler, (Elmo's wife).
The funeral was held Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. at Glass and Garden Community Church in Scottsdale.
