New Richland City Council

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

There were just enough New Richland City Council members present for a quorum Monday evening, November 28 at NR City Hall. Council members Amy Ihrke and Christine Gislason were both absent as Mayor Tom McShane called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the night’s short agenda was approved. There were no public hearings, petitions, resolutions, or people wishing to be heard.

Cody Dobberstein, representing City Maintenance, noted significant progress has been made in regards to the rain garden project at St. Olaf Lake Park. He reported the city had issued 27 delinquent utility bills resulting in no shut offs. Dobberstein presented the report for water use at the public hydrant on the corner of Ash Ave. and S. W. 1st St. He mentioned the snowshoes used for winter meter reading are broken and need replacing. The council approved up to $250 for the purchase.

Sheriff warns residents of rural burglaries

In the last year, there have been four burglaries in Waseca County which have something in common.

“They all occurred in rural areas, and involved residents who were attending funerals at the time of the burglary,” said Waseca County Sheriff Brad Milbrath. “So far, it has been mostly cash and change which has been taken.”

The people responsible for the crimes are more than likely obtaining their information from obituaries for family members published in the local papers or on the Internet.

Sheriff Milbrath urges everyone living in the rural areas to be vigilant and to lock their doors.

Holiday Train to be in Waseca Monday

“Making a difference, one stop at a time,” is the theme this year when the annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train makes a stop in Waseca on Monday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. The best viewing location is on the north side of the tracks adjacent to the depot area.

The reason for the holiday train is to benefit the Waseca Neighborhood Service Center and Food Shelf. More families than ever need your support. Help make a difference in your community by bringing a cash or food donation to this year’s Holiday Train.

Red Cross bloodmobile in Waldorf December 6

Give the gift that money can’t buy this Christmas.

By giving blood, you could be helping up to three individuals enjoy another hug, another laugh, another smile, another chance.

Plan to give blood at the Waldorf Community Center on Tuesday, December 6 from 1-7 p.m.

For an appointment call Bev at (507) 239-2461.

The holiday season is always so busy with activities that it’s hard to fit them all in. But we have to try. 

It may be a long time until next Christmas, but you don’t want to miss out on all the fun things the present brings. Look at your newspapers and church bulletins, as well as activities at schools in the area. Nothing is more delightful than the innocence and honesty of our young people and their abilities and talents. They are truly amazing.

Of course, Santa will also be making his yearly appearances in many of our local towns too with promise and good wishes for kids and adults alike.

There will never be another 2011 Christmas.

The first holiday concert at the NRHEG School, which featured the kindergarten through second-grade students, was priceless. They'll never be that age again. It was amazing to see the intelligence and talent displayed.

On December 2 and 3, the New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea will hold their 18th annual drive-through live nativity.

Trinity Lutheran in New Richland invites you to a Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 3 from 11 to 1 p.m.

The "home team" of the area who have crafts, gifts, books and things kicked off their show at the Geneva Community Building on November 18-19. It was fun. There will be more when they and others put on a craft and bazaar at the Community Building in Ellendale as part of Ellendale’s Christmas in the Country on December 4.

For 24 years, the Christmas city with a small-town atmosphere has been inviting you to come and see their fair city and all the things it provides on a daily and holiday basis. Pictures with Santa and kids bingo will take place at the new Vibrant Life Assembly of God church gymnasium (Youth Refuge Building). There will also be soups and bars at St. Aidens Catholic Church, a Christmas Cantata on December 4 at the Clarks Grove Baptist Church at 2, and the United Methodist Church in Ellendale at 7. There will also be an opportunity to ride in nostalgia in a horse-drawn wagon. Also say, "Thank you" to our local merchants, who will have specials and treats. Think what it would be like if they weren't there when you needed them.

Remember, December 4. Help others and yourself by buying local and American Merchandise.

Look around you. You are sure to spot some holiday foods to enjoy, either as meals or as baked goods. Lefse, cookies, lutefisk. Get out in the surrounding community. It puts one in a holiday spirit that is heartwarming and neighborly. Sharing your holiday masterpieces or goodies is a good trick.

Time. I know it is hard sometimes to take in all these things that are being offered, but think about the long winter ahead and enjoy the busyness. Earl Nightingale once said, "Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." Time wasted is existence. Time used is life.

Also , don't forget about the fast-approaching activities for fighting cancer! The Wild Game Feed is December 3. The 27th Annual Geneva Cancer Auction begins in January.

People are generous about sharing their lights and songs at Christmas. Enjoy them. Really enjoy them. Say thank you. Light up the darkness; it reduces the chance of depression. Whoever has a heart full of love always has something to give.

Send Christmas cards. Write a letter to a child or grandchild describing all the things you most love and enjoy about this person. Present it as a holiday or birthday gift. Surprise some people you haven't seen or heard from for a while. Pictures shared in greeting cards are always good. Dig deep in your address book. Let yourself go all out to enjoy the holidays. Go visit, especially the elderly who are not able to get out often. It is the best gift you can give. Those who live alone or in special homes never seem to get enough company and news.

It all boils down to people enjoying people, communicating and, if you can't squeeze everything in, write letters after the holidays to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors. I have friends who send Valentine letters instead. Christmas was never meant to be limited to a single day.

Need cozy time? Dig out the old home movies or even new ones. Sometimes we record, or take pictures, of all these events and then don't take the time to enjoy them. Looking back at picture albums and beautiful scrapbooks are good pastimes. 

Marvel how everyone changes through the years or even cry a tear or two thinking of someone who isn't there in person. Putting your pictures into albums or scrapbooks gives you satisfaction of completing a big chore, and allows you the time to reflect on events that have taken place in your life. Things only go around once. Enjoy!

Go all out. Christmas isn't just gifts that are merchandise. Christmas is all the celebrations and laughter and joy and moments of reverence as we thank God for the birth of the Christ child and share our religion. I doubt we'll find a segregation in Heaven. God has told us he has many mansions. It must be so.

Throw away petty differences and radiate the love that has been given us. Feel fresh and new!

Celebrate Christmas! Enjoy the events, the people and time well spent. Then, anticipate a coming new year, plan to make it better than the last. Count your blessings; see what God has done.

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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that they like to read about the local happenings and family events such as family and school reunions, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and birth and wedding announcements.

In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us, so we can then pass along the news to you. If you have news to share, please contact me.

Also, if our NRHEG Star Eagle readers would like to share birthdays and anniversaries of your family and friends, or you know of some that should be deleted, or names have changed, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, December 1st: Ethan Elliot Marzoff, Kyle Anthony Neidermeier, Jim Cornelius, Brian Waage, Laurie Ellis, Teri Horan Finke, Barbara Wangsness.

• Friday, December 2nd: Maryalice Hanson, Leah Wayne, Allura Danon Johnson, Paige Sorenson, Lyle Paulson, Jean Richards Worrell, Helen Sawyer, Heidi Wangsness, Heather Peterson, Dale Schewe.

• Saturday, December 3rd: Eric Degan, Ethan Fletcher Cornelius, Brian Van Ravenhorst.

• Sunday, December 4th: Sue Mattson, Sandy Larson Russo, Sue Brown Asplund, Shawn Vangen Steffen, Jeff Kasper, Skylar Larson, Holly Pichner, Max Jensen, Casey & Jon Homuth.

• Monday, December 5th: Bodie Laxon Newgard, his second; Phyllis Hanson, Rick Aaseth, Rosalyn Johnson, Kathy Lee, Christian Conroy, Shannon Jensen, Kelsey Loverink, Ron Farner, Larry & Mary Richards.

• Tuesday, December 6th: Sharon Johnson, Rodger Hill, Katie Marlin, Tony Jackovitch, John Lerum, John Kaplan, Sue Klemmensen, Chris & Marie Wallace,  Emily & Jeffrey O'Brien, their first.

• Wednesday, December 7th: Katie Olson, Tracy Holland, Sam Peterson, Angela Hensrud, Wanda Schwartz, Helen Schmidt, Kara & Eric Grant, Ron & Theresa Langlie, Dawn & Eric Degan.

May you find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day.

As another Thanksgiving Day disappears in the rear view mirror, we need to pause and remember what we are thankful for. As a lover of the outdoors I have always enjoyed watching wildlife and now, I’ve even become a birdwatcher of sorts. I don’t mean that I’m the kind of person that actively seeks out birds but one that puts up a couple of feeders and hopes to catch a glimpse.

My backyard has plenty of wildlife in it if you are paying attention. We had a woodchuck that would wander through the yard from time to time and plenty of rabbits and squirrels. Now to me, squirrels have always been a nemesis and seem intent on destroying anything that is chewable. I did solve the problem of them nesting in my back yard shed, but they still seem to manage to spend plenty of time in my garage.

We have one squirrel that kind of reminds me of the Cheshire cat in the Alice in Wonderland story. The thing seems to be about as big as a woodchuck and so fat that I sometimes wonder how it can even climb a tree. I purchased a bird feeder a little over a week ago and put it up in the tree by our deck. I filled it, left for about an hour and when I came home, the feeder was broken and laying on the ground with “Woody” the squirrel feasting on the spilt feed. 

When the squirrel looked up and saw me, it scurried away only to appear atop another tree chattering like it was taunting me. This just reaffirmed my feelings about those bushy tailed, tree climbing rats and also reminded me of some of the other things that they have destroyed.

I have my old boat parked in the back yard and a couple of years ago, the squirrels chewed the end off the transducer wire for my depth finder. I had an old Eagle Silent 30 that still worked great, but is useless now with no way to re-attach the end. Even with these little episodes, I still kind of like watching squirrels play as long as it’s in someone else’s yard.

We have had a pretty mild fall so far and hopefully a mild winter will follow. We do need the moisture and although moving snow is not on the top of my wish list, it would really help the lakes and streams that are pretty low at this time.

When I was growing up on the north edge of town, I always looked forward to the first snowfall. There was always something exciting about it, while a snowstorm always gave me a “cozy” feeling that was hard to describe. Maybe that feeling came from the fact that we had a small house and no matter how cold the temperature got, it was always toasty warm in the house.

I had a paper route as a kid. I can remember walking through some pretty deep snow delivering that paper each night. Thursday night was collection night and on nights when it was snowy and blustery, I’d be wearing the old 5-buckle overshoes, long Johns and a parka. Walking through the dark night in a snowstorm was something I actually enjoyed. This was another time when I actually felt close to nature and got that “cozy” feeling when my head was tucked under the hood of that parka.

Snowstorms were also times when some of the customers would invite you inside to have a cup of hot cocoa. But probably my favorite was when I’d go to Hills Steakhouse. I would always have to go to the back door on collection day. On more than one occasion, Bob Hill, who was the owner, would order up some French Fries and a bottle of Coke for the poor freezing paper boy who was braving the weather to do his job. 

Although the cold never seemed to bother me when I was out in it, I can still remember the pain of trying to thaw out my feet and hands by the heat register at the end of the night. These are all good memories of simple times and good folks.

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Just a reminder:

Make sure the ice is a steady 4 inches thick before venturing out on it. Even if it looks safe, it may not be, and the last thing you want to become is a statistic. Remind your kids to stay off the ice until it is safe. 

I can remember how tempting it was to walk on thin ice when I was a kid. It usually ended in no good; luckily the worst that ever happened to me was a wet pant leg or two which were soon turned into ice and sounded like two boards banging together when you walked.

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MUSKIE TALK

The annual fund raising banquet for Southern Crossroads Chapter 54, Muskies Inc., will be Wednesday, December 7, at the Eagles Club in Owatonna. Social hour is at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. Our speaker will be Rob Kimm, muskie writer for magazines, Outdoor News and others.

There will be raffles, a silent auction, and door prizes throughout the night. Tickets $20, kids 12 and under free. Open to public, need not be a member to attend. Help improve musky fishing in Southern Minnesota.

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Until next time, stay safe, keep off the ice and take a little time to enjoy the outdoors around you.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers during the coming year. They are the reason we are able to enjoy all the great freedoms that we have today.

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

“I’m on a diet where I eat nothing but pizza, doughnuts, and ice cream.”

“Do you think you will lose weight that way?”

“I doubt it, but I’m willing to try.”

Driving by the Bruces

I have two wonderful neighbors — both named Bruce — who live across the road from each other. Whenever I pass their driveways, thoughts occur to me, such as: possessions are never a true measure of worth.

Not part of the school lunch program

BIC pens were popular when I was in junior high. Students used black or blue pens. Teachers employed red pens to correct papers. BIC pens claimed to write, “First time, every time.” TV commercials showed BIC pens still writing after being shot from guns or strapped to ice skates. The pen had a cap covering the writing point and a plug at the other end. The plug discouraged ink smugglers. I gnawed on BIC pens. I was chewing on a pen in study hall. It was a well-chewed pen and the pen’s structure had begun to disintegrate. The plug popped out and went down my gullet. I enjoyed having beanie weenies, tater tot hotdish, or hamburger gravy on mashed potatoes for lunch. I wasn’t enamored with eating pen parts. The plug stuck in my throat. I coughed enough to embarrass myself and dislodge the plug. The freed piece continued its journey to my stomach. I considered penning the Idiots Guide to Chewing Pens. I didn’t stop using BIC pens. They proved useful in untangling audio cassettes. If I could do it all over again, I’d swallow the plug with hamburger gravy.

Time changes

I was here and there. I flew from Juneau, Alaska to Seattle, Washington. Seattle is an hour ahead of Juneau. I then flew from Seattle to Minneapolis. Minneapolis is two hours ahead of Seattle. By the time I arrived home, I was already three hours behind.

Hotel horrors

The hotel’s thin walls drew our attention to the drama in the next room. A harsh male voice found space for swear words in every sentence.

A woman's voice was shrill. She cried intermittently.

A second man's voice caused the first man to become louder. An exchange of slurred words produced protestations from the woman.

Screamed threats led to violence. In the midst of toppling furniture, bodies crashed against walls.

My wife called the police. We heard an officer knock on the door. His voice was calm and reasoning.

The door opened and closed. It was quiet. I hoped it was a good sign and that everyone would get it right.

Washington, D.C.

I spoke in Washington, D.C. and then followed a friend, Loren Ingebretson, on a walking tour. I slogged through history and rain. I didn’t carry an umbrella. I was afraid I might put an eye out. The rain rushed down as I hiked the iconic landscape. I learned to swim while walking.

I lobbied a bit while in our nation’s capital. Lobbying is organized whining. I met with two senators and a congressman. They listened. They listen to many people. Our elected officials are no better or worse than we are. Well, some might be worse. A congressman from Illinois proclaimed that Washington shouldn’t put one more dollar of debt upon the backs of his kids — the same kids he owed $117,437 in delinquent child support.

The District of Columbia is not a state, but if it were, it would have nearly ten times the lawyers per capita of any other state. According to Allstate Insurance, it has the nation’s worst drivers.

Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror

“Have a piece of pumpkin pie.”

The familial voice offered and ordered. I didn’t need pie. It wasn’t even pumpkin pie. It was squash pie. I had eaten an ample amount. I accepted a slice of pie with whipped cream. I didn’t take it for me. I ate the pie because I didn’t want anyone else to be forced to overeat because I didn’t do my duty as a Thanksgiving guest.

Nature notes

Blue jays remember where they have hidden food for several weeks. A number of bird species cache foods. Chickadees and nuthatches fill their throat pouches with seeds, fly away, and hide them in bark crevices, in the ground, or under stones or logs. Crows are adept at storing food. Research at Northern Arizona University found that birds remember caching locations by noting the positions of plants, stones, and other landmarks. If the landmarks were shifted, the birds erred by searching locations according to the landmarks’ new positions.

In appreciation

It was my pleasure to speak to 8th-grade English classes at NRHEG taught by Mr. Domeier and Mrs. Rudau. Great students and teachers.

Thanks to all who attended the New Richland Area Foodshelf fundraiser, to those who sent Hartland photos, to all who attended Cross of Glory’s soup and pie supper, and to the readers I encountered while speaking at Good Samaritan, Hidden Creek, and Oak Park Place.

Meeting adjourned 

Give kindness away and it will return.

November is our annual fall sabbatical. (In some circles this is known as deer hunting even though Genie doesn’t hunt.) To be legal, one must purchase a license in Minnesota. I purchased a license at Hy-Vee in Albert Lea. 

You must designate where you will be on your sabbatical. As soon as I said, “Cass Lake, MN,” the license application printed out an addition to the license.

The addition stated that I was part of a special survey, as I would be more than 300 miles from my residence. The survey stated that if I didn’t return the survey by December 10, 2011, my license for the sabbatical time period of Saturday, Nov. 5 - Sunday Nov. 20 would be null and void.

There were two conditions to be considered legal. One was to find and attend a friendly church all three Sundays. The other was to give 30 first names of every third employee with more than one year of employment, who also made us feel welcome where we stayed. A third optional condition: to hunt deer, shoot and miss said same.

We attended Trinity Lutheran Church on Highway 2 by Cass Lake all three Sundays. The first Sunday Pastor Peter Rosenkvist announced he had been gone three weeks, the congregation broke out in a round of applause. Pastor Peter thanked the congregation for showing their appreciation of his being back. Charlie, a member of the church, said he thought they clapped because pastor had been gone! ‘Twas then I knew Genie and I had found a friendly church; the first condition of my application was satisfied. (18 new members were welcomed the second Sunday.)

The second condition was very easy to satisfy. For example: Carol, Vernae, Brad, William, Rodney, Becky, Kim, Mike, Jason, Dorene, Deana, Joe, Stephm Maggie, Audrey, Heidi, Nakasha, Robert, Chris, Brennon, Melvina, Lorena, Brian, Tinona, Janie, Betsy, Laura, Peter, Amy, Jonie and Joy are 30 first names of the more than 90 qualifying friendly employees of the Palace Casino-Hotel where we stayed November 4 through November 20 by Cass Lake.

The third optional condition was satisfied by a miracle deer. (I shot one as he was standing still and he walked away.) Question, “What is buck fever?”

I checked with the DNR to see the reason behind the survey. They are creating a web site for certain areas of the state of where to attend church and where to stay, as per people like me giving a good response. (Cass Lake was my area.)

I hunted two to three hours 10 mornings of the 16 mornings of the deer hunting season. From this, you can see we had time for other things.

Genie and I attended the Veteran’s Day recognition dinner at the American Legion in Cass Lake. Genie attended the Saturday “Does Only” champagne brunch at Patrick’s in Longville along with Sandy Roscoe, (formerly of Albert Lea.) 

We visited the Heidi Dubois (nee Morriem) family in Moorhead for lunch. Heidi confessed she had baked an apple pie as our dessert for lunch, but Grandpa Philip Morriem was there the previous day and really enjoyed all the apple pie.

We drove to Baudette to attend the Holiday Craft and Vendor Extravaganza at Lake of the Woods School with Carol Edstrom and her neighbor Shirley of Lake of the Woods. Carol is a teacher there and has taught with us through Lutheran Association of Missionairies and Pilots at First Nation Villages in Canada. Once again, many thanks to the Palace employees for the great friendly service.

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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. This is the Hanson’s 36th summer at Beaver Lake. They leave the lake in mid-October to go south — to Albert Lea — and return in April. Bob says if you enjoy his article, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of Wisdom: There is always room for God. 

After pulling away from the Thanksgiving dinner table the scurs fell into deep slumber only to be awakened Friday night by the pitter patter of raindrops on the roof. Will we see more liquid precip or are our options about to dramatically change? Starting Wednesday, mostly sunny becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon. Highs of 40 – 45 and lows of 25. Thursday, mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow in the morning and a chance of snow in the afternoon. Highs near 35 and lows around 15.Mostly sunny on Friday with highs reaching 30 and lows around 20. Partly cloudy Saturday and Sunday with a slight chance of snow both days. Highs 30 – 35 and lows around 20. Monday, partly cloudy and cooler. Highs of 25 and lows of 10 – 15. Tuesday, mostly sunny and cold with highs of only 20 and lows near 10. The normal high for December 1st is 33 and the normal low is 15. The scurs have solved all the problems associated with Black Friday shopping. It’s called Black Christmas Eve shopping.

We did actually receive some liquid form precipitation this past week on Friday night/Saturday morning. At the ranch we recorded a whole .22” and in the rain gauge we’d forgotten to bring in at the Mall for Men, there was a strong .2”. In town we’ve shattered the previous month’s precip record by a tenth and at the ranch we’re within a couple hundredths of catching up to October’s precipitation. It still hasn’t done anything as far as contributing to soil moisture recharge but at this point, beggars can’t be choosers. Some have asked the burning question: With the soils as dry as they are, will the soil tend to freeze more deeply or shallower than we’d expect under more typical fall soil moisture going into freeze-up? I put this question to someone who would know, namely MN State Climatologist Mark Seeley. The answer: “Research shows that the dry soil will freeze deeper in the absence of snow cover than wet soil.” There ya go.

The recent light rains did make it less dusty in the fields of course. Amazingly though it didn’t even track mud back out of the field when hauling out the last of the main barn’s manure at the ranch. That was another mission accomplished. Who knows, we may even get the sheep back from the kindly neighbors pasture before they take their Christmas lights down. Seems like I get a little slower at doing it all with each passing year. It sure feels that way after barn cleaning too. Trying to move around the next day reminds me I’m not 18 anymore. I feel more like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz asking for my oil can.

Before Thanksgiving last week there was already a rash of Christmas decorating as evidenced by the holiday lighting on an evening drive. Too early I thought although with the warm temperatures it was understandable. Still, it’s hard to get in the festive spirit with the fields bare and lawns brown. No hurry, there’s plenty of time to get some snow and brighten the landscape. As most winter forecasts agree, we have an above normal probability of a colder and wetter winter than normal. 

Mom visited for Thanksgiving and we made it all the way and back to Spring Valley in the Soccer Mom van all in one piece. I even went sans my driving wig as I figured if someone saw me they’d figure the van belonged to Mom. The highlight of her stay was probably the trip to the store that carries everything that the store where you go to the bathroom in the big orange silo doesn’t. Still don’t know how Jim does it but am sure glad he does. Thanksgiving Day itself came off with only one major hitch: About the time I was ready to head for the sliding glass door and out to the grill, the bottom of the blender containing the basting sauce for the turkey gave way, spilling a half gallon of seven secret herbs and spices all over the kitchen floor. With her cat-like reflexes, Mrs. Cheviot quickly started mopping up the mess and I got the food processor out in an attempt to create another batch of sauce before the turkey progressed too far. Got out there just in time as the bird was beginning to turn a nice golden brown. After narrowly averting that disaster, the meal was exquisite, thanks to Mrs. Cheviot’s diligence in preparation and patience with Mr. Cheviot. 

We were also blessed with Auntie Mar Mar’s presence after all on Thanksgiving, even though there were no blueberry bars. She did arrive in time for the annual dumping of the pumpkins however. A little disappointing though because the sheep that usually spend the afternoon chasing them as they roll down the hill weren’t cooperating. They were content to lie around the lot chewing their cuds. The pumpkins really didn’t roll either as they’d lost much of their integrity. Being thawed out and flattened on one side will tend to do that. Not to worry, the sheep found them the next morning and within a few hours reduced them to a scattering of orange scraps.

Mar Mar to the rescue on the blender; a Black Friday special at the store that has less fishing tackle than Betsy’s Dad had one to replace the 30 year-old model that had succumbed. Mar Mar had to take one for the team on her shopping venture though. Her nephew Ben devoured the leftover turkey we’d sent with her while she was in the store. 

See you next week…real good then.

The funeral service for Brenda A. Grabau, 59, of rural New Richland, MN will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30 at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in New Richland Township with Rev. Paul Meierding officiating. Mrs. Grabau passed away Sunday, Nov. 27 from complications of cancer, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Brenda Ann Bleifus was born Aug. 4, 1952 in Rochester, MN to Clarence and Frances (Braksilek) Bleifus. She grew up and went to school in Stewartville and attended Stewartville High School. Brenda was married on August 26, 1972 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville to Alan R. Grabau. Following their marriage the couple lived in Georgia and Arizona while Al served in the U.S. Army. After his discharge they moved to Rochester, MN briefly, before moving to Ostrander, MN in 1975, where they lived for a number of years. Al and Brenda were both employed at Rongar's Appliance in Spring Valley, MN and in 1980 they purchased the business and location. Together they owned and operated Al’s T.V. and Appliance in Spring Valley for 19 years, selling their business in 1999. They moved to St. Olaf Lake in rural New Richland where they have continued to make their home. Brenda was employed in accounting at Mediacom in Waseca, MN until her retirement in 2005. Al is self-employed as a Dish Network retailer and installer. Brenda was a past member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ostrander and was a current member of the LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland. She enjoyed fishing, rides on the pontoon, following NASCAR and Minnesota Boys and Girls High School basketball and March Madness college basketball. She loved time spent with her lake neighbors and friends and family, especially her grandchildren. 

Survivors include her husband Al; her two daughters and son Alisa (Greg) Baumann of Plymouth, MN, Amanda of St. Paul, MN and Jakin of Plymouth, MN; four grandchildren Alex, Olivia, Konnor and Amelia; one sister and two brothers Richard (Marian) Greene of Hastings, MN, Sharon (Ed) Wellik of Stewartville, Steve (Sharon) Bleifus of Stewartville; and sister-in-law Betty Bleifus of Simpson, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Charles “Tony” Bleifus.

Friends may call from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27 at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday morning. A private family burial will take place at a later date. The address for the LeSueur River Lutheran Church is 16650 250th Ave. New Richland, MN.

Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. www.griffin-gray.com

Memorial Services for Beth Ann Wesselhoeft of Ellendale, MN, formerly of New Richland, MN will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 28, 2011 at Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland. The Reverend Dennis Frank will officiate. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery, Waldorf, MN.

Beth died at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN, on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. She was 57.

She was born on June 21, 1954, in New Richland, the daughter of A. Edward and Myrtle R. (Bolduan) Wesselhoeft. Beth attended Matawan grade school and graduated from Freeborn High School with the class of 1972. She continued her education graduating from Southwest State University in Marshall, MN in 1976.

Beth had worked at the New Richland Star, Sun Review-Waseca, Waseca County News, Casino Magazine, Carlson Craft in Mankato, then Bagy Jo 2 in Janesville, retiring in 2008.

Beth lived with her mother in New Richland until her mother’s passing in 1999. Beth moved to Whispering Oaks in Ellendale in 2008.

She is survived by cousins in New Richland and the Morton, MN area.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

SCHS Christmas in the Village Dec. 2-3

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

The Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) announces its 2011 Christmas in the Village. This historic holiday spectacular will take place on Friday, December 2 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village of Yesteryear, 1448 Austin Road in Owatonna.

Friday night will feature a luminary lit Village and strolling carolers from 4:30-8:30 p.m. A Christmas Carol “sing along” will be held in the Saco Church from 5:30-7 p.m. with accompanists Ruth Emro and Alice Bergeron. Bring your family and friends and enjoy singing your favorite Christmas carols! After you enjoy the caroling, stop in at the Schoolhouse and make a Victorian Christmas “cracker” to take home, or visit the General Store where you can watch the Nortonna Lodge lefse demonstration and purchase lefse to take home (Friday only). Enjoy a steaming cup of Wassail and decorate Christmas cookies there, too. Be sure to visit Mrs. Claus inside her cabin. Walk through the Dunnell House, enjoy holiday music in the parlor, have your picture taken with Santa, and purchase fancy cookies in the kitchen. Don’t forget to stop in at the Emporium Gift Shop and OZ Press building to visit with “Pete” the Printer and do some holiday shopping. 

On Saturday, the Village will offer a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the Village, plus the same activities as Friday night.

Back by popular demand is the Historic Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 3 from noon to 5 p.m. Visit some of Owatonna and rural Steele County’s beautiful homes and see them all decorated for the holidays. Homes included on this year’s tour include: