NRHEG Star Eagle

137 Years Serving the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Area
Newspaper of Record for NRHEG School District
Newspaper of Record for Waseca County, MN
PO Box 248 • New Richland, MN 56072

507-463-8112
email: steagle@hickorytech.net
Published every Thursday
Yearly Subscription: Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn counties: $52
Minnesota $57 • Out of state $64

Funeral services for Warren Roger Sorenson, age 90, of Geneva will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Community Lutheran Church. Rev. Carrie McElfresh will officiate. Interment will be at Geneva Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by Freeborn County area veteran’s organizations. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Warren passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the Good Samaritan residence in Albert Lea.

Warren lived his entire life in Southern Minnesota. He was born on December 12, 1921 in Ellendale, the third of eight children to Julius and Clara (Narveson) Sorenson. He attended school in Ellendale, Albert Lea, Hayward and Clarks Grove areas. At an early age, Warren began working at Petran Farms in Hayward as a herdsman. On August 9, 1942 Warren married Solveig Christine Skaar at the Central Freeborn Lutheran Church shortly before leaving to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII. After his return in October 1945, Warren again worked for Petran Farms and a year later worked as a milk tester for a dairy association. In 1949, Warren moved his young family to Geneva where he worked as a self-employed painter. By 1952, Warren had established Sorenson’s Appliance and T.V. where his three sons later joined him. An avid outdoorsman, Warren enjoyed fishing and hunting and was able to take many trips throughout the northern states and Canada, often with family and his special group of friends. Always a storyteller, Warren spent his free time enjoying the company of his family and telling tales of his adventures. His greatest joy was attending his children and grandchildren’s school sporting events. In addition to being a member of Community Lutheran Church in Geneva, Warren served on the Ellendale School Board, was a proud member of the local chapter of ARC and was very active in his community.

Survivors include his wife, Solveig; his daughter Gail (Butch) Ottesen of Delavan, his sons Mark (Sharon) Sorenson and Tim (Jolene) Sorenson of Geneva and Scott (Jan) Sorenson of Troy, MT. He is also survived by his brother Gordon (Marlene) Sorenson of Albert Lea; sister Clarice Pence of Owatonna and his grandchildren, Jill and Cameron Kehne (Madalyn) of Brooklyn Center, Laura and Jonathan Ortiz (Jake and Graciela) of Mexico City, Brooke and Tim Krohn (Lainee) of Geneva, Dak and Lydia Sorenson (Jett) of Geneva, Paige Sorenson and Tyler Sorenson of Geneva and numerous nieces and nephews.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Elaine; brothers Norris, Henry and Stanley; and sisters Jeanette and Lila.

Gloria A. Schuler of Medford died April 26, 2012 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN following a lengthy illness. Services are set for 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2012 at St. John Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Klawiter presiding.  Interment will follow at Owatonna Memorial Gardens.  Friends may greet the family on Sunday from 6 to p.m. at Brick – Meger Funeral Home (1603 – Austin Road, Owatonna) and at the church one hour before the time of service on Monday.

Gloria was born on August 30, 1940 the daughter of Henry and Laura (Kruesel) Stoltz in Owatonna. She attended school in Owatonna and was a member of the graduating class of 1958 at OHS.  Gloria was united in marriage to Ken Schuler on June 20, 1959 at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna. Together the couple raised eight children, and later divorced.  She worked most of her life for several manufacturing companies in the Owatonna and Faribault areas.  She retired in 2009 from Truth Hardware in Owatonna. Her life interests included golfing, visiting the area casinos, traveling and many of the activities that involved her grandchildren. Gloria served as past president of the Owatonna Eagles Auxiliary. She will be remembered for her compassionate smile and kindness shown to others throughout her life.

Gloria is survived by her eight children; Don Schuler of Ellendale, Denise Schuler of Medford, Steve Schuler of Hope, James Schuler of Owatonna, Cathy (Craig) Brown of Middlebury, IN. Chuck (Sue) Schuler of Owatonna, Joanne Schuler of Medford, Sara (Jon) Spatenka of Owatonna.  Nine Grandchildren Tony Schuler, Heather Brown, Beth and Justin Schuler, Teri Schuler, Tim, Trevor, and Taelor Spatenka, Kenneth Schuler. Her brothers Paul (Barb) Stoltz, Art Stoltz, Glen Stoltz; sisters Wilma Haberman, Jean (Bob) Weber. She is preceded in death by Ken Schuler in 2008, her parents, a brother Eldon, brother-in-law Eugene Haberman.  On-line condolences may be expressed at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.

Andrew Charles Sonnek, 38, died Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at his home in Rochester of natural causes. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN. Visitation will be held at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells on Monday, April 23, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 8 p.m.; and visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Father Peter Klein will officiate.  Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of the arrangements. 

Andrew was born October 4, 1973 in Wells, MN, to Charles Dominic and Betty Jean (Bartelt) Sonnek. He graduated from Waldorf-Pemberton high school, the class of 1993. He then attended Riverland College in Albert Lea to become an electrician. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #343 in Rochester. Andrew enjoyed classic cars and antique tractors, and enjoyed tinkering with all things mechanical. Family was very important to him, especially his nieces and nephews. He would come home in the fall of the year to help out during the harvest season.

Andrew is survived by his parents, Charles and Betty Sonnek of Waldorf, MN; brothers and sisters: Charles “Rick” (Kandy) Sonnek of LaCrescent, MN; Tim (Barb) Sonnek of New Prague, MN; Beth (John) Thompson of Rochester, MN; Amy (David) Adams of Minneiska, MN; Steve (Vonnie) Sonnek of St. Clair, MN; Chris (Karen) Sonnek of New Richland, MN; Kellen Sonnek of Minnesota Lake, MN; Perry Sonnek of Woodville, WI; Joy Sonnek of Waldorf, MN; Sara (Russ) Kientz of Kansas; Peter (Lori) Sonnek of Waldorf, MN; Anthony (Brenda) Sonnek of Mapleton, MN; Matthew Sonnek of Duluth, MN; brother-in-law: Trevor Buswell of Guyton, GA; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins along with their families, and numerous good friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, sister Ruth Ann Buswell and brother Jonathan Charles Sonnek.

Funeral services for Christine “Terri” Lundeen-Holmen will be held 10 a.m. Saturday April 21, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church 222 6th Ave SW Rochester, MN with the Rev. Jim Kroonblawd officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of service at the church. Burial will take place in the Spring Valley Cemetery.  

Christine (Terri) Lundeen-Holmen, age 54, of Spring Valley, MN, joined the Lord Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 at her home.

Christine was born May 26th, 1957 in St. Paul at Mounds Park Hospital. She was raised by her parents Kenneth and Charlotte Lundeen in Scandia, MN and graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1975. On July 20th, 1981, she was united in marriage to David Holmen at Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia, MN. Christine and Dave were married for 30 wonderful years. Christine loved to play the piano and organ and enjoyed the happiness that music brought to her life. She also enjoyed crafts, making wreaths, and shopping for unique gift items. This passion led to the opening of her own gift shop in downtown Spring Valley. She ran this shop for five years and took great pride in it. It wasn't so much the business aspect of the shop that she enjoyed. . . it was interacting and conversing with the customers that she liked most. Christine also had a passion for entertaining guests and throwing large dinner parties. Some would say she took this to a whole different level. Whether it was a holiday dinner, birthday, or just a simple get-together with friends and family, you could be sure that the table would be set perfectly and the food would be fantastic (and plenty of it)! She also had a huge heart for her children and grandchildren and loved to spend as much time with them as possible. She saw each holiday and birthday as a special time when she could shower them with extra attention. Although she had many hobbies and interests and they all filled her with happiness, it was her faith that came first and wherein she found true joy and peace. She delighted in reading the Gospel, strengthening her personal relationship with God, and sharing her faith with others. Christine is survived by her husband, David, of Spring Valley; children Derek (Christa) of Rochester; Brandon of Sisters, OR; Megan of Spring Valley; grandchildren Brenna, Derek II, Jade, Talon, and Mason; parents Kenneth and Charlotte Lundeen of Scandia, MN; brother Steven Lundeen (Cathy) of Danbury, WI; sister Lori Steele (Mark) of Forest Lake, MN; sister Cindy Kiekhafer (Todd) of North Branch, MN. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.

Corey C. Lundholm, age 44, of Hastings passed away suddenly on April 16, 2012.

He was born to Clyde and LaVonne (Franz) Lundholm on June 12, 1967 in Mankato, MN.

He graduated from Winona State University and taught and coached in Dade City, Florida. He married Carmen Steele on June 29, 1991 in New Brighton, MN. Corey worked at Koch Refinery and Xcel Energy. He loved to travel, ride roller coasters, spend time with his family and fishing. He had a talent and special love for music and singing. He wrestled in high school, making it all the way to the state tournament.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by wife, Carmen; children, Cullen; Kiley and Lacey; parents, Clyde and LaVonne (Franz) Lundholm; sister, Dawn (Joel) Meyer; father–in-law and mother-in-law, Michael (Irene) Steele; brothers-in-law, Craig (Nikki) Steele; Bob Steele; other relatives and friends.

The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Doug Duin, will be held Thursday, April 19 at 11 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 400 W. 9th Street in Hastings. Visitation is Wednesday, April 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring Street in Hastings and one hour prior the service at church. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings. Pallbearers are Craig Steele, Brady Meyer, Jordan Meyer, Cody Meyer, Cameron Meyer and Dennis Loutenbach. Memorials preferred.

Visit www.wisefamilyfh.com to view the memorial video and sign the online guest book.  The Wise Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.