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

Gail C. Arnfelt passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on August 31, 2018.  

Gail was born June 15, 1938 to Glen and Alma (Amundson) Routh at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea. She grew up on a farm in rural New Richland. She graduated from New Richland High School in 1956. After high school, she attended Rochester Methodist Kahler School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1959. After graduation, she was employed at Methodist Kahler Hospital.  Gail married Paul Arnfelt on January 8, 1960 in Rochester. 

Upon their marriage, Paul and Gail made their home together in Owatonna where they were active in many facets of community life. Gail was employed by the Owatonna Hospital before leaving work to raise her family. They raised two children, Elizabeth Paige and Patrick Harrison. On August 23, 1995, Patrick died from a tragic car accident. 

During 58 years of marriage, Gail and her loving husband, Paul, were truly partners in life and made many wonderful memories traveling and spending time together. Some of their travels took them to Alaska, London, Cabo, and the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Gail and Paul enjoyed many years wintering on Sanibel Island in Florida, but Owatonna has always been their home.

Marjorie “Marge” Leak, age 85, of Ellendale passed away surrounded by her family on August 31, 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

A public visitation for Marge will be held from 5:30–8 p.m. on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Bonnerup Funeral Home in Ellendale, MN.  Private family services and burial will follow on Saturday.

Marjorie Helen (Erdner) was born on April 27, 1933 in Wells, MN to Edward and Viola (Wilder) Erdner.  She graduated from Wells High School and would continue her education by going to Mankato to pursue a nursing degree.  After working for a couple years, Marge would be united in marriage to Roland “Ron” Leak on November 29, 1955 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danville Township, MN.  Marge would follow Ron to Georgia during his time in the service, working as an OB Nurse in South Carolina.  Fourteen years after marriage, Marge and Ron were blessed to start a family back in Ellendale, MN.  They would have two daughters: Mayro and LaNell.

Richard “Richie” H. Michaelis, 82, of Lake Shore, MN passed away from his courageous battle with leukemia on Friday, August 10, 2018 at Good Samaritan Village-Bethany in Brainerd, MN. Services for Richie will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Living Saviors Lutheran Church in Lake Shore, MN at 11 a.m. with Pastor Richard Hans officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services at the church.

Richie was born on June 17, 1936 in Waseca, MN to Harry and Ella (Brandenburg) Michaelis. He joined the United States Army and served from 1955-1957. Richie worked as a salesman of Productivity Inc. He married Ruth Fostveit on September 21, 1957. Richie was the President of the Sportsman Club in Waseca, enjoyed watching sports on TV, riding his Harley and snowmobiling.  He also liked to go out on his pontoon, fishing, and hunting. Richie will always be remembered for his great sense of humor.

Donald Arthur Gerber, age 83, of Wells, MN, died Monday, August 13, 2018 at his home. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Open Doors United Methodist Church in Wells, MN, with Pr. John Mitchem officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at a later date at Rice Lake Cemetery in Foster Twp., Faribault Co., MN. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com

     Donald Arthur was born September 5, 1934 in Foster Township, Faribault Co., MN, the son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Huper) Gerber. Don graduated from Kiester High School in 1955.  He married the love of his life, Jaunice Wegner July 10, 1955 in Grace United Methodist Church in Kiester, MN. Together, they had four children: Robert, Linda, Jeanne and Betty.  Don was a lifelong farmer and after retiring, moved into Wells.  Donald and Jaunice loved to spend winters at Carriage Manor in Mesa, Arizona.  Donald was a 4-H leader, on the church council, and was treasurer.  Donald loved farming and gardening.  Some of his favorite hobbies were golfing, bowling, waterskiing and dancing.

     Don is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Erma Gerber; infant sister Ardis, sister Ethel (LuVerne) Korn, brothers-in-law: Philip Wegner, Wallace Havermeier, and sister-in-law: Geraldine Klingbeil.

Patricia I. ‘Patti’ Rohne, age 79 of Waseca, Minnesota, died Saturday morning August 4, 2018 at the New Richland Care Center in New Richland, Minnesota.  Patricia Irene Crandell was born November 15, 1938 in Hayfield, Minnesota to John and Irene (Freiert) Crandell.  She attended school in Hayfield, graduating from Hayfield High School in 1957.  She contracted polio at a young age and was left with foot and leg problems.  On March 15, 1980, Patti was united in marriage to Richard M. Rohne at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Waltham.  A very accomplished seamstress, she designed and made her own wedding dress.  Patti remained a dedicated wife to Richard for nearly 40 years.  Over the years, Patti held different jobs including at Dayton’s in the metro area and in the deli at Erickson’s Grocery in Waseca.  She was a very quiet person by nature, and she loved all animals, especially cats and dogs.  Patti was a talented singer and enjoyed singing in school, church choirs and the ‘Celebration Singers’ in Waseca. Her final years were spent as a resident of the care center in New Richland, Minnesota where Richard ensured she received good care and faithfully visited her nearly every day.  Patti will be missed, but never forgotten by her loving family and many friends.