Maurice Johnson, 77

Maurice Willard Johnson, 77, of Las Vegas, NV and formerly of Tracy, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 20, 2007, after a long and valiant battle with bone cancer. He never gave up the fight until the very end. A memorial service honoring his life was held Thursday, May 24, 2007, in Las Vegas, NV.

Maurice was born June 5, 1929 to John and Elma (Olson) Johnson in Monroe Township in Lyon County, rural Tracy, MN. He was baptized at Hoiland Lutheran Church and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy. He grew up on the family farm and attended School District #88 and went on to graduate from Tracy High School. After graduation, Maurice left to join the Air Force and served 6 years, attaining the rank of S/Sgt. During his service, Maurice was sent to Japan where he met and married his beautiful wife, Emiko Sano, on July 31, 1949. He also served a tour of duty in Korea.

Maurice worked many years for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a switchman and retired several years ago, after many years of service. He never missed a day of work.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 58 years, Emiko; son Robert and wife Miwako of Asahikawa, Japan; son David and wife Sandra of Las Vegas, NV; daughter Joette Eyser and husband Garry of Leadville, CO; son John and wife Amy of San Diego, CA; and son Jeffrey of San Francisco, CA; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sisters Vivian Rolland of Tracy, MN; Eldora Buchholz of Westbrook, MN; and Viola Knott and her husband, Robert, his best friend, of Tracy, MN.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elma; brothers Kenneth and Orvin Johnson; sisters Myrtle Christensen and Ruth Prouty; and two baby sons.

Maurice was a dedicated and loving husband and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a spiritual and gentle man with a generous and giving heart. He always made us laugh with his wonderful sense of humor. If we listen closely, we can hear him whistling a happy tune from heaven. He will be greatly missed, but will live on in our hearts forever.

Norvel “Steve” Snider, 83

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton, MN for Norvel “Steve” Henry Snider. Rev. Gwen Bohlke officiated.

Pallbearers were Dallas Reese, James Swan and the Slayton VFW and American Legion Members.

Steve Snider was born on June 17, 1923 in Clayton, WI to Henry and Lydia Meyer Snider. He grew in Clayton and attended school there. After graduating from the Clayton High School in 1940 he attended Racine Community College. Steve then moved to Minneapolis, MN. In 1946 he moved to Slayton, MN and worked for Fred Christensen’s John Deere and later for Bill Callery’s gas station.

On September 12, 1949 he and Mary Elizabeth “Ibby” Price were married at the Trinity Methodist Church in St. Paul, MN. Following their marriage they lived in Slayton and Steve owned two services Stations in Slayton. He later started Snider Construction Co. Sewer and Water which he later changed to Snider Bridge Construction Co.

Steve remained in Slayton and in December of 2002 he became a resident of the Golden Living Center In Slayton and passed away there on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the age of 83.

He was a member of the Slayton United Methodist Church. He also belonged to the American Legion and the Masons. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Ibby” Snider of Slayton, MN; one daughter, Sally Ann Reese of Tracy, MN; two grandchildren, Dallas Reese and Hope Reese both of Tracy, MN and one brother, Neil Snider and his wife, Ramona of Chatfield, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Susan, brother, Norbert and two sisters, Norma and Nelda.

Interment at Slayton Memorial Gardens, Slayton, MN. Military honors provided by the Slayton VFW and American Legion. Sign guestbook and send condolences online at www.totzkefuneralhome.com <http://www.totzkefuneralhome.com>