Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

Robert Diekmann, 82

Robert H. “Bob” Diekmann, age 82 of Revere, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 4, 2008 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 8 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove.

Robert H. “Bob” Diekmann was born on April 11, 1926 in St. Kilian, Minnesota to Benjamin J. and Philomena (Lammers) Diekmann. He attended Catholic schools in Lismore and St. Kilian. Robert entered the US Army in 1944 and served for two years, most of which was in Germany. Robert was united in marriage to Annabelle Altman on December 28, 1948 at the Catholic church in Jasper, Minnesota. Bob’s uncle, Fr. Alphonse Diekmann performed the wedding ceremony. The couple lived in Adrian and several other locations during the early years of their marriage. They moved to Revere in 1966 where they have resided since.

Robert was a member of the American Legion, board member of Currie State Bank for 32 years, and a longtime member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Robert was a storyteller and loved making people laugh. He enjoyed traveling and reading; especially Westerns and the Bible. Robert took pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed fishing and camping with his kids when they were younger.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Annabelle, of 60 years; children: Marlene (Fred) Dahlmeier of Flandreau, SD, Calvin (Susan) Diekmann of Fairmont, MN; seven grandchildren: Bryan, Steve, & Darin Dahlmeier, Shane & Ryan Johnson, and Amber & Rachel Diekmann; five great grandchildren; sister Gwen Recker of Adrian, brother Earl (Dorene) of Marshall, special neighbors: Dean, Sharon, Samantha, Mark, Nicole, & Matthew Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Kenneth; daughter Laura; granddaughter Erin Dahlmeier; and five brothers.

Interment was in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Walnut Grove. The family wishes to express their special thanks to the Redwood Area Hospice Staff. Online condolences may be sent at www.walnutgrovefuneralhome.com. The Walnut Grove Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Florine Laleman, 78

Florine E. Laleman age 78 of Garvin MN died Saturday, December 6, 2008 at her home. Services were held today, Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy, MN.

Florine Evelyn Laleman was born December 20, 1929 to Julius and Margaret (Coudron) DeMeyer on the family farm near Green Valley, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and attended country school in Green Valley and later in Marshall, MN.

On November 5, 1949 Florine married Andrew Laleman at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. They made their home on a farm south of Marshall and then moved to Andrew’s parent’s farm near Cottonwood, MN for the next eleven years. In 1968 they moved to their current residence near Garvin, MN.

In her younger years she was active in the CCW Ladies Guild at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy, MN. Over the years, she enjoyed going to household auctions and visiting the thrift shop in Marshall, keeping up with painting the buildings on the farm, and cutting her children’s hair. Florine also enjoyed baking, sewing, going for walks, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and really loved the peacefulness of being on the farm.

On Saturday, December 6, 2008 Florine died unexpectedly at her home, in the presence of her husband, Andrew.

Florine is survived by her husband, Andrew of Garvin, MN; two sons, Lawrence (Katherine) Laleman of Currie, MN and Virgil (Deanna) Laleman of Garvin, MN; two daughters, Joyce (Harold) Carstens of Hector, MN and Julie (Robert) Linley of Colorado Springs, CO; eleven grandchildren, Melissa, Laurie, Kevin, Lisa, Gregory, Jess, Dulcie, Wendy, Jennifer, Kelly and Gary; eight great-grandchildren, with one on the way; two sisters, Patricia Wyffels of Marshall, MN and Marjorie Zeug of Milroy, MN; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Her parents and one brother, James DeMeyer preceded her in death.

Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Tracy with the Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be placed at www.almliefh.com

Bertha Syverson, 91

Bertha Elizabeth Syverson, age 91 of Walnut Grove passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at the Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the Walnut Grove Methodist Church.

Bertha Elizabeth Syverson was born December 27, 1916 to Wilbur Earl and Mary Jane (King) Brann in Great Falls, Montana. She lived with her family in Montana until Junior High when they moved to St. Paul, MN. They later moved to Walnut Grove, MN and then Mankato, MN. Bertha graduated from Mankato High School.

On November 10, 1937, Bertha was united in marriage to Roy Elmer Syverson in North Mankato. To this union, three children were born, Roy, Robert and Bonnie. Bertha and Roy lived in Blue Earth where they owned and operated a Gambles store for a few years. They spent the rest of their lives farming. She always was active helping on the farm in many ways.

Bertha was very active in church, particularly in the United Methodist Women. She held many offices at the local, district and state levels. She also served as a Lay Speaker and Lay Leader, and served 19 years as youth leader for the United Methodist Youth Fellowship. Serving these offices, God was her strength and help in many plans and decisions during this time of service. Bertha was also active in the community where she worked on the Laura Ingalls Wilder Committee and the Federated Club. Bertha enjoyed driving her friends to appointments and visiting people in the nursing homes. She also enjoyed decorating homes.

Bertha is survived by her children: Roy Earl (Delores) Syverson of Tracy, MN, Robert (Annie) Syverson of Walnut Grove and Bonnie (Hank) Kor of Mitchell, SD; grandchildren: Jeff Syverson, Deb (Tim) Vickerman, Jason (Laurie) Kor, Kristen (Jim) Carlson, Jennifer Syverson, Serra (Steve) Muscatello, Laura Winge, & Susie (Jeff) DeRouchey; great grandchildren: Taylor, Tammy, Tiffany & Tasha Vickerman and Nadia & Noah Winge, and one great grandchild on the way; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Roy and sister Mary Jane Foster.

Interment was held at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Email condolences may be sent via www.walnutgrovefuneralhome.com. The Walnut Grove Funeral Home handled the arrangements.