William Joseph Toohey was a clerk and retail hardware merchant; a coal saleman, and worked in a woollen mill.
Helen May Toohey worked as a nurse at a health resort, 1959.
John Nathen Lawrie worked at a health resort, 1959.
George Edwards was a house painter, bookkeeper, clerk, paint store manager, and machinist.
Member, Mount Olivet Masonic Lodge, Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts.
Carl Anders G. Engstrom was a naval architect.
41985. Albert Valder Manchester
Albert Valder Manchester was a roundhouse foreman, farmer, and proprietor of a grocery store.
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The Brainerd Daily Dispatch (Minnesota) 30 Dec 1925:2 DEAD AND 2 WOUNDED IN GROCERY HOLDUP
GROCER MANCHESTER OF MINNEAPOLIS RAN FOR HIS GUN AND BANDIT SHOT HIM
DEAD INCLUDE POLICE SERGEANT AND SEIBAN, THE ROBBER
Minneapolis (UP) December 30 1925:
Two men are dead and two others wounded, one probably fatally today as result of a grocery store holdup here last night.
The dead: Police Sergeant Michael Lawrence and Seiban, the bandit.
The wounded: Patrolman Bernard Wyan and Albert V. Manchester, grocer.
Seiban entered the store late in the evening and commanded Manchester and his wife to hold up their hands. Instead of complying, Manchester ran for a gun. Seiban shot him twice in the abdomen.
The bandit fled and Mrs. Manchester notified police. A gun squad overtook Seiban and he opened fire on the policemen killing one and wounding another. Policemen killed Seiban after a running fight.
Seiban was in prison garb and is believed to have been released from state penitentiary at Stillwater a few days ago for deportation to Canada.
Stella May Noble was clerk/proprietor of a grocery store and a confectionary store.
Evelyn M. Manchester was a nurse; graduate of the University of Minnesota; Public Health Nurse for McKinley County and Gallup, New Mexico from 15 Jun 1942.
Leland S. Lucas was a farmer.
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Marine Corps Muster Roll: Enlisted 16 Nov 1917;
Company H, Marine Barracks, Paris Island, South Carolina
70791. Helen Louise Manchester
Helen Louise Manchester was a nurse.
Eugene James Koblas was proprietor of a meat and grocery market; manager of a department store; department manager of a retail store; and district manager for a hardware store chain.
70792. Edwin Valder Manchester
Edwin Valder Manchester was an entertainer (magician), clerk, and proprietor of a retail grocery market.
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Santa Cruz Sentinel (California)
March 19, 1979Memorial services will be held Wednesday for Edwin V. "Jimmy" Manchester, who died Saturday at a local convalescent hospital. He was 78.
A native of Austin, Minn., he moved to Santa Cruz in 1950. He was a free lance entertainer and magician and was a member of the Monterey Bay Saahareen, a society of Magicians and the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians. He was also a member of Santa Cruz Masonic Lodge No. 38 and a formrer member of Scottish Rite and Shrine Temples in Minnesota.
He played Santa Claus at Dominican Hospital, Woolworth's and Santa's Village for many years. He served in the Marines and the Navy during World War I.
He is survived by a brother, Harris D. "Bill" Manchester of New Brighton, Minn., a sister, Mrs. Evelyn Lucas of Milan, N.M., three nieces and two nephews.
At his request, cremation will be at the Soquel Crematory with his ashes to be scattered at sea.
Mildred J. Mitchell was a clerk in a retail grocery store, and saleswoman for a food product.
70793. Harris Dudley Manchester
Dudley Harris Manchester was a bank clerk, dairy farmer, salesman, office manager, bookkeeper, production engineer, auditor, mechanical engineer and expediter.
Magdaline Josephine Aune was a stenographer, bookkeeper and secretary.
Harry E. Mooney was a superintendent in a steel foundry.
1927 graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in economics; residence, Sparta, Wisconsin
1924-25: Ripon College; 1926-27: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Franklyn H. Miller was an independent insurance agent
41987. Thomas Harris Manchester
Thomas Harris Manchester was a mechanical engineer.
Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wisconsin)
March 30, 1980MADISON � Dr. Delmar S. Fink, age 73, died Saturday. March 22, 1980, in Port Rlchey, Florida. He was born August 17 [sic], 1907 in Chicago, Illinois.
He graduated from Milwaukee County School of Agriculture and then attended college at the U.W. Madison. He received three degrees from that University; a BS degree in 1929; MS in 1931; PhD in 1934, and also received recognition as a varsity athlete. After graduation, he worked in Agronomic Research at the University of Maine and Cornell University (New York). In 1945 he joined American Cyanamid as an Agriculturist in products formulation. In 1951, Mr. Fink moved back to the Midwest and joined Wisconsin Farmco Service Cooperative. He served in the Agronomy area since joining Farmco. In 1965, when FS and Farmco merged, he became an FS Agronomist, the position he held at retirement. He was highly respected by both University staff members and farmers, as a field Agronomist.
He is survived by his brother, Ralph of Conover, Wis; his sister, Arlene Buttler of Mission Hills, Calfornia; two daughters, Gayle Lyke of Fort Atkinson, and Nedra Askey of Sauk City; and five grandchildren.
70796. Robert Redding Manchester
Wilmette Life (Illinois)
August 13, 1998Robert R. Manchester, a 42-year resident of Wilmette, died Aug. 4 at the Hospice of the North Shore at Evanston Hospital. He was 80.
Mr. Manchester graduated from the University of Illinois in 1938, and from the University of Illinois Law School in 1940. During World War II he was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific, and was decorated for his action on Choiseul Island. According to newspaper reports from the time, Mr. Manchester's unit was assigned decoy duty on Choiseul to prevent enemy troops from joining in the larger battle at Bougainville. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
After the war, he joined the First National Bank of Chicago, where he worked for 35 years. At the time of his retirement in 1980, he was vice president and secretary.
He was treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois for 17 years. He supported numerous charities, and most recently served on the board of directors of the University of Illinois Eye Fund. He was a racing fan, and was president of the Arlington Park Post and Paddock Club for two years.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, June Dorothea Russell Manchester; two sons, Robert R. Jr. and Richard E.; a daughter, Debra J. Manchester; five grandchildren, Kimberly, Sean, Rex, Christopher and Alexander; and two great-grandchildren, Jennifer and Eric. Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Russ (Ruth) Russell.
41988. Howard Edwin Manchester
Aberdeen Daily News
August 3, 1977H. MANCHESTER
SERVICES for Howard Manchester, 88, of 1310 N. Main St., will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Timothy Vann of Mobridge officiating.
Mr. Manchester died Tuesday morning, Aug. 2, at his summer home at Big Stone Lake.
Howard Edwin Manchester was born Dec. 20, 1888, at Mitchell. He grew to manhood there and moved to Aberdeen where he was employed by the I. Appel Clothing Company. He then served during Word War I and at the close of the war he was among the military police selected to serve in the organization of the American Legion in Paris, France.
He returned to Aberdeen and formed a partnership with the late L.H. Herschleb and Joseph Holden and they established the Plymouth Clothing Co. in Aberdeen and a store at Milbank. He served in the Milbank store until 1921 when he returned to Aberdeen where he had since resided. He had been retired for the past 25 years, He married Avis Smith on July 15, 1923, at Milbank.
He was a member of the elks Lodge, World War I Barracks, the American Legion, of which he was a past post commander in 1924 and 1925, and the Aberdeen Masonic Blue Lodge No. 38. In 1976 he received the 60-year palm from the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Gregory (Virginia) Harrison, Seattle, Wash.; and three grandchildren.
Aberdeen Daily News
September 8, 1986AVIS MANCHESTER - ABERDEEN
Services for Mrs. Howard (Avis) Manchester, 84, Aberdeen Nursing Center, will be today at 2 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1410 N. Kline St., with the Rev. Michael Schulenberg officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
She died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 1986, at the center. Gates-Vik Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
She was born June 27, 1902, at Flandreau to Dell and Effie (Faris) Smith. She graduated from Flandreau High School and then attended Winona State College in Minnesota. Later she came to Aberdeen and graduated from Northern State College.
She taught in Aberdeen and then went to Milbank to teach. She married Howard Manchester there July 16, 1923. They returned to Aberdeen to live, where he was one of the owners of the Plymouth Clothing Company. They were summer residents at their cabin at Lindan Beach, Big Stone Lake, for 55 years. Mr. Manchester died in 1977.
She served on the St. Mark's altar guild more than 50 years. She was a member of Chapter B of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and a charter member of the Clio Club (History Club) and the Colony Club.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Gregory (Virginia) Harrison, Seattle, Wash.; and two grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, a grandson and two sisters.
Aberdeen Daily News (South Dakota)
January 19, 1935Nancy Ann Manchester, nine year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Manchester succumbed at the home, 616 Arch street south at 8:15 a.m. today. Nancy had been in ailing health for some time.
Nancy Ann was born in Aberdeen on March 19, 1925, and at the time of her death she lacked only two months of being 10 years of age.
Surviving her are her parents, a small sister, Virginia Smith, and her grand parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dell Smith of Flandreau and Mrs. T.S. Manchester of Aberdeen.
The Portage Daily Register (Portage, Wisconsin)
May 29, 1969Jessie M. Cook, 91, widow of the late Jay B. Cook Sr., formerly residing at 802 E. Cook St., passed away early Wednesday evening at the Academy Lodge Nursing home in Poynette following an extended illness.
Survivors are three daughters, Mrs. Beryl Kleist, Morton, Wyo.; (Lela) Mrs. Irvin Behl, Milwaukee; and Mrs. Merna Hepler, Pardeeville; three grand children; six great-grandchildren and other near relatives.
The Portage Daily Register (Portage, Wisconsin)
November 1, 1958Jay B. Cook Sr., age 79, retired farmer residing in the township of Marcellon, passed away in his sleep early Saturday morning.
Survivors are his wife, Jessie M.; three daughters, (Beryl) Mrs. Arthur Kleist, Portage; (Lela) Mrs. Ervin Behl, Milwaukee and (Merna) Mrs. Harold Hepler, Pardeeville; three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a number of other near relatives.
Mr. Cook was a member of the Portage Knights of Pythias.
The Daily Register (Portage, Wisconsin)
January 6, 1987:PORTAGE - Beryl C. Kleist, age 84, of Portage, died on Saturday, Jan. 3, 1987 at her residence.
Beryl was born on April 26, 1902 in Fort Winnebago Township, the daughter of Jay B. Cook and Jessie (Berry) Cook. She married Arthur W. Kleist on Nov. 24, 1923. She was a member of the Portage United Methodist church, and the Mary Elizabeth Circle.
Survivors include: 2 daughters, Mrs. Alice (Robert) Hoopengarner of Kinnear, Wyoming; [stepdaughter] Ruth Dickow, Portage; one granddaughter, Patricia Hoopengarner, Kinnear, Wyoming; and other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Kleist was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Arthur in 1968, two sisters, a [step] son and a grandson.
Lela Genevieve Cook was a stenographer
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The Milwaukee Journal (Wisconsin)
February 10, 1974Behl, Lela, nee Cook. Beloved wife of Ervin. Sister of Beryl Kreist, sister-in-law of Ann Behl, Laura Behl, Mr. and Mrs. John (Clara) Fillpiak. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Passed away Thurs. Feb 7, 1974 at the age of 70 years.
Ervin H. Behl was a machinist.
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The Milwaukee Journal (Wisconsin)
January 22, 1979Behl, Ervin
Beloved brother of Herbert (Angeline) Behl of Clintonville, WI., Mr. and Mrs. John Filipiak. Also survived by sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Passed away Fri. Jan. 19, 1979 at the age of 79 years.
The Daily Register (Portage, Wisconsin)
June 25, 1973Mrs. Merna Hepler, 67, Pardeeville died June 23 in Divine Savior Hospital after a brief illness.
A lifelong area resident, the former Merna Cook was married to Harold Hepler in 1926. He died in 1959.
She was a former employee of the Pardeeville Electric Commission and the U.S. Postal Service. She had previously been employed as a bookkeeper for several local businesses.
Surviving are a son, Donald; and a daughter, Mrs. Mayne (Arlene) Babcock, both of Pardeeville; two sisters, Mrs. Beryl Kleist, Portage; and Mrs. Ervin Behl, Greenfield; five grandchildren, a niece and a nephew.
Harold Emerson Hepler was a salesman.
The Register Democrat (Portage, Wisconsin)
July 21, 1930PORTAGE BUSINESS MEN DROWNED IN SEEKING RELIEF FROM HEAT WAVE
DAY'S SECOND TRAGEDY OCCURS AT LAKESIDEA second swimming tragedy occurred here Sunday when Lemuel S. Berry, 48, well known implement dealer, who was among a large number of Portage people seeking relief from Sunday's terrific heat in the lakes and streams in this vicinity, was drowned shortly before 8 o'clock that evening when he stepped off a ledge into 20-foot water in Swan Lake at Lakeside.
Mr. Berry, who with his wife and family, were visiting at the Anton J. Lohr cottage Sunday evening, was swimming with a group of people after supper. The water at that point is only a few feet deep and Mr. Berry was teaching his children to swim, it is reported.
He had been out near the deep water beyond the ledge, came near the shore, and returned to the deeper part of the lake, when his friends heard his cries for help.
Difficulty Loosing Boat
A number of the swimmers had already come in, among them was Mr. Lohr, who just finished dressing as he heard Mr. Berry's cries. He ran at once for his boat. Chas. Luetke had just brought the boat in, chained it, given Lohr the keys and taken the oars up the hill to the cottage.Mr. Lohr was unable to find the keys as they were not on the top of the boat house where he keeps them. Otto Isberner, who was also in the water, but not a good swimmer, hastened to the shore, seeing in the boat the best means of rescue. Together, he and Lohr tugged at the boat and finally wrenched it free, while someone was sent for the oars. As they ripped the boat loose, Mr. Berry disappeared for the last time.
Mr. Berry is survived by his widow, a son William, 8, and daughter Betty, 4, a brother, Fred J. Berry and sister, Mrs. J. B. Cook.
The Portage Daily Register (Portage, Wisconsin)
August 26, 1915ESTEEMED YOUNG LADY CALLED TO ETERNAL REST
Mrs. Lemuel S. Berry Passes Away at Family Home in Ft. Winnebago
After an illness extending over a period of several months, Mrs. Lemuel S. Berry passed to peaceful rest at the family home in Fort Winnebago, Thursday morning, at 12:30 o'clock. She had been ill since last March with heart trouble resulting from an attack of pneumonia. Two weeks ago she was taken with a relapse and since that time her decline has been rapid. All that loving hands could do was done and every possible ministration given for her comfort and relief but to no avail.
Fanny L. Cook was the only child of Elbert F. and Sarah Cook., who were pioneers of Ft. Winnebago. She was born in Ft. Winnebago May 28, 1888, and for some time was one of the leading teachers in the rural schools in the county, having taught in Lewiston and Ft. Winnebago. She was married on Oct. 20, 1909 to Lemuel S. Berry, who survives her with her sorrow stricken parents.
World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas
Name: William C Berry
Inducted From: Wisconsin
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Combat Organization: 77th Bomber Squadron 28th Bomber Group
Death Date: 19 May 1945
Monument: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Last Known Status: Missing
U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal
Find-a-Grave
PORTAGE - Elizabeth T. "Betty" Stanton, age 76, of Portage, died on Wednesday morning, Nov. 27, 2002, at her home with her family by her side.
Betty Stanton was born on June 29, 1926, at home in Portage, the daughter of Lemuel S. and Irma B. (Luetke) Berry. Her father drowned in Swan Lake in 1930 and her mother died in 1957 of cancer.
She graduated in 1944 from Portage High School where she was a four year honor student. She then graduated from UW-Madison as an English major in 1950.
Betty worked for one year reading fingerprints for the FBI in Washington, D.C. She then worked for the Madison Police Department for six years, and in her final year, she was the first woman police officer in Madison. For 20 years, Betty worked for Divine Savior Hospital, retiring as personnel assistant.
She was a lifelong member of Trinity United Church of Christ where she was a church council member, a choir member, a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Women's Guild. She served 12 years on the Portage Police and Fire Commission. Betty was also a member of the Wauona Women's Club and served on the Election Board.
She was a voracious reader, loved spending time with her grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching them in their sporting events and theater performances.
Survivors include her husband, Nowell Stanton Jr., Portage; her daughter, Julie Austin, Madison; her son, William D. (Carol) Austin, Portage; granddaughters, Kathleen Elizabeth Austin and Elizabeth Jean Austin; grandson, Patrick Allen Austin; brother-in-law, David R. Austin; sister-in-law, Juanita Austin; niece, Robyn Elizabeth Austin; cousin, Margorie Zergiebel, Mayville; brothers-in-law, Carl (Violet) Stanton, Portage, and David Stanton, Racine; sister-in-law, Beverly Stanton, Madison; other relatives and many close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, William C. Berry, who was shot down over the Kuril Islands in 1945; her grandfather, Charles Luetke; and her great-grandmother, Fredericka Sieverkrop, all of Portage; and members of Trinity United Church of Christ. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Earle "Doc" Austin in 1989; and a daughter, Janelle Mary Austin, at birth in 1959.
The Daily Register (Portage, Wisconsin)
July 28, 1989PORTAGE - Earle 'Doc' Arthur Austin, 61, died Thursday, July 27, 1989, at his home in Portage.
Earle "Doc" A. Austin was born in Rio, Wisconsin on February 20, 1928 to Arthur and Ethel (Cheney) Austin. He married Elizabeth Berry at Trinity United Church of Christ in Portage on Oct. 20, 1956. "Doc" owned and operated "Doc's" Barber Shop in Portage for 20 years, "Doc's" bar for ten years, and in his retirement he worked for the Friday Canning Company during the summer months. He served as alderman in the Portage City Council and on the Parks and Recreation Board. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ and was currently serving on the Church Council, he was an officer and an active supporter of the Portage Fastpitch Association since its inception in Portage and was inducted in the Portage Fastpitch Hall of Fame on June 10, 1989. "Doc" also found time to write a weekly sports column for the Portage Daily Register from 1967 through 1971 called "Doc's Corner." He was the recipient of the Portage Junior Chamber of Commerce "Distinguished Service Award."
Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Austin of Portage; a son, William (Carol) Austin of Portage; a daughter, Julie (John) Goodman of Madison; a grand-daughter, Kathleen Elizabeth Austin of Portage; a brother, David (Juanita) Austin of Portage; and a niece, Robyn Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant daughter.
The Daily Register (Portage, Wisconsin)
February 20, 2006PORTAGE -- Nowell H. "Junie" Stanton Jr., age 79, of Portage, died on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006, at his home.
Nowell Stanton was born on Feb. 22, 1926, in Wisconsin, the son of Nowell H. and Eleanor (Schwantz) Stanton. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy. Nowell worked for the Weyenberg Shoe Factory in Portage for many years, and then for the Portage Hosiery. He was a dedicated member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Portage, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Nowell enjoyed birds and collecting bird plates. He was a wonderful cook and baker, and was always willing to donate his goods to church events and fund-raisers.
He is survived by his wife, Alma; his brother, David L. Stanton, Racine; his foster daughter, Nancy (John) Healy, St. Paul, Minn.; his sister-in-law, Beverly Stanton, Madison; three nieces, Mary (Marvin) Grossman, Portage, JoAnn Balk, Portage, and Trudie Barton, Wisconsin Dells; a nephew, Peter (Cheryl) Barton, Portage; great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, Doris "Dolly" and Elizabeth "Betty," two brothers, Jack and Carl "Tom," and a sister, Mary Barton.
Perrin Basil Fritch was a laborer and carpenter.
Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)
September 20, 2011Harold Bones' Greve, 100, passed away September 18, 2011, at Alaska Regional Hospital with his daughter, Ariel Strait by his side. Harold was born on March 9th, 1911, in Manchester, South Dakota. He grew up the 2nd youngest of 11 children and worked in his fathers meat market. After graduating from Crossby Ironton High school in Deerwood, MN, in 1929, he attended John Fletch College in University Park, IA. After college he taught high school science and math as well as coached basketball.
In 1937, Harold married his college sweet heart Fay Edith Fritch. A few years later he begun to study and teach radio fundamentals for the civil service. This eventually led him to settle in Aurora, CO, where he taught radio and sidewinder missile repair at Lowery Air Force Base.
In the late 50's Harold drove his family up the Alcan for his first visit to Alaska, putting him in the state during the bonfire celebration of statehood. Harold retired from teaching in 1977 and moved with Fay to Bailey, CO where they enjoyed breathtaking views of the Rockies.
In 1996, Fay passed away after 59 years of marriage. Soon thereafter, Harold moved to Anchorage to join his daughter and grandchildren. Harold was known for his quick wit, his love for his family and his willingness to serve the Lord. In Anchorage, he worked part time at Brewster's Department Store from 1997 until it closed in 2005. He then volunteered weekly, handing out food to the needy at New Hope of Alaska. In 2008 he was honored as one of Alaska's volunteers of the year. Harold is preceded in death by his wife, Fay; seven sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by his sister, Edna Dewey, 104 years old; his daughter and son-in-law, Ariel and Dennis Strait; grandsons Trevor and Sterling Strait and their wives; and great-granddaughter Alia.
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Name: Kenneth P Keoppel
Birth Year: 1915
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Iowa
State of Residence: Iowa
County or City: Mahaska
Enlistment Date: 24 Sep 1943
Enlistment State: Iowa
Enlistment City: Camp Dodge Herrold
Branch: No branch assignment
Grade: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Education: Post-graduate
Civil Occupation: Teachers (secondary school) and principals
Marital Status: Married
The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon)
December 2, 2000A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4, 2000, in St. Mark's Lutheran Church for Beulah F. Laursen, who died Nov. 24 at age 82.
Mrs. Laursen was born Dec. 7, 1917, in Birney, Mont. Her maiden name was Fritch. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. She was a homemaker who lived in Tacoma; Portland; Minneapolis; Boston; Phoenix, Ariz.; and San Bruno, Calif. She settled in Arcata, Calif., in 1976 and returned to Portland in 1993. She was a member of the church. She served on the National Council of the American Lutheran Church. In 1939, she married Elmer Laursen.
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Carol Pease; sons, John, Dana and Scott; brother, Mark Fritch; sisters, Bethel Battleson and Fern Keoppel; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
The Oregonian (Portland, OR)
January 11, 2002A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, in St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Portland for Elmer Laursen, who died Nov. 22, 2001, at age 84.
Mr. Laursen was born Dec. 31, 1916, in Tacoma. He was a clerk for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland during World War II. He graduated from Concordia College in Minnesota, received a bachelor's degree from Luther Theological Seminary in Minnesota and a master's and doctorate from Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts. He was a hospital chaplain for the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, retiring in 1976. He returned to Portland in 1993. In 1939, he married Beulah Fritch; she died in 2000.
Survivors include his daughter, Carol Pease; sons, John, Dana and Scott; sister, Norma Watson; brother, Richard; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Ocala Star-Banner (Florida)
January 2, 1991OCALA -- Glenn Best Fritch, 71, of Ocala, died Monday, Dec. 31, 1990, at his residence.
A native of Moorhead, Minn., he came here from Miami 20 years ago. He was an executive with Sears Roebuck and Co. for 20 years before becoming a real estate broker. He owned and operated Best Realty in Ocala.
He was a member of St. Johns Methodist Church of Cotton Plant and an officer in the U.S. Amry Air Corp. during World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Fritch, Ocala; daughters, Kimberly Vantreese, Marietta, Ga., and Lori Harshman, Ocala; son, Glenn Terry Fritch, Ocala; sisters, Fay Greve, Bailey, Colo., Fern Keoppel, Nampa, Idaho, Beulah Laursen, Arcata, Calif., and Beth Battleson, Columbus, Ind.; brother, Mark B. Fritch of Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
George S. Best was a station agent for the North Pacific Railroad in Minnesota, and a logging contractor in Oregon.
The Dalles Chronicle (The Dalles, Oregon)
January 25, 2012Dorothy (Dot) Kruger, 92, died Jan. 16, 2012 at the age of 92. She was a resident of The Dalles, Ore., until moving to Gresham, Ore., in spring 2010.
She was born Jan. 11, 1920 in Burtrum, Minn., to George and Elvina Best.
She was the third of five children. Her family moved from Minnesota to Philomath, Ore., when she was 8 years old. She graduated from Philomath High School two years early in 1936 with honors.
She marr ied Wally Kruger March 7, 1937.
They resided in Corvallis and in 1944 moved to Portland.
They moved their family from Portland to The Dalles in 1955. There they opened Westgate Market in 1954 which they owned and operated until selling the business in 1978.
She was a member of The Dalles Country Club for many years. She was an avid golfer and bridge player, and participated in many other activities. She belonged to UCC Congregational Church of The Dalles where she sang in the choir for many years.
She was an excellent piano player. She loved working in her yard and being outdoors.
She also enjoyed all sports and was a great fan Dorothy Kruger of the Portland Trailblazers.
She is survived by her daughter, Joan Black, Portland; and her son, Larry Kruger, Federal Way, Wash.; and his wife Gwen.
She had three granddaughters, Tracey Osborn, Tina Hanlon, Robyn Black and six great-grandchildren from the Portland area. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Lois Best, Philomath; and Margaret Kruger, Alaska; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wally Kruger and her four siblings.
Corvallis Gazette-Times (Oregon)
September 12, 2008George Stanley Best of Philomath went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sept. 10, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Four generations of the Best family will be remembering and celebrating his life. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lois Marie Wooster Best, and their four children, George Steven Best and his wife, Kathryn, of Beaverton; Judy Marie Best Boykin and her husband, Luke, of Niceville, Fla.; John William Best and his wife, Catherine, of Philomath; and Cynthia Ann Best Pfaltzgraff and her husband, James, of Portland. Nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren complete the family. Mr. Best also leaves one sister, Dorothy Elaine Best Kruger of The Dalles, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He entered life March 24, 1923, in Burtrum, Minn., to parents George Shaw Best and Elvina Eunetta Johnson Best. He was the fifth out of six children born to the family. Going before him were brothers John Shaw Best, who died as an infant, and Robert Otis Best, and sisters Ella Eunetta Best Hawkins and Gwendolyn Mae Best Replogle.
George was proud of his ancestry and the lessons passed down to him. His Best lineage traces back to Ireland and includes many who fought for the freedoms of our country in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War. It also includes pioneering people always moving west to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Dakota Territory, Minnesota, Washington and finally Oregon. His mother's family came from Sweden and he was quick to remind you that he was a "Swede," complete with blue eyes.
George began school in Burtrum, Minn., and continued his primary-school education at Westwood Community School, conveniently located next to the family's property. He had the pleasure of having his eldest sister, Ella, as his teacher for several years. He went on to graduate from Philomath High School in 1940. He began working as a timber faller after graduation, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather working in the timber industry.
In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a tail gunner on the B-24 Liberator bomber "Chippiedall." He saw action over Europe and one of his vivid memories was his mission over the Ploesti, Romania, oil refineries. He was proud of his air medal and being credited with shooting down a German FW-190 fighter.
George married Lois Wooster on Jan. 19, 1947, in the College E.U.B. Church. Their first home was at Chitwood near Eddyville on the Newport Highway. They later moved to Philomath to a house built by his father-in-law, John Wooster, and raised their family of four children in that home. In 1977, they moved to their home on the Alsea Highway - a house George built with help from other family members. He was very proud of that house.
George worked in the woods, as they say, and had a love for the land. He had his own sawmill, "Best Hardwoods," located on the property he came to as a boy. It later became the site of his "shop," a favorite place. He worked with his brother Bob building logging roads and bridges. He retired from working for others, but never truly retired. He always had projects to do and things to get done.
George was a man of many skills, hobbies and interests, all of which he enjoyed and would share with everyone. He had a generous heart and was always eager to help others. If you needed something done, he would most likely be able to help you do it. He could repair just about everything, and would at least try. Nothing was more important than helping others. He was always interested in the many hobbies and passions of his children and grandchildren.
He became an expert at shooting skeet and trap. His knowledge of guns was respected by many and he delighted in teaching his grandchildren to shoot. He even witnessed a great-grandchild shoot a BB gun for the first time. Family gatherings always seemed to include some shooting in the backyard.
Horseshoe pitching, croquet, tennis, bowling, badminton, archery, black-powder guns, hunting, fishing - he did them all. He was a competitor and gave 100 percent to whatever he did. He enjoyed gold panning and antique tractors with his son. He also enjoyed golfing at the Marysville Course. His last round of golf was with his daughter and grandson. Riding in his golf cart was a treat for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Not every Grandpa has a Harley-Davidson golf cart.
He loved to build things and work with wood and was always ready and willing to share his talents with others. He seemed to know how to build anything; just give him some time in his favorite place - his shop. The Westwood Community Church was a recipient of his generous nature, and he spent many hours working on the building and grounds of the church. For him it was a labor of love.
A love passed down to him in childhood by his parents was the love of music. He tried his hand at many instruments, including guitar, banjo, clarinet, saxophone, harmonica, piano and finally his organ. He was delighted to see his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren experience music and share it with him. It always bought a smile to his face.
The skills and lessons George passed on to the generations which follow him will be treasured by all. He made memories for all his family and friends to hold close to their hearts. He had a love for God and his faith was important to him. He studied his Bible and taught Sunday School at Westwood Community Church. He made it known to all what the real purpose in life was. He was ready to be with his Lord and has now passed on to his final reward. He has been born into Eternity.
Thomas McErlane was a police patrolman and a truck driver.
Philadelphia Daily News (Pennsylvania)
August 17, 1994Thomas J. McErlane, a retired contractor, died Sunday. He was 69 and lived in Wallingford, Delaware County.
McErlane was a self-employed carpenter and contractor for 46 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of Local 1073 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Formerly of Philadelphia, he was a graduate of Central High School.
Survivors include his wife, the former Elizabeth Darhun; two sons, Thomas J. Jr. and John C.; and a grandson.