Dibble Funeral Home

Gloria Grace Alberts of Mantorville, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.  Gloria was born April 12, 1927 to Irvin and Delilah (Vanderhyde) Martig.

She grew up as an only child with her parents on a farm outside West Concord.  Gloria attended elementary and high school there, graduating from West Concord High School.  On August 10, 1944, she married Orvis Alberts and they were blessed with two sons; Richard and Ronald.  A few years later the couple started farming east of Kasson and later purchased a farm north of Mantorville where they farmed until retiring.  Gloria worked for some time in the Dodge County Nurses Office; later leaving there to concentrate on farm living.  Upon leaving farming, Gloria obtained her license to sell real estate to assist her husband who had a real estate business.

 Gloria and Orvis enjoyed traveling and visited some countries in Europe as well as traveling to Hawaii.  They spent a few winters in Florida and later purchased a house in Tucson, Arizona where they enjoyed the warmth of winter weather there.  

Gloria was very active in church life; first at the Congregational Church in Mantorville and later as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star chapter in Mantorville for many years, serving as Worthy Matron as well as many other stations until the chapter closed.  Gloria enjoyed golfing at Zumbro Valley Golf Course where she could be seen frequently on ladies’ day golfing with friends.  She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary of Mantorville and also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Kasson.

Gloria is survived by grandchildren Joel Alberts of Kasson, Paul (Heidi) Alberts of Kasson, Sarah (Shane) Witt of Whitehall, WI, Michael Alberts of Eau Claire, WI, Matthew (Mikayla) Alberts of Cadott, WI and Nathan Alberts of Osseo, WI; five great-granddaughters and two great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Sue Alberts and three sisters-in-law as well as  many nieces and nephews-in-law.  

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, husband Orvis and sons Richard and Ronald.  

The funeral service for Gloria will be held Saturday, April 6^th at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8^th Ave. NW, Kasson with Pastor John Wiesenburger officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Mantorville, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to the Mantorville Senior Citizens Center, 601 Clay Street, Mantorville, MN 55955.

It is sad to let her go, but she is now happily re-united with her family in heaven with God.

John Earl Ramer, 79, passed away at his home in Dodge Center, MN on February 23, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

John was born March 14, 1944 in Rochester, MN.  On May 20, 1961 he married Diana J. Nord.  

He is survived by his four children, Mike of Nicollet, MN, Tony (Loanah), Lisa (Patrick) Olson and Leah Olson all of Kasson; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and brothers Danny (Betty) Ramer of Apache Junction, AZ and LaVern (Kim) Mueske of Waldport, OR.  

John was preceded in death by his wife Diana in 2018; his mother Helen Mueske; father Raymond Ramer; stepfather Lester Mueske; stepmother Lorraine Ramer; sister Barbara Barwald; brothers Aaron and Larry Ramer; nephew Lenny Barwald and his grandparents.

John was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend.  He will be missed by many.

The funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 29 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8^th Avenue NW, Kasson, MN with Pastor Kristen Schlauderaff officiating.  Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service.   Burial will follow the service at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kasson.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to them for distribution according to their wishes.

Larry Eugene Kirkland passed away suddenly on February 10^th, 2024 at the age of 78, at his home in Rochester. He was born on October 5^th, 1945 in rural Kasson, MN to Amos (Pete) Kirkland and Marion Hemingway. He attended school in West Concord until 1960 when his parents moved to Hayfield where he graduated from high school in 1963. He served in the U.S. Army from June 1963 until June 1966 where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Larry remained an ardent supporter of veterans throughout his life, even serving as Sergeant-at-Arms for several years at his local American Legion (Post 119) in Byron.

Larry was hired by IBM Rochester in 1966 and retired in 1999. He held numerous positions in the areas of finance, shipping and receiving, warehousing, and numerous management & project management positions in finance, distribution, and electronic card assembly and testing. After retiring from IBM, he worked for Celestica in Rochester from 1999 until 2002 as project manager in their electronic card assembly and testing business. He then obtained a General Contractor’s License and used it to build numerous homes locally and remodel numerous distressed properties. He enjoyed the building business and even undertook the rebuilding of his own family’s home when it burned down in 2005 after a lightning strike. From 1984 to the present, he farmed in the Rochester/Byron area. Larry honestly enjoyed his work, especially farming. 

Larry was much beloved by those who knew him and worked with him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his three sons, Sean Kirkland (Lisa Mahoney) of Chicago, IL (mother, Maureen O’Brien – deceased) and his twin sons Alex (fiancée Jordan Freeman), of Minneapolis, MN, and Paul (partner Natalie Hanson) of Mountain View, CA (mother Lori Jones), and his love, Deb Thornhill of Rochester, MN, with whom he spent many happy years, and all her family. He was preceded in death by his father in 1964, his mother in 2011, his brother Robert in 2013, and his sister Nancy Brannan (husband Cecil) in 2014.  

A gathering will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9^th at Dibble Funeral Home, 213 W Main St, Kasson, MN. Burial will be at Fort Snelling on Friday, March 15^th  at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local American Legion Post.

Kenneth W. McDonald, 94, of Rochester died January 20, 2024 in Rochester.

Kenneth was born on October 17, 1929 in rural Byron, MN.

There will be an interment at the Grandview Memorial Gardens Columbarium, Rochester, MN in the Spring.

James Edward Morrow, 84, of Kasson died on Tuesday, January 23, 2024; one day before his 85^th birthday at Prairie Meadow Sr. Living in Kasson.

James was born on January 24, 1939 in Dexter, MN to Aurville and Sarah Morrow.  He grew up in Dexter and graduated from Elkton High School in 1957 where he played football, basketball and baseball and excelled in mathematics.  After graduation, he married the love of his life, Sharon Lee Kraft on September 28, 1957 in Elkton.

They moved to Kasson and raised five children together.  James began his employment at IBM in 1957 as an electrical engineer and after 35 years, retired in 1992.  After retirement, he also worked for Rochester City Delivery.  

James loved watching all sports and he played many including softball, league bowling, skiing, tennis and golf.  He also enjoyed hunting, camping, gardening and fishing.  In fact, he went fishing in Canada with the same group of guys for 51 years, which led to many family “fish frys”.  James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He loved spending time with his family, whether it was attending their sporting events and school activities or including them in his; and his Sunday family breakfasts were legendary.

James was very involved in his community.  He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson and served as a Sunday School teacher, usher and head usher.  He was a member of the local Lions Club and worked on many K-M Lion projects such as Festival in the Park and Marigold Days.  He was a proud wrestling Dad and he loved watching his sons and grandsons wrestle.  He was a member of the K-M Wrestling Booster Club; volunteered and served as president.

James is survived by his children Natalie Morrow of Kasson, Julie Morrow of Wauwatosa, WI, Trish Morrow-Porter (Bill) of Mantorville, Todd (Tracy) Morrow of Kasson and Chad (Kristen) Morrow of Sioux City, IA; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers Burton (Mary) Morrow, Jerry (Harriet) Morrow and Richard (Karen) Morrow; sister Dixie (Lorenz) Jech; brother-in-law Darrell (Ruby) Kraft and a friend Marge Bamlot.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon; infant son Terry Lee; parents Sarah (Stenerson) and Aurville Morrow; and brothers Quentin (and wife Inga), Stanley (and wife Muriel) and Dennis (and wife Margaret).

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson followed by a light lunch.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson.

The family sincerely appreciates the loving care Jim received from the staff at Prairie Meadows Sr. Living and Moments Hospice.

Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Kasson is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.  

Joyce E. Sauter, 95, of Dodge Center died on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island, MN where she had been a resident since November, 2023.

Joyce was born on September 5, 1928 in Kalmer Township, MN, the daughter of Charles and Iola Sorenson.  She married Wilbur (Bill) Jensen in 1946 and they were later divorced.  On September 2, 1967, she married Robert (Bob) Sauter in Plainview and made their home in Dodge Center.

Joyce worked for the Byron School District for many years in the lunch room.  After moving to Dodge Center, she worked at Federated Insurance in Owatonna, retiring on September 30, 1990 after 20 years of service.  Joyce was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center.

Survivors include son Ronald (Cheryl) Jensen of Byron, daughter-in-law Kari Jensen of Park Rapids, son Todd (Lynn) Cadwell of Park Rapids, stepson Jim Sauter of Hayfield and stepdaughter Susan Chapman of Oregon as well as 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her son Robert (Bob) Jensen.

There will be a memorial gathering on Tuesday, January 30, from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Dibble Funeral Home, 213 West Main St, Kasson with Pastor Jessica Bakkan Busch officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be sent to Paws & Claws, Camp Companion or an animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

Janis Elizabeth Smith, 93, of Kasson passed away January 14, 2024 at Prairie Meadows Sr. Living Center after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Janis was born on May 20, 1930 in Mantorville Township to William and Helen Hauschildt.  She grew up on a farm north of Mantorville and graduated from Mantorville High School in 1948.

She married Stanley Smith on May 7, 1952 at the Little Brown Church in Iowa.  Together they raised two children.  Stanley passed away in 1977.

Janis loved time spent with family and friends; especially her grandchildren.  She was so proud of each of them.  She was a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and St. John’s Lutheran Church.  For over 60 years, Janis worked at the Hubbell House in Mantorville.  She cherished her interactions with her many customers over the years and truly loved her job.

Janis is survived by her two children Jeff (Nancy) Smith of Lake City and Kim (Gary) Berge of Kasson; five grandchildren, Amber (Brad) Head, Ryan (Karla) Smith, Brooke (Tim) Bestgen, Travis Berge and Aaron (Tori) Berge; and eight great-grandchildren, Caden, Howard, Kyla, Stanley, Peyton, Beau, Brooks and Sonny.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Helen Hauschildt; husband Stanley Smith and brother Hollis Hauschildt.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 19 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8^th Ave NW, Kasson, MN with Pastor John Wiesenburger officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville, MN.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and all the staff at Prairie Meadows for the special care given to Janis.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to St. Croix Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association or St. John’s Lutheran Church of Kasson.

Always in our hearts – Blessed be her memory.

Nancy J. Houston, 91, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024 at her home in Mantorville.  

Nancy was born on December 23, 1932, on a farm near Potsdam, MN, to her parents, Archie and Verna McFarland. She had three siblings, Betty (Book), William, and Margie (Dombeck).

She married Robert Paradise in 1956 and together they had three children. Robert passed away in 1970.  

Nancy met and married Daryl (Keith) Houston in 1974. Together, they shared almost 50 years at their rural Mantorville, MN, home. She loved to garden and enjoyed watching the wildlife on their property.  Nancy was an excellent cook and baker; the whole family cherished her desserts and cookies.   

Nancy is survived by her husband; children Diane (Steve) Rabehl, Mike (Diane) Paradise, Guy (Alisa) Paradise, Brian (Bobbie) Houston, Bruce (Tamra) Houston, Mark (Lisa Miller) Houston; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and sister Margie Dombeck.

There will be a private service for the immediate family.

Clement Joseph Besch, 92, passed away on December 8, 2023.  He was born February 17, 1931 in Whittemore, IA to William and Isabel Besch.

Clem graduated from Presentation Academy in Whittemore, IA.  He then served in the US Army in Italy during the Korean Conflict in the Signal Corps.

After returning from his military service, he met and married Marjorie Janning on February 23, 1957 at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Kasson, MN.  They were married for 61 years.  They raised their five children on their farm south of Kasson.

Clem farmed his entire life; from dairy to beef to crops.  After the livestock were gone, he enjoyed traveling with his wife.

He is survived by his children Nancy West of Lewiston, MN, Susan (Charles) Rohwer of Dodge Center, MN, Kathy (Argene) Matthees of Rochester, MN, Tom (Karen) Besch of Kasson, MN and Joyce (Chad Brassil) Besch of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Lori, Brenda, Emily, Kyle, Benjamin, Oliver and Isla; and siblings Cletus Besch, Anita Lallier and William Besch, Jr.

Clem was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marjorie (2018), his brother Maurice Besch and his son-in-law Lee West.

The Funeral Mass for Clement will be Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at The Church of the Holy Family, 1904 North Mantorville Ave, Kasson, MN with Fr. John Lasuba officiating.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:30-11:00 am on Thursday.

Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Dodge County Food Shelf, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Doris Jean Pietrzak went to be with the Lord on October 8, 2023.  She was 82 years old.  She was born on November 12, 1940 to Clarence and Margaret (Lueck) Fusselman in Olmsted County, MN.  Doris married Duane James Pietrzak on November 28, 1959.  They lived their entire married life in the house they built there.  

She is survived by her two sons Dale R. (Nancy) Pietrzak of Vincennes, IN and Doug E. (Ditto) Pietrzak of Cadiz, KY; her seven grandchildren, Jen, Heather, Craig, Andrew, Shelby, Mason and Ben; and her six great-grandchildren, Zoe, Jeremiah, Asher, Rhyes, Brecken and Oscar.

The funeral service for Doris will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 12, at Mt. Sion Independent Lutheran Church, 502 1^st Ave SW, Kasson, MN with Pastor Mark Olson officiating.  Visitation will be at the church from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM the day of the service.  Inurnment will be at the Byron Cemetery at a later date.

Ephesians 2:8 & 9 reads, “For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God.  Not of works lest any man should boast”.